For 60 years, Texas has been home to one of the largest and most beloved holiday light displays in the country, a dazzling tradition that features more than 2 million lights to help residents and visitors alike ring in the most wonderful time of the year.
The Austin Trail of Lights has been named among the best holiday light shows in the country by U.S. News & World Support, with the annual display heralded for the glitz and glamour it brings to Zilker Park just south of downtown. While it’s now nationally renowned, the holiday display has grown substantially since its origins back in 1965.
Founded as a small gathering 60 years ago, the Austin Trail of Lights was initially referred to as the Yule Fest, a holiday celebration held by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department in benefit to the city. The centerpiece of the festival is the beloved Zilker Holiday Tree, constructed with lights mounted to one of the Texas capital city’s iconic and rare moontowers – an approximately 155-foot-tall structure with more than 3,300 lights attached.
The Zilker Holiday Tree, constructed using Austin’s iconic moontowers. (Courtesy City of Austin, Austin History Center)
The Zilker Holiday Tree, constructed using Austin’s iconic moontowers. (Courtesy City of Austin, Austin History Center)
Growing from its humble beginnings, the Austin Trail of Lights now includes more than two million lights decorated throughout the park, 90 lit holiday trees and more than 70 additional holiday displays and festive tunnels, with the Zilker Holiday Tree still serving as the crown jewel. The event has remained Austin’s longest-running holiday tradition, according to festival organizers, with Visit Austin estimating more than 300,000 people attend the Austin Trail of Lights each season.
Attractions are seen at the Austin Trail of Lights festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park on December 14, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Following that inaugural celebration in 1965, the tradition is poised to kick off its festivities with a preview party on December 5 and its annual fun run on December 6, before an official grand opening on December 10. From there, the Trail of Lights display will remain open to the public through its closing night on December 23.
Find it: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746
This article originally published at Austin Trail of Lights’ 2M+ holiday lights display celebrates 60 years.