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.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring carnival rides, a live nativity, and petting zoo.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Foundation
Food & Drink
Food stalls offer full plates, funnel cakes, and other festival treats, with hot chocolate and apple cider among the drink options.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children of all ages
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $10 nightly admission; free for kids 12 and under. – Get tickets
- Hours: 5:30–11:00.
- Accessibility: Buses at the park & ride locations are handicap accessible.
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.
Quick Actions
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.
More Christmas Events Near San Marcos
More Christmas Events near 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.