Holiday Happenings
Beloved Trail of Lights returns to make Austin merry and bright
This year, the iconic Zilker Christmas tree at Austin's Trail of Lights celebrates its half-century anniversary of being lit each holiday season. Starting November 27, all 155 feet of the tree will once again sparkle with more than 3,300 lights, topped by a double star measuring 10 feet wide.
The Trail of Lights itself celebrates a landmark 52 years in 2016. What began as a small gathering in 1965 known as Yule Fest, a gift to the city of Austin from Austin Parks and Recreation Department, has grown to be a community-wide celebration of the unique spirit of Austin.
This season, the public opening of the Trail of Lights takes place on December 10, as main sponsor H-E-B leads the countdown to flip the switch that will turn on the 2 million lights that illuminate 50-plus displays. By the time this unique holiday experience closes, more than 400,000 attendees will have walked its trails.
Mayor Steve Adler spoke at a press conference about the Trail of Lights as an Austin tradition, recalling the first moment when he arrives at the trail each year to see the smiles on kids' faces, the gorgeous illuminations, and smell the yule log burning.
"One of the things that is magical about this event is that it is community driven," Mayor Adler said.
If you want to beat the crowds and get in early, check out the Zip Fast Pass and Platinum access that allow priority entry beginning at 6 pm. Zip pricing is $10-20; Platinum pricing starts at $80 and includes priority entry, rides on the Ferris wheel or carousel, private restrooms, refreshments, and more. You can also purchase general admission tickets online to avoid a line at the gate.
Parking passes are only available for purchase online. Shuttles are also available from the Tony Burger Center and Republic Square Park. In addition, Capital Metro bus routes 3, 4, 30, and 338 will pick up and drop off riders within walking distance of the Trail of Lights entry. Schedules and maps will be posted on the TOL website, or visit www.capmetro.org. Bike racks are also available.
Important Dates for the Trail of Lights include:
- December 3: Trail of Lights Fun Run
- December 4-6: STARS at the Trail (private nights for area nonprofits)
- December 9: Night Lights, preview party benefiting the Trail of Lights Foundation
- December 10-16: Trail open to public from 7-10 pm nightly with free admission
- December 17– 23: Trail open to public from 7-10 pm nightly ($3 per person age 12 and up)
Other special nights include UT Night (December 11), Heroes Night (December 13) and a brand-new Movie Night (December 16). Long-time traditions like the North Pole, Santa’s Workshop, and the Yule Log remain as fan favorites.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri