Anyone who’s lived in Austin will know about the festive, 14-night-long event that lights up Zilker Park every year. Whether you’ve gone yourself, or just seen it from a distance, the Trail of Lights is a staple of the holiday season. Now, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary, it’s good to remember its history and impact on the Austin community.
The Trail of Lights is an Austin tradition that takes place each December in Zilker Park. Having begun as a small gathering known as “Yule Fest”, the event has become iconic, attracting more than 300,000 visitors each year; not just from Austin, but around the world. In 2023, RV Trader named it one of the best holiday light shows in the country.
According to its official website, the trail includes over two million lights, 90 lit-up holiday trees, and over 70 other festive displays. Its most iconic fixture is the Zilker Tree, which has been a part of the trail since 1967. The Zilker Tree is a 155-foot tall structure composed of 3,309 LED lights, as well as a double star that measures ten feet point to point. The tree circles the Zilker moon tower, making it appear like a beacon of light when the sun goes down. The view is especially beautiful from Austin High; if you get to school early enough, you can see it shining across the river.
The act of first lighting up the tree is an event in it of itself. In 1967, the first tree was lit by then-Mayor Emma Long. In each year following, the honor has been awarded to the winner of the Zilker Holiday Tree Youth Art Contest, which involves children ages five to ten.
Given its prominence, it’s hard to imagine that just a decade ago, it nearly came to an end. In 2009, a budget crunch caused the City of Austin to scale back the event, and it was canceled entirely for the following two years. However, thanks to business sponsorships and private donations, it was able to make its return in 2012. Now, the Trail of Lights is run by the Trail of Lights Foundation, which they’re able to do thanks to community donations, as well as sponsorships from companies like HEB and Chuy’s.
Despite its name, there are more things to do than just walk the trail and look at the lights. There are several food trucks and stands, as well as a few attractions, like the Ferris Wheel and the merry-go-round. There’s also the Trail of Lights Fun Run, which takes place on December 7, a few days before the trail officially opens to the public. The fun run allows you to run, jog, or even just walk through an untimed course, while also getting an early look at the lights.
Along with all these usual activities, the event will also have a few extra treats this year, to celebrate the trail’s 60th anniversary. According to the Trail of Lights Foundation Board Director Enrique Duran II in an interview with KXAN, it will feature a special presentation to commemorate the occasion. “…we’re going to have a special presentation of the evolution of the trail, from the origination to what it is now, and all the people that made the trail possible throughout the years.” says Duran. “and there’s a special surprise. We can’t say just yet, it’s in Santa’s bag until November, but stay tuned.”
The Trail of Lights opens to the general public on December 10, and will close on December 23, so make sure you experience this incredible display at least once this holiday season!
