Kreische Brewery-Monument Hill Celebrates 30 Years of Trail of Lights

Abeloved community holiday tradition, Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Sites will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Trail of Lights this December. The Sites’ annual holiday lights spectacle will open on Friday, Dec. 12 and run through Tuesday, Dec. 23. For nine nights, guests can explore the lighted trails from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Five weekend Festival Nights will also include family activities, holiday treats, live music, Victorian Christmas traditions at the Kreische house, and more.

In December 1995, Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill debuted a “Trail of Lights” in addition to their Kreische Christmas programming. Over the years, the event has continued to grow and remain a cherished event for families in Fayette County. “Children who once walked the trail in the ‘90s now bring their children to enjoy the same holiday traditions,” says Sites Manager Gavin Miculka. “We’re proud to celebrate 30 years of bringing the community together and helping create special memories.”

On weekend Festival Nights, the historic Kreische house will be open to the public with costumed interpreters sharing the influence of German immigrants, like the Kreische family, on many of our popular Christmas celebrations. Guests can learn about 19th-century German Texan heritage by sampling festive treats, viewing the ornamented cedar tree, and touring the decorated rooms. Don’t forget to grab your annual photo with Victorian Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Kreische house before continuing along the trail.

The themed light displays take inspiration from German folklore along with modern Christmas imagery. Along the trail, families can stroll through Candy Lane, Winter Wonderland, and O Tannenbaum, and stop at the Brewery Overlook to view Kreische’s brewery ruins alight with luminaria. One new addition this year is the special 30th anniversary display along the lighted trail.

At the end of the trail, guests will find an entertainment tent with holiday refreshments and live music from local entertainers during each Festival Night. Families can also stop at the Visitors Center to create festive crafts inspired by Victorian traditions, such as cornucopias and mini-Victorian Christmas cards.

Trail of Lights will run for nine nights: Dec. 12, 13, and 17-23. Festival Nights will be held on Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13, as well as Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21. Lights-only nights (Dec. 1519) will offer a peaceful stroll along the festive trail. All tickets will be sold at the door. Guests can learn more about the event at www.friendsofkbmh. org.

Additional information can be found on the Sites’ social media or by calling the Visitors Center at (979) 9685658.

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