Holiday at the Ranch: Christmas Light Fest at the Don Strange Ranch

Read on to find out how to win a vehicle pass for this year’s Christmas Light Fest!

I love Christmas lights displays. Every year, I look forward to finding the best, biggest and most creative displays and putting lights up in my own home. While I adore the beautiful sparkle that San Antonio’s downtown offers, this year I wanted to find something new.

Christmas Light Fest at Don Strange Ranch offered just the thing – a two-mile long drive-thru Christmas light display. With more than 2 million lights spread out over several displays along the route, there is no shortage of sparkle. After all, it’s the season of lights and Texans go big.

There is plenty to appreciate about Christmas Light Fest, but here were some of my favorite things:

See the Lights, Stay Warm: As we get closer to Christmas, there is a definite nip in the South Texas air. And while other holiday revelers are content to freeze their toes as they stroll through light displays, I am quite content to enjoy the view from the comfort of my heated vehicle. In fact, the experience may be even better as you are able to drive by pretty displays without anyone getting in between you and your view.

As the mom of a new baby and a sleepy 7-year-old, I definitely appreciated the chance to take in the sights of the season while staying warm.

However, true ranch hands might appreciate enjoying the lights display via hayride.

Santa’s Village: At the midway point in the light spectacular, guests can park, get out and stretch their legs, and enjoy a nibble at Santa’s Village. A rustic barn is lit up with Christmas lights, decorations and holiday sounds. Inside vendors offer up yummy treats like decadent cookies and baked goods, kettle corn, hot chocolate and more. If you are in the mood for something heartier, there’s tamales, sausage on a stick and other savory bites. I think I even saw a bar for the grown ups.

Other vendors sold their handmade creations. The evening we attended there was even a LuLaRoe representative with racks full of colorful garments. Bring your wallet because you are going to want to shop.

Be sure to stop by and see Santa’s extra helper, a Texas longhorn, who is stationed right outside Santa’s Village for kids to feed.

Pictures with Santa: The highlight of Santa’s Village is obviously Santa himself. Kids and families can take photos with St. Nick against a beautiful rustic fireplace background. Another plus is that parents take their own photos – for free – so no one is forced to pay $50 for 12 wallets and you can do with the photos what you will. And unlike at the mall, the lines don’t wrap around to the parking lot.

The Details

Where: Located at the Don Strange Ranch just 20 minutes west of La Cantera, Christmas Light Fest is just off of IH-10 West, exit 533, at 103 Waring Welfare Road in Boerne.

When: Open Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through New Year’s Eve. The lights stay on an extra hour, until 10 p.m., during Friday and Saturday nights!

How Much: Tickets are $27 per vehicle. For buses and large groups of more than 10 people, an additional $1 per person applies. A season pass, which gives you reentry into Christmas Light Fest throughout the season is $60 per vehicle.

Members of the military (both active duty and retired) and first responders, as well as their families, receive a $5 discount throughout the holiday season.

Public hayrides are offered four times each evening for $15 per rider. Private hayrides are available by reservation.

For more information about special discounts and how to purchase tickets for your holiday extravaganza, visit www.sanantoniochristmaslightfest.com.