Things to Do

Prepare To Be Dazzled at Santa’s Ranch Drive-Thru Light Display

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Tony Maples Photography

 

The weather outside is frightful, but you have stir-crazy kids who are full of the spirit of the season–what’s a person to do? You hop in the car and head directly to Santa’s Ranch between New Braunfels and San Marcos! This drive-thru light display has been described as “one of the greatest light displays in all of Texas,” and it seldom disappoints.

1.5 Million Custom-Made Lights

Santa's Ranch tunnel

Photo: Facecbook/Santa’s Ranch

With scenery that includes lit up gingerbread houses, nativity scenes, depictions of the North Pole and more, you’ll be awestruck by over 1.5 million, custom-made lights all put up to help you experience the magic of the Christmas season.

At Santa’s Ranch, you pay by the car, so load up friends, neighbors, and family, grab some hot cocoa, crank up the festive music and prepare to be dazzled by this incredible display of the holiday spirit.

Open Every Day This Holiday Season

Light Display

Photo: Facebook/Santa’s Ranch

Rain or shine, snow or sleet, Santa’s Ranch is open every day through December 31; Sundays through Thursdays, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. The cost is $28 (plus tax) per vehicle or, for $56 (plus tax), you can get a season pass and visit Santa’s Ranch as often as you’d like this holiday season. For parents of little ones, this might be just what Santa ordered to keep the spirit of the season intact in your home.

The Father of Outdoor Christmas Light Displays

Outdoor lights

Photo: Facebook/Santa’s Ranch

During the 1880 Christmas season, Thomas Edison introduced the first outdoor electric Christmas light display to the world. He displayed the lights outside of his laboratory compound in New Jersey, which sat near a railway where many people could see it each night. This was the first official outdoor Christmas display that was separate from decorating just the Christmas tree. These days, many people feel as though their holiday decor isn’t complete without lights lining the roofline or strung from every tree in the yard.

To learn more about Santa’s Ranch or to plan your visit, check out their website or follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on all of the latest news from “the ranch.”