Two Best Largest Christmas Drive-Thru Parks in East Texas

It's the most magical time of the year and some of the best Christmas Drive-thru Parks and holiday lights are just a short drive from Texarkana.

🎄Dazzling Light Displays

🎄Million of Holiday Lights

If you want to get into the festive holiday spirit grab some hot chocolate and bundle up for fun at these popular lighting attractions in East Texas that will blow your mind.

1. Carmela's Magical Santa Land Drive-Thru Park - Now Open

This has got to be one of my favorite drive-thru parks in East Texas. The minute you pull into Carmela's you will be mesmerized by the millions of dazzling colorful lights that surround you at every turn from the tree tops to the ground below. This immersive experience is like no other with lavish Christmas displays with several tunnels of lights and a lighted archway that invites every guest with a welcome.

There are several themed areas throughout the park including Whoville which is my favorite watch out for The Grinch.

As you drive through Carmela's Magical Santa Land visitors can tune their radio to a special channel and listen to Christmas music synchronized with all the lighted displays, such as the Whoville House, Frozen Castle, Mickey Mouse, Ninja Turtles, and other characters.

There's even a walking trail for those hoping to get a closer look at the lights. Visit the gift shop where everyone can enjoy homemade fudge, handcrafted merchandise, and decor.

Santa Claus will be there every Friday and Saturday.

Admission Free - Donations Accepted

Carmela's is FREE donations are encouraged and every donation accepted will go toward buying more lights and making this holiday park bigger and better.

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.

2. Santa Land Texas The Original Drive-Thru Christmas Park - Now Open

This 24-acre park near Tyler has been entertaining for years with over 3 million stunning light displays, and themed areas that showcase the different aspects of the Christmas season with vibrant lights that dance with every beat of the synchronized music heard throughout the park.

Santa Land Texas is unique because of its beautiful hand-crafted, animated, and mechanical displays. The Tunnel of Lights features over 25,000 flashing lights inside a 250-foot tunnel.

Themed areas down Christmas Lane include the Elfland Carousel, Merry Mermaid and Friends, the Great Fountain of Yule, and more. And what would Christmas be without the true meaning of Christmas a lighted nativity scene? There is also a section dedicated to the men and women who have served our country in the military.

Make sure you stop by the Gift and Snack Shop before you leave. Santa Claus will be there on select nights to visit with the kids. What makes Santa Land Texas so unique is that is one of only a few parks open on the actual holidays.

Santa Land Texas is located off Interstate 20 West exit 557 in Lindale, Texas, just north of Tyler, approximately 115 miles from Texarkana.

Visit their Facebook page for times and admission to the park.