11 Christmas Light Displays In Texas That Are Pure Magic

The holidays come but once a year, and my, are they a special time here in Texas? Forget the snow and cold; we'll take the sun and mild temperatures any day because no state does the holidays better than the Lone Star State! As the old saying goes, Everything is bigger in Texas - and you can rest assured that adage is accurate for our Texas Christmas lights, too! Here are 11 of the best Christmas lights in Texas to help get your holiday season started right. Let the festivities commence!

1. The River Walk (San Antonio)

Each year, the already lively River Walk explodes with vibrancy in the form of thousands of lights illuminating the trees, buildings, and riverbanks. This is the magic of the River Walk's holiday lights. Even the gondolas that traverse the river are lit up, and the drivers are dressed up like Santa Claus. Many Texans claim the River Walk is the most magical place they've ever been during the holiday season, and we have to say, we agree. Oh, and did we mention this epic display is free to visit and enjoy?!

Some of the best Texas Christmas lights can be found along the River Walk in San Antonio. Take a quick walk-through in this video from Mellow Man Walks:

2. Trail of Lights (Austin)

The Trail of Lights is a 1.25-mile pathway lined with millions of multicolored Christmas lights. Now a drive-thru event, you'll be positively enchanted by this beautiful, magical wonderland of over two million lights. This is a can't-miss experience, y'all.

3. Light Spectacular Event (Johnson City)

If you've never experienced a Johnson City Christmas, you've been missing out. They do it big there - the courthouse is draped in over 100,000 lights (not including the ones inside!), and the surrounding trees are wrapped so tightly that they appear to be made of solid gold when lit up. In fact, this light display is so big, NASA reported seeing it from the International Space Station! Yes, that would be the Johnson City Texas Lights Spectacular, a magical, must-visit event.

4. Zoo Lights (Houston)

A perennial Lone Star State favorite, Zoo Lights is as big as Texas itself, featuring two million lights adorning tree branches and the exhibits of all your favorite furry friends. You'll see an interactive talking zebra, an Enchanted Forest, a 33-foot tall tree, and even a 1958 Cadillac illuminated and set to music. And it's still a zoo, so you get to admire all the exotic, beautiful animals as you enjoy the lights. Talk about an amazing holiday experience!

5. Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)

Prairie Lights is a two-mile-long drive-thru attraction with over four million lights. Yes -- you read that right! You'll see all sorts of elaborate displays that are absolutely dazzling. And it gets even better - halfway through the drive, you can get out of your car and explore Holiday Village, a realistic little Christmas town with food, a gift shop, Santa, an indoor laser show, and the stunning Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Through Forest. After you're done there, the final half of the drive is this mesmerizing light tunnel. Prairie Lights is an amazing, only-in-Texas event you simply must experience.

6. Santa's Wonderland (College Station)

Santa's Wonderland is Christmas, Texas-style. You'll see enormous lighted displays of our state's flag, cowboy boots, and other distinctly Southern objects. You can take a hayride, shop in the life-sized Christmas village with an abandoned ghost town theme, ride in a carriage pulled by a horse, watch a synchronized light show, and more. It truly is a Texas-sized Christmas experience, full of fun for the entire family. Once you've experienced this epic event, it will undoubtedly become part of your annual holiday traditions.

Let's take a tour of Santa's Wonderland at College Station in this video from HTX Living:

7. Gaylord Texan Resort (Grapevine)

Grapevine is known as the "Christmas Capital of Texas," which is no surprise considering what lengths this resort goes to during the holiday season. Not only is the entire lobby decked out in lights, decorations, and a tree that's at least 50 feet tall, but there's also an on-site ice sculpture exhibit featuring over two million pounds of ice shaped like popular fictional characters (and a few giant ice slides, too). The hotel is generally decorated all season long, so stop in and look around if you're in the area anytime soon.

8. Festival of Lights (Moody Gardens)

One of our personal favorite light displays in Texas, Festival of Lights is an absolutely magical celebration complete with over one million lights, an outdoor ice-skating rink, and the opportunity to make your own s'mores and sip hot chocolate. Seeing the pyramids illuminated from head to toe is an absolutely captivating sight. The festival generally runs through the beginning of January, so you have plenty of time to experience this beautiful holiday lights display in Texas!

9. Andrews Christmas Lights (Andrews)

The Andrews Christmas Lights is absolutely spectacular, especially considering it's the work of one man. The show has a 75-foot tall tree, numerous 11-foot trees, and thousands of lights. The show begins at dark, and you will want to be sure to turn your radio to 100.5 FM so you can hear the holiday tunes! Please check with the Facebook page (linked above) to confirm dates and details for the current season.

10. Santa Land (Lindale)

Santa Land was the first drive-thru light display in Texas, so it's not only fun but it is also historic as well. This amazing display is spread out over 24 acres and consists of over 2.5 million lights, ending with a 250-foot-long tunnel, a gift shop, and a concession stand. Families have been making the drive out to Lindale to experience this beautiful display since 1995!

11. Whistle Stop Christmas (Cleburne)

Experience the holidays in Texas like never before at the Whistle Stop Christmas event in Cleburne. From the moment the lights come on during the tree lighting ceremony, this Texas town is transformed into a total winter wonderland that even the Grinch couldn't resist. Don't miss out on the chance to experience it for yourself!

Check out more holiday lights in Texas in this video of the Whistle Stop Christmas in Cleburne from Cesar Sanchez:

Now we're definitely ready to deck the halls, strike the harp, and join the chorus. Christmas is such a heartwarming, joyful time of year -- especially in the Lone Star State! If you love seeing the best light displays in Texas, gas up the car (or rent an RV) and take this holiday lights road trip.

Have you been to any of these Christmas light displays in Texas? What do you consider to be the best Christmas lights in Texas? Please share your favorites with us in the comments! And for fun all year long, be sure to take a look at our ultimate guide to seasonal activities In Texas!