Buda Trail of Lights now open

BUDA — Each December, Buda residents of all ages hop off of the school bus shuttle to be greeted by Christmas joy — the Buda Trail of Lights. Filled with unique displays and thousands of lights, the annual event is a tradition for families in the area.

In 2009, former Buda City Council member Cathy Chilcote wanted to find a way to celebrate and attract community members to the soon-to-be Stagecoach Park. Over the years, the event has seen numerous transformations. It was originally held around the historic Stagecoach House, near the creek, and saw more than 3,000 residents. The number continued to rise with 15,000 attending in 2012. Now, Juan Mosqueda, Parks and Recreation supervisor, said that the numbers are closer to 30,000.

According to Mosqueda, the Buda Trail of Lights is an opportunity “to [promote] businesses in Buda to give that back to the community.” Every year, businesses gather at Stagecoach Park to set up various displays that give residents insight to their company. The organizations range from local youth programs, such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to H-E-B.

“We provide [the businesses] the electricity. We provide them a spot. We provide them assistance if they need it, but they come in and they decorate,” said Mosqueda. “They also compete for more of a pride thing of who has the best display.”

As of Nov. 30, there are more than 45 business displays, totaling 90 with the additional scenes provided by the city.

For community members who consider attending other light events, Mosqueda emphasized, “We don’t charge. It’s free [and] anyone can come.” This includes furry friends on leashes.

Accessibility and safety are key aspects the city used when constructing the trail. Glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted on the grounds and ADA-accesible buses are available at the drop-off and pick-up zone. There will also be staff present if an individual needs to be taken through the trail on a golf cart.

Residents can expect a variety of treats available at the event, including hot chocolate, s’mores and kettle corn to enjoy throughout the night. This year, there are a few new displays that will be sure to catch the eyes of attendees. Jack Frost has been added and is illuminated by lights above him and whimsical lit trees at his side — he is even wearing a scarf for the season. Next, visit Whoville where the Grinch and Whos will be, with a tree decorated in his honor.

Santa will also be present nightly for children to take photos and inform him of their Christmas wishes.

“Every year, we try to do something different. This year, it’s a totally different setup. We’ve changed the trail and added a new section,” said Mosqueda. “We’ve got a lot of inflatables this year that are interactive. That’s what we encourage. We want people to get into the displays and hug them — really get into it … We want that to continue to be the tradition.”

Families creating a tradition out of the Buda Trail of Lights is Mosqueda’s most cherished aspect of the event: “I get to see the same people every year … Most of these folks are second generation, third generation [and] a lot of the parents went to Hays High School,” he said.

Despite the joy in the event, it is a labor of love. According to Mosqueda, the Parks and Recreation Department begins work the day after Halloween and works until the night prior to opening. This year, he explained that Public Works also contributed to the displays and has been a great help.

Although he plans on retiring from creating the trail of lights displays after 13 years, he has fond memories and trusts that those he passes the baton to will continue to spread the holiday cheer through the event.

The Buda Trail of Lights is open from 6-9 p.m., Dec. 6-9 and Dec. 13-16. Though the event takes place at Stagecoach Park, drop-off and pick-up will be located in the Cabela’s parking lot at 15570 S IH-35 Frontage Road.