5 Must-See Holiday Light Displays in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country comes alive with festive brilliance during the holiday season, as dazzling light displays transform already picturesque landscapes into glittering winter wonderlands. When you stay with us at Hotel Giles this December, venture to Comfort's outskirts and neighboring Boerne to discover three sprawling properties that spread Christmas cheer with radiant walk-thru and drive-thru light displays. And if you're willing to travel a little farther, there are even more light shows that capture the true essence of holiday magic in the heart of Texas.
Here are five of our favorite light displays adorned with millions of sparkling lights that illuminate the night sky — three nearby and two worth the drive — all creating a magical atmosphere to enjoy during your Texas Hill Country winter getaway.
Crumbling Castle Lights | Comfort, TX
The Crumbling Castle is a dazzling holiday light park created by the Ramsower family to pay homage to their own family tradition of piling the kids into the car to see Christmas lights around San Antonio. Guests will drive through more than 30 acres of Texas Hill Country transformed into a magical forest with idyllic holiday scenes, light tunnels, fairytale sculptures, a gnome village and thousands of illuminated trees. Plan on a half-hour slow drive to appreciate all of the magical details at Crumbling Castle.
The Jones Christmas Ranch | Boerne, TX
Open nightly from mid-November through the New Year, the Jones Christmas Ranch is a drive-thru display with more than three million shimmering lights synchronized to joyful Christmas music. The display is a passion project of the Jones family, who started a small light show at their home 16 years ago. The family's display grew so big that, in 2022, they sold their home and purchased the 32-acre property that they transformed into their Christmas Ranch. Tickets can be purchased onsite at their ticket booth before you enter, and a portion of the proceeds serve women and children's homes at Christmastime.
Old West Christmas Light Fest | Boerne, TX
The Old West Christmas Light Fest at Enchanted Springs Ranch is an outdoor festival filled with dazzling lights including walk-thru tunnels, food and drinks, live music and entertainment — everything you love about Christmas in one place! Step back in time as you stroll through the charming Old West town shining with thousands of twinkling lights synchronized to holiday tunes. Enjoy a plethora of activities (laser tag, bull riding, scavenger hunt) or just chill out with nightly live music, beer and wine at the bar, and hot cocoa and s’mores by the campfire.
Christmas Nights of Lights | Fredericksburg, TX
A 30-minute drive from Hotel Giles, Fredericksburg boasts a German-inspired holiday celebration that includes an enchanting light display, Christmas Nights of Lights. Come to the Marktplatz, or town center, for a nightly spectacle that starts with holiday carols, followed by an audio presentation about the town's German heritage, and concludes with a countdown to the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree and German Christmas Pyramid. While you're in Fredericksburg for the light show, stroll along the historic district to revel in the town's fun holiday festivities. Read more about Fredericksburg at Christmastime in our previous blog.
Lights Spectacular | Johnson City, TX
Johnson City has been dubbed the "Twinkliest Town in Texas" thanks to its annual Lights Spectacular. Located about an hour from our historic inn, it's a must-see holiday light display with more than two million lights. It's so big and bright that NASA has reported seeing it from space! The lights are spread throughout the historic square off Main Street, Memorial Park and the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters. Download the Lights Spectacular walking map, which will guide you to all the light displays and festive attractions in town, including hay rides, carriage rides, a live nativity scene, outdoor movies and more.
