FRANKLIN TWP — Visitors are getting a first look at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland this weekend as it opens for the holiday season.

Organizers say that the show will attract thousands of people to see and hear the Christmas-themed music and light show at the Big Butler Fairgrounds on Route 422.

Several of the families who went through on the first night said they used to enjoy a similar light show at Hartwood Acres in Allegheny County, which is no longer available.

“It was awesome,” said Chloe Darrell, 13, of Butler Township of the display Friday night. “We’ve been wanting to come back and see a light show for three or four years because we saw the show at Hartwood Acres and liked it.”

Keavy Callwood, 12, of Saxonburg said she and her family members took videos of the lights using a cell phone.

“We thought it was cool how the music coordinated with the lights,” Keavy said.

The first half of the show features lights synchronized to music, while the second half features animated displays in the theme of Santa’s Beach Party.

There is also a Santa’s workshop featuring concessions, a chance to meet Santa Claus, games and other entertainment.

The show is open nightly, including holidays, from 6 to 10 p.m. and runs through Jan. 3. There is a fee to drive through.

It is run by Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland of Bristol, Tenn.