Are you ready to get in the holiday spirit? Here are a few events that are sure to help you kick off the holiday season with a bang.
Santa’s Ranch
Santa’s Ranch (9561 I-25 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130) is the home of one of Texas’s favorite Christmas displays filled with lots of lights. You’ll drive over a mile of winding country roads as you relish the beautiful lights and animated displays. Enjoy homemade warm hot cocoa, sweet ‘n’ salt kettle corn, and other snacks from the concession stand. You can buy tickets at the entry gate or online.
To get to Santa’s Ranch from San Marcos, go South on IH 35 and take exit 199. Stay in the right lane on Access Road and you can’t miss it. Santa’s Ranch is open from now until January 2, 2022. On Sunday through Thursday, they’re open from 6 to 10 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, they’re open from 6 to 11 pm.
Sights and Sounds
It’s time for one of the most anticipated holiday events in San Marcos, the Sights and Sounds of Christmas. They have a lot going on. Kids can meet new furry friends at the petting zoo as well as Santa for a picture.
The event will have carnival rides for all ages and sizes including a full-sized Ferris wheel where you can get a great view of the sparkling lights up. What’s a carnival without food? Funnel cake, hot chocolate, apple cider, and many options will be available in the food court filled with more than 25 vendors.
Sights and Sounds is open December 2 through December 4 as well as from December 9 through December 11. The carnival will run from 5:30 to 11 pm. The entrance is at the end of E. Hutchinson St. between University Dr. and E. Hopkins. Visit the Signs and Sounds website for tips, FAQs, tickets, and updated information.
Runners and walkers, you can join Santa’s Jingle Bell Run on December 11 in San Marcos Plaza Park. It’s a 5K event that runs through San Marcos’s downtown and the Historic District.
Volunteer with Operation Turkey San Marcos
This year, Operation Turkey’s goal is to provide 45,000 meals. The goal for Operation Turkey San Marcos and surrounding areas is to feed 2,000 hot meals on Thanksgiving. Visit Operation Turkey San Marcos Facebook page for updates.
Brown Santa
This year’s Brown Santa will be in the spot next door at the old Western Wearhouse Store across from the San Marcos Outlet malls. With toys shortages and climbing food prices, they’re going to need help more than ever. If you can help with toys, food, or money drives, they would appreciate it. To get questions answered and to help, please call 512-393-7877.
What are your favorites in San Marcos? Let us know on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Want to live here? You can browse the inventory of new homes in TRACE San Marcos.
