With the week of Thanksgiving upon us, you can expect holiday decorations to pop up virtually everywhere. That includes Texas Motor Speedway just north of Fort Worth, which is hosting the Gift of Lights display for the third straight year through January 5.
Those dreaming of revving up their engine on the track or taking a spin up the banked corners will be disappointed, however. Most of the lights are found on the concourse underneath the west side stands, with a short jaunt outside of the north end of the track.
In all, there are more than 600 displays featuring 2 million LED lights on the concourse. The displays run the gamut from traditional (Santa Claus, elves, snowmen) to the whimsical (snowboarding penguins, parachuting reindeer) to the religious (Jesus, angels).
The people in charge of the lights might want to brush up on their holidays, though, as one display takes viewers through Jesus' crucifixion journey, from dragging the cross through the streets of Jerusalem to being nailed on the cross. Not only is this something associated with Easter instead of Christmas, it isn't exactly fitting with the cheery mood of the rest of the displays.
Each car, which costs $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends and holidays, gets special glasses that turn the glittery lights into snowflakes. Drivers will want to take their time, though; some displays benefit from seeing them from afar, while others deserve more up-close looks.
This year the event is upping the ante, adding in a Snow Town that includes a field of manmade snow, outdoor tubing hill and more, promising wintery fun even if the weather stays snow-free.
Visitors should note that Snow Town comes with a separate charge, which runs up to $27 per person during the day. Combo tickets for both the lights and snow are a bit cheaper at night, running anywhere from $50 for five people on certain dates to $17 per car (for the lights) plus $10 per person for the snow on weekend nights.
Tickets for both events can be purchased in advance online, or in person at Walgreens, where customers get a special discount.
A tunnel with moving lights is one of the more fun displays at the Gift of Lights and Snow at Texas Motor Speedway.
Polish gingerbread at Gourmet European Market.Photo courtesy of GEM