We don't know about you, but the closer it gets to Dec. 25, the more we turn into crazy, cookie-baking, present-wrapping, holiday-obsessed persons. Everyone knows that looking at Christmas lights is a crucial part of any holiday agenda - but where to look? The great state of Texas is just so festive that you'll find attractions on practically every street. Fear not, we've pulled some of the best displays from our Christmas Houses and Christmas Towns articles, as well as a few others, to show you the true best-of-the-best places to go to ignite your senses and make this holiday season memorable.
11. Zoo Lights (Houston)
During the month of December, the Houston Zoo is decked out in Christmas lights. Every exhibit is decorated, so you can celebrate the holidays with all the friendly non-human inhabitants of the zoo. Click here to get all the details about this years' festivities.
10. Festival of Lights (Moody Gardens)
Moody Gardens is truly a sight to see this time of year. All 3 gigantic pyramids are illuminated from head to toe, and visitors walk for miles through a trail of beautiful, unique displays. Not to mention the homemade s'mores and ice slide at the end! Click here to get all the details about this years' wonderful festivities.
9. Holiday Trail of Lights (Wimberley)
Wimberley puts on a spectacular show every year; in 2021, it goes through December 26. It boasts over 8 acres of lights, and every display is handcrafted and donated by schoolchildren, families, or businesses. That's the spirit of Christmas if we've ever seen it. Learn more about the event here.
8. Santa Land (Tyler)
Tyler might be a small town, but its Christmas spirit is anything but. Santa Land is Texas's original drive-through light display, with several acres of sights from dancing Christmas trees to reindeer jumping over your car! Click here for all the details you'll need to plan your visit.
7. Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)
Prairie Lights is a must-see attraction this year. You'll drive through a 2-mile path lined with dazzling displays, stopping halfway through to visit the holiday village with seasonal food, a gift shop, an indoor laser show and an animated walk through forest. Once back in your car, you'll finish the experience with the largest light tunnel in Texas. Click here to get all the details about this years' drive-through and more.
6. Gaylord Texan Hotel (Grapevine)
Grapevine has been coined the "Christmas Capital of Texas" for obvious reasons - come on, just look at that towering tree! This resort has an ice sculpture exhibit featuring over 2 million pounds of ice in the form of popular holiday characters and huge ice slides. The city also holds a synchronized light show and parade - but we'd be content to just roam around the hotel and take in all the elegant, gorgeous decorations. Click here to get all the details about this delightful Texas tradition.
5. River Oaks (Houston)
If you've never visited the River Oaks neighborhood during Christmastime, you're truly missing out. Some of the most elegant homes in the city of Houston adorn their trees with long, white streamers and twinkling stars, and line their lawns with uniform lights that give off an indescribable essence of eloquence. One resident even dresses up like Santa Claus and hands out cookies and hot chocolate to little children. Click here for the official River Oaks Chritmas lights Facebook page.
3. Blanco County Courthouse (Johnson City)
Johnson City is breathtaking during the holiday season. We've never seen Christmas spirit quite like this. It's almost as if the entire town erupts into a magical glow in December. We're here for it. Click here to get all the details about this years' festivities.
2. Trail of Lights (Austin)
Picture yourself walking down a path with millions of lights in a canopy over your head. You can completely surround yourself with the spirit of Christmas (and over a million lights) at Austin's Trail of Lights. It runs through December 31st, so hurry up and get out there! Click here to visit the official website and score your tickets.
1. San Antonio Riverwalk (San Antonio)
Every Texan can agree that no city captures the essence of Christmas more perfectly than San Antonio. With multicolored lights sparkling high in the trees to Santa leading guests on gondola rides, the Riverwalk is the most magical place in the state to take a stroll with your loved ones during the holidays. Click here to get all the details about this years' festivities.
These displays prove that everything really is bigger and better in Texas. Their magical luminescence combined with the unique Southern charm that extends to all corners of the state makes for a Christmas experience unlike any other that will leave you feeling warm and cozy inside. What's the best Christmas display you've ever seen in Texas? Have you ever been to any of the ones listed above? Tell us all about it in the comments!
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