We’re very excited about another year of the amazing Trail of Lights in Zilker Park! To help you plan your visit to this beautiful and bright holiday tradition, we want to give you the full scoop on when to go and how to make the most out of your experience. Read on for important dates and details…

–> Schedule of events:

• Preview Party: The Trail of Lights will kick off with a ticketed Preview Party on Friday, Dec. 4 from 7-10 p.m. This provides an exclusive first look at the Trail of Lights featuring headliner Jimmie Vaughan, light bites by Austin’s best chefs and restaurants, free beer and wine, holiday cocktail samples and entertainment throughout the night. Tickets are $75/person, available online here. (Tickets are required for attendees ages 6 and over.)
• Fun Run: The Trail of Lights Fun Run presented by Humana takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 7:30-10 p.m. and allows people of all ages to participate in an evening run/walk event while enjoying Austin’s spectacular Trail of Lights. You can register for the Fun Run here for $32.50/person.
  
• Free Admission Dates: Admission to the Trail is FREE from Dec. 8-15, 7-10 p.m.
• Ticketed Dates: Tickets are required to enter the Trail of Lights from Dec. 16-22 from 7-10 p.m. for those 12 and older. Tickets are available for purchase online here as well at local H-E-B locations and also onsite at the Trail. Tickets are $3 for ages 12 & up. Children ages 11 & under are free. (Parking must be purchased separately. See below.)
• Specialty Nights: There are a variety of special nights including Heroes Night and UT Night. Click here for a schedule and details of each.

 

–> Getting There: There are many options for you to get to the Trail:

• Parking Pass: Parking Passes to the Trail of Lights allow for close parking within Zilker Park. Passes can only be purchased in advance, online here. Parking Passes are available all nights of the Trail and are $15/car.
• ADA Parking: Qualifying vehicles must display a state-issued handicapped plate or placard. The person to whom the placard or plan is issued must be present in the vehicle, as a driver or passenger. Disabled Veterans will receive free parking with display of state-issued license plate or placard.
• Shuttle Pass: Hop on a shuttle at Republic Square Park downtown or Burger Center for $5/person. Lap children ride free. Shuttle passes are available Dec. 11-13 and Dec. 16-22. Shuttle passes can be purchased online, at the shuttle locations, and at area H-E-B stores. On nights where there is a Gate charge (Dec. 16-22) the shuttle pass will include gate entry. The first shuttle departs at 5:30 p.m. Last shuttle departs at 8:30 p.m. Return shuttles from Zilker will run until 10:30 p.m.
• Cap Metro Bus: CapMetro can get you close. Take the #3, #4, #30 or #338 bus lines to drop you a short walk to the park.
• Bike: Bike checks are located on Barton Springs at the entrance.

 

–> Best Best for Avoiding Crowds:
One of the best ways to beat the crowds is to purchase a ZiP Fast Pass Presented by HomeAway that allows you to have front-of-the-line early access at 6 p.m. ZiP purchasers will also have access to Kringle’s Kantina and the HomeAway ZiP Lounge in the VIP Hospitality area for cookies and hot cocoa. ZiP Fast Passes are available for $15/person from Dec. 9-17, and $20/person from Dec. 18-22. (ZiP passes are required for anyone age 6 and above.) ZiP can be purchased in advance online or at the ZiP box office in the park. *Click here to enter to win a 4-pack of ZiP Fast Passes.

 

–> Tips for Taking the Kids:
Of course, the kids are going to LOVE going to the Trail! But here’s a few suggestions to help make the outing smooth and meltdown-free.

• Wear comfy shoes. There’s lots of walking — especially for little feet.
• Wear layers or bring jackets in case the weather feels colder as the night goes on.
• If possible, put the little ones in a baby carrier instead of a stroller because they can be harder to navigate among crowds.
• Take note of some of the Activity Zones along the Trail such as Armadillo Alley where kids can meet Santa or enjoy hands-on activities. You can click here to map things out before you go.
• Keep your budget in mind before you go. There are TONS of delicious snacks for sale. There will be several merchants at the Trail, but you may wish to bring your own glow sticks to avoid the temptation to purchase similar items there.

You can also check out this handy My Trail, My Way printable that includes suggested photo ops and a checklist of fun stops to make along the Trail for the family. (Click the image to open it as a PDF.)

For more Insider Tips and FAQ, visit the Trail of Lights website.

To stay updated with the latest news, including the 15-day activity and entertainment lineup, click here to sign up for the Trail of Lights newsletter. You can also follow the @ATXLights Twitter feed or like the Facebook page.