Article by: kxan.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The 2017 Austin Trail of Lights is now officially open. Visitors were able to start pouring into the trail at 7 p.m. Saturday night with an opening ceremony hosted by KXAN’s Sydney Benter and Jim Spencer. KXAN is a proud sponsor.

And this year, the trail is looking to raise more than 25,000 meals for the Central Texas Food Bank. That’s almost 30,000 pounds of food.

There are bins at the front entrance where you can drop off donations.

“It’s actually my first time out here. I’ve lived in Austin for four years now, so I figured this year I would volunteer and get to experience it in a different way,” said volunteer Shannon Wright along with her fellow volunteer Maddison Olivarez.

The trail will remain open through Dec. 23.

The first week is free. After that, admission is $3 to get in for those 12 and older.

Most weeknights are free, but you’ll want to check the schedule.

Original Link: http://kxan.com/2017/12/09/trail-of-lights-now-open-for-smiles-and-holiday-cheer/