I don't know about you, but I love discovering the best Christmas lights near me. Starting around mid-November every year, my family piles into the car to seek out the most dazzling displays we can find. Whether you prefer seeing residential Christmas light displays in Texas or lean towards commercial attractions, it's safe to say that the Lone Star State has no shortage of holiday cheer to spread. From the best drive-through Christmas lights in Texas to Christmas-themed hotels, these nine displays are truly the best of the best.
1. Santa's Wonderland (College Station)
The largest Christmas attraction in Texas, Santa's Wonderland is so much more than just Christmas lights in College Station, Texas - but that's a huge part of it, of course! Visitors can enjoy a shopping village, hayrides, snow tubing, pictures with Santa, and so, so much more. You could come here every single night during the holiday season and still not see everything!
2. Holiday in the Gardens at Moody Gardens (Galveston)
Moody Gardens is worth visiting year-round, but it truly comes alive during the holiday season. The annual Holiday in the Gardens celebration features ice skating, train rides, festive films, a mile-long walking trail with the best Christmas lights in Galveston, Texas, an ice slide, and more. You can even make homemade s'mores over a cozy firepit!
3. Santa's Ranch (New Braunfels)
Santa's Ranch really knows how to put on a show with the best Christmas lights in New Braunfels, Texas. Over 2.5 million lights and themed displays line winding country roads, making for a fun and festive event the whole family is sure to enjoy. Plus, there's a drive-thru snack shack that sells homemade hot cocoa and kettle corn!
4. Zoo Lights (Houston)
Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo is back and better than ever this year with the best Christmas lights in Houston, Texas. Enjoy over two million lights, an enchanted forest, a 33-foot Christmas tree, Santa's Workshop, and more. It's always a wild time at Zoo Lights!
5. Trail of Lights (Austin)
People travel from near and far to experience the best Christmas lights in Austin, Texas at Trail of Lights, and for good reason. It's absolutely spectacular, featuring over two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and over 70 other festive displays.
6. Lightscape at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (Fort Worth)
The world-famous Lightscape is returning to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden this holiday season, and it promises to offer the best Christmas lights in Fort Worth, Texas. This immersive experience is a magical explosion of light and sound, and nearly 80 percent of the displays are brand new. Plus, Santa will be onsite for meet-and-greets on several nights!
7. Santa Land (Tyler)
Santa Land was the very first drive-thru Christmas light display in Texas, and it's still as popular as ever. The 24-acre attraction boasts over 2.5 million lights, including a 250-foot lighted tunnel. There's also a gift shop and a concession stand! If you're in search of the best Christmas lights in Tyler, Texas, look no further.
8. Christmas at Gaylord Texan (Grapevine)
There are almost more festivities than there are days in the holiday season at the Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine. From breakfast with Santa to life-size ice sculptures to snow tubing and more, this sprawling resort is the ultimate family Christmas vacation spot. Plus, the lobby is adorned with the most opulent decorations you'll ever see. We can't imagine a better place to see Christmas lights near Dallas, Texas.
9. Whistle Stop Christmas (Cleburne)
Prepare to have a grand old time at Whistle Stop Christmas in Cleburne. From the tree lighting ceremony to the parade to the millions of lights illuminating Hulen Park, these Christmas lights near Dallas, Texas. are not to be missed.
How many of these Christmas lights in Texas have you seen? Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! And while we're on the topic of the holidays, be sure to check out our ultimate gift-giving guide. There's something for everyone on the list!
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