(AUSTIN, TEXAS - August 21, 2025) - The Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, presented by Raising Cane’s, is back to continue the tradition this holiday season with a fun and festive event that brings the community together. Participants of all speeds and abilities will make their way through a leisurely 2-mile untimed course that begins at the iconic Zilker Holiday Tree and winds through the Austin Trail of Lights on December 6, 2025.
The Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run will be conducted in waves at 6 PM, 6:15 PM and 7 PM. Guests must register in advance and groups are welcome to register together to secure their spots. Teams of 36 or more interested in participating can visit the website to coordinate registration and partake in exclusive benefits.
Youth and Adult Registrations start at $20 and $35, respectively, and include a commemorative long-sleeve Fun Run t-shirt, a 2025 Race Bib, complimentary cocoa or beer (21+), and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children in strollers do not require registration. All attendees will have access to the Finish Line Festival where they can enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, bars, and DJ entertainment. Participants have the option to upgrade their tickets to include a dedicated lounge, complimentary food, drinks, and more.
As a new sponsor, Raising Cane’s is excited to support this event for the Central Texas community. "Bringing people together and giving back is core to who we are,” said Jeffrey Golsch, Raising Cane’s Regional Leader of Restaurants. “The Trail of Lights Fun Run is a joyful way for families to kick off the holidays and experience something special as a community, and we’re thrilled to help make that happen."
What’s New
A new route is being unveiled to fun runners. The fresh course winds around the Zilker Tree bringing an updated experience to loyal participants with improved flow and more festive cheer along the way. The 2025 Fun Run will also feature a sneak peek at some of the Trail’s most popular attractions in the North Pole, including Santa’s Workshop, Letters to Santa, and the H-E-B Read3 Train, all open early just for the occasion.
Pre-purchased parking has been moved from the Polo fields by the Zilker Tree to the gravel lot on Stratford Drive as a result of the adjusted route and to improve flow of the area. Parking will also be available at Austin High School and neighboring garages
Fun Run registration is open now here. For general information on the 2025 Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, visit https://austintrailoflights.org/2025-fun-run or follow @austintrailoflights on Facebook, and @ATXLights on Instagram.
Brands can engage with guests through sponsorship or an Expo space. Connect with active Austinites who share your passion for health and fitness at the 2025 Trail of Lights Fun Run!
About the Austin Trail of Lights
The Austin Trail of Lights, presented by H-E-B, is the city’s longest-running holiday tradition, celebrating its 61st year in 2025. The historic main event kicks off Dec. 10 and runs nightly through Dec. 23 from 7 to 10 p.m. Over the course of 14 nights, the Trail will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Zilker Park with more than 2 million lights, 70 displays, interactive attractions, food trucks and live entertainment.
General admission is free on half of the event nights. Children under 12 always receive free admission, as do all guests riding the event shuttle. The box office for admission tickets and parking passes will open at the end of September at austintrailoflights.org.
61st Annual Austin Trail of Lights Calendar
Dec 1-3 \u200b\tSTARS Program Non-Profit Nights
Dec 5 \u200b\tNight Lights Preview Party, presented by Broadway Bank
Dec 6 \u200b\t\u200b \u200b \u200b Fun Run, presented by Raising Cane’s (registration open)
Dec 10 \u200b\tGrand Opening Night, presented by H-E-B
Dec 23 \u200b\tClosing Night
About the Trail of Lights Foundation
The Trail of Lights Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to producing and maintaining the Austin Trail of Lights as an authentically Austin community celebration. The single-purpose entity raises funds through donations by individuals, businesses and through events like the Fun Run to ensure the event remains accessible to the entire community and supports the STARS program which has served over 20,000 community members via their non-profits groups. Since 2012, the event has also provided maintenance and upkeep of the historic displays at the event. The holiday tradition is curated in close conjunction with its long-time partner, Forefront Networks. The Austin Trail of Lights has been one of the top three most-attended events in Austin since the Trail of Lights Foundation adopted the event in 2012.
About Raising Cane’s®
Raising Cane’s is one of the fastest-growing Restaurant Brands, with 900+ Restaurants in 40+ states, and plans to open more than 100 new Restaurants across several new markets in 2025. The company recently announced plans to be one of the top 10 Restaurant Brands in the United States and is known for its ONE LOVE® – Craveable Chicken Finger Meals® – which includes the iconic “Cane’s Sauce®” – named the #1 most craveable sauce in the Restaurant industry and most craveable chicken. For more information, visit raisingcanes.com.
For more information on The Trail of Lights, please see www.austintrailoflights.org.
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MEDIA NOTE:
For general press inquiries about the Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, please contact Samantha Foster at sfoster@saymynamepr.com | 512.670.6744.
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