Trail of Lights to Offer New Features This Year

A staple in the community since the late 1990s, Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill’s Trail of Lights is La Grange’s very own Christmas extravaganza. Throughout the years, the event has grown from an Early German Christmas themed program to a 10-night festival complete with children’s activities, entertainment, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Trail of Lights 2021 opens on Saturday, Dec. 4 and continues on select evenings through Dec. 23. Guests are encouraged to purchase discounted advance tickets online.

New activities this year include living history programs at the Kreische House. Costumed volunteers and staff will share how Christmas traditions beloved by German immigrants greatly influenced the traditions many of us enjoy today. “Inspired by our community’s German ancestors, guests will have the opportunity to add Victorian ornaments to the Christmas tree in the historic home,” says Sites Manager Marsha Hendrix. At the smokehouse, volunteers will share samples of wassail and lebkuchen, a German treat similar to gingerbread, while discussing the other tasty holiday dishes enjoyed by early German immigrants.

Another new feature this year will be an expanded trail. It will allow guests to walk along the bluff and enjoy the city lights of La Grange. From there, they will enter the woods before stepping onto the brewery overlook and viewing the glowing brewery ruins. “The trail expansion and some electrical upgrades are made possible with support of numerous community sponsors,” said Friends Board President, Katy Beauford.

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 make a Victorian ornament and take photos with Santa. The event’s planners hope that the happy holiday canines in the “dog park” will prove to be a new favorite. And yes, well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome to join their family as they stroll through the Trail of Lights.

This year’s Platinum Sponsor, the Fayette Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory, will spread goodwill through a toy and food drive at Trail of Lights. Guests are encouraged to bring a toy on Dec. 4, 10, and 11 for donation to the Deputy Santa program. Food pantry donations will be collected on Dec. 17, 18, and 19-23. Fayette Memorial staff will collect donated toys and food items near the entrance to Trail of Lights.

Trail of Lights will span 10 nights this holiday season: Dec. 4, 10-11, and 17-23. The first five nights will feature traditional activities including entertainment, refreshments, family activities, visits with Santa, and more. The last five nights feature streamlined programming where guests can simply walk the trail to enjoy the lights. Guests can purchase discounted tickets in advance at www. friendsofkreischebrewery.org/ trailoflights.

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