Best time to go to Texas

Hidalgo Festival of Lights 2023

The largest Christmas light display in Texas

Dates: December 1, 2023–January 1, 2024

Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights takes place each night throughout December. After dusk, visitors can go through the 9-mile (15-km) winter wonderland in their own car or enjoy a ride on a train or trolley. The festival also offers unique dining options with musical entertainment and much more.

Even though being a small town in South Texas, Hidalgo hosts one of the biggest holiday events in the state, lasting for 31 days and featuring a million lights in historic downtown. People can enjoy large displays and a visit to a gingerbread village. It will be snowy at the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse so kids can make snowballs and snow angels. A snow slide is also available. The Santa Claus Cottage hosts Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6:30 pm till 9:30 pm.

The Hidalgo Festival of Lights Parade is one of the main attractions of the festival. It takes place in front of City Hall along Ramon Ayala Dr. A spectacular procession features illuminated floats, performers, and marching bands from all over the Valley.

The lighting of the Tree takes place every year at the beginning of December, in front of the Hidalgo City Hall. A vivid celebration kicks off the festive month of December with live entertainment and lots of free activities. Besides that, every evening of December visitors can enjoy carnival rides and their favorite carnival food at City Hall Plaza.

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin