Christmas Lane: 35 years of West Texas winter wonderland and counting

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Ask any Big Country kid born between the late 80s and today to name a favorite holiday tradition, and you’re likely to hear stories of family trips to the Abilene State Supported Living Center (ASSLC) for its annual Christmas Lane.

In West Texas, at the beginning of 1990, they honored a West Texas tradition with many core Christmas memories for area families, as long-time volunteer Bill Gilliland can attest.

“We have people who say they started out here when they were kids, and now they’re bringing their kids out here,” Gilliland told KTAB/KBRC.

Just about 35 years ago, Gilliland was working for the phone company Southwestern Bell. He and his colleagues approached about setting up a hardwired phone line from Abilene to the North Pople so that local kids could chat one-on-one with the big man himself and his elves.

Gilliland says that the first year saw a modest number of community sponsors and great success with the holiday hotline.

“Christmas lane remains the same. It’s basically like it was then.” Said Gilliland

The mission to shower the Key City remained constant even as their offerings and partnerships changed with the years. Now, families can come out to enjoy the sponsored Christmas display drive-through on their way to the winter wonderland display indoors. They’ll find holiday treats and a chance to speak with Santa Clause and pose for a picture. The Christmas Village will also include a small train to spark a holiday glow in any heart.

“We try to add something new each and every year to make people excited to come and see it. But we also try to keep our family traditions that have been going on for the past 35 years.” Said ASSLC Director of Community Relations and Volunteer Services, Shae Butts.

All outside displays that local community partners sponsor ask for a nominal participation fee. Those funds, the snack sale, and the $5 Santa photos support the ASSLC operations and the following year’s display.

Christmas Lane opened on December 6 at the Abilene State Supported Living Center, 2501 Maple Street. The gates open on weekdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and from December 20 through December 23, the hours are extended to every night until 10 p.m. Outdoor displays will only be available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Christmas Eve through December 26.