Sights & Sounds of Christmas Festival
Visitors can experience an array of carnival rides, including a full-sized Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of thousands of sparkling lights. Attractions include a free petting zoo, Santa photo opportunities, life-size reindeer games, and a live nativity in A Night in Old Bethlehem. Guests can browse local gift booths, enjoy food vendors and warm drinks, or relax at a riverfront lounge for adults.
Dec 3 – Dec 12, 2026 All ages
See more Christmas lights near San Marcos
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
$10 nightly admission; free for kids 12 and under.
Hours
5:30–11:00.
Food & Drink
Food stalls offer full plates, funnel cakes, and other festival treats, with hot chocolate and apple cider among the drink options.
Accessibility
Buses at the park & ride locations are handicap accessible.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Bring a clear bag or a small bag under 5.5 by 8.5 inches, because backpacks, purses and folding chairs are not allowed into the festival.
- Bring a card rather than cash, because cash is accepted only at Santa's Gift Shop and every other vendor takes debit or credit.
- Load a Magic Money band before heading to the carnival, because it is the only way to pay for rides and games there.
- Keep your Magic Money band after the festival, because leftover credits don't expire and can be used again next year.
- Buy the collector mug if your group plans to drink a lot of hot cocoa or cider, because it includes unlimited hot drink refills for that night.
Special Events & Promotions
- Official collector mug with unlimited hot drink refills, good for one night, sold separately.
- Unlimited Ride band for the carnival, valid only on the day you buy it.
Links & Contact
Run by Sights & Sounds of Christmas Foundation
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 kind of bag can I bring?
You can bring small bags under 5.5 by 8.5 inches, clear bags under 12 by 6 by 12 inches, clear backpacks, 1-gallon freezer bags, and medically necessary or diaper bags. Regular backpacks, purses, camera cases, oversized totes and folding chairs aren't allowed.
How do I pay for carnival rides?
Rides and games are paid for only with a Magic Money band. The bands are reusable and reloadable through the app, kiosks or reload stations around the grounds, and leftover credits carry over to next year.
Can I use cash?
Cash is accepted only at Santa's Gift Shop. All other vendors in the park take debit and credit cards.
What animals are at the petting zoo?
The McCoy's petting zoo has llamas, lambs, goats, bunnies and more. It's free for all attendees, and you can buy feed for the animals.
What is A Night in Old Bethlehem?
It's a step back in time with live music, candle making, a live nativity, and a chance to learn about the history of Bethlehem.
Browse Christmas in San Marcos
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.