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Santa’s Ranch Christmas Light Tour in Texas

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Brittany Highland

Santas-Ranch-Christmas-Lights-TexasOn Christmas Eve before setting out the milk and cookies, we took a drive south on I-35 to experience Santa’s Ranch.

Santa’s Ranch is located one exit south of the San Marcos outlet malls, so it’s a pretty quick drive from Austin.

We got there early and parked in line on the service road outside the Ranch. By the time the gate opened, there was a long line of vehicles behind us, waiting to get in.

For the $22 per vehicle admission, we got a huge treat! We drove through nearly a mile of dirt road, past countless Christmas light scenes that were entertaining and imaginative. Believe it or not, there are over one million Christmas lights displayed in over 100 scenes and animations!

Santas-Ranch-San-Marcos

This huge space shuttle really caught our eye

Santa’s Ranch is open from the beginning of November until a few days after Christmas (check site for exact dates each year). Hours are 6-10 PM, Sunday-Thursday, and 6-11 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Santas-Ranch-Texas-Sphinx

The Sphinx of Egypt in lights

This is a wonderful Christmas-y outing to experience with your date or the whole family. The 10 and 14 year olds in the backseat seemed to enjoy it as much as we did! And perhaps the nicest part is that Winter cold and drizzle aren’t reasons to stay home, since you get to drive through in your vehicle.

Santas-Ranch-Christmas-Lights-Austin

Santa playing basketball – the basketball moves!

 

the Austinot asks:
Have you ever been to Santa’s Ranch?

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Filed Under: Day Trips, Discoveries Tagged With: christmas

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Comments

  1. EricHighland says

    December 4, 2013 at 3:33 pm

    UPDATE: Cost for 2013 is $28 per vehicle.

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