Each year around the holidays, Austinites loved exploring the Trail of Lights, a massive display of Christmas lights and scenes in Zilker Park. The City of Austin has continued the tradition again this year, but has scaled it back significantly and renamed it the Zilker Tree Holiday Festival.
Instead of it being two weeks long, the city has it open for only nine days this year. In previous years, the lighted trail was 1.25 miles; this year, it is only half a mile. However, there is still be a Santa's House, concession stands, arts and craft vendors, and nightly entertainment.The lighted trail used to be on the north side of Barton Springs Road, but this year it is on the south side, closer to the Zilker Tree.
At first it looked like visitors were going to have to pay $5 to enter the festival, but because this year's production is cheaper and money is tight for many families, the city decided to let everyone in free. It does cost $10 to park, though that is down from the $15 charged last year.
It is a very family-friendly event but fun for all ages. It is open Dec. 13-21 from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. On the final night of the festival, Dec. 21, there will be a holiday sing-along concert with Asleep at the Wheel & Friends at 8:30 p.m.
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