Santa’s Wonderland, just two hours away, is the biggest Christmas attraction the state. Their goal is to provide a happy space that perpetuates the spirit of the season, Texas style. It is open nightly, through December 30—rain or shine.
Activities include holiday foods, Christmas shops, train ride, petting zoo, live music, and wintery stations with ice skating and real snow. Best of all, their can’t-miss Trail of Lights includes more than three million lights illuminating various Christmas scenes you can enjoy from a horse-drawn carriage.
WINTER WONDERLAND
Santa’s Wonderland was first opened in 1998 as a drive-through light display. Since then, it has grown and transformed into a Texas-sized attraction and holiday tradition for many thousands of families.
Over the years, many creative contributors have brought new ideas to bear on their scenes and displays, and they work year-round to improve and expand on the experience. Staff and artists continue to plan new construction, create, build, and maintain the scenes and displays during Spring and Summer months.
As the holidays come back around, attractions are open to the public, but you may see maintenance continuing as needed. Wind, rain, heat, and humidity have a serious effect on the lights and displays, which require hundreds of hours of troubleshooting and repairing prior to opening. If there is any doubt about the volume of maintenance required, it is worth noting all the wire in the park could stretch from College Station to Navasota and back. (~30 miles)
When You Go
Santa’s Wonderland has on-site parking for a fee, and free parking offsite with a shuttle. Visitors can purchase permits at the entrance to the park, or get a discount in advance online.
There are two ticket types; Hayride, or Horse and Carriage Ticket. Both of these include admission to Santa’s Town, an Old West town with shopping, dining, and even more lights.
There is also an Ultimate Express Pass that provides for a shorter wait time at the hayride, train ride, snow mountain, and the petting zoo. Children under 2 years old are free.
In 2020, attendance may be limited due to COVID restrictions and it is recommended that visitors check the website for daily changes due to weather or maintenance in the park.
SANTA’S TOWN
- Marshall Frostbite: A cuddly 7-foot Texas snowman. Ready to meet and take photos nightly.
- Frostbite’s Mountain: REAL SNOW from the North Pole! Grab a tube and race.
- Frostbite’s Snow Playground: REAL Texas snow for angels, snowmen, and snowballs.
- The West Pole Express Train: The trackless West Pole Express. Covered in LED lights, wheelchair accessible; for all ages.
- The Santa’s Express Kids’ Train: Colorful glowing train travels through Santa’s Town; for children under 48”.
- Santa’s Mechanical Bull: His eyes glow and smoke rolls out of his nose under the Bright Lights and Big Texas Stars.
- Live Musical Entertainment: Talented musicians perform sing-along Christmas tunes nightly.
- Cozy Campfires: Relax around a warm and cozy campfire under the stars.
- Outdoor Movie: If you love classic Christmas movies, you can mosey over to our Texas size GIANT outdoor LED Movie Screen, daytime or nighttime.
- Frostbite’s Toboggan Chute: Over 15’ tall and 45’ long, this slide looks like a mountainous adventure has landed at Santa’s Wonderland.
- Let it Snow: It snows every night at Santa’s Wonderland. Capture wintery holiday photos while snow machines create a White Christmas.