GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Matt Mitchell knew moving A Country Christmas from a street in Orange Park South to the expansive Elrod Acres would be successful.

But the Fleming Island man admitted he was surprised when more than 3,000 came to the farm on Thunder Road to enjoy his Christmas-themed wonderland last weekend.

“What an amazing opening weekend,” he said. “We wanted to make history in Northeast Florida.”

When 750 braved the rain on opening night, Mitchell knew he had created something special. Then on Saturday, Dec. 9, more than 2,250 filled the parking lots, had their picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, listened to live music, played with Christmas and Star Wars characters, ate from food trucks, visited a live nativity, looked at classic cars, played games, petted animals like donkeys, goats and camels and wrote letters to Santa Claus.

Mitchell organized neighbors on Apopka Drive to decorate their houses last year for “Nights of Lights.” Mitchell said he hung nearly 70,000 lights on his house, and it attracted hundreds. But there wasn’t a lot of parking in the neighborhood. And Mitchell had bigger ideas.

“We started putting up lights by Sept. 15,” he said. “It’s definitely worth the move in terms of parking and the amount of room we have out here compared to where we were last year. It’s definitely paid off. It’s like walking into a Hallmark movie.”

Mitchell said a portion of the proceeds will go to Mercy Support Services.

The final weekend is this Friday, Dec. 15, and Saturday. Friday’s hours are 5-9 p.m., while Saturday’s festivities last from noon to 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at acountrychristmas.org.

While Elrod Acres is located at 3679 Thunder Road, guests are reminded parking is located between Jennifer Lane and Whisper Trail off State Road 16. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office said nobody should park on the SR 16 shoulder.