The goal of Robert and John was to offer a family-oriented event that would evoke the spirit of the holidays in everybody’s lives. These two men left a delightful legacy to Dickinson—a tradition that everyone can all be proud of and one that the Dickinson, Texas, residents hope to continue for many years to come.
When the holiday comes, there’s no better way to appreciate them than to tour the Dickinson Festival of Lights with Christmas lights displays around the great state of Texas. This event is just one of the many offerings around the town that are certain to light up your night, get you into the holiday spirit, and enjoy the amazing showcase of dazzling lights festivals the town has to offer.
Dickinson Festival of Lights Dates
With the Dickinson Lights, you can come out and enjoy some of the most spectacular displays of fairy lights in the Dickinson, Texas, area. Over a million lights await to lighten your way as you enjoy s’mores, kettle corn, hot chocolate, and so much more.
There is even a chance to visit Santa and do some holiday shopping as you come across Santa’s Village, located among the starry lights. The Dickinson Festival of Lights usually takes place from November to December.
However, please keep in mind that the festival of lights will be closed on December 24th and 25th. It will be open from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
So, make sure you take a stroll through the acres of lighted displays decorated by community groups and local businesses. You never know what you’ll come across to inspire the holiday season among the trails.
For up-to-date information on dates, visit the festival’s official website and social media channels.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
This lights festival lights up the Paul Hopkins Park with its brightest light display to welcome in the holiday season. Certainly, you do not like to miss that magnificent display of Christmas lights as it alters the park into a magical paradise with its lighting ceremony.
The Paul Hopkins Park is situated on FM517 on the way to the heart of Dickinson. It is owned and managed by Galveston County. The 11-acre park features a multi-purpose trail, a canoe launch, picnic areas, ten tables, a picnic pavilion with permanent tables, a playground, pier, and restroom.
To go there, you need to exit (HWY-517) and then head east. The Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church will be one block down on the right.
If you’re in Texas, you can also check out these amazing lights festivals:
Festival of Lights Lake Jackson
Festival Hours
Stroll along with the wonderful town of Dickinson as you come upon its quaint and hometown festivities like the Dickinson Lights Festival. The Paul Hopkins Park comes to life with holiday cheer as they light up the town.
If you wish to visit this festival, you should be aware of its festival hours. Experience the nostalgic beauty of yesteryear this holiday season in Dickinson. According to their official website, the event will start at 6:00 PM and will end at 8:30 PM.
How Much It Cost to Visit Dickinson Festival of Lights
Christmas in Dickinson is one of the best activities you should experience, especially if you plan on visiting the town in the holidays. One of the best things about this festival is that it’s 100% free to enter.
The Dickinson Festival of Lights Society, Inc. (a nonprofit) will celebrate its 26th annual festival of lights this 2023. It will be a walk-thru event at the Paul Hopkins Park, with free admission, shuttle, and parking service. How amazing is that?
All parking and shuttle buses are free of charge. On top of that, the parking is courtesy of the Shrine of the True Cross Catholic Church. Wheelchair-bound guests could be dropped off at the park where the buses load and unload. Also, street parking during the shuttle service period is discouraged for safety reasons.
Weather and What to Wear
The daily high temperatures at Dickinson, Texas, decrease by 5°Fahrenheit, from 68°Fahrenheit to 63° Fahrenheit. It infrequently falls below 49°Fahrenheit or goes beyond 78°Fahrenheit.
You can wear anything tight-fitting. Your tights can do under jeans for added warmth, or you can pair them with a skirt and ankle boots.
Where to Sleep
Finding a cozy and comfortable place to sleep and rest after exploring the Dickinson Festival of Lights must be your priority. But fret not. Here are some of our recommendations on where you can sleep after the event:
Days Inn by Wyndham Dickinson TX
This accommodation provides 40 air-conditioned rooms with tea or coffee makers and hair dryers. It is a motel in the town with free breakfast and a 24-hour front desk. You can also find an outdoor pool and a spa tub if you want to relax after a tiring night.
Palace Inn
This is a 3-star motel with a 24-hour front desk and free breakfast. All rooms are individually furnished here and boast free Wi-Fi, wired internet, and local calls. Free self-parking is provided, as well.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Houston League City
This is a hotel close to Dickinson, TX. It’s located in League City, offering an outdoor pool and free breakfast. All rooms provide free Wi-Fi, free wired internet, coffee makers, and LED televisions with cable channels.
Where to Eat
There’s no better way to end your day after exploring the Dickinson Festival of Lights than savoring the best foods. Right? If you are new to the area and don’t know where to eat, here are our top recommendations you can consider.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
This restaurant in Dickinson, Texas, is a family-friendly chain that serves classic Texan-Mexican and American fare in a unique Southwestern-style environment. Some of the favorites you can order in this diner are burgers, fajitas, ribs, and their signature margaritas for dine-in, delivery, or curbside.
You can also try appetizers, like crispy cheddar bites, crispy asparagus, and fried pickles.
A J’s Meat Market and Smokehouse
A J’s Meat Market and Smokehouse has been serving the Galveston community for over two decades already. This place offers a full-service meat counter that delivers premium quality beef, pork, and poultry that are newly butchered with speciality cuts and welcomin service.
Also, they process wild game, cure, and smoke bacon and hams, grind summer sausages and stuff link sausages, and prep deer jerky.
Dickinson Bar-B-Que & Steakhouse
This steakhouse is a proud local Texan family-owned and operated. They provide all genuine Texas-themed foods, offering a wide variety of fresh veggies and sides, hand-cut steaks, local Gulf shrimp, fresh seafood, Texas-sized burgers, hand-battered chicken, classic sandwiches, steaks, and other Texas-style home cooking. There are fine wine and ice cold beers, as well.
More Things to Do in the Area
Would you like to explore more what Dickinson and the surrounding area have to offer? Don’t worry because we have you covered as well. Here are some of the most popular places you can visit near Paul Hopkins Park and Dickinson in general:
Space Center Houston
This destination is the official visitor’s center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It was initially known as the Center for Human Spaceflight and later called Mission Control. It was designed in 1961 as part of former President Kennedy’s goal to get a man on the moon by the end of the sixties.
Kemah Boardwalk
This is a bustling spot with an appealing yesteryear vibe. Hop around on old-fashioned wooden rollercoasters or carousels. You can also check out the different arcade games. Both locals and tourists go here at night to take in the Texas BBQ and a wide array of other cuisines.
You will also find live bands both in the restaurants and bands and even on an outdoor stage. All of that overlooks the Galveston Bay, which is a quick drive south of Houston.
Bay Area Raceway
If you’re searching for extra fun, you need to check out this place. There, you will have a chance to perform go-cart driving, which can be an excellent way for the entire family to have a family-friendly competition.
Historical Railroad Center
This museum provides a detailed look at the history of Dickinson as a general and the railroad depot. You can tour the museum to see what life was actually like for those there at the town’s beginning.
Marais
Marais offers tasty Cajun food that will have you planning another visit before you can even complete your meal. This is a great place for a good date night or a family dinner.
FAQ
1. Is there available parking?
Parking during the festival of lights is a hot commodity, just like those twinkling twinkle lights trees that you see as soon as you walk in. Free parking spaces are generally available in designated areas. However, these can fill up faster than you can say “blinking Christmas lights,” so consider arriving early.
2. Is Smoking Allowed?
The Dickinson Festival of Lights is a family-friendly environment. To keep it comfortable for everyone, smoking is strictly prohibited. We want the only things lighting up the night to be the outdoor lighting and light displays, not cigarettes.
3. Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed. While we understand that even your four-legged friend enjoys a good light festival, the festival area can get crowded, making it uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for pets.
4. Is there a Christmas Light show?
Oh, you’re in for a treat! The Christmas light show is an integral part of the festival, dazzling visitors with intricate designs and mesmerizing sequences. Be prepared for a visual feast like no other.
5. Are there curtain lights?
You bet! These aren’t just any curtain lights; they’re meticulously arranged to create cascading walls of light, which add a touch of sophistication to the overall backyard lighting scheme. They’re almost as captivating as a shooting star but way easier to catch on camera!
6. Are there food stalls available?
Yes! But it’s best to keep in mind that options may be limited. Some stands offer typical festival fare, but if you have specific dietary needs, we recommend eating before you arrive or packing some snacks.
7.Is the festival child-friendly?
Absolutely! The festival of lights is a family affair, complete with twinkle lights and light displays that can make even the grumpiest teenager crack a smile. Plus, various activities for kids make it an all-ages affair.
8. Is photography allowed?
Of course! Just be mindful of others while capturing those perfect shots. Whether it’s the twinkling fairy lights or the grandeur of the whole lighting setup, your Instagram feed is going to thank you.
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Thanks for reading!
If you found any mistake, I would be happy to correct it, please send an email to: fesvival.of.lighs.guide@gmail.com
Besides, if you are a fan of light festivals, you should also visit:
Zoo Lights Houston
Festival of Lights Lake Jackson
