Trail of Lights at Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites

Trail of Lights at Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites

LA GRANGE — Santa Claus is coming to Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites to celebrate the season in true German Texan fashion. The Sites’ annual holiday extravaganza, Trail of Lights, will open on Friday, Dec. 13 and run through Sunday, Dec. 22. During all ten nights, guests can explore the lighted trails, pose for pictures at themed light displays, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Special Festival Nights (Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22) will offer an expanded holiday experience with live entertainment, historical interpretation, family crafts, and more.

During Festival Nights, the 19th-century Kreische house will come alive with living history activities. Reflecting the unique heritage of the Bluff, costumed interpreters will share the Victorian holiday traditions of German Texans, like the Kreische family, throughout the home.

“Trail of Lights has been a staple of the local community for nearly three decades,” says Dr. Marsha Hendrix, Sites Manager. “Sites staff and volunteers are eager to share these historic traditions with the thousands of visitors we welcome each year.” At the historic house kitchen, guests can sample traditional German holiday treats such as kinderpunsch and lebkuchen, a spiced honey cake. Guests should not miss a stop at the smokehouse, where a crackling fire and smoking sausages add to the rich ambiance.

The themed light displays also take inspiration from German Texan traditions. As guests stroll along the historic Bluff trail, they will be serenaded by “O Tannenbaum,” a musical light display that pays homage to the German origins of the famous Christmas tree.

Inspired by the German fairytale Hansel and Gretel, “Candy Lane” leads guests through a path of sweet treats towards the illuminated gingerbread house. At the Brewery overlook, guests can also marvel at the historic ruins of Kreische’s brewery outlined with glowing luminaria.

In addition to the lights and living history, guests will find complimentary holiday refreshments, like cookies and hot cocoa, at the entertainment tent while enjoying live music from local talent. At the Visitor’s Center, families can create a Victorian Christmas craft, such as paper medallion ornaments or pin-prick cards.

Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their annual appearance, welcoming guests for photographs at the festively decorated Kreische house.

This year, Trail of Lights will take place over ten evenings: Dec. 13 through Dec. 22. Festival Nights will be held on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14, and Friday through Sunday, Dec. 20 through Dec. 22. Lights-only nights (Dec. 1519) provide guests with a peaceful stroll along the illuminated trail. All tickets will be sold at the door - no advance purchases.

Guests can learn more about the event at www. f r i e ndsof kbmh . o r g / TrailofLights. Additional information can be found on the Sites’ Facebook page or by calling the Visitors Center at 979- 968-5658.