Santa's Wonderland

We were enchanted last weekend to discover one of the more beautiful, and also expensive, light displays I have ever seen in my life. Santa's Wonderland is a drive-through light extravaganza, with the option to park and visit Santa's town at the end of the tour.

The lights included several eye-catching tunnels, an aquatic scene, numerous miniature villages, a representation of Aggieland, and Santa's house including reindeer flight school. The tour concluded with a Nativity scene, followed by one showing Calvary and a tomb, complete with moving lights to represent Christ's resurrection and ascension. Amazing.

Having been drawn into fantasy by the drive, we parked and paid some more to go into the western-style town. We were greeted by a bubble machine blowing “snow” onto the children, then looked around to see a central fire pit surrounded by several gift and gourmet food shops. At one end was a huge glittery flag of Texas inviting us to pose for photos; elsewhere Santa was holding court and listening to Christmas requests.

Maren greets the world from Texas

Behind one row of buildings we found a free outdoor movie, tractor display, pony rides and a petting farm enclosure. Of all the offerings we chose the Texas flag photo backdrop and the petting farm. As for the rest, it was pretty overwhelming. We decided that perhaps next year, when all the Burdines plan to be in town, we could go on the drive on Christmas Eve after our traditional Chinese food dinner.

The kids were also mesmerized by the lights and the chance to pet the animals. This is a fun time of year to participate in events that will blow them away!

Jesse reaches for the "snowflakes"