U
a history of the Trail of Lights by Kristen Card, Forefront Author
ntil three years ago, the Trail of Lights seemed like
of Christmas, and features a live nativity scene enacted by Travis
an Austin holiday-season tradition that had
High School drama students, four live choirs, and a seven-foot
gone on and would continue on forever.
pasteboard cutout of Santa Claus. But the shiniest star of the event
The much-loved, mile-long display of
is a jolly, red-clad fellow chuckling and waving from the rooftop of
lights, scenes and entertainment opened
the Swedish Log Cabin in the Garden Center. Such a convincing
each year in grandiose style with a ribbon-
old elf is he that even park personnel have trouble recognizing Park
cutting ceremony and parade, hosted thousands
Superintendent C.O. Smith behind his white whiskers.
upon thousands of sparkly-eyed visitors, and was
lauded among America’s top holiday lighting displays.
SCENE 2: Austin, 1966
But “forever” turned into a potential “nevermore” when the
The second annual holiday-season event undergoes a theme and
city, faced with severe budget cuts, first pared down the event in
name change: this year’s display centers on the ancient tradition of
2009, then pulled the plug on the Trail completely in 2010. While
the burning of the Yule log, and is now known as Yule Fest. The four-
the Trail of Lights had evolved into the dazzling pageant Austinites
night event includes decorative lighting displays throughout Zilker
have been missing for two long years, it had not been around
Park, some colorful plywood cutouts of The Twelve Days of Christmas,
forever. In fact, it’s a year younger than Rankin-Bass’ made-for-TV
a living nativity with real people and animals, and free refreshments.
claymation iteration of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Santa Claus is once again up on the rooftop, and his house and a post office have been built along the road and named Santa’s Village.
SCENE 1: Austin, 1965 Austin civic leader Mrs. Alden [Mabel] Davis and Austin Parks
The post office proves especially popular, as children can go inside and write letters to Santa, and be assured he will receive them.
& Recreation Department [PARD] Director Beverly Sheffield conceive of and create a new holiday tradition in Zilker Park. The four-night “Spirit of Christmas” display highlights The Twelve Days
12
trail of lights 2012
Forefront Austin.com
SCENE 3: Austin, 1967 Austin’s Yule Fest expands to five nights, and features the burning