Welcome to your comprehensive holiday guide for Wichita Falls! Discover all the best festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering Wichita Falls or seeing it for the first time, this guide maximizes your holiday enjoyment.
Kick off the season with the enchanting MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights, featuring beautifully illuminated displays that bring holiday magic to life. Experience a nighttime adventure with over 60 lighted animal creations at the ElectriCritters display. And don't forget the lively City Lights Parade & Festival, an event you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Wichita Falls
- MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights
- ElectriCritters
- City Lights Parade & Festival
- Christmas in the Park
- Santa House
- Holiday Pop-Up Market
Wichita Falls Holiday Light Displays
MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights
What to Expect:
Historic campus tradition with themed displays
Description:
The MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights transforms Midwestern State University's campus into a dazzling spectacle. This beloved tradition, dating back to 1974, features over 40 themed displays that bring holiday stories and characters to life. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated campus, marveling at the intricate scenes. The event honors the legacy of L.T. and Lillian Burns, who began decorating their home in the 1920s. You'll find yourself immersed in a rich tapestry of lights, celebrating both the holiday season and local history.
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ElectriCritters
What to Expect:
Zoo animals incorporated into light displays
Description:
ElectriCritters electrifies the River Bend Nature Center with a unique twist on holiday illuminations. This event seamlessly blends wildlife education with seasonal cheer, featuring light displays shaped like native animals and plants. Visitors can embark on a guided nature walk, learning about local ecosystems while enjoying the twinkling lights. The event, which began in the late 1990s, has become a cherished part of Wichita Falls' holiday traditions. As you explore, the gentle rustling of leaves adds a touch of nature to the glowing scenes.
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Wichita Falls Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Pop-Up Market
What to Expect:
Curated selection of local artisans and makers
Description:
The Holiday Pop-Up Market showcases the best of Wichita Falls' creative community. This carefully curated event brings together local artisans, crafters, and small businesses, offering unique, handmade gifts and seasonal items. Visitors can browse through a diverse array of booths, each featuring one-of-a-kind products. The market, which started as a grassroots effort to support local makers, has grown into a significant event on the city's holiday calendar. You'll discover everything from hand-poured candles to locally crafted jewelry, all while supporting the area's vibrant artistic community.
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Wichita Falls Other Holiday Activities
City Lights Parade & Festival
What to Expect:
Downtown parade with illuminated floats
Description:
The City Lights Parade & Festival ignites downtown Wichita Falls with a procession of brilliantly lit floats. This dynamic event brings the community together, featuring local businesses, schools, and organizations in a dazzling display of creativity. Spectators line the streets to witness the parade's radiant spectacle, which winds through the heart of the city. The festival, a relatively new addition to the city's holiday calendar, has quickly become a highlight of the season. You can join in the excitement by decorating a float or cheering from the sidelines.
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Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday village in a park setting
Description:
Christmas in the Park transforms Lucy Park into a bustling holiday village. This immersive experience features themed areas, each offering unique activities and displays. Visitors can hop aboard a miniature train for a tour of the illuminated grounds. The event, which began as a small community gathering, has grown into a major attraction, drawing people from across the region. As you explore, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, adding to the sensory experience. The park's natural beauty provides a picturesque backdrop for this holiday extravaganza.
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Santa House
What to Expect:
Historic downtown building transformed into Santa's residence
Description:
Santa House brings the North Pole to downtown Wichita Falls, occupying a charming historic building. This unique attraction offers an intimate and personal experience with Santa Claus in a carefully crafted setting. Visitors can explore rooms designed to resemble Santa's workshop and living quarters. The event, which began in the early 2000s, has become a cherished tradition for local families. You'll find yourself transported to a cozy, snow-covered cottage, complete with Mrs. Claus's kitchen and a toy-making area.
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Nearby Events
Archer City Christmas Parade (Archer City)
What to Expect:
Small-town parade with strong literary connections
Description:
The Archer City Christmas Parade celebrates the holiday season with a distinctly Texan flair. This charming small-town event features locally decorated floats, vintage cars, and horseback riders. Visitors can line the streets to watch the procession, which winds through the historic downtown. The parade takes place in the hometown of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry, adding a literary dimension to the festivities. You'll find yourself immersed in a quintessential Texas Christmas experience, complete with cowboy hats and twinkling lights adorning the town's iconic buildings.