Wonderland of Lights 2024 in Texas

Wonderland of Lights in downtown Marshall is one of the most popular Christmas light festivals in Texas. It has taken place since 1987. Downtown square is lit up with over a million lights highlighting the historic Harrison County Courthouse. Visit the opening lighting ceremony in Marshall for the best experience.

Wonderland of Lights Main Features

The square features a Christmas market, an ice skating rink, horse carriage rides, Santa's workshops, as well as other kids' activities and live entertainment. Children will be delighted to catch a ride on the Holly Trolley, Wonderland Express. Here, you can also enjoy a ride on a restored vintage 1948 Herschel carousel.

Families can make unforgettable memories in Santa's Village, where each tiny hut offers a fun and free activity. The little ones can build a train, decorate cookies, and visit Santa to tell him about their Christmas wishes. Meanwhile, adults can entertain themselves in Downtown Marshall by dancing and listening to live music at Telegraph Park downtown. The music is performed by local musicians, area churches, and choirs.

The festival features a number of special events worth visiting, like the Opening Lighting Ceremony, Wassail Walk on Small Business Saturday, Lighted Christmas Parade, Tigers On Ice, Outdoor Christmas Market, Jingle Bell Run, Wonderland of Sites, and the new StoryFest. The Marshall Texas Christmas Lights is listed among the best Christmas lighting events in the country.

Attractions Prices

Quests can enjoy a fun-filled time at various Wonderland attractions with family and friends. You can take a ride on the restored Carousel ($3 per rider), explore downtown during Carriage Rides ($10 per rider), enjoy Ice Skating ($12 per skater during 45-minute sessions, includes skate rental), try Wagon Rides around the Harrison County Courthouse ($5 per rider), and travel through downtown on Wonderland Express ($5 per rider). What’s more, kids can visit Santa Village for crafts, face painting, and a meet-and-greet with Santa for free.

Wonderland of Lights History

In 1987, the Marshall community was grappling with its worst local economy in history, with unemployment soaring to 20%.

George S. Smith, then Editor of the Marshall News Messenger, was crossing the square when he envisioned the historic courthouse adorned with lights. Inspired, he returned to the newsroom and wrote, "Picture this: Marshall's square, every tree, every bush... the Harrison County Courthouse Museum... a gigantic Christmas tree... businesses around the square... all decorated in tiny white lights. It could be a spectacle that would rival any other Christmas lighting scene in this area. Think about it. We could make it happen." A few months later, a Marshall native living in France received a copy of the editorial. He responded with a check for $25,000 and a brief note: "Have your wish."

Over the years, the festival has grown to include an outdoor ice-skating rink, a vintage carousel, a train, and a collection of tiny houses forming Santa's Village. Special weekly events are enjoyed by both residents and visitors, but the 1901 Historic Harrison County Courthouse, adorned with millions of white lights, remains the crown jewel of the festival.