Every holiday season, a stretch of land off Highway 6 in College Station turns into one of the best-known Christmas destinations in Texas. Santa’s Wonderland mixes a hayride through millions of lights with snow tubing, a visit with Texas Santa and plenty of Lone Star flavor.
The 2026 season opens Friday, Nov. 13, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027. Here’s what to know about dates, tickets and planning your night.
2026 dates and hours
According to the park’s official calendar, Santa’s Wonderland opens Nov. 13, 2026, and stays open nearly every night through Jan. 3, 2027. The park is closed on these dates:
- Monday, Nov. 16, through Thursday, Nov. 19
- Monday, Nov. 30, and Tuesday, Dec. 1
Hours change from day to day. Many weeknights run 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., while weekends usually open in the afternoon, at 3 p.m. on many Saturdays and Sundays, and Friday and Saturday nights often stay open until midnight. The park is open on several holidays too:
- Thanksgiving, Nov. 26: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Christmas Day: 4 p.m. to midnight
- New Year’s Eve: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- New Year’s Day: 4 p.m. to midnight
Check the calendar for your exact date before you leave home, since some food, drink and shopping spots may keep shorter hours than the park.
Tickets and prices
The park’s pricing page lists these 2026 general admission prices, before sales tax:
- Any Day ticket, bought online: $45.75 for adults and $40.75 for children ages 3 to 12, including a $2.25 ticketing fee
- At the gate: $59.95 for adults and $54.95 for children 3 to 12
Buying online saves you about $14 a person compared with the gate, so it pays to plan ahead. If you have a child under 3, check the park’s site for current policy. Extras that cost more include the horse-and-carriage ride, Illuminations ice skating and Express Passes, which shorten the wait for the hayride and some other attractions. Season passes are also sold. Parking in the park’s lots is free.
What’s included with admission
General admission covers a lot. Highlights on the park’s list include:
- Santa’s Hayride Tour: A ride through a display the park bills as almost 5 million lights
- Walkable Trail of Lights: For folks who’d rather stroll
- Meet Texas Santa and Mrs. Claus: Plus a sleigh photo op
- Real snow: Frostbite’s Snow Playground and snow tubing
- Rides and play: A carousel, jumping pillows, a train depot and the Buckin’ Bull and Rowdy Reindeer
- Texas touches: Live music, cozy campfires, Poncho the Longhorn and a giant Texas flag
You’ll also find food and drinks for sale around the grounds, Christmas shopping along Santa’s Lone Star Lane, classic Christmas movies and the Naughty or Nice List, so there’s plenty to fill the time between the hayride and the snow.
The park also lists Sensory Friendly Nights on its events page, which can be a good fit for families who need a calmer visit.
Planning your trip
Santa’s Wonderland is at 18898 Highway 6 in College Station, in Brazos County, on the south side of town. It’s about an hour and a half northwest of Houston, roughly two hours from Austin and around three hours south of Dallas.
A few tips to make the night go smoother:
- Weeknights are often less crowded than the weekends right before Christmas.
- The hayride is the main event, so head there early or consider an Express Pass on busy nights.
- Central Texas nights can turn cold in a hurry, and the snow area can be wet, so pack layers and dry socks for the kids.
- Arriving near opening time can help you get a jump on the lines.
If y’all are building a holiday road trip, our guides to Grapevine’s Christmas season and Marshall’s Wonderland of Lights have more ideas.
Good to Know
- Where: 18898 Highway 6, College Station, TX 77845
- Dates: Nov. 13, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027; closed Nov. 16 to 19, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1
- Hours: Vary by day; most weeknights 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., weekends from mid-afternoon, some nights until midnight
- Tickets: Online Any Day tickets $45.75 adults, $40.75 ages 3 to 12 (fee included, plus tax); gate $59.95 and $54.95
- Parking: Free in the park’s lots
- Contact: 979-690-7212
Hours, dates and prices can change. Check the official website before you head out.
Between the lights, the snow and a visit with Texas Santa, Santa’s Wonderland packs a whole lot of Christmas into one evening. Grab your tickets early, bundle up and enjoy one of the Brazos Valley’s favorite holiday traditions.
Featured photo: Donnie Ray Jones via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
