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Hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, the annual event in Zilker Park celebrates the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home.

The 60th annual Austin Trail of Lights will return to the city's iconic Zilker Park December 2024.

The most beloved, and longest running holiday tradition of its kind in Texas’ capital city, Austin Trail of Lights powered by H-E-B, welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests from Central Texas and around the world each year for its jubilant displays of lights.

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The Trail now features more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.

As is tradition, the Trail hosts private nights allowing limited free entry through the STARS at the Trail program for over 40 non-profit partners in the community, as well as provide thousands of passes to eligible families throughout the Austin Independent School District.

Accolades

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USA Today

Top 10 Best Public Holiday Lights Displays in the United States

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Austin Chronicle

Best Family Festival

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Do512 Family

Favorite Annual Event

The History

What began as a small gathering in 1965 known as the "Yule Fest," a gift to the city of Austin from Austin Parks and Recreation Department, has now grown to be a community-wide celebration of the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. In the 59 years since the first Yule Log was lit, the Trail now features more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels. Today, the Austin Trail of Lights is one of the three largest events in Austin and receives national accolades while remaining a deeply cherished local tradition.