Is Lights Alive worth it?

Yes for families — it's a drive and an evening out in one: after the mile of lights you park and walk around the village with Santa, crafts and games. Buy online for the lower price.

How much is Lights Alive?

In 2025: $35 per vehicle Sunday to Thursday and $40 on Friday and Saturday, or $75 for a season pass. It's one price per car, however many people.

When is Lights Alive open in 2026?

From November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027, opening at 6 pm; closed on New Year's Eve.

Where can I see the lights in San Antonio?

Lights Alive, Santa's Ranch, Windcrest, the zoo and the River Walk are the big ones. Our San Antonio page compares them all.

Illustration

Drive-thru · Alamo Ranch and Traders Village · Ticketed

Lights Alive! San Antonio 2026

A one-mile drive through light scenes synced to music on your car radio, then a whole winter wonderland to walk around afterwards: Santa, crafts in Santa's workshop, escape rooms, inflatables, a holiday market and a 50-foot tree you can program from your phone. Two sites, one ticket per car.

Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027

Google 4.7 ★ · 2,166 reviews

At a glance

2026 dates: November 20, 2026 – January 2, 2027 (closed Dec 31)
Hours: From 6 pm; closes 9:30–11:30 pm depending on the night
Price (2025): $35 per car Sun–Thu, $40 Fri–Sat; season pass $75. Cheaper online than at the gate
What's there: A mile of lights synced to your car radio, then a village: Santa, workshop crafts, escape rooms, inflatables, market, a 50-ft tree you can program from your phone
Where: 5931 Roft Rd, San Antonio, TX 78253 (Alamo Ranch)

Is it worth it?

The best family light show in San Antonio. Go on a weeknight, buy online, and plan to stay for the wonderland.

What visitors say

Families rave about it — kids from toddlers to teens enjoy the drive, and grandparents like the village afterwards. Regulars say new displays appear every year and the per-car price is fair next to other shows. The one practical note: the Roft Road site is reached by a long dirt road, and weekend lines need snacks for the kids.

One-mile drive synced to music
Winter wonderland after the drive
Photos with Santa
Ornament crafts in Santa's workshop
Program the 50-foot tree from your phone
Free parking at the wonderland

Getting there and getting in

Parking at the wonderland is free.
Maximum vehicle height is 7 ft 10 in.
You can't get out of the car during the drive-thru part. There are restrooms along the queue.

Worth knowing

Sunday to Thursday is usually drive-right-in. Saturday nights have the longest waits.
Open in the rain; closures for wind are posted on the front page of the site.
Dogs can ride through in the car, but aren't allowed in the wonderland.

Open in Google Maps

Official site

Questions people ask

Is Lights Alive worth it?: Yes for families — it's a drive and an evening out in one: after the mile of lights you park and walk around the village with Santa, crafts and games. Buy online for the lower price.
How much is Lights Alive?: In 2025: $35 per vehicle Sunday to Thursday and $40 on Friday and Saturday, or $75 for a season pass. It's one price per car, however many people.
When is Lights Alive open in 2026?: From November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027, opening at 6 pm; closed on New Year's Eve.
Where can I see the lights in San Antonio?: Lights Alive, Santa's Ranch, Windcrest, the zoo and the River Walk are the big ones. Our San Antonio page compares them all.

Checked 2026-09-30. Sources: Lights Alive! (official) · KSAT — Lights Alive 2025. Last season's numbers are labelled with their year until the organiser publishes 2026.

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