This is the 60th year that the Austin Parks and Recreation Department will organize its light display, with many parts of the installation sponsored by local businesses.
How it started
The Trail of Lights began as a small gathering in 1965 known as Yule Fest in Zilker Park, a holiday gift from the Austin Parks and Recreation Department to the city. The celebration involved lighting a yule log where the Zilker Holiday Tree is now set up annually.
Yule Fest was an annual tradition of the Parks and Recreation Department until 2009 when the program was cut from its budget. After a scaled-back Trail of Lights that year and a two-year hiatus, a group of locals established the Trail of Lights Foundation to revive the event in 2012.
What you need to know
The Trail of Lights will be open to the public Dec. 10-23, with tiered tickets providing different levels of experiences to guests:
- Free entry nights will be offered Dec. 10-13 and Dec. 16-18
- General admission tickets to enter the Trail of Lights will start at $8 per person, with children under the age of 12 able to enter for free.
- Zip Passes, starting at $25 per person over the age of six, will allow guests to enter the trail one hour early and have access to the ZIP Lounge with complimentary holiday cookies and hot cocoa.
- Platinum Passes, starting at $95 per person, provide guests access to concierge service starting at 6 p.m. each night through a dedicated entrance with valet. Guests with platinum passes will be provided golf cart shuttle service from a heated lounge to the trail entrance, as well as a drink and ride ticket, hot cocoa and a lounge bar.
What else?
Parking and shuttle service are available on a limited basis, per the foundation. Parking passes are $25 per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance for each night.
Guests can purchase shuttle passes for $8 per person. The shuttle will pick up at the Tony Burger Center, 3200 Jones Road, Austin, and drop off at a special entry to the trail. Guests are encouraged to purchase shuttle passes in advance to ensure availability.
Can't wait?
Those who want a sneak peek at this year's Trail of Lights can attend the 10th Annual Night Lights Preview Party Dec. 6, for a donation of $100 per person. Attendees will be able to get a head start on the amusement rides, local beverages and bites, as well as enjoy live music.
The foundation will also partner with Chuy's Tex-Mex to hold a two-mile fun run Dec. 7 through the trail before it opens to the public. Early bird registration begins at $20-$45 per person, according to the foundation.
Additional information is available at www.austintrailoflights.org
