Two months and 500,000 lights are all that members of The Light of the world Church need to create a spectacular holiday Festival of Lights walking trail for Davidson County residents.
The festival will take place over four weeks from 7-10 p.m. on Dec. 1-2; Dec. 8-9; Dec. 15-16; and Dec. 22-23. The winter wonderland of lights are set up over just under a half mile of forested area at 1306 Thomason St., said Atalia Cardenas, spokeswoman and a member of Light of the World Church
“You can come see thousands of lights, have a hot cocoa and not have to spend money of gas to drive to Tanglewood and pay $20 per car to see Christmas lights,” Cardenas said. “The festival is completely run by the members. They put up the lights, they make the food, they do everything.”
While no admission is charged, their is a cost to purchase food, ride a miniature train up and down Thomason Street, purchase s’mores and cocoa and have your photo made with Santa. Attendees may purchase tickets for the activities or food at a special area and then use the tickets to purchase food and activities.
“The food is authentic and made by members,” Cardenas said. “We have traditional Mexican or El Savadoran food. There will be pupusa, which are a Salvadoran food, and street tacos from Mexico and many other items. It’s a place to expand your palate and be comfortable about asking questions if you don’t know. We’ll also have traditional American food such as hot dogs and chips.”
Pupusas are thick corn tortillas that can be stuffed with various fillings, including meats, refried beans, cheese, and more.
Cardenas said the church began the Festival of Lights in 2014 as a way to show youth how to give back to the community and how to work together as a church.
“We wanted to do something that was inviting to other people,” she said. ‘We wanted it to be family-oriented and a safe place.”
This year, the church members have had the added work of completing renovations at the new church the congregation bought. Light of the World Church purchased the former Second United Church of Christ building at 330 N. Church St. early this year. Plans now are to keep the Thomason Street Church property. Members are busy renovating the new church and plan to begin holding services there later.
A cabin that is built higher in the forest is a highlight of the lights tour. People can use the steps to walk up into the comfy, cabin-like structure.
“It’s the best place to take pictures,” Cardenas said. “it was built for the children of one of our former pastors.”
