Drive Through Christmas Light Parks 2025-2026 in Texas

Thousands of visitors from all over the Southwest travel to East Texas every November and December to witness the grandeur of the local Christmas lights drive-through displays. It has become an anticipated family tradition and a great way of getting into the holiday spirit. The best Christmas light parks in Texas feature millions of light bulbs, lighting up the countryside from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve.

Gift of Lights at Texas Speed Motorway (November 28, 2024–January 5, 2025)

One of the largest holiday light displays in the country, the Gift of Lights, transforms the Texas Motor Speedway near Fort Worth starting in late November. This dazzling Christmas spectacle features over three million LED lights and offers a captivating drive-through experience that begins around Thanksgiving and continues through early January. The average drive-through time is approximately 45 minutes. To enhance your visit, you can purchase 3D glasses at the entrance for a more immersive experience. For those wanting to grab a bite, food trucks will be on-site, with food available through online preordering only.

After enjoying the Gift of Lights, make sure to visit Santa's Village at the Texas Motor Speedway. This 22,000-square-foot area allows children to meet Santa, interact with Olaf from "Frozen," ride a train, and make their own Christmas decorations. Santa is available for visits every Friday through Sunday at the Marriott Hotel on Championship Parkway in Fort Worth.

Open Hours & Admission

The Gift of Lights operates with the following hours: Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 10 pm and Sunday through Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Admission rates are $35 per car and $60 for buses, limos, or RVs.

Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park (November 28–December 31, 2024)

One of the world's largest light tunnels is located at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. The Prairie Lights display features a spectacular two-mile drive-through illuminated by over 4 million lights. Prairie Lights, the premier holiday light park in Texas, is situated at Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake. For 2024, Prairie Lights will debut an all-new, state-of-the-art light tunnel, a reimagined magical walk-thru forest, and captivating animated light displays. Visitors can also enjoy free carnival rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, and more. In the center of the park, the Christmas Village offers a range of amenities, including food, warm drinks, gifts, and a lighted walk-through forest, which is included with park admission.

Open Hours & Admission

Prairie Lights at Lynn Creek Park is a captivating holiday drive-thru experience that opens at 6 pm, allowing guests to enter the line until 10 pm. General admission is $50 per car, with special rates for larger vehicles: $150 for limos or shuttle vans and $200 for commercial buses. For those looking to skip the wait, the Fast Pass option is available at $149 per car, $259 for limos or shuttle vans, and $319 for commercial buses.

Santa Land in Tyler (November 8, 2024–January 4, 2024)

Santa Land in Tyler holds the distinction of being the first drive-thru Christmas theme park in Texas. This 24-acre park is illuminated by nearly 2.5 million lights, creating a magical holiday experience. Visitors can enjoy the park from the comfort of their car or opt to ride on Santa's trailer. The park features a range of handcrafted, animated displays, including Christmas Tree Lane, the Swinging Elf, 12-foot-tall soldiers that salute as you pass, and enchanting scenes with hummingbirds and butterflies, among others. Don't miss a visit to the 5,000-square-foot Gift Shop, where you can warm up with hot cocoa and explore a variety of delicious food options. The shop also offers a selection of souvenirs, unique gifts, toys, ornaments, and much more. Santa Land also provides opportunities for memorable photos with Santa and trailer rides through the festive displays.

Open Hours & Admission

During November, the park is open every night from 6 pm to 10 pm. In December, hours extend to 6 pm to 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday and 6 pm to 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. On weekends in December, the park is open from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. In January, the park remains open every night from 6 pm to 10 pm. Admission pricing is as follows: $30 per vehicle for up to 10 people, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs; $60 per vehicle for 11-20 people, including personal trailers; and $5 per additional person for groups larger than 20 people.

Up in Lights in Tyler (November 29–December 25, 2024, select dates)

Tyler's Only Drive-Thru Christmas Light Park, featuring the Up in Lights display in Tyler, Texas, is a must-see holiday attraction. Visitors can experience over one million bulbs and a variety of animated displays, including whimsical scenes with Santa and festive Christmas carols. This enchanting one-mile route through Christmas Light Park offers a spectacular show where the lights dance in sync with your favorite holiday tunes, creating a magical experience for families and friends alike.

Open Hours & Admission

Pricing is $20 per car or truck. The display operates from November 29 to December 10 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting at 6 pm. From December 15 to December 25, the display is open every night at 6 pm.

Land of Lights Christmas Park in Athens, Texas (November 10, 2024–January 3, 2025)

The Christmas Park Land of Lights in Athens, Texas, offers a dazzling holiday experience with its impressive light displays. Visitors can enjoy a mile-long route illuminated by over 4 million lights, showcasing a variety of scenes, including cartoon characters, Elvis Presley, and numerous stunning light tunnels. The park features more than 60 scenes and 50 motion-controlled light displays, as well as six tunnels, 14 arches, and 2,000 wooden cutouts. Tour buses are welcome with prior notification.

Open Hours & Admission

The Christmas Park – Land of Lights is open daily from 6 pm to 10 pm. Admission prices range from $35 to $55, depending on the type of vehicle and the number of people.