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.
Festival style has evolved over the past few years. Attendees used to dress according to the mood of the festival; now it's about fitting the mood of your favorite headlining artist. Paulina Valencia and Maria Julia showed up to Day One ready to party with Charli XCX. Photo by Kenn Box
Despite the unusual weather, Elena Hobbes managed to make a classic boho outfit work with some practical footwear. Photo by Kenn Box
If you couldn't tell from the first few images, sequins were all over the festival grounds. Caeil Hwang styled herself in an asymmetrical sequined top and some moto boots with a western flare. Photo by Kenn Box
If you remember the 2000s, then you'll remember the Canadian tuxedo was a style staple. Flash forward two decades and it seems to have made its return, now with a more modern and structured fit. Maria Dupont styled herself in her best denim set for the utmost comfort. Photo by Kenn Box
Christian Hatley showed up to Day Two of the festival prepared and stylish. Photo by Kenn Box
Bringing the mid-2020s party girl vibe, Nidhi Kashyap's look is not only trendy but functional.Photo by Kenn Box
Camo and baby pink is always a cute pair! Deanna Harris is throwing it back to the Y2K era with her cropped graphic tank top and mini skirt. Early 2000s meets country chic in this look. Photo by Kenn Box
It's easy to focus on recreational festival-goers' style, but what about those there to work? Photographer Ryder Cavazos showed up to take some photos in style this year. Photo by Kenn Box
ACL Fest fashion has always had a hint of playfulness to it. Kenley Dunawai sported a South Park mini skirt paired with a black tank top. Photo by Kenn Box
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"Whismy" is a word that's been trending for quite some time now, and it's the perfect one to use for Audrey Dahlkemper's ACL Fest fit, from her printed rain boots to the tulle skirt.Photo by Kenn Box
Neutral tones are here to stay. Sara Chaney rocks a pair of sturdy Doc Martens to help her trek through the muddy grounds.Photo by Kenn Box
Vintage pieces are a staple in Austin. Andrew Silvas was seen sporting a vintage graphic tank and a classic pair of denim pants on Day Three of the festival. Photo by Kenn Box
Carrington Joseph puts a fun twist on the denim trend with her denim vest. Of course, the look isn't complete without her beaded accessories. Photo by Kenn Box
Negin Nekoonam is the effortlessly cool girl in her white dress accessorized with mud.Photo by Kenn Box
The psychedelic rave combo is one of the best subcultures in ACL Fest street style. Jamison Schilling had the defining countercultural look — though it may become mainstream as the festival begins to book more rave-friendly DJs. (And how about that muddy ombré effect?)Photo by Kenn Box
Graphic tees, camo, and Hunter boots formed a combo seen all over the grounds. Hayley Sherman was spotted wearing all three in the most stylish manner. Photo by Kenn Box
Comfort was key this year. Chantel Smith managed to style comfortable pieces into a cohesive and unique look. Photo by Kenn Box
Trucker hats are making big waves in fashion at the moment. Arden Loss is seen wearing an "I Heart Hot Dads" trucker hat paired with a floral babydoll dress. Photo by Kenn Box
The best festival fits make good use of accessories, and Ashley Galvan is the queen of accessorizing. Photo by Kenn Box
For Baylee Tincher and Peter Jones this year, style was about attitude and performance.Photo by Kenn Box
The protective footwear micro-trend will go down in ACL Fest history.Photo by Kenn Box