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Nativity scene at the EmilyAnn Theatre's Trail of Lights.
Photo by Madonna Kimball.

Community celebration of the season at EmilyAnn Theatre

By Oda Lisa Hernandez

Celebrate Christmas at the 10th annual Trail of Lights on the EmilyAnn Theatre grounds in Wimberley.

The beloved family tradition features a lighted and decorated trail open each evening through January 1.
Visitors can enjoy more than 100 lighted holiday exhibits, all created by area churches, families, businesses and civic groups are on display.

A giant tree of lights awaits at the top of a six-acre hill, which provides guests a 360-degree view of the Wimberley Valley.
The panoramic view is well worth the short ascent. “The top of the hill is special,” agrees Norm Rolling, co-founder of the EmilyAnn Theatre.

Trail of Lights attendees enjoy complimentary treats of hot chocolate, and hot dogs and marshmallows to roast around the Yule log. Roasting sticks are provided, too. These comfort foods, holiday music, and Yuletide spirit accentuate the visually wondrous event.

“It is alive with the sound of music, joy, laughter and the eternal song of hope,” says Norm.

Kids can visit with Santa, get creative in the interactive music garden, or play a game of chess on the theatre’s life-size interactive chess board.

Choirs from area churches, and other musical talent provide each evening’s entertainment, most beginning at 6 pm.
The Box Canyon Boys, Suzuki Strings, Gypsy Moon, the Hill Country Community Band, and Slim Ritchey with the Jitterbug Vipers are among just a few of the performers at this year’s event.

Don’t miss the production of Alice in Wonderland by the Smithson Valley Junior High drama students December 9. A re-enactment of La Posadas depicting Joseph and Mary’s search for a room at the inn is December 16.

Award-winning a cappella group Texas Hot Flash performs December 18 and the McCarty Family Singers take the stage on Christmas Eve.

The theatre will also serve as a collection point for the Brown Santa and Gold Santa toys for Christmas campaigns.
The Trail of Lights of 2007 closes with a talent show and New Year’s Eve Festivities featuring local Celtic band O’Malarkey.

Norm says, “Come see us and simply get a new glimpse of how joyful and peaceful life can be. God Bless.”

The EmilyAnn Theatre also hosts the Spring Fling Butterfly Day Festival, the annual summer Shakespeare Under the Stars, and various fundraisers throughout the year.

It provides a unique and beautiful setting for concerts, plays, reunions, and parties with several stage and seating areas, a shaded picnic area, and the new Veterans Memorial Plaza on the hilltop.

The theatre stages a variety of musical productions including Star of the Hills and Fiddler on the Roof. The Gospel According to Texas will run early in 2008.