DENISON, Texas (KTEN) — For the 26th year, Loy Lake Park abounds with holiday cheer as the Grayson County Holiday Lights returns.

"We do it every year, and it's pretty exciting when you get to see Santa," said guest Emma Hayes. "I got to ask Santa [for] my Christmas present."

The Frontier Village and Museum hosted a reception to mark the show's opening night, with face-painting, holiday refreshments, and a chance for kids to visit with the bearded man himself.

"We're basically here to spread more holiday joy and celebrate the holiday lights coming back into town," said Frontier Museum president Aaron Thornhill.

Laurel Hemrick has volunteered with the Frontier Museum for several years. What keeps her coming back to help with the reception is being able to put a smile on the children's faces.

"This is my favorite — I love the smiles of the kids, and seeing Santa interact with the kids... it's wonderful," she said.

Of course, getting an opportunity to see the spectacular array of lights doesn't hurt, either.

"All the displays are so enormous and they keep growing them every year, that I don't think I have a favorite," Hemrick said. "I like the reindeers up at the front."

The Grayson County Holiday Lights is open every evening from 6 to 10 p.m. and will continue through December 25.