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
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SUV’s -
Vans -
Pick-up Trucks
Can passengers ride in the bed of my truck?
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.
VIP Instructions:
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Make sure to arrive no more than 30 minutes before OR after your scheduled time.
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VIP entrance through Ware Rd and Ithaca Avenue.
GA Instructions:
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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.

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.
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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.
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.
Holiday Theatre
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.
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We are providing a contactless experience including your check-in via scanning of your mobile device or printed ticket from a safe distance
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All staff will be required to wear masks & social distance at all times when working
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Daily health screening & daily temperature checks will be mandatory for all staff prior to being admitted to work.
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Frequent hand sanitizing will be required by all staff.
Group Rates
Ticket Information
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GA: Monday- Thursday $10.00
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VIP: $40.00
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GA: Friday, Saturday, Sunday $15.00
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VIP: $40.00
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Starting at 6:30PM -
1 mile drive -
Theater experience when weather permits
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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