Ask a group of Austinites about their favorite things to do in our city during the holidays, and you are very likely to hear the same response, over and over again: the Austin Trail of Lights.
If you are new to the area, are just visiting, or somehow haven’t made the trip, a great way to get into the holiday spirit is by visiting the Trail of Lights in Austin. We at ABC Home & Commercial Services are excited to be involved in the Trail of Lights for the second year in a row. Look for ABC at Pooh’s Corner, where you can see Winnie the Pooh, already ready for next year’s Zilker Kite Festival!
Here are some fun facts about the Trail of Lights:
- Over 400,000 attendees have enjoyed this beloved tradition
- More than 15 marriage proposals have taken place at the Trail
- This year, the Movies in the Park series will treat Trail-goers to a surprise holiday showing
- 2 million lights illuminate over 50 festive displays
- This year’s Yule Log is fueled by recycled wood from the Greenbelt which would have otherwise been a fire hazard
- Over one million miles were walked by Trail-goers
How To Enjoy This Year’s Trail of Lights
Since the Trail of Lights is such a popular event during the holiday season in Austin, here are some tips to make your outing a success:
Know the Schedule
Here is a list of the 2016 Trail of Lights important dates:
December 3: The Trail of Lights Fun Run takes participants through a 2.1-mile preview of the Trail before it opens to the public. Runners and walkers of all ages don festive attire to welcome the season in a fun and healthy way. Registration is required.
December 4-6: The Trail is closed to the public so that nonprofit organizations can enjoy the displays.
December 9: Night Lights, the 3rd annual Preview Party benefiting the Trail of Lights Foundation, takes place. Austin restaurants provide small bites and attendees can also enjoy complimentary Ferris wheel and carousel rides, a classic car show, live music by Shinyribs and the Greyhounds, and a Maker’s Market curated by Edible Austin. Tickets required.
December 10-23: The Trail of Lights is open to the public from 7-10pm. Free general admission from December 10-16. Tickets required from December 17-23 and cost $3 per person. Children under 12 enter free.
December 11: Longhorn student groups and performers will provide entertainment on U.T. Night. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who purchase a ZiP Fast Pass can take advantage of a special University of Texas hospitality area.
December 13: Honor those in the community who have served at a special night for servicemen and women, Heroes Night.
In general, the Trail is less crowded during the week. You can enter the Trail early by purchasing a ZiP Fast Pass or a Platinum Pass.
Think About What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
Since the Trail is a walking trail and no driving is allowed, wear comfortable shoes. Consider bringing a stroller for younger children who are unable to walk the 2.5 miles that organizers estimate the average trail-goer will walk.
Yes, this is Austin, but it can get chilly! Check the forecast before you go, but wear layers and don’t forget hats, jackets, and mittens for chilly nights. Blankets and small wagons are allowed.
You may want to bring your appetite, since the Trail of Lights will host a variety of local food vendors, including Hat Creek Burger Co, Austin’s Pizza, Chi’Lantro, Veracruz All Natural, Amy’s Ice Creams, and more.
Make sure to leave pets, glass containers and scooters and bikes outside of the Trail gates. Remember that smoking is not allowed at Zilker Park.
Plan How to Get There and Where to Park
Street closures will take effect on Barton Springs at various times during the Trail of Lights. The easiest way to get to Zilker Park is by taking the shuttle, which drops you off right next to the Trail’s front gate. Shuttles will run on December 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23. Tickets are $5 per rider and lap children ride free. Shuttle tickets from December 17-23 include your general admission gate ticket.
Parking lots are available at Burger Center and Republic Square Park. From there, you can take the shuttle to Zilker. The first shuttles leave at 5:30pm and the last shuttle stops at 8:30pm. The last shuttle from Zilker Park will depart at 10:30pm. Foldable strollers are allowed on the shuttles.
If you plan to park at Zilker, you must pay in advance. Spaces are limited and may sell out. Allow plenty of time to park onsite, since the volume of visitors to the Trail can cause significant traffic delays. Organizers ask that Trail-goers refrain from parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Have Fun
Once you make a plan for the logistics and get organized, all you have left to do is to have fun! Take your time to snap some photos, see the skyline on the Ferris Wheel, and go see Santa. The Trail of Lights website is a great resource for more information about the event. Have a great time at this year’s Trail!
Photo Credit: Dear Wesleyan Photography