It’s nearly time to hear those sleigh bells jingling at the 59th Annual Trail of Lights!  This year’s trail will be bringing the magic from December 8-23 (closed Mondays) and since we know you’re on Santa’s good list, you can purchase your tickets in advance here.  Austin’s Trail of Lights welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests each year, is powered by H-E-B, and has been voted “10 Best Public Display of Holiday Lights” by USA Today for several years in a row.  The event features more than two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and 70+ other displays and lighted tunnels.

via Austin Trail of Lights

Ticket Options
The Trail of Lights has theme nights, and you can check out your ticket options below, as well as a full event calendar here.  Check this page for even more info on ticket options.

  • Budget Friendly.  You can take your whole family with General Admission tickets that range from $0 – $8 depending on the night.  This option includes access to the Trail of Lights, free photos with Santa, and more! Free Admission Nights are Dec. 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19 and are sponsored by Stars at the TrailFree Admission Nights are when no reserved ticket is needed — you’ll simply show up, walk in, and see the lights. Please keep in mind that free nights tend to be the most crowded.   Children 11 and under are always free to enter with a ticketed adult.
  • Early Access.  Beat the day’s crowd with the ZIP Pass, which offers early access (6 pm) and an exclusive entrance. ZIP guests also receive access to the ZIP Lounge Area in Candy Cane Lane near the beginning of the Trail. At the Lounge you will find complimentary holiday cookies, cocoa, comfortable seating, heated washrooms, a bar, and ideal proximity to the first group of food trucks. ZIP passes are $25 and sponsored by Perry Homes. ZIP Passes are a favorite of families and small groups, especially on busier nights at the Trail. Children 5 and under receive free ZIP access with a ticketed ZIP adult.
  •  VIP.  For the ultimate Trail of Lights experience, the purchase of a Platinum Pass gets you 6 pm early access, valet parking for one vehicle, concierge customer service onsite, golf cart shuttle access to Trailhead, access to a private Platinum Lounge with comfortable seating, and an exclusive bar.  Platinum Passes start at $95 and also include one drink ticket, and one ride ticket for expedited entry to the Ferris wheel or carousel.  Children 5 and under receive free Platinum access with a ticketed Platinum adult.
  • Preview Party.  If you want to be one of the first people to see the Trail of Lights, consider purchasing tickets to the Annual Night Lights Preview Party on Friday, Dec. 1, presented by Broadway Bank. Attendees will enjoy live music, Ferris wheel and carousel rides, complimentary beverages, and delicious bites from Austin restaurants on this exclusive night.  Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased hereTickets are required for ages 6+. Children under 6 are free with an adult.
  • Fun Run.  The Trail of Lights Fun Run takes you through the Austin Trail of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 2 before it officially opens to the public. You’re welcome to dress up in a jolly holiday costume, and stroll, run, or walk the trail, and then stick around for the ultimate after-party, the Finish Line Festival. This all-ages party includes cocoa or beer, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Ferris wheel and carousel rides, as well as a dance party, and costume contest.  Get more info on pricing and registration here.

Purchase any of these ticket options online here.  

via Austin Trail of Lights

Parking.  When you have kids, the parking situation is super-important.  Trail of Lights sells limited pre-paid Parking Passes for $25 per vehicle. Get yours ASAP here.

Shuttles.  Shuttles are offered on select high-traffic nights from two convenient locations directly to the Trail. Visitors are encouraged to purchase a shuttle pass in advance to ensure availability here. The shuttle fare includes general admission access to the Austin Trail of Lights and costs $8 per person (lap children ride free).

vi Austin Trail of Lights

Looking for more info? For Insider Tips and a FAQ, visit the Trail of Lights website.  To stay up to date with the latest news, including the entertainment lineup, click here to sign up for the Trail of Lights newsletter. You can also follow Austin Trail of Lights on Facebook, Instagram, and X (and don’t forget to tag your photos #atxlights)!