Everyone Should Take This Spectacular Holiday Trail Of Lights In Texas This Season
By Katie Lawrence|Published December 19, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
If you want to end your 2018 holiday season with a bang, there’s no better way than a Christmas lights road trip. From strolling down the river walk and admiring the vibrant lights to driving through neighborhoods set ablaze with millions of glittering bulbs, this is the perfect winter vacation for the whole family.
The entire trip is 12 hours, so you’ll definitely want to spend the night in a few cities. As usual, the Google Map with exact addresses and directions can be found here. Happy Holidays!
Lindale might be a small town, but its Christmas spirit is anything but. Santa Land is Texas's original drive through light show, with 24 acres of holiday displays ranging from dancing Christmas trees to reindeer jumping over your car!
Frisco's 14th annual Christmas in the Square runs through December 31. Between an outdoor ice rink, carriage + train rides, and photos with Santa, the festivities are endless.
Grapevine is the self-proclaimed "Christmas Capital of Texas," and its town square definitely reflects that. All the shops and restaurants are adorned from roof to ground in vibrant yet elegant lights. While you're here, be sure to check out some of the festivities like the North Pole Express, ICE!, and Snowland. There may not be actual snow, but Grapevine is still a Winter Wonderland.
Prairie Lights proudly boasts the longest light tunnel in Texas at an entire mile long. Drive through over four million lights in the form of dazzling displays, and stop at the Holiday Village halfway through to get souvenirs, sip some hot chocolate, and take pictures with Santa. Then get back in your car and finish off the night with a bang by driving the remaining mile through the tunnel, millions of lights engulfing you and creating almost a trance-like experience that you'll never forget.
A Christmastime icon, this neighborhood is known for having one of the best light shows in Texas. Turn on some holiday tunes on the radio and enjoy the whimsical sights.
Johnson City is home to one of the most decorated courthouses in Texas. Over 100,000 lights adorn it during the holiday season, and the trees surrounding it are just as decked out. The entirety of downtown looks like a city of gold, and every weekend in December, there are fun events like holiday markets and Christmas crafts for the whole family to take part in.
I know I mention the River Walk on every Christmas post, but there's a reason. Nothing compares to the magic you'll feel as you stroll down the street underneath the multicolored lights hanging from the trees. The festivities are in full swing through the New Year!
This house, and many others, in the 1300 block of Briarbrook Drive in Houston is undeniably festive. It's basically one giant light, from the house to the trees to the reindeer on the roof. If you're in the area, I highly recommend driving by and taking a look.
Also in Houston, River Oaks has one of the most enchanting displays in Texas. Lights dangle elegantly from tree branches like streamers, stars twinkle high up in the leaves, and the gorgeous homes are decorated simply yet beautifully. One house even has Santa sitting outside to hand out hot chocolate to kids!
Our final stop is Aggieland, home of the famous Santa's Wonderland. This enormous holiday village of sorts includes hayrides, millions of lights, live music, a Western Christmas town with unique holiday gifts, Christmas movies on a big outdoor screen, snow machines, and more. Our road trip is ending with a bang, that's for sure.
Take a virtual tour of the Interlochen neighborhood:
So who’s up for the trip? Which places have you been to already? Tell us your thoughts!
