The Lights at Night are Big and Bright at Christmas Light Fest

by Bebe Brown on December 13, 2017 in Living Texas, San Antonio,
TLM Image 4 Light Tunnel at Christmas Light Fest e1513090819630
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Everything is bigger in Texas, from our wide-open expanse of breathtaking scenery to the signature down-home hospitality we offer our guests.

Holiday celebrations in the Lone Star state are certainly no exception, and there is no better place to experience the holidays Texas-style than Christmas Light Fest. This holiday spectacular, located on Don Strange Ranch in Boerne, offers a Christmas experience sure to delight the whole family.

Glowing Texas pride lights up the night at Christmas Light Fest.
Courtesy photo

Open nightly through New Year’s Eve, the sprawling acres of the scenic country ranch are transformed into a winter wonderland with enough festive cheer to put even the Grinch in the holiday spirit. More than two million lights sparkle and dazzle across a two-mile path, glittering under the star-filled sky each night throughout the season. Guests of all ages are guaranteed to be dazzled by the magnificent displays and drive-thru light tunnels that fill the ranch grounds.

A mini-forest of holiday glow perfect for pictures at Christmas Light Fest.
Courtesy photo

You can enjoy Christmas Light Fest two ways: everyone is welcome to tour the lights from the comfort of their own vehicle, or hayrides also tour nightly, providing the opportunity to experience the glow of the lights in true ranch style. Both hayride tickets and private hayrides are available by reservation, so gather your friends and family for a unique holiday get-together and start a new holiday tradition under the stars. What better way to make unforgettable memories than by viewing the beautiful sights in the open air?

Nestled in the glow of the sparkling lights, Christmas Light Fest also includes Santa’s Village, a rustic barn filled with holiday cheer, flavors, fun and of course, Santa. Outside you can roast s’mores and marvel at the lights as you gather around fire pits, while inside, you can warm up next to a roaring fireplace. Alongside a selection of everything from kettle corn to fajitas and sausage on a stick, you’ll find an array of family activities and fun, including face painting and cookie decorating. There’s a cantina offering beer, wine and more and plenty of seating so the adults can enjoy themselves while children make the most of the season. While you’re exploring Santa’s Village, be sure to walk through the mini-forest of trees decked out for the season, where there’s even a rope swing for those who want to swing through the lights. And don’t forget to leave your mark on the “All I Want for Christmas” chalkboard!

Add some sweetness to your holidays by decorating—and eating—cookies in Santa’s Village.

It’s no surprise that Santa spends his holidays in Texas, so be sure to snap a picture with the jolly old man himself. Stop by any weekend before Christmas and the last few days before Christmas to visit with Saint Nick, or check out Wonderful Wednesdays in December to enjoy free cookies with Santa. What better way to make sure you’re on the nice list than by sharing a sweet treat with Santa while you whisper your wish list to him? For those too shy to tell Santa what they want this year, you can also write a letter to be sure you’re on the nice list.

With bellies full of delectable treats, everyone can enjoy shopping situated within Santa’s Village. A variety of vendors set-up shop within the barn, making it easy to cross a few names off of your Christmas list with everything from jewelry to dolls, handmade treasures, all-natural lotions, soaps and more.

Tickets for Christmas Light Fest can be purchased online or at the gate.

Military and first responders receive a discount every night and everyone can help spread the holiday spirit to families in need by supporting Christmas Light Fest’s food drive for the San Antonio Food Bank. Donate non-perishable food and canned goods and for every donation, Christmas Light Fest will take $2 off of your vehicle pass. Bring your donation on a week night (Sunday through Thursday), and receive $4 off.


Give your holidays an extra glow this year and make time to enjoy the lights under the star-filled sky at Christmas Light Fest. Located on the Don Strange Ranch, off of I-10 West, exit 533, at 103 Waring Welfare Road in Boerne, Christmas Light Fest is open Sunday thru Thursday 6-9 p.m., while Friday and Saturday nights, as well as holidays, feature an extra hour, 6 – 10 p.m.