Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the display at Gull Meadow Farms is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22. An earlier version listed incorrect Sunday hours.

RICHLAND, MI — A new holiday-themed display with thousands of lights, a variety of Christmas inflatables and visits with Santa kicked off for the season near Kalamazoo the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Hundreds of families, bundled in winter gear, clutched cups of steaming hot chocolate while making their way through the displays. There were many moments along the way to “say cheese” as kiddos posed for photographs with the light displays.

The opening night of Walk Through the Lights at Gull Meadow Farms took place Saturday, Nov. 30. The farm’s greenhouses lit up the night sky, decorated with over 100,000 lights.

Gull Meadow Farms, located on Gull Road just southwest of the village of Richland, has previously hosted holiday celebrations including visits from Santa. This year, organizers decided to add the holiday-themed light displays inside their greenhouses.

“This is new for us,” event organizer Justin Wendzel said. “I’m most excited about the choreographed light show, it is unique and an even more impressive show when it’s dark outside.”

Of course, Santa is available for portraits too, and the photo opportunity is still a big draw for families. Since the line to see Santa can be long, there are a variety of games and other interactive activities to help families pass the time while they wait.

Matt and Allison Brussee brought their 3-year-old daughter, Madison, on opening night. Madison kept herself busy playing a large-sized Connect Four game.

“We are anxiously waiting to meet Santa,” her mother said. She added that Madison is still deciding what is on her Christmas list this year.

The light show will illuminate the farm from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays through Dec. 22, according to the event’s website. Tickets to the walk through the light displays are free for visitors shorter than 36 inches and $4 for everyone else. Refreshments are also available for purchase.

In addition to the new holiday-themed displays, year-round Gull Meadow Farm favorites are there for attendees to enjoy as well, including the pasture of goats out back.

Sue, Beth and Anna Banner have a membership at Gull Meadow Farms and they said they come to the farm all the time in the fall and are excited about the new holiday display. Anna, 4, said she sometimes likes to come just to see the goats at the farm.

The trio went to the opening day event in the morning and got their picture with Santa, then came back in the evening to continue to enjoy the lights.

“Pretty much, I like the lights,” Anna said. “I went to see Santa and he gave me cookies because Mrs. Claus made too many.”

The others agreed the new holiday features were impressive.

“They do a wonderful job,” Sue Banner said. “It was fabulous, and the Santa they have is amazing.”

Families can also visit with Santa throughout the holiday season in downtown Kalamazoo.

Santa’s Workshop, presented by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, opened Saturday, Nov. 30, on the second floor of the Epic Center, at 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. This year, organizers added an African American Santa Claus, who meets with visitors at the Epic Center from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

A white Santa greets visitors there from 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.