It’s nearly time to hear those sleigh bells jingling at the 60th Annual Trail of Lights!  This beloved Austin tradition will be lighting up Zilker Park from December 10-23, so grab your tickets and get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.

 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 consecutive years.  The event features more than two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and 70+ other displays and lighted tunnels.

Ticket Options
The Trail of Lights has theme nights and FREE 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. 10 – 13, and16 – 18.  Free 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 crowds with a 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 depending on group size, and 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. 6, presented by Broadway Bank. Attendees will enjoy live music, Ferris wheel and carousel rides, complimentary beverages, and delicious bites from beloved Austin restaurants on this exclusive night. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased here.  Tickets 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. 7 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.  

Parking.  When attending an event with kids, the parking situation is super-important. Trail of Lights sells limited pre-paid Parking Passes online only for $25 per vehicle, from Dec. 10 – 23. Get yours here.

Shuttles. The shuttle will run from Burger Center on select nights. (Parking at Burger Center is FREE). Shuttle passes are $8 per person, which also includes the General Admission Entry Fee to the trail. 

Looking for more?  Follow Austin Trail of Lights on Facebook, Instagram, and X (and don’t forget to tag your photos #atxlights)! You can also visit the Trail of Lights website.