The lights are going up, the tree is getting trimmed, and we’re gearing up for another magical season at Lone Star Lights! As we look forward to welcoming families and friends this Christmas, I’m excited to share what’s new for 2024 and how we continue to evolve this beloved event, while staying true to our mission at Carolina Creek.
At the heart of it all, Lone Star Lights remains a reflection of our mission: to “invite people to experience and know the love of Jesus.” Every detail, from the light displays to the way we greet guests at the gates, is designed to create a space where families can feel connected—to each other, to the Christmas spirit, and to the love of Jesus. This mission is something we’ve carried forward from the beginning, and it continues to guide everything we do.
For those who have joined us in the past, you know Lone Star Lights isn’t just about looking at Christmas lights—it’s about creating an immersive experience that engages all the senses. Whether you’ve come to ride the zip lines; sled or throw snowballs in the snow zone; meet Rolly the Talking Reindeer; or wander the Fractal Forest, each element has been thoughtfully curated to foster moments of joy and connection. And while the heart of Lone Star Lights remains unchanged, I’m excited to share how we’ve grown and added even more for this year’s visitors.
One of the biggest additions for 2024 is our stunning entry tunnel—a 100-foot-long corridor of sparkling lights that welcomes you into the park. It’s designed to immediately transport guests into the world of Lone Star Lights and set the stage for the magic that lies ahead.
We’ve also introduced a brand-new zone, Yuletide Square, which adds even more charm and interactivity to the park. Rolly the Talking Reindeer, a declared Lone Star Lights favorite celebrity, has settled into a new home at the Reindeer Stables.
For those who love to get hands-on, Yuletide Square also includes two delightful craft shops: Timber & Twine and Noel’s Leatherworks. Guests can create personalized holiday keepsakes that they’ll cherish for years to come—whether it’s crafting a handmade ornament or a leather good. These little touches add to the overall sense of wonder and personalization Lone Star Lights is known for.
This year, we’ve also expanded our Arctic Adventure offerings, adding more opportunities for families to engage in exciting, physical ways. The popular Arctic Adventures has two new features that are sure to thrill guests of all ages. First up is the Glacier Climb, an ice-themed climbing wall that lets adventurous guests scale a frosty peak right here in Texas. Next is the Arctic Swing, a two-person giant swing that lifts riders 25 feet into the air before they pull the ripcord and swing out over the lights in Candy Cane Lane—a breathtaking experience that’s sure to be a highlight for thrill-seekers.
Another new addition we’re particularly excited about is the Luminous Lilies in Fractal Forest. Over 50 of these illuminated lily pads respond to your steps, changing colors as you move across them. It’s an interactive, playful feature that adds a new layer of discovery to the Fractal Forest, which has been a favorite zone for its immersive lighting designs. Whether you’re 6 or 60, there’s something magical about watching the ground light up under your feet.
For our younger guests who love the train ride through the park, we’ve added a second train station in Yuletide Square, supplementing the original train station in Candy Cane Lane. This gives you two unique routes to explore, making it easier than ever to see all Lone Star Lights has to offer. It’s a great way to relax and take in the sights while spending quality time with your loved ones.
Our cherished zone Reason for The Season has a new location this year, offering a new way to experience many of this area’s beloved features. The Vertical Cathedral is an inspiring light display that invites you to pause and take in the celestial moment. The Prayer Arbors return as a wonderful invitation for you and your guests to prayerfully give thanks or lift requests up to Heaven. And the Nativity is sure to capture hearts as you walk through the Christmas Story in a reflective and contemplative scripture journey.
One of the optional elements that makes Lone Star Lights so special is our Dinner Theatre experience, which continues to be a highlight of the season. This year, we’re proud to present Gift of the Magi, performed once again by the talented team at Houston’s AD Players. We’ve taken this classic story and set it against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, bringing a contemporary twist to O. Henry’s timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and grace. It’s a beautiful reminder of what truly matters during the holiday season, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience this original production created exclusively for the Lone Star Lights stage.
Of course, no dinner theatre experience is complete without a festive meal to accompany the show. This year’s menu includes a first course of holiday salad, followed by a choice of hearty soups – Broccoli Cheddar or Classic Minestrone. For the main course, guests can choose between Ribeye Steak, Lemon Dill Salmon, or Vegetarian Spinach Cheese Tortellini, all served with sides of creamy garlic mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. And for dessert, there’s something for everyone — rich Cheesecake, Chocolate Cake, or a refreshing Fruit Cup for those looking for a lighter option.
While the new attractions and experiences are exciting, what I’m most looking forward to this year is seeing how our returning guests react to the way we’ve reimagined the park. We’ve worked hard to strike the perfect balance between keeping familiar areas—like Candy Cane Lane and Lone Star Ranch—while introducing new, surprising zones and elements around every corner. I think guests will love that feeling of coming back to something they know and love, while still being delighted by new discoveries throughout the park.
At the end of the day, our goal remains the same: to create a space where families and friends can make memories that will last a lifetime. From the moment you drive through the gate and see the lights to the final goodbyes in the parking lot, our hope is that every guest feels cared for and loved. We’re here to serve you, to make sure your experience is magical and meaningful, and, most importantly, to reflect the love of Jesus in everything we do.
As Lone Star Lights continues to grow, it’s been amazing to see how this event extends the reach of Carolina Creek’s mission. Traditionally, the winter months are quieter at camp, but with Lone Star Lights, we get to fill that season with the sounds of laughter, music, and joy. It’s a way for us to steward our resources and use this beautiful property to welcome tens of thousands of people—many of whom may otherwise never have had the chance to experience Carolina Creek.
Looking ahead, we hope to continue growing and refining this event, finding new ways to surprise and delight our guests each year. Whether this is your first time visiting Lone Star Lights or you’ve been coming since the very beginning, there’s always something new to discover. I can’t wait to see the memories made this year and to welcome you all back to celebrate the true reason for the season.
Thanksgiving jumps a week later this year, causing a pretty big change in our season. Rather than starting on weekends only and ending with a full week run, we will start with a full week run before and after Thanksgiving, then go to weekends only in December. This is to accommodate families and school schedules. Don’t be caught off-guard! Lone Star Lights runs select nights from November 22 through December 22. Be sure to bring your family and friends and experience the magic for yourself! Tickets are available online at LoneStarLights.org.
Wes Armstrong is Director of Lone Star Lights and Director of Creative, Production & Digital Services for Carolina Creek.
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