East Texas Drive-Thru Light Parks You Need to See This Season

(Mix 93-1) We're just days away from catching up and reminiscing with friends and family as they come into town for Thanksgiving. We'll be gorging and feasting on turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pecan pie, and going back for seconds, thirds, and more!

After all the feasting is over and the naps are taken, what will you do to entertain them all?

Besides playing board games and streaming movies, you could drive them around town looking at the Christmas lights and holiday inflatables that are on display. Or you can visit one of the many drive-thru Christmas light parks that East Texas has to offer.

You could start at the very first drive-thru Christmas light park in Texas. According to Santa Land in Lindale, they were the first to open their gates in 1995. Ever since then, Christmas light parks have emerged and become a cherished family tradition.

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Family-Friendly Attractions Beyond the Lights

Besides lights, many parks have expanded and added special attractions - hay rides, shopping experiences, visits with Santa, and more. As you drive through these parks, you'll see thousands, if not millions, of twinkling and steady-burning lights that create some magical and spectacular images. The animated images are among the most special ones.

Be prepared to be amazed by the light tunnels. The tunnels can be rather long and feature quite the light show with twinkling lights all around you.

Lights, cut-out, animation, and more.

Each park is unique; many of them originated as traditional family lighting events on their property, which gained popularity and grew over time. One park will feature nothing but lights and images created out of lights, while another will feature painted scenes of cut-out figures, and yet another will have a combination of both styles.

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Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Bring along the hot chocolate.

In addition to the hot chocolate for you and the kids, you'll want some Christmas cookies and have the heater going in the truck. Along with a full battery on your cell phone, because you are going to be taking a lot of pictures on this holiday road trip. Come along as we take a look at the most popular drive-through Christmas light parks in East Texas.

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