This year, Austin will celebrate 50 years of enjoying the awesome holiday tradition of the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park! With more than 50 exciting displays, over 100 trees wrapped in lights, and three lighted tunnels, we’re so lucky to have this event right here in our hometown. Kids will enjoy a ferris wheel, an interactive area with crafts, photo opportunities, a visit with Santa, delicious food and much more.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Trail between Dec. 7 – 21, but if you’re hoping to get a first look, you can head to the Preview Party on Friday, Dec. 5th. Do512 Family readers have the chance to win a 4-pack of tickets to the party! Enter to win at the bottom of this page. 
trail-of-lights
There so much to explore at the Trail of Lights. You’ll enjoy:
— Activity Zones:
  • Armadillo Alley: Write your letter to Santa and post it to the North Pole at the mailbox or make a special holiday keepsake at the craft tent. On your way out of Armadillo Alley, stop by the UT Globe and watch performances at the Community Performance Stage.
  • North Pole: Share your holiday wish list with Santa at Santa’s House, pick up a free book from the H-E-B Read 3 Book Train and stop in Santa’s Workshop for photo and a variety of interactive experiences.
  • Zilker Village: Cozy up to the Yule Log, the Trail of Lights original tradition. Be sure to walk through Candyland for candy making demonstrations (click here to view a schedule) and don’t leave before you write your holiday wish for Austin at the Wishing Wall!

— Lots of Food Options:
With 30+ food vendors across three vending locations, you can plan on some great dinner or snack options while you’re on the Trail. Vendors include Amy’s Ice Cream, Austin’s Pizza, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Chi’Lantro BBQ & Hat Creek Burger Company. Visit the Trail of Lights website for a full list of food vendor options.

— Admission and Schedule:
The Trail of Lights is open from Dec. 7-21. With the purchase of a ZiP Pass ($15), trail-goers can enter the Trail starting at 6:15 p.m. Admission is Free Monday–Thursday and $3 on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The Preview Party will be held on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased for $$25. On Saturday, Dec. 6, there will be a 5K Fun Run at 7 p.m., and you can register online here.

— Parking & FAQ:
Be sure to check the Trail of Lights Insider’s Guide for tips, a map, and parking information.

Feeling lucky? Enter to win a family 4-pack of tickets to the Trail of Lights Preview Party on Friday, Dec. 5.

 This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who entered!