Parking: 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. Please note that parking is prohibited in surrounding neighborhoods. The route to parking is included in your parking pass confirmation email. Do not follow GPS instructions as road closures will be in effect nightly. Expect traffic congestion due to road closures, and plan accordingly. Access to the pre-paid parking is open from 5:30-10pm.

Shuttle: Our Shuttle transportation program is 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. Free Parking is located on the SOUTH side of Burger Center for guests riding the shuttles to/from the Trail of Lights.

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.

Rideshare: 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.

Advance admission ticket sales are encouraged. Tickets will also be available for sale at the Box Office onsite nightly beginning at 5:30pm. Credit/Debit only please. Applicable service charges apply.

Note: General Admission is complimentary for all guests on Dec 10-13 and 16-18.

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

• Pets and animals (except dogs trained to provide a service for someone attending who has a disability)
• 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
• Unauthorized/unlicensed vendors are prohibited.

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.

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. Look for the wheelchair signs above the entrance lanes or ask a volunteer to direct you to the appropriate area.

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.

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.

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

Patrons with Mobility Limitations: The Festival is wheelchair accessible but is a large venue with great distances between activities and attractions. It is outdoors and across city streets and pathways. Some travel is over natural terrain and terrain designed for motor vehicles. If it should rain, there could be mud.

The Trail does not provide personal care, golf cart rides, or push service of any kind or wheelchairs for rent or loan. Wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and three or four-wheeled scooters are allowed only for use by patrons with mobility disabilities.

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 third 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.

View all of our frequently asked questions here.