When Santa’s Ranch first lit up the Central Texas night sky in 2003, the park’s owner wanted to create something magical and lasting. As he prepares the drive-through Christmas light park for the 2011 season, Frank Bass finds confirmation that he has done just that in thousands of smiling faces he sees every year.

“We look forward to celebrating our ninth season with our visitors, both those who return year after year and new ones who are finding us for the first time,” Frank says.

This year the park, located on I-35 between New Braunfels and San Marcos, opens Nov. 4 and continues through New Year’s Day. It features more than 1.5 million lights strung thoughout 12 wooded acres.

During their 20-minute cruise, visitors will enjoy a 50-foot tall Christmas tree, a blue “river” filled with 800 feet of twinkling lights, and numerous scenes from the Bible, including a 60-foot long Noah’s Ark and the complete town of Bethlehem. They’ll also be treated to a village scene, a toy mill, and Santa tubing on the river.

For a one-time visit at $22 per vehicle or a season pass of only $42 for unlimited visits, a drive through Santa’s Ranch is one of the most unique and economical holiday treats for families and friends to share — by the carload!

“We are glad to continue offering this holiday tradition for our Central Texas friends and neighbors,” Frank says. “I may be partial to the place because I’ve been working on it for so many years, but there is definitely a ‘warm-fuzzy’ feeling when you take a drive through the park at night. It’s a place where memories are made.”

Santa’s Ranch is located between New Braunfels and San Marcos, at 9561 I-35, two miles south of Tanger Outlet Mall. The park is open every night, Nov. 4 through Jan. 1; hours are 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit online at www.santasranch.net, or call 830-743-1293.