Christmas Lights in Tyler, TX

Tyler, Texas, is a stunning destination any time of the year, but it takes on a special glow around the holiday season. This charming city, usually known for its roses, lights up with festive attractions and holiday displays that give Tyler an entirely new look and feel. As you cruise around the area, you’ll find that nearly everyone in the city participates in the decorative fun. If you’re looking for some of the best Christmas lights in Tyler, we can point you in the right direction. Check out these highlights.

Azalea District Trail of Lights

The Azalea District is known for its luminous decor in the springtime when it’s awash in flowers for the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail. However, this isn’t the only time the area puts on a show. The Azalea District Trail of Lights illuminates many of the loveliest neighborhoods in Tyler’s historic district. All the area’s residents are welcome to join in the festivities, and the homes with the most stunning displays will win prizes.

You can enjoy a self-guided tour of the district on foot or by car anytime between Dec. 1 and 31, 2022. If you’d prefer to simply sit back and let someone else do the navigating while you take in the lights, there are horse-drawn carriage rides available throughout the season. You can find Cowboys Carriages behind Bergfeld Park from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. This is one of the most charming ways to enjoy the Christmas lights in Tyler.

Location: Visitor and Trail Info at 110 N. College Ave., Suite 105, Tyler.

Santa Land

When Santa Land opened in 1995, it was the first Christmas park in the state of Texas. The founders took their idea from concept to reality in less than a year, and the expansive collection of handmade displays and elaborate lights has been a hit ever since. Though Santa Land is certainly a local favorite, it’s also gained renown nationally and draws in tourists from Texas and beyond who are seeking a hearty helping of Christmas cheer.

Santa Land is open from Nov. 11 through Jan. 4, and its hours of operation are from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., seven nights a week. During the month of December, Santa Land extends its Friday and Saturday hours till 10:30 p.m. Trailer rides through the park run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. between Thanksgiving and Dec. 26 for those who don’t want to drive through the display on their own.

You can meet Santa nightly through Dec. 23 in the big red barn. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop as well for an extra dose of joy at this festive lighting extravaganza.

Location: 11518 Interstate 20 W., Tyler.

Holiday Lights at the Tyler Rose Garden

Holiday Lights at the Tyler Rose Garden is a tradition that dates back to 2016. What began as a simple display of lights and wreaths has grown into a stunning attraction that’s so elaborate the park now works with an outside contractor to get the job done. Though the roses aren’t in bloom during the winter months, Holiday Lights at the Tyler Rose Garden showcases just how much the garden still has to offer throughout its off season.

You can view the lights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night between Dec. 8 and 22 and again from Dec. 27 through 31. Give yourself plenty of time to take advantage of the creative photo ops, particularly if you visit early enough to get these shots into your Christmas cards.

Location: 420 Rose Park Drive, Tyler.

Tyler Lights Drive Thru Light Park

Known alternately as “Up in Lights,” the Tyler Lights Drive Thru Park is an annual highlight with more than a million lights. The 12-acre property puts on a stunning display with a mile-long drive-through experience where you can take in an abundance of bright and twinkling displays. The attraction also features a Walk the Lights event on select evenings where you can take a stroll through the displays. Walk the Lights is pet-friendly and features some special extras, such as hot chocolate and s’mores, to help you stay warm and toasty.

In previous years, Tyler Lights has even hosted Chick-Fil-A on select evenings, so you can drive through and grab your favorite sandwich to enjoy on a festive drive through the light display. The 2022 Tyler Lights display will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights starting at 6 p.m. from Nov. 25 through Dec. 11. From Dec. 16 through 25, you can see the lights after 6 p.m. every night of the week.

Location: 12885 County Road 192, Tyler.

Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

The Rotary International Clubs of Tyler will host a holiday parade and tree lighting to kick off December with plenty of holiday cheer. Hit downtown Tyler on Dec. 1 to participate in the fun. The parade starts at 6 p.m. with a stunning selection of floats, music, and more. The route begins on North Broadway Avenue, a block north of East Line Street. From there, it will turn right on West Ferguson, left on North Bois d’Arc Avenue, left on West Erwin Street, and left on North Spring Avenue, concluding at East Oakwood Street.

The year’s theme is “Imagine Rotary.” Participants will compete for the following six different parade awards:

• Best Holiday Theme.
• Best Band.
• Brightest Entry.
• Spirit Award.
• Most Creative.
• Best Decorated Vehicle.

The 34th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will follow the parade at the T.B. Butler Fountain Plaza. Santa will make an appearance for photos for 30 minutes after the tree lighting.

Location: 100 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler.

You’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to viewing holiday lights in the Tyler area. With so many drive-through options on the list, you’re sure to want a comfortable vehicle on hand to make the most of your Christmas outings. Our team at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler can help you get the perfect vehicle for everything from driving through light displays to cruising along as part of the parade. Visit us now.

Image by Bob Ricca is licensed with Unsplash License