Cassidy Park is in the midst of a wondrous transformation that has taken place for the past 22 years. The much-loved forested expanse is in the process of becoming a wonderland of colored lights, music and more in advance of “Christmas in the Park,” which will open to the public after the “Parade of Lights” rolls through on Thanksgiving evening, Nov. 26.

Thousands of people, from Bogalusa and well beyond, are drawn to Christmas in the Park every year. In fact, visiting the park between Thanksgiving and Christmas has become a holiday tradition in many families. And a number of people attend repeatedly to get the personal experience of filling themselves up with the Christmas spirit by being outside in the midst of the seasonal splendor.

In the cool darkness of night, Christmas in the Park dazzles the wild and wooded space with more than a million colored lights shaped in the forms of angels, playful animals, toys, stars and more hanging from the towering trees and filling the lawns.

The attraction can be enhanced by sipping hot chocolate in the glow of a burning Yule Log or by paying a visit to Santa Claus. The young and the young at heart can get their pictures taken with the jolly old elf for $5.

Christmas in the Park will be open nightly from Nov. 26-29 and on the weekends of Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 11-13, and then on Dec. 18 through Christmas.

Drive through is allowed from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and in case of rain. Walk through takes place from 7 p.m. through 9 p.m. During that time, an open trolley is available for anyone who prefers the open-air experience but can’t walk the distance.

There will be no drive through period on Thanksgiving.

The entrance fee is $4 per adult, $1 per student and $8 per vehicle during the drive through hour.

The Christmas in the Park Committee encourages everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to make some magical memories.