The Dolly Trolley sponsors overbooked for this year’s Trail of Light tours – and everyone who wants to see Great Bend’s Christmas lights during the next week will benefit. Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said the displays will remain lit through Jan. 7, 2023.

Usually, the lights go off on the first business day after New Year’s Day. However, Michael Dawes with Rosewood Services said he overbooked the Trolley and the City was kind enough to extend the days the display is open. The Rosewood Roots & Wings Foundation sponsors the free Trolley rides and the Santas Around the World Exhibit, which wrapped up its season on Dec. 23.

“We are booked out all through Jan. 7th,” Dawes said. However, people can always check to see if there have been cancellations. The rides are free, and people can reserve seats by following the Eventbrite link on the Santas Around the World Facebook page. Tours are at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with passengers boarding and unloading at RePerk’s Coffee Shop, 1216 Main St. The Trolley, which seats 22, was donated by Sheryl Cheely and donations allowed the foundation to offer the rides at no cost to the public.

“It was important to (Cheely) that the Trolley could be something the community could utilize,” Dawes said.

About the Trail of Lights

You don’t have to catch a ride on the Dolly Trolley to view Great Bend’s Trail of Lights. Beginning at the courthouse square, the trail’s route runs south to 10th Street, then west to K-96, where the Christmas Nativity is set up. Head northwest to Veterans Memorial Park for Lights on the Lake, with the 12 Days of Christmas decorations, then east down Broadway to Williams Street. A jog north then brings sightseers to Brit Spaugh Park’s “Wild Lights” display.