If you are ever in Central Texas during the Christmas season, check out my family’s top 4 locations to visit this year to get you into the holiday spirit. Every year we make it a point to visit these 4 events below to get it us into the Christmas mood regardless if it’s 80 degrees outside…if you are from Texas you know exactly what I mean! These particular events are full of lights, holiday cheer, hot cocoa, Santa Claus and so much family fun!
#1 Trail of Lights – Austin, TX
The Austin Trail of Lights is by far one of the best light shows this city has to offer! This event invites over 400,000 people during the month of December and just know that it is FREE for half the nights it is opened to ensure everyone gets a chance to experience these spectacular lights. If you are not able to make it out on a free night admission is only $3 per person and FREE for children under the age of 11. The Trail of Lights focuses on everything Austinites love: from food trucks, to great music, special performances, every famous kid character in bright lights and just good old fashion family fun! You can also view the Austin skyline from this perfect spot and after you visit the lights head on over to Zilker Tree which is to the left as you exit of Trail of Lights, you can’t miss it! If you decide to park on your own you can purchase a parking ticket in advance for $15 or you get creative to find another way to park. You have the option to take public transportation because parking can be quite a challenge. My family and I typically have a nice dinner near Zilker Park, where the Trail of Lights is located, so that after dinner we can just walk on over to the park and not have to worry about parking. This has worked wonderfully for us these past 3 years! The Trail of Lights is something you do not want to miss out on.
#2 Sights & Sounds of Christmas – San Marcos, TX
Have you ever watched those Christmas movies that take place in small towns and there is just so much holiday joy and cheer that you’re like I want to be a part of that too?? Well this is one of them! San Marcos is located between Austin and San Antonio, TX and this is where you will find the Sights & Sounds of Christmas for children and adults of all ages. At this event, you will find popular carnival rides, delicious food and drinks, live performances from the local schools, Old Bethlehem, a petting zoo, a mechanical bull and a special visit from the main man himself, Santa Claus! The entire event is covered with beautiful Christmas lights throughout the grounds and guaranteed to get you into that Christmas spirit! There is a small fee of $5 per adult and FREE for children under 12. This event takes place for only 8 days in early December so be sure to not miss out on this special event!
#3 Santa’s Ranch – New Braunfels, TX
If you love seeing lights especially from the comfort of your own car you have to check this place out! Santa’s Ranch is a drive thru full of Christmas lights and displays of dinosaurs, gingerbread houses, nativity scenes, the North Pole, and so much more. As you drive throughout the grounds full of spectacular lights you can make a quick stop in route and order a cup of hot cocoa and treats without ever leaving your vehicle. This is truly a unique experience for all to enjoy! They open right before sunset at 6pm and charge $28 per vehicle. It takes a good 25 min to get through all of the lights going at about 5 mph and worth every minute! Be sure to arrive early because the line tends to get long very fast.
# 4 Polar Express Train Ride – Palestine, TX
If you and your family are a fan of the popular movie “The Polar Express” than this is must stop spot no questions asked to visit! This event is just like the movie where you pick up your golden ticket, board the train, drink hot cocoa, eat chocolate chip cookies, listen to the re-enactment of the story “The Polar Express” and receive a special gift from Santa Claus himself! The entire ride takes a total of 60 minutes which is perfect for little ones because we know how impatient them can sometimes be. This particular event is a little pricey and varies by what train cart you want to ride on but when you see your child’s face light up at the sight of Santa I swear you forget about the cost and cherish that moment forever! Don’t forget to wear matching pajamas so the whole family can get in all of the fun.
I hope these 4 events help make your Christmas holiday a little more special! They have now become a tradition for my family and something we look forward to every December. Leave a comment and post pics if you head out to any of these events, I’d love to hear all about it. Merry Christmas!
