Have you ever been to Carmela's Magical Santa Land Drive-Thru Park in Longview, Texas? It's worth the drive from Texarkana or anywhere for that matter because this Christmas-themed park is still FREE.

The first time I visited I didn't know what to expect but I was blown away by all the millions of lights and lighted displays that seemed to cover everything from the tree tops to the wooded area below.

Mario Garcia, TSM
Mario Garcia, TSM/Canva
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The moment you start to enter Carmela's you are mesmerized by all the different vibrant colors you're surrounded with from the Grand Entrance of the lighted archway to the lighted tunnel and so much more.

Mario Garcia, TSM
Mario Garcia, TSM
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You can tell that the owners have taken a lot of pride in what they're offering their visitors, it truly is magical and stunning.

Mario Garcia, TSM
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Themed Areas

One of the things I loved about this park is that the owners really thought and planned this out with their special theme areas like "Whoville" for example.

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Mario Garcia, TSM
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Synchronized Music

As you drive through Carmela's Magical Santa Land you can listen to Christmas music on your radio that has been specially synchronized with all the lighted displays and lights.

Mario Garcia, TSM
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Mario Garcia, TSM
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Character Lighted Displays

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Lighted displays include Whoville House, Frozen Castle, Mickey Mouse, Ninja Turtles, and other characters.

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia, TSM
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Walking Trail + Santa Claus

Carmela's even has a walking trail for those wanting to get a little closer to the lights. Santa Claus arrives on November 17, kids can come visit Santa every Friday and Saturday evening. Before you leave make sure you visit the gift shop where you can enjoy some homemade fudge and pick up some holiday decor and handcrafted merchandise.

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
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Donations Accepted

While Carmela's is FREE donations are encouraged as you leave the park. The donations received go toward buying more lights and making this holiday park bigger and better each year.

Carmela's Magical Santa Land Hours

  • Sunday - Thursday 5:30 PM to 10 PM and Friday and Sat 5:30 PM to 11 PM.
  • Open until January 3, 2024
  • Open rain or shine
  • Monday- Wednesday are slower nights and less long lines

Location

Carmela's is located at 6085 Hwy 259 North, go north on Judson Rd and turn right on Hwy 259 and go 4/10 of a mile or, if going north on 259, past Bar K Ranch Store.

For more information, please visit their Facebook page.

LOOK: 25 over-the-top Christmas displays from across America

To help get everyone in the mood for the upcoming holiday season, Stacker compiled a list of some of the most over-the-top Christmas displays across America.

Gallery Credit: Annalise Mantz & Madison Troyer

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