Disney’s ‘Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Light Trail to Make Austin Debut
Beloved characters, scenes and songs from the 1993 film will come to life along the Wildflower Center’s illuminated trails this fall
This fall, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will transform into a moonlit wonderland as Texas Performing Arts presents the state’s first-ever Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. From Sept. 25 to Nov. 30, the outdoor installation will depict Halloween Town and Christmas Town with light displays, projections, music and 3D-printed sculptures.
Austin is one of only two cities in the country hosting the event — the other is New York City, where the light trail is returning by popular demand.
“I want to make an experience that surprises people – that is both visually stunning and sonically cool,” said Jeffrey Seller, Adventurelive founder and producer of “Hamilton.” “This is going to be a thrilling new way to experience both Tim Burton’s story and it’s going to look amazing in The Wildflower Center.”
Walk through Halloween and Christmas Town
More than 8,300 square feet of illuminated installations will guide visitors through scenes inspired by Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero and other iconic characters, using intelligent LED lighting, immersive sound design and custom-crafted props.
“Following the overwhelming success of the light trail in New York City we’re thrilled to bring this extraordinary experience to Austin, Texas,” said Iñaki Fernández, LETSGO founder. “Now more people than ever will have the chance to step into the spellbinding world of Tim Burton.”
The event marks a first-time collaboration between Texas Performing Arts and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, part of The University of Texas at Austin.
“I’m thrilled for Austin to be the first U.S. city outside New York to host this immersive event,” said Bob Bursey, Texas Performing Arts executive and artistic director. “Texas Performing Arts is always working to bring new creative experiences to our city, whether in the theater or beyond.”
Ticket info
Exclusive merchandise designed by Creative Goods Design & Supply, including t-shirts, sweatshirts and other themed items, will be available for purchase on-site.
Timed-entry tickets start at $31 for children and $41 for adults, with flex-entry options at $51. Sales open to the public Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at TPA’s website.
The light trail will run from Wednesday through Sunday from dusk until 10:15 p.m., with schedules varying weekly.
For more information, visit TexasPerformingArts.org or TheNightmareBeforeChristmasLightTrail.com.
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