For nearly two decades Bogalusa has celebrated the beginning of the Christmas season at Cassidy Park on Thanksgiving night with the official opening of Christmas in the Park.

With the virtual flip of a switch, the tree-filled expanse comes to life as a dazzling wonderland filled with saints and angels, toys and animals, elves and Santa Claus. A manger scene welcomes all, and a Yule log begins its weeks-long task of symbolic and warm illumination.

By Christmas day, thousands of people from across the street and many miles away will have shared the special magic with their families.

Children will sit on Santa’s lap and earnestly present their wish lists. Young and old will stroll through the museums, sip hot chocolate from the deli in the park, and delight in the glow of the millions of white and colored lights in the forms of tin soldiers, ornaments and more, and all to the sounds of Christmas carols.

For those who cannot walk the half-mile circuit, an open-air trolley will be available every night, and a drive-through period will enable anyone who wants to enjoy the experience from their own vehicles. Even if it rains, everyone will be able to drive through the sparkling landscape.

The 19th annual Christmas in the Park will be open Nov. 22 – Nov. 25, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, Dec. 7 – Dec. 10 and nightly Dec. 14-25. Drive through is 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Walk through is 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Admission is $4 for adults, $1for students and $8 per car during drive through.