(THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE HELD FOR 2022.)
Big Red's Ranch of San Benito is known for their awesome family events such as Easter at the Ranch, Fall Family Days, and Christmas at the Ranch. Even during Covid last year, they had a drive-thru light show in April 2020. My daughter and I attended and actually teared up at the beautiful message of hope, which we desperately needed to hear at such a time of uncertainty. This year, they are excited to announce the Christmas Lights of Hope show and Drive Thru event starting on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.
You will choose your show time (as early as 6:15 pm or as late as 9:45 pm) and arrive 30 minutes before it. As you arrive you will check in. You will tune your radio station to 87.5FM to listen to Christmas music and hear instructions while in line. You can purchase hot chocolate ($2 for one 12-oz. cup or $6.50 for four cups; marshmallows and whipped cream included) and kettle corn ($6 for one bag or $10 for two bags). There will be a fun pre-show as cars arrive, and then the main show will begin and last 12 to 15 minutes. It’s a scripted show featuring their puppet mascot Big Red, some talking Christmas trees, and a young talking light bulb. There will be lights choreographed to Christmas music and a fun encouraging message.
Then you will drive through the ranch's mile-long path of lights. They have added 100,000 computer-controlled pixels (technically 300,000 lights). All of the pixels will be set to music, which you can hear from your car's radio when you switch to 92.1 FM. As part of the drive-thru experience, they have added a game. You can count the number of snowflakes and elves you see. There will be a prize at the end of the drive for the ones who guess correctly.
To prevent overcrowding, long lines, and traffic jams, they are selling a limited number of tickets per show and only selling tickets to the Christmas Lights of Hope show online. No tickets will be available at the door. Cost is $20 per car.
For those who would rather experience a fun-filled event outside of their cars, the Christmas at the Ranch event is for you. It includes canoes, hay rides, petting zoos, big inflatable slide, carnival games, and much more.