Santa's Wonderland Review

So worth the money!!! We got our tickets when they were on sale. So I suggest you buy early to get that deal. Definitely get one of the VIP parkings. Staff is very friendly and I love the country style.

We had so much fun. My kids loved the place so much that they made me stay on the line for so long just to ride the tutu train.

Good additions as it continues to grow. Something has to be done about the lines and the wait for the activities

Very magical. Great little (well huge) adventure/park for the family during the holidays. I would highly suggest to pay for the fastpass tickets because the lines for the train and the hayride get LONG! They have SEVERAL different shops and places to eat, so the entire family could all have something different if they wanted.

Great shows, great staff, a bit crowded, and slightly over priced.

Completely disappointed. Came here around 6:30 pm. Both paid parking lots were sold out. Started doing the line to park and the line to ride the bus it's now 8:15 PM and we're still in the line. EVERYTHING IS A MESS!!! I'm requesting a refund RIGHT NOW

This place is beautiful, and with that said you better bring your wallet because its not cheap

It's a really something to see and do and sure there's a lot of expenses, but with the prices they charge, it's definitely not something a lot of families can afford to pay. $4 for a cup of hot chocolate is really extreme!

We went for the first time yesterday! We paid for the Rudolph parking lot walked through and we're so amazed! It was beautiful!! Well worth the money. Our girls had a blast! We enjoyed sipping on the beer and wine walking around site seeing! Our girls went to the petting zoo and rode the ponys. It was way better then we expected. We also did the tubing which is a MUST!! The line was not long! We ate pizza wish it was better. But still ok. Wine was ok. They have a cinnamon beer it is delicious! Over all it was an amazing first trip! We want this to be our annual family trip!

Lights are beautiful. Just don't use the free parking unless you have 45 minutes to wait for the bus. The busses are very dirty as well. Lines for food are extremely slow. But, again, the lights are beautiful and make the trip worthwhile.

To pay a lot if money. More geared for little kids

Was a lot better when you could drive through. The line for the hayrides now makes the visitors seem more like livestock being funneled through the waiting line, and if the entry fees weren't high enough, anything in there food or otherwise is marked up 100% of original price. This place used to be great, but seems to have bevome money hungry just like any other attraction. Note: the portion of the line shown is approximately 5-10% of the total line.

Just like everyone else says... WHAT A RIP OFF!!! We purchased our tickets on line thinking we were saving money only to find out when we got there they are misleading families. We had to fork out an additional $100 to get in! Oh and there is NO handicap parking UNLESS you purchase a parking pass in advance online. Do yourself a favor and go to the Christmas Ranch in Cleveland Tx. It's free and you will see St. Nick!!!

Very beautiful I loved in tour of the lights. I missed getting on the train ... my children loved it.

my experience at Santa s Wonderland yesterday, we went to enjoy our selves for a magical Christmas experience and the staff was very rude and inconsiderate. My daughter was the only child waiting in line to see the snow man that comes every hour and they saw her waiting and there was no one else behind my 2 year old knowing they saw her they did not care. The snow man walked away and said come back in an hour, she didn t even want a picture, she just wanted to hug the snow man. Then I saw a staff member in the Santa s station yelling at a parent because the dad let the child enter through the wrong entrance for the texas moonwalk, the dad didn t know that wasn t allowed and the dad had no idea. The staff member shouldn t have yelled at the dad like that in public, it was frightening for the children to see someone who works in Santa station to be yelling at a person like that. The staff member should have approached the dad nicely but instead she yelled at the dad. The lines for everything were very long but the hay ride was actually decent and the snow park they advertised was not snowy it was all melted and wet. Also I packed sandwiches for me and my family and no where on there website it said no food or drinks allowed and no sign what so ever at the entrance I wish I would have known no food was allowed because they made me throw away my snacks I brought for my family! Overall for how much it cost it wasn t a very good jolly experience the only thing magical was the hay ride.

Last night my niece went here with my older brother (her family) my niece sat on Santa's lap and told Santa what she wanted which consisted of stuff like an iPhone etc. Santa responded "I can't do that for you" my niece was shocked. as she walked away she burst into tears uncontrollably. We as a community need to make sure that this never happens to another child again. Christmas will never be the same for my niece again thanks to this sorry human being. Please share this review in effort to prevent another child to experience this cruel act on a child's very special holiday.

Never again. This was our second time going to Santas Wonderland. It has changed so much from our visit a couple years ago.

Now the lines are too long to enjoy your visit. It takes about an hour to catch the bus at the parking lot across the street to the place. The price has gone down, so they sell more tickets. But this causes so much congestion and you spend more time in line and only enjoy 2 activities in 5 hours. Not worth it.

Fun experience for the family. Hay ride through the light show is spectacular. Lines move relatively quickly. Only real drawback is cost. Just like just about all entertainment these days, prices are high.

Amazing place! Beautiful, make sure to take the hay-ride through the lights. Wait time for Santa can be long, and food is expensive.

Wonderful place to bring the kids to. If you go on Sunday you can get tickets half off.

Beautiful! Lights are enchanting. Unique gifts you won't find elsewhere.

Just awful. We visited for the first time and we will not be back. It was so overcrowded that it actually felt unsafe, we could not move around freely at all! We spent our entire evening going in and out of lines but didn't get to do anything as our young children could not cope with all the waiting. We didn't see Santa, or do the hayride, or the train ride - nothing!!
We stood in line for 30 mins to order an overpriced burger. We then got into another line for 20 mins to pick up the burger (which was tasteless and cold)
I then stood in line for another 20 mins to order fudge, just ridiculous.
The whole place is very unorganized and not enjoyable at all.
The only positive thing is that we purchased VIP parking and were able to leave quickly without waiting for a shuttle.
A week later we went to the lights at Dewberry Farm and had a great time! I recommend going there instead of Santa's Wonderland.

Notice how all the customers keep commenting that, when they got o a Christmas theme park particularly on a week end, the owners or employees comment about how they have 3 to 4 weekends in December that are their peak times for guests so tend to be quite busy. Really?! Who would have thought that maybe a Christmas themed attraction might be busiest on weekends in December? Apparently not the Christmas theme park owners.

So despite all of the complaints piling in now about how it is no longer worth the money to go given the incredibly long wait times to do anything and poor quality control, they tend to reply about how they care and how they are busy on weekends so come another day but the weekday reviews are also bad. It very much seems to be about money while they may be telling themselves and believe it isn't at this point when their actions clearly speak otherwise. It's unfortunate since they are really the only attraction like this around if one had guests particularly from out of country in and wanted to go show them a local Christmas attraction.

Most magical and beautiful place to go during the Christmas season

One word "DISAPPOINTING ". My daughter paid over $120.00 for 2 adults and a 6 year old to basically stand in never-ending lines with a 2 1/2 year old and a 3 month old in a stroller. The pea gravel made it difficult to get around, exhausting is a better word. Not a wheel chair or stroller friendly landscape. Not enough attractions for the number of people. 45 minute wait for mediocre over priced food. Not a Santa spotted during our 3 hours endured there. A waste of time, money and energy. Mainly the children were disappointed. I would discourage anyone from attending.

Alright for kids, too expensive just to go see lights but I guess the light bill needs to be paid lol. food not good and expensive ! The place is crowded can't even enjoy to walk just around :/ will I be back ? NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just right. Could have used more shortcuts but I guess the think it's better to make you walk all the way around stuff.

We had a nice, expensive entrance but it's worth it for the little ones at home

It was the first time my family and I visited. The staff was great. I just don't enjoy to being among such a big crowd. We paid 210$ for 2 adults and 2 children. We were not able to do the rides . Wait was way too long. Everything looks nice, food is good. I wouldn't go back because we couldn't do any of the rides and we didn't want to pay an extra 100 dollars for fast pass, but if you're patient it's a nice environment. Make sure you bring lots of money and lots of patience.

First time for my family and I to visit and we all had an amazing time.

Everything was soo nice.. food was good.. restroom really clean, not 2 many people... beautiful...

If you have never been you're missing it. Do this with your whole family. Do not go on a Friday or Saturday unless you are prepared for people. This place is wildly popular. If you don't want the HUGE crowds go on any other night. But go sometime! If you went years ago. It's not the same it's evolved into so much more than you remember. It will be a new experience. Go again. Buy tickets early and save online.

Great place to take the kids, but still fun for the kid a heart.

The light displays were phenomenal!! Everything and everyone were of professional standards - smoothly operated. I 100% recommend Santa's Wonderland!

If you like to wait in line.. pay 35$. Best part is the drive home. This deserves 0 stars to be truthful. Never coming again... just when you think you can get to your car. You wait in another 40 minutes line...

It is a tradition to take my kids every year and so far we have not been disappointed.

We bought super savers for a date that said it was available then when we drove 6 hours to get there, we were told at the ticket counter that they don't work for that day because they're having a 5k? So we had to pay $30 extra when the only reason we came is because we got the special deal. Once we got in, the line for the hay ride was over 2 hours so we just left. We won't be returning.

I go every year with my family. It is amazing and the food is great. Its worth every penny I send for my family

We got home at 2am last night. From what? Waiting in line. We stood in line for 2 and half hours for the "hay ride". My husband had been looking forward to this for years. He has always wanted to go.

Let me say. We have been to Disney land 2 times. We have been to Walt Disney World. We never stood in line as long as we did last night.

At least make the line interactive. Like a game for searching for elves while standing in line. Have lights in the trees when you are waiting in the dark.

It broke my heart when I started to see older couples leaving with their grandkids as the kids cry. They just couldn't endure the wait.

The only 2 things that were positive. Stopping at the winery ( which we should of drank while waiting in line) and stopping at Bucky's for a midnight snack.

We should of gone to a free Christmas event in our town. It would of been at least a Christmas feeling and FREE!

Awesome displays. Fantastic lights. Hayride is a must! Great shopping. Watch a movie!

The line and wait to get in was by far the longest of the night. They do a phenomenal job of moving people through attractions without having you spend to much time waiting. Staff members were incredibly friendly.

Santa's Wonerland is a great place to start traditions with your family. This was the first time coming to SW and I have to say it did not disappoint.

Tip: The hayride was amazing and the main attraction for the park. If you are able to pay for the express pass do so. When we went I heard people were waiting over one hour. I literally bought my passes on my phone and waited less than 10 minutes in line. Trust me it is well worth it.

We will definitely come back next year.

Great time. A bit overpriced, but was a very good time. Santa visit in a private room was really cool, but the picture was 25 bucks. Kids really enjoyed it.

It was AMAZING!!!! I loved it! My first time here and it was no dissent at all!

There is no doubt this place is great but the parking situation is a mess and the lines for everything are 1 hour long.

We've gone to Santa's Wonderland for the past 6 years. Absolutely awesome experience every time. Every bit of the staff is friendly and helpful. New things are always being added, so we were surprised at all the new areas. The snow hill is great, and my kids loved it. You can tell the have really put thought into trying to accommodate the large crowds, and have really made the place huge and more spaced out. The 30 min hayride is amazing and we never get tired of it. Truly worth the drive from Houston. My kids beg to come back each year. The food is great too. Ticket prices are a big high, but just from years of experience coming here, it's because of all the things to do now. We had a great time! My advice is to come as close to opening time as possible. Lots of parking. Don't wait till 7 pm when the lots are filling up. If the line for the hayride is long, go do other things for a couple hours. We wait till 9:30 pm almost every time, and then get right on. The music and bonfire is just awesome. Get your tickets online and they are cheaper.

Very nice place to take your family. However the lines get super long and there is only one exit. There should be differnet exits that is closer to each parking lot.

This is a great playland for kids of all ages to enjoy winter in a way that we don't often see in the south. We definitely recommend the carriage ride around the complex to see the lights. It's definitely more comfortable than sitting on the stacks of hay. Book your ticket in advance so that you can get a discount. There is a variety of food options but decide on your meal early because each station had roughly at least a half-hour wait. The snack items and desserts had less than a five-minute wait in most cases. Definitely wear boots or thick shoes because the snow will melt and soak your shoes and socks. Also plan to bring a heavy coat if you are going to participate in the snow activities.

Nice light display but the establishment needs better logistic and organization. We got here at 5:55PM (Opening hours listed at 6PM) and waited 30 min to get in the parking lot. Want to get on the shuttle, another 1 hour wait. No attendant to monitor the lines and people are cutting left and right. Once you get inside the park, there is a line everywhere. Hayride - 40 min wait or pay $10/person for the express pass. Train ride - 1 hour wait. Want Hot chocolate - 30 min wait. Ohhhh the kettle corn line looks short, only 3 people, must be quick right!! NOPE, After you pay, it's a 15 min wait to get your popcorn. Everywhere you look, there are lines. We left and never coming back.

Was very beautiful and lots of fun but can get really expensive really quick. Lines for rides can also end up being hours long

Not much to see, and to do. Most of food were very expensive. I personally first one time experience is enough.

Great Christmas lights, make sure to ride the hay ride.

I enjoyed it with my family. It was are 1st time. Their services from parking lot-pickup and drop off where very organized and quick.. Personal kind and generous. Food was good. Restrooms where clean for our kids.

Been standing outside in line for a very long time they were supposed to open at 6 still not open!!!!

Went for the first time this year and loved it!! Please plan ahead before you come. Review their webiste to know if you will be able to drive thru or not. I see alot of people complaining about driving hours then seeing they can not drive them selves thru the lights. Do your research. Yes there are lines you along with everyone else is excited about seeing everything just take a breath and enjoy the time with your family. There is tons to do... see Santa, drink hot coco, lots to eat, huge movie screen, a train to ride, petting zoo, hay ride (loved it), places to shop and so much more!! I loved it and so did my family... we will be coming back each year. Thank you for all the hard work you put into the place!!

There's no mask mandate and people aren't or can't even social distance due to the crowd. I hope I didn't walk away with covid.

So this will be simple and short and to the point. The place is amazing and beautiful the problem is the ridiculous lines for everything. They need to sell certain amount of tickets per day cause you have too many people at once. Will never visit again sorry

2 stars are for the pretty lights. My family went on Sunday and while this is not our first time visiting Santa's Wonderland, it will certainly be our last due to the cost & wait times. Even with the variety of ticket options, purchasing online early bird passes we spent $209 just on tickets alone. Then once you get into the park they will nickle & dime you for every little thing. We spent $75+ on dinner (hamburgers and pizza) that would have cost us $40 anywhere else. They will charge you $4/per person for the petting zoo. $25 for a mandatory 5"x7" photo in the snow globe which you are strictly permitted not to play in. The pony ride is $7/per person. $27+ for pictures with Santa (2 hour wait time!!). $5 for face painting. Then when you go to leave you have to exit through the gift shop so your child will want every little thing. The lines are ridiculously long everywhere you go. I spent 45 minutes just waiting in line to order food and another 20 minutes waiting for our order. We spent 1 hour and 45 minutes waiting for a ride on the train. Another 45 minutes - 1 hour waiting for the hayride. We spent 1 hour in the freezing cold waiting for a bus back to our car because people kept cutting in line. I honestly miss the days where you could just drive through in your car.

Wonderful experience everyone should go at least once.

A good place to go with your family members and friends the Christmas lights are beautiful and cool the rides were good too the restaurants were great too the food and the coke was good the hot coco was the best the staff are kind and friendly and helpful the antique shop was great too will recommend!

Annual family tradition. I've been going since I was a student at TAMU when you could drive your own vehicle through the lights.
However, with all of the new attractions and long lines, they should open earlier than 6 so that families with kids that have to drive can truly enjoy more of the attractions. The lines are extremely long and prevents you from doing everything. I understand the hayride opening after sunset, but the snow, petting zoo, pictures, food, etc. should open sooner.

My sons wanted pizza, we waited 15-20 minutes in line to find out it was a 30 minute wait for pizza!!! No warning, no signs, nothing. So we had 2 disappointed children that had to settle for the food line that moved the fastest.

There should be signage with arrows because we had workers tell us two different ways to get to an attraction. One was right and one was wrong. There were 3 lines for the hayride and no one understood why or what the difference was.

We packed rain boots because it rained the day before and for the snow. We always dress in layers

WOW!! this place is AWESOME! Everyone we spoke to was so kind and happy. The lights are breathtaking

For a 1st visit, I was not impressed. They shouldn't have even wasted printing a map. The map was a map without a legend. I get more info from the zoo map.
Lines were long, understandable, but who wants to wait 1.5 hrs for Santa. They had a reservation for Snow globe photos, which was odd as 50% of the time the globe was empty, when they should have had reservations for Santa. OR brought in 2 Santa's. And they should announce or post (somewhere) about signing up.
Well I crossed this location off my bucket list.
Won't be going back.

Love it!! Get the early bird tickets. We had a wonderful time!!

From the delicious food options to the live music and entertainment combined with the smells and beautiful lights and shops and awesome hay ride all combined to make this place a one of a kind Texas Christmas experience! You have to see it..it's an amazing place to visit!

Great experience and great experience of you have kids

Love Santa s wonderland. Have been a few years now. But they are starting to hike their prices way too much

We've gone to Santa's Wonderland for the last 3 years in a row. We always go on the least crowded nights as predicted by the crowd meter on their website. Our first year was amazing. My husband, 2yr old, and myself loved it! We rode the train 4 times with practically no wait, hopped right on the hayride, and drank cocoa while eating popcorn and listening to live music by the fake snow. It was magical! The lights are gorgeous and I couldn't believe how long the actual hayride lasted. I felt the tickets were pricey but it was worth it for these experiences. We didn't get the parking passes but we were still able to park close by and walk up through the neat entrance with decorative buildings and lights. This year...it's obvious they've made many aesthetic improvements but the efficiency has really gone downhill. We had long lines for EVERYTHING even on a less popular night-lines for the shuttle, the hayride, the train. Our son wanted to see Santa and take a photo in the snow globe but we had already spent so much time waiting in line for the other things that we had to leave. The shuttle drops you off in a different stop, requiring a longer and less scenic walk up to the entrance. The hayride wait was ridiculous, considering the small amount of people waiting. Previous years they were steadily coming through but this year was different. It looked like/felt like they only had 2 trucks with trailers and the 2nd truck got loaded up with the express pass customers. The train was one of our favorite parts in previous years but they only had one train running this time (apparently the 2nd was broken) and, like I said, just more waiting. They had a really good thing going and this year just felt like they were trying to nickle and dime you but they really lost their efficiency which dramatically changed our experience-enough that I doubt we will return again.
It's difficult driving 3 hrs (round trip) at night and then waiting in line over and over again with small children (1 and 4yrs old) and, sadly, it lost that magical feel. It looks really nice and like they've invested a lot of money into this place recently but the experience is just not as good.