There’s nothing more enchanting than the wondrous trails and festivals of lights right here in Texas. No matter where your Texas vacation takes you, there are ample opportunities to experience the wonders and amazement of the season. So, round up the whole family, fill up your mugs with cider or hot cocoa and prepare to light up your Texas vacation with holiday magic.

Christmas in the Gardens - Amarillo

In the lovely Amarillo Botanical Gardens, there’s tons to do with the whole family. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, popcorn or s’mores as you stroll through the enchanting light displays, listening to your favorite carols at Christmas in the Gardens. Enjoy fabulous food, holiday cheer, and while you’re at it, do a little shopping for those special gifts and decorations that always put the whole family in the holiday spirit.

Austin Trail of Lights

Make your way to Central Texas during the holidays for the Trail of Lights. Located in Zilker Park, this holiday event is a must-see for anyone wanting to dive into the spirit. Check out specialty nights, like the Zilker Tree Lighting, where you can celebrate and enjoy the vibrancy, spirit and diversity of Austin’s holiday enthusiasm. With over two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and 70 other jubilant displays, you’ll never want to leave this winter wonderland.  

Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens in Galveston

Take your holiday vacation to the Texas coast this season, where there’s an abundance of holiday cheer and fun to be had at Moody Gardens. Replete with ice-skating and an Arctic Slide, along with holiday light displays, including a four-story-tall Dancing Tree of Light, you’ll be talking about until you come back next year.The Moody Gardens holiday attractions also include holiday 3D films, train rides and a cruise where you can see the sights from the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat for a whole new perspective of the Galveston Festival of Lights.

Gift of Lights Fort Worth

Lights, camera, selfie! At the Gift of Lights, you’ll want to document every second of family fun. For those who want to hit their holiday event in a limo or the bed of a pickup, this trail of lights in Fort Worth has your name on it. We recommend you get a cup of hot cocoa and turn up your favorite holiday jams as you coast through wondrous light tunnels and decorations that dazzle and enchant every minute of your visit.

The Polar Express in Palestine

The time has come for the ultimate holiday tradition. Get your tickets for the whole family on The Polar Express Train Ride in Palestine, Texas, to bring the holiday classic to life. As you and your family make the journey to the North Pole, you’ll be served hot chocolate and cookies as the chefs recite the story from this beloved children’s book. Dress up in your pajamas and bring a copy aboard so your little ones can follow along as this one-of-a-kind experience turns into a memory they’ll keep forever. 

Starbright Village in Odessa & the Lights of West in McLennan County

Looking for charming lights and that small-town vibe? Cruise through Starbright Village. With over 300,000 lights to mesmerize the whole family, walk or ride through these locally made light displays, where you can gaze and wonder at the unforgettable installations. Another option to celebrate is at Lights of West in McLennan County, featuring trailer rides and a chance to get your wishes in with the one and only St. Nick.

Christmas Capital of Texas® – Grapevine

With over 1,400 events over the course of 40 days, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in Grapevine. You can stroll through the Historic Main Street to see thousands of twinkling lights, take a ride on the North Pole Express, or head to the Great Wolf Lodge for a magical Snowland experience. For festive fun that will leave you feeling the spirit of the season, don’t miss the Parade of Lights or head to the grand Christmas Village for must-see holiday magic.

Holiday Lights on the River Walk – San Antonio

The magic of the River Walk in downtown San Antonio increases tenfold during the holidays, when you can stroll past shops and restaurants hosting some of your favorite traditions. The cypress trees are draped with thousands of string lights all up and down this magnificent river. Enjoy caroling from the riverbanks or a restaurant patio from. Be there for the official televised lighting ceremony at the Arneson River Theatre to kick off the holiday season at the annual Ford Holiday River Parade. Better yet, get friends and family together and reserve your own boat to sing your favorite carols as you journey along the water during the most wonderful time of the year.

The Magic Never Stops in Texas

If you and your loved ones are looking to relish the season’s magic, holiday lights in Texas will do just the trick. Thankfully, there’s a Texas holiday event, festival or trail of lights waiting for you no matter where you are in the state. We can’t wait to see you under the lights.

P.S. Looking for nature's light displays year round? Texas has some of the best stargazing in the country. Find all the celestial hot spots here.