Austin Trail of Lights – Guide to Visiting this Texas Christmas Tradition

There’s something uniquely enchanting about the holiday season in Austin, Texas—a city known for its vibrant culture and creative spirit. Every winter, the Christmas Trail of Lights transforms Zilker Park into a luminous wonderland, drawing families, couples, and visitors from near and far to experience a celebration of light, music, and community.

History of the Trail of Lights

In 1965 the Austin Trail of Lights began as a modest, community-driven celebration where neighbors decorated their homes and streets with festive lights during the winter season. Over time, this humble tradition evolved into an expansive holiday event that showcases elaborate artistic installations, interactive displays, and live entertainment, reflecting the creative and close-knit spirit of Austin.

Rooted in local pride and a passion for communal celebration, the event has grown into a signature winter attraction that not only transforms the city into a luminous wonderland but also embodies the warmth and creativity that Austinites love to call home.

Trail of Lights Takes Place in Zilker Park

Zilker Park is a beloved urban oasis located in the heart of Austin, celebrated for its sweeping green spaces, cultural events, and vibrant community spirit. Throughout the year, the park serves as a dynamic venue for outdoor activities, concerts, and festivals that bring together residents and visitors alike.

During the December holiday season, Zilker Park‘s charm is paired with the iconic Trail of Lights event, which transforms the park into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. This festive display of twinkling lights, creative installations, and seasonal attractions encapsulates the spirit of Austin, inviting everyone to experience the magic and warmth of the holiday season in one of the city’s most cherished landmarks.

Buying Tickets to the Trail of Lights

Tickets are designed to accommodate every guest: adults are priced at $25, children at $15, and seniors at $20, with little ones under three admitted free. For those planning a family outing, package deals start at $70, while VIP passes at $40 offer exclusive benefits such as early access and premium viewing areas. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance online because they do sell out!

Getting to the Event

When planning your visit to the Trail of Lights in Austin, be prepared for significant traffic congestion. The event attracts a large crowd each holiday season, drawing visitors from across the city and beyond to experience its light displays and festive atmosphere. Local roads can become particularly busy, so it’s wise to allow extra travel time, explore alternative routes, or consider using public transportation. You should also plan to do a lot of walking because the parking lots are far from the main festival area.

The entrance to the Trail of Lights event is 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin TX.

*Note: Although the Trail of Lights is a fantastic event, finding the entrance can be surprisingly challenging. A Google Maps search often directs you to the exit instead, leaving many first-time visitors confused as they pull over to consult their GPS. This mix-up has led to dozens of cars stopping or slowing down along the way. I eventually parked on the shoulder and asked a security guard at the exit for directions to the correct entrance, since there were no signs along the road to guide the way.

Food Available to Purchase

At the Trail of Lights in Austin, the festive atmosphere comes with a vibrant food truck scene. A diverse array of mobile eateries lines the route, offering everything from classic comfort foods and smoky barbecue to fresh, innovative vegan options and international favorite foods. This variety ensures that no matter your culinary cravings, there’s something to enjoy while you explore the illuminated displays.

*Note: Your ticket comes with a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows, but you have to wait in a long line to get it.

Brining Your Kids to the Trail of Lights

For families with young children, it’s wise to bring a stroller to navigate the long trails comfortably; this not only ensures your little ones have a safe and cozy place to rest but also makes moving through the busy event much easier. Otherwise you’ll end up carrying your small kids the majority of the night. There’s a lot of walking!

There’s rides for kids like a carousel, ferris wheel and carnival style rides. The price of your admission ticket does not include the price of tickets for the rides. Be aware that the lines are long and tickets are not cheap! The people who pay extra for the VIP tickets get to cut the line for rides.

Take a Picture with Santa

One of the kid-friendly events inside the Trail of Lights is Santa’s Workshop where you can take traditional portrait photos with Santa. There was a long line, so give yourselves plenty of time for this area of the event.

In Conclusion

Visiting the Austin Trail of Lights is a fun experience that encapsulates the festive spirit of the season. From the light displays to the family-friendly activities, every moment spent at the event is designed to create lasting memories. Whether you’re feeling jolly looking at the decorations, enjoying a stroll with your little ones in tow, or simply soaking in the magical ambiance, the event offers a perfect blend of wonder and community warmth.

See more family friendly things to do in Austin in our kid-approved guide.