If you live in San Antonio, odds are that at one point or another, you’ve made the rounds at the iconic Light Up displays in Windcrest. It’s been a staple of the holiday season for 66 years, after all. But if you’re looking for some additional spots to visit this winter, here are the driveable and walking experiences that deserve a spot on the itinerary.
Lights Alive
Located in Alamo Ranch, Lights Alive is a drive-thru synchronized light show with a holiday activity park at the end featuring escape rooms, crafts and more.
Tickets: Admission is per vehicle and will cost about $36 and up, depending on the day. Keep in mind that tickets are only redeemable on the day chosen. There are also experience packages for purchase that bundle Santa photo ops, ornament kits and game wristbands. A season pass is available for $129.95.
Hours: Lights Alive is open seven days a week until Saturday, January 3. Drive-thru lights generally run from 6 to 10 p.m., but the display will go until 9, 9:30 or 11 p.m. on certain nights. Check hours for your specified ticket date before heading over.
Find it: 5931 Roft Road, San Antonio, TX 78253
The Light Park
Folks in San Antonio can find The Light Park in two different Alamo City-area locations: one at Retama Park in Selma and another at Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. When you go, you’ll see “Texas #1 Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show” featuring millions of lights synchronized to music you’ll play from your own car radio.
Tickets: Like Lights Alive, admission to The Light Park is priced per vehicle and for a chosen date. Monday through Thursday, tickets purchased online are $39.99, and they jump to $49.99 per vehicle on Fridays through Sundays and on holidays. Season passes start at $79.99, and a Dasher Pass that allows for skipping lines is $89.99 for select nights.
Hours: The Light Park is open until Sunday, January 4. Standard hours are from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The exception is Thanksgiving Day (and nightly starting December 19) when it’ll stay open until 11 p.m.
Find it: 5757 US-90 parking lot, San Antonio, TX 78227; 1 Retama Pkwy parking lot, Selma, TX 78154
The South Pole
This mile-long drive-thru light experience on the Northeast Side is owned and operated by a local husband and wife duo. According to the about us page on its website, the experience features “displays ranging from what our grandparents would have enjoyed during their holidays, to the latest technology of RBG lights and sounds, and everything in between.” The South Pole has been displaying its millions of synchronized lights in San Antonio since 2022.
Tickets: Admission is $43.30 per vehicle and does not appear to require choosing a specific date.
Hours: The South Pole is open from 6 to 10 p.m. until Monday, January 5.
Find it: 5135 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78247
Santa’s Ranch
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas. (Belle Edwards )
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels is returning for another year – but it’s been lighting up the holiday season since 2003. Folks will see 3 million lights, animated displays and more at this beloved Texas holiday tradition that twists and turns for over a mile.
Tickets: As usual, tickets are purchased by vehicle, though they’re redeemable on any given night during the season. A single pass will run you $37, though a season pass is available for $74.
Hours: It’s open seven days a week until Sunday, January 4. Generally speaking, hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, extended to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The only exception is its closing date, when Santa’s Ranch remains operational until 11 p.m.
Find it: 9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
The University of the Incarnate Word
You’ll have to leave your car for this one. The University of the Incarnate Word’s annual Light the Way festival is back for a 39th year, giving folks the opportunity to walk the campus and take in the lights.
Tickets: The event is free to the public and does not require a ticket.
Hours: Lights turn on at dusk every night until Tuesday, January 6.
Find it: 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209
Downtown San Antonio
As an honorable mention, downtown San Antonio is well worth a visit during the holidays. From lit-up river barge tours to events like Holidays on Houston Street, Holidays in the Village at La Villita and goings-on at the Pearl, there’s no shortage of things to do in the heart of the city, especially if you have out-of-town visitors.
This article originally published at San Antonio spots with dazzling Christmas light displays (besides Windcrest).