JOHNSON CITY, Texas — If you are seeking some holiday magic, look no further than Johnson City. The hometown of the 36th U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson is also known as the “Twinkliest Town in Texas.”
On Friday, the annual Lights Spectacular kicked off with a fireworks show and more than 2 million LED lights.
The Christmas festival is so impressive, NASA has reported seeing the dazzling display from space.
“I am looking forward to the fireworks,” said Bella Turkey, who traveled from Dallas with her parents and younger brother. “Christmas is about celebrating all the lights and the day Jesus was born.”
“I am here for the lights … and the whiskey if I can find it,” laughed Ayse Cheslock. “It’s just so full of Christmas spirit, love and joy. Johnson City and all of Blanco County really comes together to put on this family-friendly event.”
“We are here to see the lights and to shop,” said Claire Clements, who traveled with her family from Dripping Springs.
According to organizers, tens of thousands of people visit the small city during the month of December.
“It is our 35th year,” said Sara Allen, who sits on the board of directors for Lights Spectacular. “This started as a way to not only boost revenue and tourism in the city, but also support our nonprofits. As far as our small businesses, this is one of the top three months for revenue. It is massively important! Every single small business is really depending on this holiday season to make it because you had the [total solar] eclipse that maybe didn’t pan out how they thought it would, the economy has been very tough for them this year. So, I think all of us as individuals can help make this year really worth it for our small businesses by buying local; buy your Christmas gifts from them, eat at a local restaurant.”
The festival is free and offers nightly attractions including horse drawn carriages, train rides for the kids, photos with Santa Claus, music, entertainment, shopping, food and drinks.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. on November 30th, the Lighted Hooves and Wheels Parade will illuminate the streets of the historic downtown.
Johnson City has the 'best Christmas lights,' according to Santa Claus.
“At this time of the year, it is way more sparkly than almost any other place I have been,” said Santa Claus. “I have never seen a little town so fired up for the holiday season. I can’t wait to get back here every year!”
You can catch the holiday lights nightly from dusk until midnight through January 5.