Illustration of a light display scene (United Way Winter Lightfest)
Christmas Lights

United Way Winter Lightfest

Winter Lightfest invites visitors along a 3/4-mile paved walking path illuminated by nearly 3 million lights. The trail includes festive photo opportunities, visits with Santa, and a scavenger hunt. Guests can also warm up with hot chocolate and make s’mores.

What to Expect

Walking trail illuminated by nearly three million holiday lights.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

United Way of Abilene

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and s’mores are available at the event.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and glowing

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Abilene, TX
79601

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Adults: $15 online, $18 at the gate. Children ages 3–17: $12 online, $15 at the gate. Ages 2 and under: free. The page also says to watch for presale discounts and ticket package specials in October, without giving details.
  • Hours: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; last admission at 9:00 p.m.; walking trail hours 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
  • Accessibility: Features a 3/4-mile paved walking path.

Tips & Advice

  • Buy tickets online before you go, because admission costs less online than at the gate for both adults and children.
  • Look for the presale discounts and ticket package specials released in October if you want the best deal for your group.
  • Arrive well before last admission so you have time to walk the whole 3/4-mile trail and stop for photos, Santa and the scavenger hunt.
  • Dress warmly for an evening outdoors, and plan to warm up along the way with hot chocolate and s'mores.
  • Children aged 2 and under get in free, so bring the little ones along without buying them a ticket.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Presale discounts and ticket package specials in October.
  • Golf cart rides, on sale from November 1 along with general admission.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's along the trail?

A 3/4-mile paved walking path runs through nearly 3 million lights. Along the way there are photo spots, Santa, a scavenger hunt, hot chocolate and s'mores.

Is the walking path paved?

Yes, the entire 3/4-mile walking path is paved.

Are there golf cart rides?

Yes. Golf cart rides go on sale November 1, along with general admission tickets.

Where does the money go?

Every dollar raised goes to United Way of Abilene's 22 partner agencies and 26 local programs.

How can a business get involved?

Sponsorship packets are available for businesses and organizations. Contact Chelsea Smurphat at United Way of Abilene for details.

Tags

holiday light displaysSanta visitsfamily friendlyfestive foodcommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesholiday traditioninteractive displays

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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

Last Updated: Oct 22, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team