Illustration of a family gazing at houses and trees covered in string lights on a snowy street at dusk (Candlelight at the Ranch)

Candlelight at the Ranch

Visitors stroll along lighted pathways past cowboy camps and explore 15 historic structures brought to life with holiday scenes, music, and costumed volunteers. The decorated 6666 Barn hosts live Texas swing Christmas music, refreshments, and kettle corn.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Free event; suggested donation of $5; no ticket required. VIP Experience Pass: $100 per pass. Includes reserved parking for 1 vehicle, early entry from 6–6:30 p.m. for the pass holder and 6 guests (7 people total), holiday snacks and refreshments, and support of ranching heritage preservation and educational efforts. VIP passes go on sale to RHA members starting Nov. 2 and to the general public Nov. 9; RHA members get early access.

Hours

6:30–9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; VIP pass holders and their six guests may enter 6–6:30 p.m.

Ages

All ages

Food & Drink

Visitors can enjoy refreshments and kettle corn; VIP pass holders also receive holiday snacks and refreshments.

Parking

VIP passes include a reserved parking space for one vehicle. Attendees parking in the event’s satellite lot can use a free shuttle starting at 6:15 p.m.; the lot is on the north side of UMC Medical Center at 5th Street and Joliet Avenue. Citibus shuttles visitors to the National Ranching Heritage Center entrance and back throughout each evening.

Accessibility

Lighted pathways throughout the event grounds are accessible.

Going?

Location

National Ranching Heritage Center · 3121 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79409 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and fans of western heritage

Vibe

Festive, historic, and relaxed

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Print the parking map and bring it, or keep the digital version on your phone.
  • Use the satellite lot at UMC Medical Center and ride the free Citibus shuttle to the front entrance.
  • Join the Ranching Heritage Association if you want a VIP pass, because members can buy them before the public.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, since you'll be walking the pathways between historic buildings.
  • Skip the Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center on this visit, because it's closed on Candlelight evenings.

Special Events & Promotions

  • VIP Experience Passes are sold separately. Each includes reserved parking for one car, early entry for the holder plus six guests, and holiday snacks and refreshments.
  • Ranching Heritage Association members get early access to VIP passes before the general public.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we see?

Fifteen historic structures, from the 1838 El Capote Log Cabin to the 1909 Barton House, are decorated with holiday scenes, lights and music. Volunteers are on hand, and lighted pathways take you past cowboy camps.

Is there food and music?

Yes. The decorated 6666 Barn has refreshments, kettle corn and live Texas swing Christmas music.

Where should I park?

Park in the satellite lot on the north side of UMC Medical Center at 5th Street and Joliet Avenue. A free Citibus shuttle loops to the front entrance all evening.

Is everything open during Candlelight?

No. The Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center area is closed on Candlelight evenings.

How can I volunteer?

Sign up as a Ranch Host Volunteer.

Browse Christmas in Lubbock

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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