When Do Christmas Light Festivals Start Planning? A Look at the Timeline
Many guests are surprised to learn how early Christmas festivals begin planning for the season. In reality, preparation often starts nearly a year in advance. Here is a look at the timeline behind Old West Christmas Light Fest, and what it means for you as you plan your own holiday calendar.
Why Early Planning Is Essential
A festival that welcomes thousands of guests over 15 nights involves a lot of moving pieces: musicians, food vendors, Santa, staff, activities, lighting, parking and safety. Planning early gives us time to get every detail right, so the evening feels effortless for you.
What Goes Into Festival Preparation
- January – February: review guest feedback and set goals for next season
- Spring: set the festival dates and begin booking musicians and entertainers
- Summer: line up food vendors, plan new activities and design the guest experience
- September: finalize the lineup, build the ticketing page and prepare marketing
- October 1: tickets go on sale
- Early November: setup begins and the lights start going up across the Old West town
- Mid-November: staff orientation and final walk-throughs
- Thanksgiving weekend: opening night!
How Planning Improves the Guest Experience
For guests, all that preparation means smoother operations, friendlier lines and a more enjoyable evening overall. It also means the most popular nights fill quickly. Weekends in mid-December and the final nights before Christmas are always in demand, so we recommend choosing your date and buying your tickets online early. You will skip the gate line with your QR code, and you will save compared to full-price gate tickets.
Our Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Pick your night early and buy online, since gate tickets are full price and depend on availability
- Arrive when the gates open at 5:00 PM for the trick roper (6:00–7:00 PM) and live music (starting at 5:30 PM)
- Check the live entertainment schedule for line dancing nights
- Follow us on social media and join our email list for promo codes and giveaways
We are open 5:00–10:00 PM on 15 nights: November 27, 28 and 29; December 4, 5 and 6; December 11, 12 and 13; and every night from December 18 through December 23, 2026.
Keep Reading
- Christmas in the Off-Season: How We Prepare for Old West Christmas Light Fest All Year Long
- What's Included with Your Ticket at Old West Christmas Light Fest
- Why the Texas Hill Country Is the Perfect Setting for a Christmas Light Festival
Planning a trip to the lights? Plan Your Visit or Buy Your Tickets.