If you are wondering exactly what to do at Prairie Lights, you’ve come to the right place!
What to do at Prairie Lights?
Prairie Lights is a 2-mile drive-through holiday experience with over 4 million lights. It is open Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving) through New Year’s Eve from 6 pm-10 pm.
For my family of 6, the best part of Prairie Lights is the slow crawl, in my own car, with my favorite people looking at the magic of the lights with our favorite Christmas tunes playing. No matter the weather, you can experience the display. It’s a close family experience including an out-of-car holiday village and a lighted forest walk.
When you purchase admission for your vehicle ($45/car) into Prairie Lights, you will be rewarded with multiple fun experiences. Here’s the 8 best activities at Prairie Lights.
1. Two-mile drive through Animated Light Scenes
As you drive through the lights, you will find different themes to look at. Over the road arches as well as scenes on both sides of the car will delight from whichever seat you’re in.
This year we found the Christmas Carol story recreated in lights and word bubbles. The kids loved the under-the-sea theme and the old nostalgic town scene. The 12 days of Christmas was a hit! We drove REAL slow on this because we had to sing the song as we hit each new ‘day’ display.
You may have to wait to get into Prairie Lights, so plan some time to wait or attend early in the season or early in the evening.
2. Shop for Christmas Gifts at the Prairie Lights Holiday Village
Holiday decor and festive fun abound at the Holiday village halfway through your lighted drive. With boutique shops and food vendors inside a heated tent area, you’re sure to find just the right gift for someone on your list! Completing some Christmas shopping is what to do at Prairie Lights.
3. Prairie Lights Carousel and Carnival Ride
Included in admission for each car is unlimited rides on the carousel and teddy bear spinning carnival ride. I loved saying ‘yes’ when my kids begged to ride again and again.
4. Laser Light Show
Inside the Holiday Villiage, you’ll find an entrance to a light show. The laser light show begins at 7 and repeats every 20 mins. It a new story this year that ends with Texas snow drifting down on stage.
The music and story along with the mesmerizing lights hooked our kids from the first moments. (Glow toys available for purchase).
5. Photo with Santa Opportunity at Prairie Light Holiday Villiage
Getting a photo with Santa is the only attraction not fully included in your admission fee. I loved the cute set up of Santa’s North Pole village and an authentic Santa that will be there every night until Dec. 23.
6. Hot Chocolate and Festive Food
A holiday experience wouldn’t be complete without hot chocolate! Find a warm drink and other food options in the holiday village. My kids loved the caramel apples (or chocolate covered!) and classic Texas Corn Dogs and Funnel Cake.
7. Lighted Walk-Through Forest
As much as I loved driving through the beautiful scenes, walking through was even more rewarding. Holding hands with my husband as we watched our kids frolic and play under the holiday glow was magical.
8. Tunnel of Lights
I don’t have a photo of this because I was busy enjoying the psychedelic experience of driving through a tunnel of lights moving in rhythmic patterns. Go slow and enjoy the tunnel as you say goodbye to the magical festive night at Prairie Lights.
We’ve been to Prairie Lights 2 years in a row and I’m sure it will be a beloved tradition for years to come. Make Prairie Lights a family tradition this holiday season.
Need more info? Check out the official Prairie Lights website.
Find more Fall fun in DFW or 75 Family Fun activities in the Metroplex.
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