Lighting Up the Holiday Season with the Trail of Lights
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Posted On :
Jul-15-2009
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Article Word Count :
546
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No matter where you live, nothing says Christmas like Christmas lights. The second December begins the lights are lit in homes and malls throughout the country. Hours are spent perfecting the lines of sparkling color as they cover eaves, gables, gutters and trees.
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No matter where you live, nothing says Christmas like Christmas lights. The second December begins the lights are lit in homes and malls throughout the country. Hours are spent perfecting the lines of sparkling color as they cover eaves, gables, gutters and trees. And that doesn’t even account for the hours spent placing just so the light up reindeer, Santa and elves that fill up lawns and adorn roofs. It truly turns the neighborhoods throughout America into a sight to see, but it is a dim sight in comparison to the lights the city of Austin puts up each year for the Trail of Lights Celebration.
The first Trail of Lights Celebration began in 1965 in Zilker Park. It lasted for four days. And it was a spectacle to behold; all were thrilled when it returned in 1966. But they were even more thrilled when in 1967 the Zilker Tree made its first appearance. At 155 feet tall, with a diameter of 180 feet and 3,309 bulbs on 39 strings, the Zilker Tree is the largest man-made tree in existence. It is lit every year by the winner of the citywide children’s tree coloring contest on the first Sunday of December.
The lighting of the tree, however, is not the start of the Trail of Lights. In fact, it comes one week prior to the start. The Saturday following the tree lighting is a 5K Run, when the Trail of Lights is previewed for the first time that year. And the next day, on the second Sunday of December, the Trail of Lights is officially lit. That night there is a huge ceremony with bands, food and jovial Christmas celebration.
The Trail remains lit until December 23 so all the families in Austin have the opportunity to see the mile-long creation. Among the displays are a US Post Office, Santa’s House, the Yule Log and an entertainment stage. You enter at the Victorian Entry Gate and drive past forty-one lighted scenes. They see the Little Mermaid, the World of Seuss, the Tortoise and the Hare and the North Pole Express. The Journey of the Kings, Silent Night and the Twelve Days of Christmas line the streets, and a Peppermint Tunnel offers a beautiful red and white arch for all the spectators to go through.
If you wish to park near the Trail, good luck. It’s almost impossible when the lights are lit. If you’re lucky you may find a few places charging the typical holiday rates, but it might be best if you take public transit down to the area. And don’t forget to dress accordingly. Yes, you are in Texas, but that doesn’t mean it never gets cold. Think before you leave the house, and grab those gloves. It’s December, it’s nighttime and you’ll be sorry if you don’t.
The Trail of Lights is truly one of Austin’s brightest events, and one you do not want to miss. It will put you in a holiday mood far more quickly than hanging your own lights. In fact, it will probably make you much more jolly. So why not put your lights on hold this year, and travel down to Zilker Park for Austin’s light delight.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Lighting Up the Holiday Season with the Trail of Lights_1750.aspx
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Author Resource :
About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin REALTORS. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Round Rock real estate can be found on the net.
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Keywords :
Austin REALTORS, Austin real estate, Round Rock real estate ,
Category :
Home and Family
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Home and Family
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