The Trail of Lights Foundation has announced the 58th Annual Austin Trail of Lights will return to a walking tour after two years due to COVID-19.

The Zilker Metropolitan Park holiday event, which is powered by H-E-B, will run from Dec. 8-23 except on Mondays, when it will be closed.

“H-E-B is honored to continue to sponsor Austin’s longest-running holiday tradition and grateful to the Trail of Lights Foundation for their passion and dedication to keeping the event free of charge for half of the public nights. Because of their efforts, the Austin Trail of Lights is continuing to bring magic to guests and is coming back even stronger in 2022,” H-E-B Director of Public Affairs Leslie Sweet said in a press release.

The Trail of Lights started as a small gathering in 1965 but now welcomes more than 400,000 guests from Central Texas and across the world.

For those who cannot wait to see the display Dec. 8, there is a preview party that will allow guests to see the lights Dec. 2. The tickets for that event will go on sale in October. The full calendar of events for the holiday occasion will also be released in October.


The Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run will return for its 11th year as well, sponsored by Chuy’s. Those participating are encouraged to contribute to Chuy’s annual project to help the Austin Police Department provide food and toys to families in need.

“Chuy's has always believed in giving back to our community and helping organizations in our local neighborhoods,” Chuy's Vice President of Marketing Ashley Ingle said. “Not only do we get to support the Austin Trail of Lights, but we will also help collect toy and monetary donations at the race for Operation Blue Santa."