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General Event Questions

Will you be selling tickets at the door?

Yes, tickets will be available at entrance. However, we encourage you to buy your tickets prior to prevent the event selling out for the evening of your choice.



How long is South Pole Illuminated?

South Pole Illuminated Drive is 1 mile long.



How long does the light show take to drive through?

The drive-thru experience takes about 20 minutes.



What type of vehicle is allowed?

  • Cars
  • SUV’s
  • Vans
  • Pick-up Trucks
Passenger vehicles only with a seat and seatbelt for each passenger – this means no box trucks, motorhomes, no riding in the bed of pickup trucks, no trailer rides or trailers. Due to COVID-19 prevention policies, no open-air vehicles may enter the Trail of Lights. This includes bicycles, motorcycles, pedicabs, trailers, golf carts, horse and carriage, sleighs, reindeer, scooters, etc. Vehicle size limitations – vehicles longer than 27’ are NOT permitted. Full sized school busses and shuttle busses will not be permitted. For safety, all doors/roofs/trunks must remain closed at all times.



Can passengers ride in the bed of my truck?

Due to health and safety requirements, riding in the bed of a truck will not be allowed.



What is the overhead clearance for vehicles?

10 ft.



What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept cash and credit cards



Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

We encourage you to bring a printed copy of your ticket to be scanned for expedited entry or please have your digital ticket ready for scanning on your Ticketmaster App.



Are restrooms available?

No restrooms will be available for ticketholders, as no one will be permitted to leave their vehicle. We highly suggest that you find a nearby restroom prior to your arrival.



Is there food & beverage available for purchase?

Yes, the Food Park will be available to pick up your favorite festival treats.



Can I switch my days after purchasing ticket?

All sales are final.



Will you be open if the weather is bad?

The South Pole Illuminated Drive- In experience will be open rain or shine. Theatre experience will be open when weather permits.



Is the event ADA Accessible?

The McAllen South Pole Illuminated Drive is a drive-thru experience from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. We invite all holiday enthusiasts to celebrate the season, including guests with disabilities. No walking or long-distance experiences will occur outside of your vehicle.



Arrival Details & Directions

The McAllen South Pole Illuminated Drive is a drive-thru ONLY experience. Enjoy from the warmth, comfort, and socially distant safety of your own vehicle. Access to the South Pole Illuminated Drive is available via Ithaca Avenue ONLY. Upon following driving directions, guests will reach a vehicle pass/ ticket verification point, followed by queuing for the appropriate time slot.

VIP Instructions:

  • Make sure to arrive no more than 30 minutes before OR after your scheduled time.

  • VIP entrance through Ware Rd and Ithaca Avenue.

GA Instructions:

  • GA entrance through 29th Street and Business 83.

Expect a wait time for processing and staging your vehicle. We hope you enjoy the ride! Happy Holidays.

There are no alternate routes to the South Pole Illuminated Drive. Please respect McAllen Convention Center District’s neighbors and do not attempt a different route or use GPS directions. Street closures will be in effect. Anticipate traffic.



What is the South Pole Illuminated Drive?

South Pole Illuminated Drive is a "Drive Into" immersive holiday experience with
50 Christmas trees and including a 60 ft Christmas Tree.
Magical illuminated displays with holiday tunes at every turn along the holiday light route. 5 million lights, music and more. The contactless experience takes you through the Convention Center District and ends with holiday movies in the park. Festival food and beverages will be sold including hot chocolate, smores and funnel cakes.

The whole drive thru experience is contactless, socially distanced and has strict health and safety protocols in place. All prices are per vehicle, not per person

  • GA Experience Includes: 1-mile long Illuminated Drive,Theatre Experience
  • VIP Experience Includes: VIP fast lane, 1-mile long Illuminated Drive, Hot Cocoa (up to 4), 3D Holiday Specs Glasses for the kids, Theatre Experience



Can we take photos?

Personal cameras and devices are permitted, and we encourage you to take photos to commemorate your experience. However, guests must remain in the vehicle at all times. Stopping along the Drive and exiting the vehicle are prohibited.



Event Dates & General Info

Event Dates: The South Pole Illuminated Drive runs nightly Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 thru Thrusday, Decemner 31st, 2020. ** We will be closed on December 5. Location: McAllen Convention Center, located at 700 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, Texas 78501 Trail entry begins at 5:45pm (for VIP ticket holders), 7:00pm for General Admission vehicles, and entry will be closed one hour after final entry start time of the evening. The McAllen South Pole Illuminated Drive is rain or shine barring extreme weather conditions or city park closures.



Entertainment

Live entertainment will not be offered this year. Tune in to South Pole Illuminated Drive Radio to listen to curated music in your vehicle as you drive the route or enjoy a movie. Tune in to 102.7 FM to immerse yourself in the Illuminated Drive. Then change dial to 103.5 FM to get the fill movie experience for shows at 6:30 and 8:30 PM, or 92.1 FM for 7:30 shows



Holiday Theatre

Once you've finished the illuminated drive, remember to join us at our Holiday Theatre for a screening of Christmas classics from the comfort of your vehicle.



COVID-19 Safety Measure

South Pole Illuminated Drive-in & Theatre Experience has taken advanced health and safety measures for both our attendees and out staff as this is our number one priority. PLEASE REVIEW THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS BELOW. ​

  • We are providing a contactless experience including your check-in via scanning of your mobile device or printed ticket from a safe distance
  • All staff will be required to wear masks & social distance at all times when working
  • Daily health screening & daily temperature checks will be mandatory for all staff prior to being admitted to work.
  • Frequent hand sanitizing will be required by all staff.



Group Rates

Group rates will be available for 20 cars or more. Please make sure to purchase tickets in advance. No onsite purchase. Contact Info: Karla Puente 956-681-3800



Ticket Information

All prices are PER CAR only. You DO NOT need a ticket for each person in your vehicle. Weekday Entry Prices:

  • GA: Monday- Thursday $10.00
  • VIP: $40.00
Weekend Entry Prices:
  • GA: Friday, Saturday, Sunday $15.00
  • VIP: $40.00
*Online purchases will have additional fees at checkout General Admission Ticket Includes:
  • Starting at 6:30PM
  • 1 mile drive
  • Theater experience when weather permits
VIP Ticket Includes:
  • Starting at 5:30 PM
  • 1 mile drive
  • Theater experience when weather permits
  • Dedicated VIP lane for faster access
  • Hot Cocoa (up to 4)
  • Holiday Specs- Glasses for kids
Group Rates: Group rates will be available for 20 cars or more. Please make sure to purchase tickets in advance. No onsite purchase. Contact Info: Karla Puente 956-681-3800 Refund Policy: All sales final