The season begins with turning on the lights the Friday night after Thanksgiving each year, followed by the “Lighted Hooves and Wheels Parade” on the Saturday night following Thanksgiving. The lights are on each night until January 1st. Each weekend, the Garden Club fills the Courthouse with Christmas ornaments and holiday crafts for purchase. Johnson City is located at the crossroads of the Hill Country.
Visit the Preserve at Walnut Springs and Johnson City this holiday season. To schedule a tour email Sales and Marketing Director, Jasmin Arpin or (512) 508-4684
Friday, November 29 – Tuesday, January 1: 24th Annual Lights Spectacular: This year marks the 24th anniversary of Lights Spectacular, Hill Country Style. Proclaimed as “the Centerpiece of one of the biggest shows on the Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail” by Southern Living magazine with a courthouse that “shines brighter than the star of Bethlehem”. The entire town is bathed in lights with 100,000 lights twinkling on the Blanco County Courthouse while Pedernales Electric Coop’s Headquarters on Ave F boasts a lighted forest of over 1 million lights. Hayrides and carriage rides are available throughout the season. Each weekend, the Garden Club fills the Courthouse with Christmas ornaments and holiday crafts for purchase. Johnson City is located at the crossroads of the Hill Country. Spend your nights with us while taking in the Hill Country Lighting Trail. For the entire trail, go to http://www.tex-fest.com/regional/ For additional information, call the Johnson City Visitors Center at 830-868-7684.
Friday, November 29th: The official lighting of the Blanco County Courthouse enjoy fireworks starting at 6:30 to be followed by the official lighting of the Blanco County Courthouse and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Come out and enjoy the evening, Chuckwagon Food Court, Carriage rides available and much more!
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Starting November 29 & continuing throughout the Holiday Season: Hayrides:Sponsored by the Antique Tractor Club and loading at Texas 290 Diner from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. every weekend throughout the Holiday Season (weather permitting) By Donation.
Saturday, November 30: 4th Annual Lights Spectacular 5K Run: The First Christian Church of Johnson City will be sponsoring the 4th ANNUAL Lights Spectacular 5K Run at 3 p.m. 100% of the net proceeds will be used to supplement the ministries of First Christian Church. Medals will be awarded for each age group and there will also be a drawing for door prizes. If you have any questions, contact Lori or Walter Hudson at (830) 868-9131 and leave a message or Dawn Capra at (512) 577-4833 or email Dawn at [email protected]. To register online go the website: www.jcfirstchristian.org, or print [PDF] a registration form here and bring it the day of the race! Print [PDF] the flyer for more info.
Saturday, November 30th: Lighted Hooves and Wheels Parade, Clickety Cloggers begin the activities at 5:30 p.m. with the Lighted Hooves and Wheels Parade at 6:30 p.m. Clickety Cloggers will start of the second night of Lights Spectacular with a performance in the street in front of the Courthouse on the Square. The highlight of the evening will be the Lighted Hooves and Wheels Parade at 6:30 pm and pictures with Santa in Memorial Park on Main Street. The Chuck Wagon Food Court will be open, the Court House lobby will be filled with the Garden Club’s Christmas ornaments and crafts and carriage rides will be available.
Every Weekend, Sat. – Sun. in December (Starting Nov. 30): Johnson City Courthouse Ornaments Sale: The Courthouse lobby will be open during the holiday on weekends and the Garden Club will be selling Christmas ornaments, crafts, post cards, bird houses, bumper stickers and local cook books. The ornaments are hand made each Monday morning throughout the year at our nursing home by the residents, and they are excellent decorations for a very modest cost. Proceeds support local non-profit organizations. Opening weekend of Lights Spectacular the “store” is open 5p-9p on Friday through Sunday of opening weekend. Each weekend thereafter it is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6p-9p through 12/22. Info: contact Joycelyn Carter, 868-7010.
Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14: 1st United Methodist Church Living Story of Christmas – Johnson City First United Methodist Church will put on its annual (over 25 years!) Christmas program. It is a show for all ages and a great part of anyone’s Christmas. There will be 5 free shows per night, starting at 6:00 p.m. and run on the hour and half hour; the last show being at 8:30 p.m. Each show lasts about 10 minutes. Bleacher seating. Children are welcome to pet the animals after each show. In the Church Activity Center there will be a large display of nativity scenes, free refreshments (cookies, hot chocolate and coffee). Info: 868-7414. See www.fumcjctx.org
Saturday, December 14: Joint Fundraiser at the LBJ Boyhood Home – John Arthur Martinez & the Children of Head Start Johnson City – 5 p.m. Join us at the LBJ Boyhood Home fo Chili, Cornbread, Refreshments, Santa Claus and Elves – fun for all ages. Music by John Arthur Martinez with a special performance by the children of Head Start Johnson City presented by Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and Friends of Head Start Johnson City. see the flyer »»
Saturday, December 14: Lamplight Tours of the LBJ Boyhood Home – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. National Park Rangers will provide an open house and relive a 1920’s small town Christmas celebration in this decked out historic home located on Elm Street, one block south of Hwy 290 (Main Street) in Johnson City. Free. Complemented by stunning lighting display at the PEC, across the street.www.nps.gov/lyjo for more information or call the public affairs office at (830) 868-7128, ext. 244.
Sunday, December 15: 44th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Lighting at 6 p.m.! 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the LBJ State Park in Stonewall, TX. Celebrating the Season with an open house at the Sauer-Beckmann German farm (including a candlelit Christmas tree and delicious homemade refreshments) and a children’s nativity scene. Yuletide music, courtesy of the Community Band of Fredericksburg and Stonewall school students, adds even more enjoyment As dusk turns to darkness, Johnson family members arrive and extend their holiday wishes, culminating in the lighting of a beautiful native cedar tree. Santa has always found time in his busy schedule to make an appearance as well. Join LBJ State Park & Historic Site, LBJ National Historical Park & Western National Parks Association for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Stonewall. For more information call 830-644-2420 or 830-868-7128 x 245 or www.nps.gov/lyjo