Johnson City will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Lights Spectacular with more than two million twinkling lights on display in the downtown area.

Beginning Thanksgiving weekend on Friday, Nov. 29, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 5, Lights Spectacular hosts a series of special weekend events in Johnson City in conjunction with Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s famous display of over one million lights strung in the oak trees at PEC headquarters.

“We are planning for our brightest year yet, as we celebrate our 30th annual season,” said Chrystal Tamillo, chair of Lights Spectacular Hill Country Style. “Lights Spectacular, made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers, brings thousands of visitors to our town each year. For this big anniversary, we are working to make Lights Spectacular bigger than ever, ensuring Johnson City maintains the title as the ‘Twinkliest Town in Texas’.”

Lights will be lit every night from dusk until midnight from November 29 through January 5 for all to enjoy. Weekend special events and activities include:

Friday, November 29th – Saturday, November 30th Lighting of the Blanco County Courthouse (at dusk), followed by fireworks, the arrival of Santa Claus, and annual street dance, featuring Bob Appel & Band. Chuckwagon Food Court, JC Garden Club Ornament Sale, Holiday Market and rides for kids of all ages. Blanco County Courthouse/Johnson City square. Market opens at noon and festivities continue through 10:00pm.

Saturday, November 30th Lighted Hooves & Wheels Parade (starts at 6:30pm) featuring the Clickety Cloggers at 5:30pm, Blanco County Queen’s Court and lighted float contest. Holiday Market, Chuckwagon Food Court, and JC Garden Club Ornament Sale continues. Blanco County Courthouse/Johnson City square, 10:00am to 10:00pm.

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Christmas at Lyndon B. Johnson’s Boyhood Home, a 50th anniversary commemoration of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Tour President Johnson’s boyhood home by lamplight, decorated for a 1920s style Christmas. National park rangers will provide tours of this historic house and explain life in Johnson City before rural electrification. 200 E. Elm Street, Johnson City, 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Sunday, December 1st Holiday Market continues, Blanco County Courthouse / Johnson City Square, 10:00am-4:00pm.

Friday, December 6th The Blanco County Community Choir will perform with celebrating the ‘Sounds of the Season’. Community Church of the Hills, 212 Klett Ranch Road, Johnson City, 8:00pm.

The annual Christmas program, hosted by the First United Methodist Church, The Living Nativity at 105 N. LBJ Drive, Johnson City , 6:00pm-9:00pm. Program starts on every half hour. (rain or shine event)

Saturday, December 7th “A Frontier Christmas” in the Johnson Settlement commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Take a free bus from President Johnson’s Boyhood Home at 200 E. Elm St. to the nearby Johnson Settlement. Visit with chuckwagon cooks as they cook and recite cowboy Christmas stories and poetry over a campfire. Visit the dog-trot log cabin of Sam and Eliza Johnson, grandparents of President Johnson, where pioneer women in living history costuming serve cookies and cider. Join local music artist Bryan Anders for holiday songs and carols at the event center, where children can make a button pin. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City, 6:00pm to 9:00 pm.

Night Hike to the Johnson Settlement at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Johnson City, Texas. Join a park ranger and volunteer on a night hike from President Lyndon Johnson’s Boyhood Home along a footpath to the Johnson Settlement for “A Frontier Christmas.” The hike will leave at 7:00 pm from the corner of Avenue G and Elm Street. Bring a flashlight and dress for a night hike.

Christmas at Lyndon B. Johnson’s Boyhood Home. Tour President Johnson’s boyhood home by lamplight, decorated for a 1920s style Christmas. National park rangers will provide tours of this historic house and explain life in Johnson City before rural electrification. 200 E. Elm Street, Johnson City, 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

The annual Christmas program, hosted by the First United Methodist Church, 2

The Living Nativity at 105 N. LBJ Drive, Johnson City, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Program starts on every half hour. (rain or shine event)

Annual Hill Country Toy Run kicks off their ride to Cherokee, Texas where they will be delivering Christmas to Cherokee Home for Children.

Friday, December 13th The annual Christmas program, hosted by the First United Methodist Church, The Living Nativity at 105 N. LBJ Drive, Johnson City, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Program starts every half hour. (rain or shine event)

Saturday, December 14th Christmas at Lyndon B. Johnson’s Boyhood Home, a 50th anniversary commemoration of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Tour President Johnson’s boyhood home by lamplight, decorated a 1920s style Christmas. National park rangers will provide tours of this historic house and explain life in Johnson City before rural electrification. 200 E. Elm Street, Johnson City, 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Johnson City Art Walk, invites visitors to view the artistic elements of Johnson City’s distinct galleries at their annual Holiday Open House. Meet the gallery owners and artists and enjoy complimentary wine, beverage and refreshments. Downtown Johnson City, 4:00-8:00pm.

The annual Christmas program, hosted by the First United Methodist Church, The Living Nativity at 105 N. LBJ Drive, Johnson City, 6:00pm-9:00pm. Program starts every half hour. (rain or shine event)

Sunday, December 15th 50th annual LBJ Christmas Tree Lighting, a special tradition started 50 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments, and of course, the spectacular tree lighting. Then revisit the past at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. The Park Store will be stocked with unique holiday items and more that will complete anyone’s gift shopping! The event begins at 4:30pm, with the official tree lighting ceremony beginning at 5:30pm. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, 199 Park Rd. 52, Stonewall, 4:30pm-8:00pm.

Saturday, December 21st Meet the Grinch, Max and more at Whoville. Johnson City Square, 6:00pm-9:00pm.

Every Friday and Saturday, November 29- December 21st Santa Claus will be at the Memorial Park gazebo for free photo opportunities. Located at the corner of US 290 and Avenue G, Johnson City, 6:00pm-9:00pm. 3

Every weekend, Friday-Sunday, November 29th - January 5th Throughout the festival (weather permitting), visitors can hitch a ride on a tractor-pulled hayride offered by the Antique Tractor Club to see the display of lights or opt for a more private tour with a horse-drawn carriage ride by the Buggy Barn Museum.

“The Lights Spectacular elves are working hard to guarantee a merry and bright Lights Spectacular 30th anniversary season, we hope you join us for those magical holiday moments with family and friends,” said Rayette Bible, co-chair of Lights Spectacular.

For more information and a schedule of events, Lights Spectacular or visit us on Facebook Lights Spectacular 30th Anniversary. Information is also available by emailing [email protected].