AUSTIN, Texas — It’s time! The holiday season is here, and according to a recent list from U.S. News & World Report, Austin’s Trail of Lights has one of the 28 best Christmas light displays in the country.
The long-running Zilker Park tradition is in its 60th year and boasts a whopping 2 million light bulbs that stretch across 2.5 miles of park and make up over 70 unique displays. Guests walk around the winding park for tons of photo ops with dazzling lights, some with specific themes like Candyland and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
The Candyland light tunnel at the Trail of Lights in Austin, Texas, on Dec. 16, 2023. (Spectrum News 1/Christine Sanchez)
Beyond the lights, the park has a carnival portion with a light-studded Ferris wheel, food stands, hot chocolate, live music and a vendor market. In past years, brands like H-E-B and Coca-Cola were serving up free samples of their products along the trail.
According to U.S. News & World Report, reviewers say the presentation at the Trail of Lights is incredible, with long wait times and heavy crowds being one downside.
The 60th annual Trail of Lights runs from Dec. 10-23. General admission tickets start at $10.62 with fees, and premium admission ranges from $32.88-$116.08. Group ticket packages are also available. Tickets are on sale now.
The event also offers free admission days on Dec. 10-12 and 15-18.