Since the Holiday Season is just beginning, Texas is full of holiday events that are perfect for families, couples, or people that want to experience the Christmas spirit on their own. Christmas is a time for unity and tranquility, but most importantly it’s a time for joy.
Of course, many have their family vacations planned ahead of time, but some either don’t have anything planned or just want to stay in the state of Texas. Here are some fun and festive Christmas events being held in Texas.
One place to visit is the Christmas Park: Land of Lights in Athens. It is a seasonal drive-thru attraction that includes over 4 million Christmas lights, motion-activated scenes, and musical scenes. In addition, there are 6 light tunnels, 14 arches, and over 2,000 wood cutouts stretching over a path that is more than 1 mile long. Lastly, there is a resting area that holds restrooms, a store, and a food stand. The park opens at 6:00 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. each day from November 10 through January 3 every year. The cost for Cars/Pickups are $35 in cash and $40 with card, 12-15 Passenger Vans/Limo & Motor Homes cost $50 in cash and $55 with card, and a Bus will cost $5 in cash for each passenger and $6 with card for each passenger. It is truly an eye-opening experience, and (as an avid visitor of the park) is fun for the whole family.
Another place to visit is Santa’s Wonderland in College Station. Santa’s Wonderland has been named the Largest Christmas Park in the World, and the experience includes millions of dazzling lights, a snow playground, live entertainment, and so much more. The attraction is open from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Saturday, and 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sunday; moreover, the park is open November 15 and ends on December 30. General admission tickets for a child (must be 12 or under) is $51.95 at the gate and $46.95 online, adult tickets are $56.95 at the gate and $51.95 online, and children ages 2 or under enter for free. The website also has certain dates where prices are $20 cheaper. Of course, these prices might seem steep, but the overall experience is priceless.
One other place to visit is Six Flags® Over Texas: Holiday in the Park in Arlington. The classic theme park is home to thrill roller coasters for all the thrill-seekers, and chill rides for the whole family. During Holiday in the Park, the theme park is put in the holiday spirit with a festive makeover. Holiday attractions are added throughout the park, including S’more Stations, live entertainment, and a new, spooky walk-through attraction featuring Krampus. The event starts on November 24 and ends on December 31; additionally, the park will open at 12 p.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. everyday. On the website, a one-day ticket is $29 for each person, and add-ons like dining, parking, etc. will cost extra. If you want to experience thrills while also celebrating the holiday season, this place is for you.
Lastly, a place to visit is The Polar Express™ Train Ride in Palestine. The experience takes the family from the Palestine Depot to the North Pole within the span of an hour. During the journey, chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies to passengers as they recite Chris Van Allsburg classic story, The Polar Express™. When reaching the North Pole, Santa and his elves give out silver bells from his sleigh, and if you believe you just might hear it ring. The event started on November 15 and will end on December 28 this year; furthermore, the time stamps for the ride ranges from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (depending on the time you choose). Each seating class (Presidential Car 1511, Presidential Car 42 Couches, Presidential Car 42 Tables w/ Chairs, Dome, Deluxe First Class, First Class, Coach) has its own prices for adults, children ages 2-12, and adults with a child under the age of 2. This attraction brings the Christmas story that we all love and know to life.
These are only some of the many holiday attractions found in the state of Texas, but hopefully one of these attractions is put on your holiday bucket list. Most importantly, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Links:
Christmas Park: Land of Lights