The gist
The Austin Trail of Lights features more than 2 million lights illuminating Zilker Park, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. On Dec. 2, thousands of Fun Runners sporting holiday costumes are expected to run through the Austin Trail of Lights grounds—starting at the Zilker Holiday Tree—to the Finish Line Festival located at the center of Zilker Park. The celebration will feature a DJ dance party, food and drinks, an opportunity to take photos with Santa, a vendor expo, and more, officials from the Austin Trail Foundation announced in a news release Aug. 17.
The details
There are three waves, or start times, available to choose from for the Fun Run:
- Wave one: starts at 5:45 p.m.
- Wave two: starts at 6:45 p.m.
- Wave three: starts at 7:45 p.m.
- A commemorative, long-sleeved Fun Run T-shirt
- A 2023 Fun Run bib
- A Fun Run swag bag
- Complimentary beer or cocoa
- Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Access to any of the three waves
- Early packet pickup access
- Admission to the VIP lounge at the Finish Line Festival with climate-controlled tents, seating, holiday decorations and a private bar
- Two drink tickets for adults, or one drink ticket for children
- Snacks
- T-shirt upgrade for adults
Officials said teams are welcome to register; however, any team of 36 people or larger is asked to contact the trail foundation to coordinate large-team benefits and registration.
Some of the benefits of having a team of 36 or more runners include:
- Early packet pickup
- Team name printed on Fun Run bib
- Team name printed on the back of event T-shirts
The Trail of Lights Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that raises funds through donations to maintain equal access to all for the Austin Trail of Lights.
Click here to learn more about the event, or here to learn how to donate.
