Zilker Tree in Austin, Texas

Sunday, December 14th, the Trail of Lights in Austin, Texas opens with a parade and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Located in Zilker Park, this traditional holiday lighting was named by USA Today as one of the top ten lightings in America in 2007.

The Trail of Lights is a 1.25 mile long display of lights, including 41 lighted scenes.  There are also many special features, such as Santa’s House, Santa’s Post Box, a gigantic Yule log, a crafts fair, food and beverage stands, a holiday train and two stages with entertainment.

The Zilker Tree is also a huge draw, featuring a moon tower turned into a man-made Christmas tree of lights, 155 feet tall and 180 feet in diameter.  Grab a child or a loved one and stand under it to twirl and twirl around. The winner of the city-wide tree coloring contest gets to flip the switch at the special tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 7th this year at 6pm.  The tree will stay up until New Year’s Eve, December 31st.

Santasaurus in Austin

If you want a sneak peak of the Trail of Lights, there is a 5k run on Saturday, December 13th at 6:30pm.  The race starts at the Zilker Tree of lights, then winds through the park, through the Trail of Lights and finishes up back at the Tree. Entry fee for the Trail of Lights 5K is $22. 

Businesses and individuals can offer to become sponsors, and in return will receive logo placement on the Trail, limited passes to special events and advertisement in the Trail Guide commensurate with sponsorship level.

Austin has so much holiday spirit, and the Trail of Lights is truly the crown jewel of the Christmas season.

Trail of Lights Austin, Texas

photos curtesy of Steve Wampler and NoNo Joe