59th annual Austin Trail of Lights to kick off holiday season

In under two weeks, the Texas capital city will dazzle the state with its millions of lights and holiday displays at Zilker Park. The 59th annual Austin Trail of Lights will welcome hundreds of thousands of guests from all across Texas to walk the holiday path from December 8 to December  23. It is sure to put all in a holiday spirit!

Powered by H-E-B, the annual event is hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, an independent nonprofit corporation. The foundation’s mission is to raise funds to produce and ensure the long-term sustainability of Austin’s largest community celebration.

Here’s what you should know about the Trail of Lights.

The Austin Trail of Lights is an outdoor walking trail that highlights the “unique spirit” and people that make Austin wonderful. Attendees can expect to feel the Christmas spirit through the trail as it features over 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.

Various activities are also offered at the event, including Candy Cane Lane, which is the first area along the trail with food options, beverages, and more. At the center of the trail, walkers can find Santa’s House and Santa’s Workshop. 

Lastly, Zilker Square offers food, rides, shopping, and live music. People can also enjoy an amazing view from above with a Ferris wheel and carousel. 

Holiday enthusiasts can find the attraction at the heart of Zilker Park downtown at 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. 

The trail itself is 1.25 miles, but with the other activities offered, the average trailgoer walks about 2.5 miles during their visit, which includes the walk to and from the parking areas. The overall time estimate of the experience is 1 hour.  

While walking, attendees can expect to travel on a mix of grass, cement, and asphalt. The weather may affect the terrain, such as muddy grounds. 

General Admission ticket prices range from $0 to $8 for the event, depending on the night. Children 11 and under are free to enter with a ticketed adult. Tickets include access to the trail itself, free photos with Santa, and more! 

ZIP passes can be purchased to gain early access to the trail, along with an exclusive entrance, to zip past crowds! A lounge area in Candy Cane Lane is included with the pass, with it comes complimentary holiday cookies, cocoa, comfortable seating heated washroom, and a bar. 

For those going all out this season, a Platinum Pass is available from $95 to $435, depending on the size of the group. Valet parking for one vehicle is included, along with a golf cart shuttle to the trailhead, one drink ticket, and one ride ticket. 

However, shuttle passes will be operational on select nights at two locations. Passes are sold at $8 and include a general admission fee to the trail.