Published November 14, 2022
Guide to the 58th Annual Zilker Park Trail of Lights in Austin, Texas
What is the Trail of Lights?
Every year, Zilker Park in Austin, TX is transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with millions of twinkling lights. The Trail of Lights is a cherished Austin tradition that draws visitors from all over the state. Austin's annual Trail of Lights at Zilker Park is now in its 58th year and the event features a two-mile trail adorned with over two million lights, as well as live entertainment, food vendors, and more. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to the Trail of Lights this year!
When and Where Is It?
The Trail of Lights runs from December 8-23 this year. Hours are Tuesdays-Sunday (closed Mondays) from 6-10 pm. Zilker Park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704. Admission is free for some nights, but there are some activities/events that require a ticket. See the link for the Calendar of events as well as tickets. https://austintrailoflights.org/calendar
When and Where Is It?
The Trail of Lights runs from December 8-23 this year. Hours are Tuesdays-Sunday (closed Mondays) from 6-10 pm. Zilker Park is located at 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704. Admission is free for some nights, but there are some activities/events that require a ticket. See the link for the Calendar of events as well as tickets. https://austintrailoflights.org/calendar
What Can I Expect?
Walking through Zilker Park during the Trail of Lights is like stepping into a fairytale. With over 2 million lights on display, it's truly a sight to behold. In addition to the impressive light displays, you'll also find live music, Santa's workshop, and more. One of the most popular attractions is the Zilker Tree - a 155 foot tall live oak tree that's covered in over 3 miles of lights! Hungry? No problem! There are tons of food trucks on site serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. Thirsty? There are also several bars serving up adult beverages for those 21+. There are Photo Ops scattered along the trail, so be sure to bring your camera!
Walking through Zilker Park during the Trail of Lights is like stepping into a fairytale. With over 2 million lights on display, it's truly a sight to behold. In addition to the impressive light displays, you'll also find live music, Santa's workshop, and more. One of the most popular attractions is the Zilker Tree - a 155 foot tall live oak tree that's covered in over 3 miles of lights! Hungry? No problem! There are tons of food trucks on site serving up everything from barbecue to Mexican food. Thirsty? There are also several bars serving up adult beverages for those 21+. There are Photo Ops scattered along the trail, so be sure to bring your camera!
Tips for Visiting
The best way to experience the Trail of Lights is by foot. Please plan on walking approximately 2.5 miles through the Trail of Lights so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. Capital Metro runs extra buses to accommodate increased ridership during the event, so public transit is another great option. If you do drive, parking tickets can be purchased at the link below, but be aware that parking can be difficult to find and traffic can get congested near Zilker Park. Ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are always an option as well.
Be sure to add this event to your calendar. With over two million lights on display, plus live entertainment and food trucks galore, there's something for everyone at the Trail of Lights. So bundle up and enjoy some holiday fun!
