Austin Trail of Lights: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Enjoy This Holiday Tradition

Ride the Ferris Wheel. Spin under the iconic Zilker Tree. Take a dozen selfies. Whether you’re taking your family, out-of-towners or going with friends, a visit to the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park is a beloved Central Texas holiday tradition. The spectacle of more than 2 million lights, glowing Christmas trees and other holiday scenes that illuminate the park is open from Dec. 10-23, nightly from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

General admission is free for seven of the nights. Visit the Trail of Lights’ 2024 event calendar to see which nights you can attend at no cost. General admission is just $8 (+ service fees) on other nights. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Premium access and parking options are available every night.

Check out the full lineup of entertainment – from movie night to live music – happening at the Austin Trail of Lights each night.

There are a few other options to keep in mind when planning your visit to the Trail of Lights this year. All of which can be purchased by using the event calendar.

ZIP Passes

This is a great option for small groups or families. Guests with ZIP Passes can enter the Trail of Lights an hour before general admission gates open, starting at 6 p.m. from Dec. 14 & 15 then Dec. 19 – 23. There’s a special ZIP entrance and lobby where you can enjoy hot cocoa before starting your visit. Inside you’ll have access to a cozy ZIP Lounge with free holiday cookies and more complimentary cocoa as well as seating and heated restrooms.

Platinum Pass

If you want to see the Trail of Lights like a VIP, this is your chance. In addition to early access at 6 p.m. through a special entrance, Platinum Pass holders can enjoy valet parking, a golf cart shuttle to the Trailhead,  a private, heated Platinum Lounge with seating, two bars and heated washrooms, a drink ticket, and a ride ticket for premium entry to the Ferris wheel or carousel.

Parking

There are two parking options with a pre-paid parking pass, however each lot has a limited number of spots available each night. All parking passes must be purchased in advance, online. Parking lots open at 5:30 p.m.

• Zilker Tree (Polo Field) Parking: Grass polo field lot near the Zilker Tree and across from the Trail’s Grand & ZIP Entrances.
• Austin High (Surface Lot) Parking: Located at 1715 W Cesar Chavez Street. 

Shuttle Pass

Take a shuttle from South Austin directly to the front gate of the Austin Trail of Lights. Shuttles will begin departing at 5:30pm.  You must purchase your Shuttle pass online, in advance.

Shuttles operate from Toney Burger Event Center (3200 Jones Rd, Austin, TX 78745) where free parking is available. 

• Shuttle riders access the Trail through an expedited general admission entrance starting at 7 p.m.
• Shuttle fare is $8 per person and includes General Admission access. Children 2 and under on a lap and infants ride free. 
• ADA accessible shuttles are available.

New This Year: Zilker Eagle Train Rides

Zilker Park’s beloved mini train will run special holiday hours during Trail of Lights in 2024. The community is invited to ride the train during the evenings from December 10 to 23 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

All tickets are sold at the train depot on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of the ride. Note that the train’s hours are subject to change based on weather and other conditions. Any closures will be posted on Zilker Eagle’s social channels.

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Learn more about the Austin Trail of Lights history, and purchase your tickets at austintrailoflights.org.

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