{ "title": "62nd ANNUAL AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS, POWERED BY H-E-B, ANNOUNCES BOX OFFICE OPENING", "modified_at": "2026-09-30 15:57:38", "published_at": "2026-09-30 15:56:00", "url": "https://say-my-name.prezly.com/62nd-annual-austin-trail-of-lights-powered-by-h-e-b-announces-box-office-opening", "short_url": "http://prez.ly/QlQd", "culture": "en", "language": "EN", "subtitle": "Austin's Iconic Holiday Festival Returns to Zilker Park, December 10-23, 2026", "slug": "62nd-annual-austin-trail-of-lights-powered-by-h-e-b-announces-box-office-opening", "body": "\n \n
\n \n
\n \n \n
\n
\n\n
\n \n

Visual Assets available here

(AUSTIN, TEXAS - September 30, 2026) – The Trail of Lights Foundation announced today that tickets for the 62nd Annual Austin Trail of Lights, powered by H-E-B, are now available online at www.austintrailoflights.org. This beloved holiday tradition, the longest-running event of its kind in Texas’ capital city, will take place from Thursday, December 10, to Wednesday, December 23. In keeping with tradition, General Admission remains free to the public for seven of the fourteen nights, ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of this festive celebration.

“As we look ahead to this season, our focus remains on access and stewardship. We will continue building on more than a decade of work to preserve the magic of the Trail. That means maintaining its historic displays, expanding access through programs like STARS at the Trail, and ensuring this Austin tradition remains welcoming and meaningful for the entire community,” said A.J. Bingham, Board President, Trail of Lights Foundation.

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S., and as a Top 10 Holiday Lights Display in Newsweek's Readers’s Choice Awards, the Austin Trail of Lights has become a beloved attraction for many. What began in 1965 as a small gathering around a yule log has evolved into a dazzling display featuring over 2 million lights, 96 illuminated trees, and more than 70 festive displays and lighted tunnels throughout the park.

Guests can explore the 2026 Austin Trail of Lights event calendar and make plans now for free entry (Dec.10-11 and Dec.13-17) or for nights which require a ticket fee (Dec.12 and Dec.18-23). Other optional experiences such as the Fun Run, Night Lights Preview Party and limited premium tickets are available. Proceeds from optional experiences support Trail operations, the STARS non-profit access program, free community entertainment performance opportunities, and free General Admission nights for over 100,000 annually.

“For generations, the Austin Trail of Lights has brought Central Texans together for the holidays. H-E-B is honored to power this cherished tradition alongside the Trail of Lights Foundation, helping keep seven nights free for the community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to

Zilker Park for the 62nd annual celebration,” said Heidi Post, Senior Director of Public Affairs, H-E-B.

General Admission Information General Admission (GA) opens at 7 p.m. and is free for the Dec. 10 Grand Opening and on six additional public nights. The other 7 public nights are $8 per person except for children under 12 years old, who always receive free General Admission. In addition, anyone riding the event shuttle does not require a General Admission ticket.

Specialty and Optional Night Events

General Parking and Transportation Limited pre-paid Parking Passes grant access to the Zilker Tree parking lot, which opens at 5:30 p.m. nightly. Parking near the Zilker Tree is limited each night and tickets must be purchased in advance online for $25 per vehicle. Purchase a parking pass here.

Shuttle transportation starting from the Toney Burger Center to the Trail will be available on Dec.12 and Dec. 18-23. Visitors are encouraged to purchase a shuttle pass in advance to ensure availability. The shuttle fare ($10, lap children ride free) includes general admission access to the Austin Trail of Lights and a special entry line to the Trail. Parking at Toney Burger Center is free of charge.

STARS at the Trail Non-profit Program STARS at the Trail extends the joy of the Austin Trail of Lights to nonprofit organizations across Austin. The program was created to ensure that those people in our community, who may not otherwise have the opportunity, are given a magical holiday experience tailored exclusively for them. Austin-Area non-profits are invited to enjoy the Trail of Lights through the STARS at the Trail program. Apply to join before October 16.

Sponsors and General Information

Operating entirely with support from sponsors, donations, and funds from ticket sales, the Austin Trail of Lights, in partnership with the City of Austin, would like to recognize long-time title sponsor H-E-B. Additional anchor partners include Dell Children’s Ascension, Vista Equity Partners, KXAN, Stonegate Pharmacy, Austin Energy, Austin Parks Foundation, Keller Williams, Raising Cane’s, Northern Trust, Perry Homes, Hershey’s, Austin Convention Center Department, Maudie’s Tex Mex and more.

For general information on the 2026 Austin Trail of Lights, visit austintrailoflights.org, or follow on Facebook, @, @austintrailoflights, or on Instagram, @ATXLights.

Would you like to bring your holiday act to the Trail of Lights? Apply to perform. For those looking to host a Holiday Party at the Austin Trail of Lights, visit the website here.

###

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 23,000 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.

For more information on The Trail of Lights, please see www.austintrailoflights.org.

MEDIA NOTE: For general press inquiries about the Austin Trail of Lights, please contact Samantha Foster at sfoster@saymynamepr.com

", "images": [ { "caption": "", "original": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b82fbcad-2d34-41a5-8653-fc3fcb96aaab/", "medium": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b82fbcad-2d34-41a5-8653-fc3fcb96aaab/-/preview/500x500/-/format/auto/", "small": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b82fbcad-2d34-41a5-8653-fc3fcb96aaab/-/preview/200x200/-/format/auto/", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b82fbcad-2d34-41a5-8653-fc3fcb96aaab/-/preview/100x100/-/format/auto/", "square": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b82fbcad-2d34-41a5-8653-fc3fcb96aaab/-/scale_crop/200x200/center/-/format/auto/", "squaresmall": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b82fbcad-2d34-41a5-8653-fc3fcb96aaab/-/scale_crop/58x58/center/-/format/auto/" } ], "author": { "first_name": "Samantha", "last_name": "Foster" }, "format_version": 6 }