Do your kids love spinning under the Zilker Holiday Tree? It’s surely one of our favorite annual events — munching on warm kettle corn, enjoying live music, and getting dizzy under those fabulous lights. The Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Come out for music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble and the Barton Hills Choir. Free!
The Zilker Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs – totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower. Each year, winners of the Zilker Holiday Tree Coloring Contest are chosen to light the tree.
Zilker Holiday Tree Coloring Contest – Senior 1st Place Winner, Alex K., age 10
The Zilker Holiday Tree will be lit from December 1-31, 6 p.m. to midnight daily. However, keep in mind that if you plan to visit during Trail of Lights (Dec. 7-22), the area roads will be closed. For suggestions regarding transportation, visit the City of Austin website.
Have fun!
