Monument Hill’s Trail of Lights Begins This Weekend

The German-Texan Christmas spirit has returned to Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill this December, with the Sites’ annual Trail of Lights spreading holiday cheer on the Bluff. Beginning Friday, December 9, and continuing during select evenings through December 23, the grounds will be open for guests to enjoy a pathway of themed Christmas light displays and experience the 19th century yule traditions of Heinrich Kreische and his family.

The Friends of Kreische Brewery are excited to bring history to life at the Kreische house with demonstrations of holiday festivities from the late 1800s. Costumed volunteers and staff will share with guests the deep German roots of many of our most cherished Christmas activities. “Many of the Christmas traditions we observe today were brought over by German immigrants who settled in Texas during the Victorian era,” says Dr. Marsha Hendrix, Sites Manager. “We decorate the house to reflect these customs, such as having a local cedar tree adorned with traditional ornaments and hanging greenery from the ceiling in the Kreische parlor.” In addition to the decorated rooms, samples of German holiday treats such as wassail and lebkuchen will be served near the smokehouse, which will also be smoking holiday meats and sausages to perfection. These smoked meats will be available for purchase.

Two new displays this year will continue the theme of German influences on the holiday season. “O Tannenbaum,” a musical light display full of Christmas trees will put on a show in synchronization with the famous Christmas carol. Families can watch the brief show as they stroll along the Bluff and take in the nightly views of downtown La Grange. As they continue to the Brewery overlook, guests can also enjoy “Candy Lane,” a colorfully lit pathway inspired by the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel. The brewery itself is brighter this year, with lights lining the walls to illuminate the normally dark nightly exterior. “We are excited to add these features to our trails for families to enjoy,” says Board President Katy Beauford. “It is all made possible with the continual support of our community sponsors.”

Along the path near the Monument, a large tent will provide shelter for holiday revelers while they enjoy live music, cookies, popcorn, and hot chocolate. At the Visitors Center, children can enjoy making simple Victorian crafts and line up for their seasonal visit with Santa. The “dog park” display has expanded to include even more four-legged friends. And yes, well- behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to join their family as they stroll through the Trail of Lights.

Trail of Lights will span 10 nights this holiday season: December 9-10 and 16-23. The first five nights, the Festival Nights, will feature living history activities as well as musical entertainment, refreshments, family crafts, visits with Santa, and more. The last five nights, known as the Encore Nights, allow a relaxed stroll down the trail to enjoy the lights. Guest can learn more about the event at www.friendsofkbmh.org/trailoflights.

Additional information can be found on the Sites’ Facebook page or by calling the Visitors Center at 979- 968-5658.