Magic comes to town with EmilyAnn’s Trail of Lights

The holidays can put a sense of magic in the air. Sure, each season has its own particular events, and is the source of joy for everyone. But the coming of Christmas is one event that is six weeks long, counting New Years.

The EmilyAnn Trail of lights is in its twenty-first year in delighting young and old and everything in between. Last year there were over 110 exhibitors and this year’s exhibitors are still coming in with new light displays, and the spectacle of nighttime wonders.

But twenty-one years ago it was just one area and EmilyAnn’s Trail of Lights claim to fame was being a part of the Hill Country Trail of Lights, which include many Central Texas towns. Fast forward to 2018. But now it is a destination for all of Central Texas. EmilyAnn Gardens has seven different areas where the displays are set up.

Magic is what it is really all about. For a lot of Wimberley’s kids, that is kids of all ages, the magic starts with Santa’s arrival with the help of the Wimberley Fire Department. This year he will arrive on the truck with Anna and Elsa at 5 p.m.

It is a real joy to just even be there witnessing the entire crowd singing “Jingle Bells” led By Executive Director Ann Rolling waiting patiently for Saint Nick.

The eyes and the look of joy on the faces of the children (and some adults) is pure magic in itself. Mini horses and llamas have also been known to attend. The Gardens will be lit after a short program at 6 p.m. Santa will be on hand to listen to all your Christmas secrets.

But if you miss the opening of the Trail of Lights, there is plenty of time to see them. The Gardens are open 6:00-9:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6:00-10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There is a Yule log and s’mores are made. There is no cost to attend, but donations are always welcome.

“We’re so grateful to the Wimberley community that helps to bring the magic that is the trail that welcomes so many visitors to Wimberley,” Ann Rollings said. Many visitors have been heard to say, “I wish our town would do something like this.”

What a great way to get into the holiday spirit, whether local or a visitor, and at least once, do yourself a favor and walk the Trail of Lights.

Live entertainment by local artists and church choirs will fill the air with Christmas carols. There is something different happening every night, so it’s never the same twice.

It’s handicapped accessible and there are volunteers and golf carts to help along the way. There’s plenty of parking with overflow parking at the high school, which is a short walk. There is also close up handicap parking and bus parking. Located off of FM 2327, it is next to the high school.

For more information on the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens Trail of Lights, see: EmilyAnn.org