T he 55th annual LBJ Tree Lighting event will be held Sunday, Dec. 15, at 5:30 p.m.
Taking place at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall, the event will give locals and visitors a chance to enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments and, of course, the tree lighting itself.
The evening event is a holiday tradition begun by President Lyndon B. Johnson and his family.
The annual celebration takes place in the courtyard of the state park’s visitor center, located just east of Stonewall off U.S. 290 East.
Members of the Johnson family traditionally are on hand that night at the park, which is named for the 36th U.S. president, to take part in the ceremony.
In conjunction with the tree lighting, a short program is held in which representatives from Stonewall community churches participate.
Elsewhere on the grounds, members of the Catholic Youth Organization will present a live nativity scene.
Following the ceremony, the visitor center will host a variety of activities, including ornament making, holiday music and visits with Santa Claus.
Light refreshments will also be available, and the park store will be open for shopping.
In addition to the tree lighting, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm inside the state park will be open to visitors.
At the Sauer-Beckmann Farm, state park personnel dressed in the style of the early 1900s will greet visitors for a walking tour through the houses.
There, visitors will see a traditional German Christmas scene. Standing in the parlor will be a Christmas tree decorated with cutout cookies, popcorn chains, apples, oranges and lighted candles.
The tradition of lighted candles on Christmas trees started in Germany, which eventually turned into today’s electric lights.
In another room, visitors will find angel chimes and an advent wreath made of cedar. In the center of the kitchen, the dining table will be laden with foods that have been prepared by park employees.
For more information, call 830-644-2252 or visit the park’s website at www.tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/ lyndon-b-johnson.
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