Article by: Katie Lawrence, onlyinyourstate.com

Step into a winter wonderland when you visit Austin’s Trail of Lights. Stroll along this lighted walk that the city has put on for 53 years and counting and delight in the overwhelming amount of holiday spirit at every turn. Have the kids write letters to Santa, sip from a steaming mug of hot cocoa, and make unforgettable Christmas memories that your family will cherish forever.

Over 400,000 people attend Trail of Lights each year, making it Austin's largest holiday tradition and second largest event overall. There's music, food, family activities, and copious amounts of holiday spirit.

Walk through more than 40 displays with over two million lights, enjoy Austin's best food trucks, listen to the nightly entertainment, and participate in holiday activities with those you love most. That's what the holidays are about, after all!

If you enjoy being active, consider participating in the sixth annual Fun Run through the trail. It's only 2.1 miles, and it ends with a big festival to celebrate your successful finish! Registration is here.

There's even a Ferris wheel! Not many light shows double as carnivals. It's located in the North Pole, where you'll also find Santa's house and workshop, a carousel, and food,

This is Arctic Point, a grove of beautiful lighted trees that are absolutely captivating to look at. This area also provides a breathtaking view of the 360 bridge and beverage options.

The Grand Opening for the 2017 season will take place on Saturday, December 9 at 7 pm. General admission is totally free on the first night, so be there or be square!

If you want to see the trail before anyone else, there will be a preview party on December 8, the day before it opens to the public. With headline performers, food from Austin's best restaurants, an open bar, a car show, and complimentary amusement park rides, it's sure to be a night to remember. Tickets can be purchased here.

So, who's coming to the Trail of Lights this year? It's undoubtedly one of Texas' most elaborate light shows, and it's sure to make your holiday season an unforgettable one.

austintrailoflights.org

Trail of Lights is located at 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, which is Zilker Metropolitan Park.

Original Link: http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/winter-walk-tx/