Candy Cane Lane — Attraction in West Monroe

We waited until New Year's Day to go, and there was no line. But I have to caution anyone with an autistic family member: this might be exactly the right kind of stimulation for some and a big problem for others.

For me, the major issue was the section with rapidly flashing lights (it's the area where music on the radio is tightly synced to a computer-controlled animation). I was miserable there because the bright flashes stressed me out terribly, and because there was no way to avoid it or to get through it faster (with vehicles in front and behind, you just have to crawl through). If the autistic people in your family can close their eyes and cover them with both hands until the windows come back down, they'll have an easier time. I was driving, so I just hated it and watched my stress levels grow. If only those animations could be replaced with something like playful splashes of color zooming around the tunnel, or geometric patterns, it would work for more people. Strobing flashes are harmful.

Autistic people might also have some stressful confusion when they get to the jingoism section, which is completely unrelated to Christmas. It represents something very important to the Hanson family, of course, but in a Christmas experience, it's weird.

The other irritation was minor: the website said $25 but they surprised us with an extra fee on the spot because we failed to bring paper money. I understand the need to pass along the fee, but y'all would look more honest if you'd tell the truth about it on the website.

I appreciate that, at least when it's not busy, you have the option to go back through again for free. This is generous, and if I could have enjoyed an experience that is clearly beloved by most of the community, I would have been very grateful. Most people...

We did have to wait in line for about an hour to get in, but it has been like that all over the country at different light parks similar to this. $20 for a car full of kids is not a bad price at all. I loved that the owner was personally giving out candy canes and greeting everyone as they drove in. He has obviously put a lot of time and effort into this project and it is bringing a lot of people from other parishes to Ouachita Parish.

I loved the different themes as we turned each curve. The Louisiana themed area was very unique. Also, the leg lamp in the window was hilarious! My kids loved all the characters. We all really enjoyed the tunnel that danced...

My family has enjoyed Candy Cane Lane for years! We always make a couple trips through, and the walk with food is amazing! Absolutely worth a trip to see the creativity and dedication from the people kind enough to share it with us all!

Update: the hayride was amazing. Little actual hay, for those with allergies. The hot chocolate is fairly priced and the additions are well worth it. There’s even an option to get cooled down options for kids. There’s even simulated snow that rains on a section for the kids that want to play while they wait. They thought everything through, and it was lovely to get to experience with the whole family and nobody...