Samuell Farm welcomes first-ever holiday light show
DALLAS - Dallas Park and Recreation is adding a new event to the holiday lineup at Samuell Farm. For the first time, the 400-acre farm in Mesquite will host The Light Park, a drive-through holiday light show running from November 6 through January 3.
The department continues to expand programs and events at Samuell Farm, encouraging families to explore the historic property and enjoy its rustic charm.
"Samuell Farm has so much to offer. It is a destination for people from across the state to come here throughout the year. The Light Park is the first event of its kind to be here and another way we are bringing new ideas and events to the farm," said John D. Jenkins, director, Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
In 2024, thousands visited Samuell Farm for its three-day solar eclipse festival. Park officials hope the light show will introduce visitors from Dallas, Mesquite and from across DFW region to historic farm.
The Light Park runs through January 3, 2027, and features a mile-long drive-through route with millions of lights, holiday music, large displays and themed holiday scenes, and an immersive holiday story that guests can enjoy from their vehicles.
Dallas Park and Recreation Board Member Daniel Wood, who helped introduce the concept to the department, hopes the event will become an annual holiday tradition while generating additional revenue to support the park.
"Samuell Farm holds a special place in the memories of so many families," said Daniel Wood, District 7 representative on the Dallas Park and Recreation Board. "I was excited to bring the idea of The Light Park to Dallas Park and Recreation because it builds on that history while creating new opportunities to generate revenue for the park. My hope is that driving through the Christmas lights at Samuell Farm becomes a holiday tradition that families look forward to year after year."
Owned and operated by the City of Dallas, Samuell Farm is home to the department's award-winning Outdoor Adventures program. Year-round activities for all ages include basic camping, adventure outings, overnight camping, survival skills training, kayaking, archery, mountain biking, and nature photography.
Dallas physician and philanthropist Dr. W. W. Samuell donated more than 400 acres to Dallas, requesting the land be preserved for public use and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, education and community activities. In 1981, Dallas developed the property into Samuell Farm, a working pioneer farm that gave schoolchildren hands-on educational experiences and demonstrations of historic farm life that highlighted animals, crops and traditional farm activities.
Samuell Farm is Texas' first Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site designated by the global Leave No Trace organization. The recognition highlights the farm's work to promote responsible outdoor recreation, engage the community and teach visitors how to care for the environment.
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About Samuell Farm
Samuell Farm is a 400-plus-acre property in Mesquite, Texas, operated by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. The farm is home to the award-winning Outdoor Adventures program, which offers outdoor recreation, environmental education and hands-on learning. Activities include seasonal camps, overnight camping, survival skills training, archery, mountain biking and nature photography. Samuell Farm is the first property in Texas to receive the Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site designation for its work in promoting responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.
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