trail of lights - The Austinot

Insider’s Guide to Austin’s Trail of Lights, 2017 Edition

November 14, 2017 by Amanda Gagnon Leave a Comment

Trail of Lights is an Austin tradition, marking 52 years this Christmas season (Credit: Trail of Lights)

The first time I visited Trail of Lights, I was mesmerized by the beauty of it all, especially the tunnel at the entrance. I spun around inside the Zilker Tree until I was dizzy, and fell even more in love with the Austin skyline. This holiday magic is something I want to experience every year.

Visiting Trail of Lights is a yearly tradition for most Austin residents. If you’ve never been before, watch the short video below for more information on this year’s event, which will run from Dec. 9 to Dec. 23. And keep reading for this year’s pro tips!

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Trail of Lights Celebrates 50 Years of Spinning Under the Zilker Tree

November 8, 2016 by Kelli McDonald Leave a Comment

The Ferris wheel is a new favorite at Trail of Lights (Credit: Dear Wesleyann Photography)

For 52 years, Austinites have walked Trail of Lights as part of their holiday tradition. And for 50 years, the moon tower located off Barton Springs Road has been transformed into a glowing tree–dubbed the Zilker Tree–where visitors stand under the lights and look up while spinning around for a wonderfully disorienting effect.

Five years ago, Trail of Lights was privatized to take the monetary obligation away from taxpayers. The future of the holiday extravaganza seemed rocky at first, but now the event is arguably better than ever with a giant Ferris wheel, charitable events and Austin vendors helping to make the event memorable. [Read more…]

Don’t Miss the 51st Year of Austin’s Trail of Lights!

December 10, 2015 by Mathis Kennington Leave a Comment

Trail of Lights 2015 from the air (Credit: Jared Tennant)

My holiday season doesn’t get started until Trail of Lights begins. This year, Austin’s beloved event is back for its 51st year of sparkling holiday goodness.

It may be like this every year, but there seems to be an renewed energy surrounding this celebrated Austin tradition. The Trail of Lights Foundation has worked extremely hard to make the experience better than ever, while keeping the cost to Austinites down.

Trail of Lights is free for its first week, Dec. 8-15. After that, its only a $3 for ages 12+. This is a small price compared to how much it costs to keep over two million lights bright on a trail where Austinites and visitors will walk a combined million miles this season! [Read more…]

Trail of Lights 2014 Now Open! Here’s Your Preview

December 5, 2014 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Welcome to the 50th anniversary of Trail of Lights (Image courtesy of Rebecca Belcher Photography)

I love the holidays. Lights hung from every tree. Kids running around in breathless anticipation. It’s an opportunity to be young again. To plug into our past and find the little joys we forget about all year long.

The Trail of Lights, Austin’s long running celebration of holiday fun, is one of the best ways to ring in this amazing time of year. 2014 marks the event’s 50th anniversary, and the well-worn trail has some new surprises to go with the old favorites as it opens on Sunday, December 7, 2014. [Read more…]

Trail of Lights to Charge Entrance Fee in 2014

August 25, 2014 by Brittany Highland 4 Comments

The light displays are always brilliant (Credit: John Reese via Flickr CC)

The Trail of Lights Foundation announced on Friday that they’ll be charging an entrance fee in 2014. Before you have a conniption, take a breath and consider the important facts: [Read more…]

What to Expect from Trail of Lights 2013

December 2, 2013 by Brittany Highland 5 Comments

Photo credit: Margaret Licarione and Licarione Photography

Trail of Lights is one of Austin’s most beloved holiday traditions. The event was cancelled from 2010-2011 due to city budget shortfalls, but the private sector rallied in response to the outcry from disheartened Austinites. Thanks to generous donations from major sponsors like H-E-B, KXAN, Austin-American Statesman and Seton, Trail of Lights returned last year with a flash of brilliance.

Admission continues to be free, allowing everyone access to a memorable night of Christmas cheer. The private sector is contributing somewhere in the $1.5 million range to produce Trail of Lights 2013.

If you’re a Trail of Lights veteran, there are some new features you can expect this year. If you’re planning your first visit ever, we have the information you need to get the most out of your experience. [Read more…]

Don’t Miss the Final Weekend of Trail of Lights at Zilker Park

December 21, 2012 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Entry to Trail of Lights Austin

Click on the Play button on the podcast player above to listen to this week’s episode of the Austinot Podcast.

After two dark holiday seasons at Zilker Park, our Trail of Lights is back. Thanks to dedicated organizers and donors, this year’s trip to the Trail of Lights will be an all-night affair that your family will remember until next year. [Read more…]