Here Are The 10 Best Christmas Displays In Texas. They’re Magical.
I don’t know about you, but the closer it gets to December 25, the more I turn into a crazy, cookie-baking, present-wrapping, holiday-obsessed madwoman. 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, I’ve pulled some of the best displays from my 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.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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!
Wimberley puts on a spectacular show every year through December 29. 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 I've ever seen it.
Lindale 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!
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.
Grapevine has been coined the "Christmas Capital of Texas" for obvious reasons - I mean, 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 I'd be content to just roam around the hotel and take in all the elegant, gorgeous decorations.
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.
Johnson City is breathtaking during the holiday season. I've never seen Christmas spirit quite like this. It's almost as if the entire town erupts into a magical glow in December.
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 only runs through December 22, so hurry up and get out there!
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.
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 me all about it in the comments below!
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
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