Christmas Magic Returns to Ericson Lake: A Holiday Tradition Under the Stars
Nestled in the heart of rural Wheeler County, just one mile south of the small town of Ericson, Nebraska, a quiet lake community transforms into something truly magical for one special weekend each December. As the sun sets and darkness falls, the wooded trails surrounding Ericson Lake come alive with twinkling lights, festive scenes, Christmas music, and the unmistakable spirit of the holiday season.
Welcome to the 2026 Ericson Lake Trail of Lights!
Created in 2021 as a fundraiser for the Ericson Lake community and as a unique opportunity to bring visitors to the area during the off-season, the Trail of Lights has quickly grown into a beloved holiday tradition for families from across Nebraska and beyond. What began as an idea to bring a little Christmas magic to the lake has grown year after year into an unforgettable experience filled with lights, laughter, creativity, and small-town community spirit.
On Friday and Saturday, December 4th and 5th, 2026, volunteers will once again transform nearly 30 acres of wooded back trails into a glowing Christmas wonderland. Thousands of lights and festive decorations will guide visitors through the trees as more than 40 unique holiday scenes come to life along the trail.
From traditional Christmas displays and sparkling forests to imaginative scenes created by dedicated volunteers, there is something new to discover around every turn. Each display is carefully planned and brought to life by members of the Ericson Lake community who donate countless hours of their time to create an experience visitors will remember long after the holiday season has ended.
A Hayrack Ride Through Christmas Magic
The adventure begins when visitors climb aboard a hayrack for a journey through the illuminated trails. Bundle up in your favorite winter coat, bring a blanket, and settle in for approximately 30 minutes of Christmas magic beneath the stars.
As the hayrack travels through the woods, Christmas music fills the air while glowing displays light the way. The crisp winter air, the laughter of family and friends, and the peaceful beauty of the lake create an experience that feels both nostalgic and magical.
One of the most remarkable parts of the Trail of Lights is the dedication it takes to bring the event to life. The displays are powered by numerous generators throughout the trails, quietly humming in the background as they provide the energy needed to keep the Christmas lights shining brightly. It is truly a community effort—and a testament to what can happen when volunteers come together with a shared vision.
Santa Claus Comes to Ericson Lake!
One of the highlights of the weekend happens on Friday night only, when Santa Claus himself makes the trip down from the North Pole to visit Ericson Lake!
Children will have the chance to see Santa, share their Christmas wishes, and experience the excitement of seeing one of the season's most beloved visitors. Watching the faces of children light up when Santa arrives is just one of the many moments that make the Trail of Lights so special.
Warm Up and Enjoy the Holiday Atmosphere
While waiting for your hayrack ride, take time to soak in the festive atmosphere. Gather around a crackling fire, enjoy the sounds of Christmas music, and warm up with delicious seasonal treats.
The Wild Hay Café Truck will be on hand with hot cocoa, warm apple cider, and other tasty treats to help keep visitors warm on a chilly December evening. Whether you're sipping cocoa with friends or warming your hands by the fire, the time spent waiting becomes part of the experience itself.
More Than Just Christmas Lights
The Trail of Lights is much more than a holiday light display. It is an opportunity for families and friends to slow down during the busy holiday season and spend time together.
It is where children experience the wonder of Christmas, parents capture memories they will treasure for years, and grandparents enjoy watching generations of their family share the same magical experience.
It is also a celebration of everything that makes rural Nebraska special—neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers sharing their talents, and a community coming together to create something bigger than any one person could accomplish alone.
Every light hung, every scene created, every generator started, and every hayrack loaded represents the dedication and generosity of volunteers who work behind the scenes to make the Trail of Lights possible. Start—or Continue—a Holiday Tradition
Whether you're visiting Ericson Lake for the very first time or returning as part of your family's annual Christmas tradition, the Trail of Lights offers something special for visitors of all ages.
Bundle up the kids, gather your family and friends, and take a step away from the hustle and bustle of the season. Climb aboard a hayrack, travel through glowing wooded trails, listen to your favorite Christmas music, and let the magic of the holidays surround you.
For one weekend each December, a quiet rural lake community becomes a sparkling Christmas destination filled with wonder, warmth, and memories waiting to be made.
✨ Make plans now to experience the magic!
2026 Ericson Lake Trail of Lights
📅 Friday & Saturday, December 4–5, 2026
📍 Ericson Lake — 1 Mile South of Ericson, Nebraska
82219 The Blvd., Ericson, NE 68637
Come experience the lights. Create the memories. Celebrate the season.
The magic of Christmas is waiting for you at Ericson Lake. 🎄✨
