As we head into the final weekend before Christmas it just may be time to visit Carmela's Magical Santa Land in Longview, Texas. I recently visited with some friends and I found the drive-through park lived up to its reputation, it's "magical."

Over the years I heard a lot about this place but was totally blown away by just how many lights and displays there was from the tops of tall trees to parts of ground covered in sparkling twinkling lights. The drive-thru is only one mile but it seems a lot longer because you get caught up in seeing so many lights you have to slow down to take in all the beauty of the Christmas season. With over 4 million lights and still adding more each year Carmela's is sure to delight kids of all ages.

Pictures can only go so far but when you see this park up close and personal, you're going to know what I am talking about. Being immersed in so many lights at once makes it seem that you are a part of the themed displays yourself. Whoville was probably one of my favorites of Carmela's Magical Santa Land. All the music is synchronized with lighted displays that you can hear through your car radio.

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...
Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...

Character Lighted Displays

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...

Lighted displays include Whoville house, Frozen Castle, Mickey Mouse, Ninja Turtles, and other characters.

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...
Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...
Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...
Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...
Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...

Carmela's even has a walking trail, gift shop, vendor's barn, that sells homemade fudge, t-shirts, ornaments, handcrafted unique items, and more. Food trucks are on hand, and kids can visit Santa in the gift shop.

Mario Garcia
Mario Garcia
loading...

So as we all head into the last weekend for Christmas take the short drive from Texarkana to Carmela's, it's most definitely worth the drive.

Carmela's is FREE but at the end, you are encouraged to leave a donation and make sure to ask for your free candy cane!

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 5, 2022.

Carmela's is located at 6085 Hwy 259 North, go north on Judson Rd and turn right on Hwy 259 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.

CHECK THEM OUT: 100 years of Christmas toys, gifts and fads

LOOK: The top holiday toys from the year you were born

With the holiday spirit in the air, it’s the perfect time to dive into the history of iconic holiday gifts. Using national toy archives and data curated by The Strong from 1920 to today, Stacker searched for products that caught hold of the public zeitgeist through novelty, innovation, kitsch, quirk, or simply great timing, and then rocketed to success.

More From Kicker 102.5