The most beloved and longest running Austin holiday tradition is back! The Austin Trail of Lights turns 60 this year and they are celebrating in a big way!
Named one of the Best Christmas Lights Displays by U.S. News & World Report, and voted 10Best Public Display of Holiday Lights for five consecutive years by USA Today, the event has grown to be a not-to-be-missed tradition and community-wide event that celebrates the spirit and the people that make Austin unique. Starting as a small community gathering around a yule log in 1965, the Austin Trail of Lights now features more than two million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Trail of Lights 2024
Trail of Lights Tickets and Pricing
- The lights run December 10 through 23 with a drone show kicking things off during opening night on Tuesday, December 10. Tickets are not required to attend for free from 7 to 10 p.m. If you’d like to enter early, you can purchase a ZIP pass for $25. There are platinum level tickets available at a higher price. Get more info here.
- This year, there are seven FREE nights happening in 2024. Those dates are: December 10 through 13 and 16 through 18.
- Zip passes are available on all nights allowing you early access to the park through a special entrance. These passes also include access to the ZIP Lounge Area located in Candy Cane Lane near the beginning of the Trail. At the Lounge you will find complimentary holiday cookies, cocoa, seating, heated washrooms, a bar, and ideal proximity to the first set of food trucks.
- Platinum Passes rare also available and include valet parking for one vehicle, 6 p.m. early access through a special entrance, golf cart shuttle access to Trailhead, a private, heated Platinum Lounge with seating, two bars and heated washrooms, one drink ticket valid at bars throughout the park per person, and one ride ticket for premium entry to the Ferris wheel or carousel per person.
Parking Passes and Shuttle Info
A limited number of parking passes are available every night and must be purchased online in advance. They offer two parking options with a pre-paid parking pass, each lot has a limited number of spots available each night. All parking passes must be purchased in advance, online.
Zilker Tree (Polo Field) Parking: Grass polo field lot near the Zilker Tree and across from the Trail’s Grand & ZIP Entrances. To access do not use GPS directions, please follow the required driving route on the ticket, as street closures will be in effect. Parking here is $25 + fees.
Austin High (Surface Lot) Parking: Located at 1715 W Cesar Chavez Street. While Austin High is about a mile walk to the start of the Trail, it does offer the ability to access via Cesar Chavez St. and park on a hard surface lot. Parking here is $35 + fees.
More Events
- The lighted replica of the UT Tower is back! Check it out any night, including on UT Night, presented by The University of Texas at Austin, on December 11. There will be a variety of live music acts. Check out the schedule here.
- Live at the Trail happens every nights with various music acts performing along the trail. Highlights include a Texas Music Scene live taping, Chief Cleopatra, and more. See the full lineup here.
- You’ll find a variety of food vendors and bars along the trail. Here’s everything they’ll be offering in 2024. Merch is also available for purchase.
