GETTING THERE

+ Parking at Trail of Lights / Zilker Park

Close-in parking at Zilker Park / Trail of Lights is available only with a pre-paid parking pass. There are a limited number available each night and all parking must be purchased in advance, online. Parking will not be sold onsite. NOTE: Parking is prohibited in surrounding neighborhoods. Please respect the residents of the Zilker Park area and Rollingwood. Public safety personnel will enforce parking regulations. The route to parking is included in your parking pass confirmation email. DO NOT FOLLOW GPS INSTRUCTIONS; YOU MUST FOLLOW ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PARKING PASS. Expect congestion due to traffic and road closures, and plan accordingly. Access to pre-paid parking is open from 5:30-10pm.

+ Parking Sold Out?

If parking is sold out on your desired date through the Trail of Lights, please see additional options below.

505 Barton Springs Rd. - One Texas Center Garage ($10/car)

425 Riverside Dr. - River South Garage ($5/hour – $20 max)

+ Plan Ahead

Austin Trail of Lights works closely with the City of Austin and surrounding neighborhoods to minimize the event’s impact on the community while maximizing the guest experience. However, we encourage you to give yourself extra time to arrive to the Austin Trail of Lights as downtown Austin traffic may be congested or delayed, and road closures may be in effect.

Whether walking, biking, or in need of a ride, there are many ways to get to the Trail and join Austin’s iconic holiday celebration. We have extended your transportation and parking options so that you can find the right one for your friends and family in advance of your evening at the Trail. So plan ahead, relax and enjoy the lights.

+ Preview Party Parking

Parking is not for sale for the Night Lights Preview Party. Limited free parking will be available at the Zilker Tree and around Zilker Park on a first-come-first-served basis. Consider taking a rideshare to ease your mind regarding parking. Based upon availability, you will be able to access our event parking with your pass anytime between 5:30 pm and when the event concludes at 10:00 pm.

+ Shuttle Info

Our Shuttle transportation program from Toney Burger Activity Center in South Austin. A shuttle pass is required per person and INCLUDES general admission entry to the Trail of Lights. Shuttle passes can be purchased online in advance or at the shuttle location. Reminder shuttle passes include general admission on the "paid" nights that a gate fee is required. Shuttle passes are complimentary for infants and lap children, and no Shuttle pass is required for them with an accompanying ticketed adult. Shuttles will be running from the Burger Center in South Austin on December 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, 2024.

+ Parking at Shuttle Locations

Free parking is available at the Toney Burger Activity Center for south Austin shuttle riders.

+ Metro Bus or Rail

Take the #3, #30 or #803 bus lines or hop on the rail (#550), which runs until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

#3: Burnet / Manchaca

#30: Barton Creek Square

#803: Burnet/ S. Lamar-MetroRapid

+ Bike, Walk or Scoot

Take a stroll or a quick bike ride down to the park to enjoy the night and the lights.

Bike racks will be provided across Barton Springs Road from the entrance. Scooters and bikes are not allowed to enter the Trail of Lights, so please park them in designated parking across Barton Springs Road from the Grand Entrance.

+ Ride Share Drop Off and Pick Up

The best ride share drop off and pick up location is at 2107 Veterans Drive. Take the Foot Bridge from the drop off location to Stratford Drive. Then walk left towards Zilker Tree at the Grand Entrance.

ADA

+ ADA Access - Autism / Special Needs / Sensory Considerations

We encourage Trailgoers with autism, special needs, or other sensory considerations to take advantage of the access program for people with disabilities, which allows guests to enter an hour earlier than GA so you can enjoy the Trail without the large crowds. The ADA entrance is located at Lou Neff Road and Barton Springs Road. For the least hassle and smallest crowds, we recommend coming on a week day during the week of 12/10. Ticket is required to enter on select nights.

+ Wheelchairs

The Trail does NOT provide wheelchairs for rent or loan. We also do not provide personal care, golf cart rides, or push service. Please plan ahead and bring attendants if needed. Please make arrangements in advance if a wheelchair is needed. Wheelchairs, power wheelchairs and three or four-wheeled scooters are allowed for use by Patrons with mobility disabilities. For safety reasons, requests to use other power-driven mobility devices will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

+ Info

Access Center: Visit the Trail Information booth in Candy Cane Lane for questions related to accessibility.

TOL23_MapExtended_1500px.png

+ Restrooms

Accessible Restrooms: ADA portalets are placed in each restroom location.

+ Entry Gate

ADA Entry Gate & Time: Guests with disabilities (plus up to 3 companions) will be permitted to enter the Trail as early as 6:00 pm on December 10-23 to enjoy the Trail prior to general admission entry (GA ticket required Dec 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23). However, should your party wish to enjoy the ZIP Fast Pass amenities such as access to the Zilker Lounge where you'll find cookies, cocoa, and comfortable seating, a separate ZIP Fast Pass ticket purchase is required. For the smallest crowds, we recommend coming on a week day during the week of 12/10.

The ADA entrance is located at Lou Neff Road and Barton Springs Road. This area allows extra space and paved terrain for entry. Look for the wheelchair signs above the entrance lanes or ask a volunteer to direct you to the appropriate area.

+Parking

ADA Parking: ADA Parking, along with all parking, must be purchased in advance online and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. In order to access ADA accessible parking, please purchase a regular parking pass online for the night you wish to attend. When you arrive at the Trail, follow the map and driving directions on parking pass to the traffic check point, present your placard or plates along with your purchased parking pass to the traffic/parking attendant, then follow staff instruction and signs to designated ADA parking area. Vehicles must display a state-issued handicapped plate or placard and the person to whom the placard or plate is issued must be present in the vehicle. Disabled Veterans receive FREE parking on any night with their credentials. ADA parking is limited and first-come-first-served. Parking lots open at 5:30 pm nightly.

The ADA entrance is located at the intersection of Lou Neff Road and Barton Springs Road. This area allows extra space and paved terrain for entry.

+ Routes

Accessible Routes: The majority of the Trail of Lights is defined by Lou Neff Road, a paved pathway surrounding Zilker Park. Some areas of the Trail are located on natural terrain, so if it rains, there may be mud in some places. Please be prepared for weather and long distances.

+ Service Animals

The Trail of Lights permits the use of service animals in compliance with applicable laws. Individuals using service animals shall be solely responsible for such animals, including for any and all claims or losses to thrird parties arising from or relating to such animals.

"Comfort," "Therapy," or "Emotional Support" animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and shall not be permitted on festival grounds.

All service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or unless the individual's disability prevents them from using these devices. Individuals who cannot use such devices must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. The Trail of Lights shall at all times, have the right to deny the use of service animals if (i) the animal is out of control and (ii) the handler cannot or does not regain control of the service animal. The Austin Trail of Lights shall not be responsible for any such service animal. At all times, the service animal must be under the care of supervision of the individual. Failure to comply may result in removal from the Trail at the sole discretion of staff. No refunds or remedies shall be given to attendees ejected from the Trail and/or denied entry due to their service animal's behavior, or for lost or stolen service animals. Pets and/or animals are prohibited in all other circumstances and will not be allowed in the Trail.

+ General

The Trail of Lights invites all holiday enthusiasts to celebrate the season, including guests with disabilities. The Trail's access program includes: accessible routes, ADA parking, dedicated ADA entrance gate and time, and accessible restrooms. Trail of Lights does not provide mobility devices, so please plan accordingly for a 1 mile pathway of lights and displays.

GENERAL

+ Lost & Found

Please check back once the Trail starts for more information regarding lost items.

+ Event Map

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+ Food & Drink Vendors

Delicious food & drinks along the Trail. Food vendors coming soon!

Do you offer discounts to military or first responders? Is there a Heroes Night?

Austin Trail of Lights will offer tickets to active military, veterans and first responders. To ensure that tickets go to the right individuals who serve our community and country, we’ve partnered with Vet Tix to distribute tickets this year. Please monitor @atxlights on social media in November for ticket giveaway opportunities.

+ Activities

The Trail offers something for everyone. Candy Cane Lane is the first area along the Trail with food options, restrooms, the ZIP Lounge, beverages and more. The North Pole is in the heart of the Trail of Lights. There you'll find Santa's House and Santa's Workshop. Zilker Square has more food, rides, shopping, and live music.

+ Ferris wheel and Carousel

The Trail of Lights Ferris Wheel and Carousel are back! Enjoy a ride for spectacular views.

+ Volunteers

The Trail of Lights is built by the community for the community. Support the longevity of Austin's favorite holiday event by volunteering as a group or individual for the Trail of Lights Foundation. Group volunteer opportunities are now available. Contact volunteer@austintrailoflights.org for more information.

+ How do I become a Vendor?

Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor for the 2024 Austin Trail of Lights. If you have not yet done so, please complete our online vendor interest form so we can gain a better understanding of the type of services you provide, as well as the level of involvement that you have in mind. You can complete the form here: https://austintrailoflights.org/become-a-vendor.

You’ll also find other help information, instruction, and contact details here as well. After form completion, a team member will follow up as appropriate.

+ Vendor List

Food at the Trail includes something for everyone! There are food vendors in Candy Cane Lane, Zilker Village and near the Yule Log.

+ Food & Drink Payment Info

Throughout the Trail, you’ll find several areas offering a variety of Austin flavors from your favorite restaurants, food trucks, and local partners. Vendors accept cash and credit. Water is available at the various info booths around the Trail at a suggested donation of $2 which benefits our Trail of Lights Foundation STARS at the Trail Program. Help bring up to 2,000 deserving children, families, first responders and veterans to the Trail on 3 exclusive nights dedicated just to them.

+ Walking

The Austin Trail of Lights is an outdoor walking trail throughout beautiful Zilker Park. No vehicles, carriages, or other motorized options are permitted to drive through. In addition, the Trail does not permit pets or animals (unless properly credentialed service animals). The Trail itself is 1.25 miles, but with all of the other fun activities, the average trail-goer will walk about 2.5 miles during their visit, including the walk to/ from the parking areas. The Trail site terrain is a mix of grass, cement, and asphalt. Grounds could get muddy with weather. Please take considerations when choosing footwear for the evening.

+ Platinum Golf Carts - do they drive thru the Trail?

With our Premium Admission - Platinum program, golf carts are available to shuttle guests to the dedicated Platinum entrance, the Platinum Lounge, and the start of the Trailhead. Note Platinum carts do not offer service through the Trail of Lights.

+ Night Lights Preview Party

Join us on Friday, December 6th for a special Night Lights Preview Party and Fundraising event for the Trail of Lights Foundation. Enjoy exclusive access to the Trail of Lights before the event kicks off to the general season while enjoying bites from Austin restaurants, complimentary beer, wine and holiday cocktails, complimentary rides on the Ferris Wheel and Carousel all night long, musical performances by celebrated Austin artists, and much more! Night Lights Preview Party tickets are $100 each and hours are from 6:00-10:00 pm. Night Lights tickets are required for guests 6 and older. Children ages 5 and under are complimentary with a ticketing Night Lights adult. *must be 21 to consume alcohol

+ I want to become a Sponsor

Thank you for your interest in becoming a sponsor for the 2024 Austin Trail of Lights. If you have not yet done so, please complete our online vendor interest form so we can gain a better understanding of the type of services you provide, as well as the level of involvement that you have in mind. You can complete the form here: https://austintrailoflights.org/why-sponsor

You’ll also find other help information, instruction, and contact details here as well. After form completion, a team member will follow up as appropriate.

+ Media Inquiry / Photo Policy

Cameras are welcome to capture the fun of you and your friends & family at Austin Trail of Lights! An official event photographer will be documenting the festival as well, and your image may be used in future promotional materials. Smile for the camera!

For general press inquiries about the 2023 Austin Trail of Lights, please contact sfoster@saymynamepr.com.

+ I'm interested in a Holiday Party!

Thank you for expressing interest in sharing your holiday party with us at the Trail of Lights. If you have not yet done so, please complete our online party form so we can gain a better understanding of the type of event, group size, date, and other details that you have in mind. You can complete the form here: https://austintrailoflights.org/private-parties.

Upon completing the form, a team member will be in touch with your shortly to review availability, pricing, and more details. We hope to see you in December!

+ Zilker Tree

Austin's annual Zilker Holiday Tree details can be found here: https://austintexas.gov/zilkerholidaytree

+ What if it rains?

The Trail of Lights events are RAIN or SHINE barring any extreme weather causing city park closures. Tickets for outdoor events are purchased at risk of inclement weather. Some areas of the Trail are located on natural terrain, so if it rains, there may be mud in some places. Please be prepared for weather and long distances.

+ Is Santa at the Trail?

Santa will be visiting the Trail in between preparation for The Big Day! He will appear nightly in “Santa’s House” in the North Pole from 6:00-9:30 pm. You must be in line by 9:30 pm, as Santa’s House closes promptly at 10pm so he can return North.

+ Service Animals

The Trail of Lights welcomes the use of service animals in compliance with applicable laws. Individuals using service animals shall be solely responsible for such animals, including for any and all claims or losses to third parties arising from or relating to such animals.

"Comfort," "Therapy," or "Emotional Support" animals do not meet the federal definition of a service animal and shall not be permitted on festival grounds.

All service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or unless the individual's disability prevents them from using these devices. Individuals who cannot use such devices must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. The Trail of Lights shall at all times, have the right to deny the use of service animals if (i) the animal is not in control by the user and (ii) the handler cannot or does not regain control of the service animal. The Austin Trail of Lights shall not be responsible for any such service animal. At all times, the service animal must be under the care or supervision of the individual. Failure to comply may result in removal from the Trail at the sole discretion of staff. No refunds or remedies shall be given to attendees ejected from the Trail and/or denied entry due to their service animal's behavior, or for lost or stolen service animals. Pets and/or animals are prohibited in all other circumstances and will not be allowed in the Trail.

+ Pet Policy

Pets are not permitted at the Trail events. Only harnessed and leashed/tethered service animals with proper credentials will be allowed by individuals that require them per applicable laws. "Comfort," "Therapy," or "Emotional Support" animals do not meet the definition of a service animal and shall not be permitted on festival grounds.

+ How long will Zilker Park be closed to the public?

Full park and street closure dates are coming soon.

+ Outside Food & Beverage

Each person is allowed to bring one (1) factory sealed bottle of water per person; otherwise, food, beverages (including alcohol) and more are for sale inside. No glass bottles are permitted on the festival grounds.

+ Restrooms

Portable restrooms (including accessible portables) will be available throughout the park. ZIP Fast Pass & Platinum ticket holders also have access to a heated executive washrooms.

+ Recycling

Austin Trail of Lights will have measures in place to keep Zilker Park clean. We are committed to preserving the environment through waste prevention and recycling. Use provided recycling bins to help us in this mission.

+ Entrances

Once you arrive to Trail, enter the lane according to your ticket type. Options are:

-NIGHT LIGHTS PREVIEW PARTY: Night Lights Preview Party ticket holders will enter through the ZIP Fast Pass Entrance located on Barton Springs Road, starting at 6:00 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024 only.

-ZIP FAST PASS ENTRANCE: ZIP wristband holders can enter at 6:00 pm nightly December 10-23 at the ZIP entrance is located on Barton Springs Road, just right of the Trail of Lights main entrance.

-GRAND ENTRANCE: All Shuttle and General Admission guests enter at the Grand Entrance at Barton Springs Road starting at 7:00 pm December 10-23. $8 gate fee or pre-paid tickets are required for all attendees (12 years and older) starting at 7:00pm on paid nights ~ Dec 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23.

-ADA ENTRANCE: The ADA entrance is located at Lou Neff Road and Barton Springs Road. This area allows extra space and paved terrain for entry. Guests with disabilities will be permitted to enter the Trail as early as 6:00 pm on December 10-23 to enjoy the Trail prior to general admission entry. Admission fees apply.

-PLATINUM ENTRANCE: Check in at the Platinum Entrance near Stratford Drive and Lou Neff Road. Platinum guests use this entrance beginning at 6:00 pm.

-HOSPITALITY ENTRANCE: Hospitality Entrance is located at Stratford Drive and Lou Neff Road. Hospitality guests, Executive Pass holders, Media, and special FFN/TOL guests use this entrance beginning at 6:00 pm nightly.

+ Disabled Veterans - any night

Disabled Veterans and up to 3 family members can receive free general admission gate entry starting at 6:00 pm on December 10-23 by presenting their state or federal issued credentials. Free ADA parking is also available for one vehicle with accompanying state or federal issued credentials, or an ADA plate or placard paired with federal or state issued credentials. Additional parking and admission passes may be purchased.

+ Allowed and Prohibited Items

ALLOWED

  • Blankets
  • Umbrellas (small hand-held style)
  • Baby Strollers
  • Small Wagons
  • Binoculars
  • Personal Handheld Walkie Talkies
  • Personal cameras, including digital cameras, DSLR's with stock lenses, point-and-shoot cameras and traditional film cameras.

PROHIBITED

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Large bags (frame backpacks, suitcases, rolling bags) - all bags are subject to search
  • Remote controlled aircrafts and drones
  • Coolers
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Costumes covering the face
  • Glass containers
  • Smoking is prohibited in Austin’s public parks
  • Skateboards, scooters or personal motorized vehicles
  • Bicycles inside Trail grounds (bike racks are available near the entrance)
  • Fireworks and all explosives
  • Illegal substances of any kind
  • Pets and animals (except dogs trained to provide a service for someone attending who has a disability)
  • Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are prohibited.

+ 2024 Dates, Time, Gate Ticket Information and Location

The Trail of Lights runs December 10th – 23rd, 2024 from 7:00pm to 10:00 pm.

ZIP Passes and Platinum passes may enter as early as 6:00 pm on December 10-23.

General Admission access to the Trail is FREE for all ages December 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 18, from 7:00-10:00 pm nightly.

General admission is $8* per person ages 12+ December 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 from 7:00-10:00 pm nightly. Shuttle tickets include general admission on participating nights - no separate GA gate ticket purchase is necessary for shuttle ticket holders.

ZIP Pass admission is available December 10-23 and allows priority entry to the Trail at 6:00 pm nightly, one hour before the public. ZIP passes are 25*. ZIP passes also include access to the Zilker Lounge for complimentary cookies and cocoa. ZIP amenities are available even on the “free general admission” nights, and carry a lot of value, especially on busier nights at the Trail.

Experience the Trail in luxury with a Platinum pass! Platinum tickets offer priority entry before the public at 6:00 pm, a private Platinum Lounge, golf cart shuttle, rides on the Ferris wheel or carousel, private restrooms, refreshments, and more! Platinum pricing starts at $95* and is available December 10-23.

Advance Parking at Zilker Park is available online. No parking will be sold onsite.

*additional service charges and tax may apply

Location: Zilker Park - Austin, Texas

The Trail of Lights is rain or shine barring extreme weather conditions or city park closures.

TICKETING

+ I can't find my tickets?

Thank you for your recent ticket purchase to the 2024 Austin Trail of Lights. Your order confirmation and tickets will be delivered via email by our ticketing partner, Ticketbud. Perhaps check your junk mail? If it was still not received, you can visit ticketbud.com, login to your account, and print/view/download your tickets directly. You can also check out your account information here and make sure your email address is correct for any future event communication. We look forward to seeing you in December!

+ ZIP Fast Pass - Early Entry Time

ZIP Fast Pass guests are welcome to enjoy the Austin Trail of Lights at any time, however to maximize your experience, we recommend taking advantage of the expedited exclusive entry time at 6:00pm, one hour before gates open to the general public.

Parking lots open at 5:30 pm each night. You are certainly welcome to come and hop in line to enter our Lobby area which will have refreshments while you wait to queue for access to the Trail opening at 6:00pm, one hour before the general public enters at 7:00 pm. To enter, follow the event signs to the “ZiP Fast Pass” lanes just right of the Trail of Lights - Barton Springs Road pedestrian entrance starting at 6:00 pm.

Upon arrival at the ZIP Entrance, please present each of your tickets on your mobile device or print them for proper scanning and validation from Trail of Lights staff upon arrival. ZIP purchase required for ages 6 and over; children 5 and under are free with a ticketed ZIP adult

No matter when you arrive, you will still be able to enjoy other ZIP Fast Pass amenities such as:

- Entry to the Trail through an exclusive ZIP gate and experience our special ZIP Lobby.

- Access to the Zilker Lounge where you'll find seating, and heated executive washrooms.

- Complimentary cookies and cocoa.

ZIP amenities are available even on the “free general admission” nights, and carry a lot of value, especially on busier nights at the Trail. ZIP admission hours are 6:00-10:00pm, nightly, on December 10-23.

+ Ticket Refund Policy

All tickets to the Austin Trail of Lights (General Admission, ZIP Fast Pass, Platinum, Parking, Shuttles) are nonrefundable. The event is held rain or shine. Your event ticket is a revocable license for the event date/time listed on the front. Management reserves the right without the refund of any portion of the ticket purchase price, to refuse admission or to eject any person who fails to comply with the rules of the venue, local, state or federal law or whose conduct is deemed illegal, disorderly, or offensive by management. Persons entering the facility are subject to search for contraband, alcohol, controlled substances, weapons, firearms, fireworks, video equipment, or professional recording devices, all of which are expressly forbidden, and subject to confiscation. No refunds/exchanges. Ticket user assumes all risks of personal injury incidental to the event, whether occurring before, during, or after the event. Ticket purchaser/user bears all risks, including cancellation of the event, of inclement weather. Tickets lost or stolen cannot be replaced. The resale or attempted resale of this ticket at a price higher than that appearing on the ticket is prohibited and if discovered will result in the ticket being voided without refund. This ticket may not be used for advertising, promotion (including contests and sweepstakes) or other trade purposes without the express written consent of Management. Ticket user consents to the Management’s use of the ticket user’s image or likeness incidental to any video display, transmission or recording of the event. Pets will not be permitted and refundes will not be provided for guests that are denied entry due to an animal in tow.

+ Ticket Delivery

Event tickets will be sent via PDF attachment and/or link along with your order confirmation and receipt from our ticketing partner, Ticketbud. Each type of ticket will be included in ONE ticket attachment/link. Each page represents a separate event ticket or transportation pass, depending on your items purchased – be sure to scroll thru the entire document to view all pages / tickets. Please present each of the attachment pages / tickets on your mobile device or print them for proper scanning and validation from Trail of Lights staff upon arrival. If you cannot locate your purchase confirmation email and tickets, please visit ticketbud.com, login to your account, and print/view/download your tickets directly.

+ Can I change my order?

All sales are final and there are no changes, exchanges, order cancellations, or refunds issued.

+ Did my order go thru?

Not sure if your order went through? All you have to do is log into your Ticketbud account or enter the email address you used to register here. You can check to see that your order went through successfully on the Tickets page when logged in. Or search for a confirmation email from "Ticketbud" or "WePay".

+ Credit Card Statement?

Trail of Lights ticket purchases will most likely appear on your credit card statement referencing "Ticketbud", our online ticketing partner. The way the charge appears on your statement can vary if the purchase was made online or on-site at an event. If the ticket purchase was made online through our website or onsite at the Box Office, the charge on your statement typically includes one or more of the following references: "WEPAY", "TICKETBUD", "TRAIL OF LIGHTS" or "AUSTIN, TX."

+ I have a Promo Code...what do I do?

If you have a special promotional access code or password, enter it in the "promotional code" box on the right, and click apply. Once the code is accepted and the box turns green, the page will refresh and reveal your special offer. Then enter the desired amount of tickets next to the special offer, and follow the prompts to complete the transaction.

+ Parking Passes

Parking Passes will be sent via PDF attachment and/or link along with your order confirmation and receipt from our ticketing partner, Ticketbud. Each type of ticket will be included in ONE ticket attachment/link. Each page represents a separate event ticket or transportation pass, depending on your items purchased – be sure to scroll thru the entire document to view all pages / tickets. Event parking with your pass anytime between 5:30 pm and when the event concludes at 10:00 pm. Please follow the driving directions indicated on your parking pass as street closures will be in effect.

Parking passes must be printed and shown to Trail Traffic and Parking attendants for access to the parking area. Attendants will direct you to the appropriate Trail of Lights parking lot area based upon availability when you arrive. Please follow their guidance and event signage, and drive slowly and carefully. Display your parking pass on our dashboard once parked.

+ Mobile vs Printed Tickets

Event & Shuttle tickets can either be printed and presented to Austin Trail of Lights gate staff, or you can go green and display them on your smart phone to staff upon arrival. Both printed + mobile tickets will be scanned to validate event entry. Parking passes must be printed and shown to Trail Traffic and Parking attendants for access to the parking area, and then displayed on the vehicle's dashboard while parked.

+ Do I have to register all of my guests to their own tickets? | Can I change the name on my ticket(s)?

While we encourage the main ticket buyer to enter each individual attending guest information, it is not required and okay if you only enter your information for all tickets in the order. Other guests will be able to enter with "your" tickets, even though your name is on them.

+ How do I get my Platinum drink + ride tickets?

A Platinum ticket purchase includes one drink ticket good for a beverage of your choice at official bars around the Trail of Lights. A ride ticket good for one ride on either the Ferris wheel or carousel is also included with each Platinum ticket. Both the drink and ride coupons will be issued upon initial arrival at the Platinum Entrance - located at Lou Neff Road and Stratford Drive. Upon staff scanning and validating your Platinum ticket, a Platinum wristband will be issued that permits access into the Platinum Lounge and golf cart shuttles. Your Platinum wristband also has detachable tabs for your drink and ride coupons. You can use these coupons in your party as you see fit. The original Platinum wristband holder / purchaser does not have to be the person to use the drink/ride tickets. Please note Platinum wristbands and subsequent drink + ride tickets will not be issued to complimentary Platinum children ages 5 and below. However, you are welcome to pass along your detachable drink and/or ride tickets to the little ones or other guests as you see fit. Of course, only non-alcoholic beverages will be available with a drink ticket for those under 21 years of age.

+ Group Outings / Group Discounts

We are delighted you and your group would like to spend a night at the Trail, however please note no group discount pricing is available in general. We do however now offer private options for groups starting at 20 guests. Please fill out a contact form for more info here: https://austintrailoflights.org/all-forms/private-party-form.

+ Do I need a ticket? Or do I just show up? Especially on FREE nights?

The Trail is happy to offer FREE general admission to all guests on December 10-13 and 16-18, 2024 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. No advance ticket is required for GA entry, simply come on down, enter, and enjoy!

If you wish to take advantage of our ZIP Fast Pass or premium Platinum ticket offers that permit entry starting at 6:00 pm - one hour before the general public to beat the crowd, holiday cookies and cocoa, special entry gates, and more, then we strongly encourage purchasing a ZIP or Platinum ticket online in advance, as those quantities are limited and often sell out. ZIP & Platinum is complimentary for children age 5 and under, and no ticket is required for them with an accompanying ticketed adult.

If you plan to drive and park at Zilker Park on night (even on "free nights"), you must purchase a parking pass online in advance. No parking will be sold onsite.

And if you plan to utilize our Shuttle transportation program from Toney Burger Activity Center in South Austin, a shuttle pass is required per person. Shuttle passes can be purchased online in advance or at the respective shuttle location. Reminder shuttle passes include general admission on the "paid" nights that a gate fee is required. Shuttle passes are complimentary for infants and lap children, and no Shuttle pass is required for them with an accompanying ticketed adult.

+ Does a Shuttle ticket include admission?

Shuttle includes General Admission Trail access ~ whether it's a free GA or paid GA night. On the paid GA nights, shuttle guests can enter thru the “prepaid” admission lines at the Trail with their shuttle wristband and do not need a separate admission ticket – the shuttle pass allows a ride and GA entry. However if a guest wants to participate in the shuttle program and ZIP early entry or the Platinum program, then both a separate shuttle and ZIP or Platinum pass are needed. Shuttle tickets can be purchased online in advance, or in person upon arrival at each shuttle location.

+ Can I purchase tickets at the door?

Yes, ZIP and General Admission Gate tickets will be sold onsite each night. ZIP Tickets are $25 (plus fees) and available at the ZIP Box Office starting at 5:30pm Dec 8-23rd (closed Mondays).

General Admission Gate tickets are $8 (plus fees) and available in person at the GA Box Office on December 14, 15, 19-23. General Admission is complimentary for all guests on Dec 10-13 and 16-18.

+ Advance Ticket Sales

All tickets are available for purchase on our website at austintrailoflights.org through our ticketing partner, Ticketbud. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance as opposed to at the event to be sure you don’t miss and to avoid long admission. Purchase today at austintrailoflights.org or ticketbud.com

+ How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are on sale now! Visit our calendar page here: https://austintrailoflights.org/calendar to view the various event nights and offerings. Click on the day you’d like to attend for more information and to purchase tickets thru our ticketing partner, Ticketbud.

+ When are tickets on sale?

All Admission, Shuttle, and Parking passes are on sale now!

Please refer to our website for additional on sale details, an event calendar, and general event information: http://austintrailoflights.org/ Feel free to sign up to receive our e-newsletter for updates on when the tickets will go on sale and general event details.