Christmas in Tyler, Texas

When: Activities are held throughout the holiday season, beginning with Santa Land, which opens in mid-November.

Where: Events take place at numerous locations, including Bergfeld Park, Hudnall Planetarium, Roseland Plantation and downtown Tyler.

Like the profusion of petals that unfurl each year in the "Rose Capital of America," the citizens of Tyler, Texas open their hearts as visitors flock to their town for a celebration of the holiday season.

Events: Shining as brightly as a child's smile on Christmas Day, over 2.5 million lights add sparkle to the season at Santa Land, a 24-acre drive-through theme park featuring an array of merrily-motifed arrangements. Located on the outskirts of Tyler in nearby Linsdale, the glow from 16,000 red and green bulbs reflect against car windows as you travel through a giant Christmas wreath at the start of a jolly journey that takes you past illuminated elves, reindeers as well as patriotic and religious displays.

"O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect Light." The chorus of "We Three Kings of Orient Are" will resound with renewed meaning as you listen to the story of the heavenly beacon which led the wise men to Bethlehem in "Star of the Magi," at the Hudnall Planetarium. Meanwhile at the Trinity Baptist Church, the kings' destination is recreated as re-enactors huddle alongside real camels, llamas and horses in a stable during a live Nativity scene.

Over 12,000 Christmas shoppers will converge on Bergfeld Park for Holiday in the Park, a day-long search for stocking stuffers. While parents peruse for homemade purchases among the 30 vendor booths, Texas tykes can play in simulated snow and listen to happy holiday carols.

The welcome mat will be out at several of Tyler's top residences during the annual Holiday in the Pines tour of homes, while Roseland Plantation offers a portal to days of Christmas past as a four-course tea is served.

While reservations are required for the plantation tour and tea, free family fun can be found at as a procession of festive floats, marching bands, and Santa himself promenade through TB Butler Fountain Plaza in downtown Tyler during the annual Christmas parade, which ends with the illumination of the city's official tannenbaum.

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For more information:

• visit www.visittyler.com