Austin event guide

Austin Trail of Lights Christmas Trip

The Austin Trail of Lights returns to Zilker Park December 10–23, 2026, with free entry on many nights. Pick the opening weekend or Christmas week and book one home for the group.

By Cameron HergetEvent dates checked against the official source

  • Pick your dates
  • Groups of up to 32
  • Dec 10 – 23, 2026
Photo: That Other Paper, CC BY-SA 2.0

Where to stay for the Trail of Lights

All Austin stays
When do you want to go?

A free night on Friday, then a full Saturday in town.

General admission is free December 10, 11 and 13–17, and $8 for ages 12+ on December 12 and 18–23, per the Trail of Lights. Additional service charges and tax may apply.

Suggested plan, day by day

These are suggestions, not a package. AvantStay doesn’t book, sell, or arrange any of these activities. Check hours, tickets, and reservations directly with each place.

Day 1 · Day 1: Arrive & the Trail of Lights

Settle in, then the lights after dark.

  1. Shopping · Afternoon

    Shops, restaurants and a stroll along South Congress Avenue.

    Photo: Utexas06, Public domain

  2. Event · Evening

    General admission runs 7–10 pm December 10–23. Book parking or a shuttle ticket in advance; shuttles operate on participating nights.

    Photo: SteveHopson, CC BY 3.0

Good to know

  • Getting in

    Fly into Austin-Bergstrom (AUS). Allow about half an hour to drive to Zilker Park, plus extra time for traffic, event access and parking.

  • Parking and shuttles

    Zilker Park parking is sold online in advance only, with none sold on site. Shuttle tickets include general admission on participating nights.

  • Christmas week

    Holiday hours vary. The Capitol building is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; confirm restaurant hours and group seating directly.

  • Optional extras

    Through AvantStay concierge you can add fridge stocking or a private chef, booked and paid separately.

Frequently asked questions

December 10–23, 2026, from 7 pm to 10 pm nightly, in Zilker Park.

General admission is free December 10, 11 and 13–17. On December 12 and 18–23 it's $8 for ages 12+, per the event. Additional service charges and tax may apply.

Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin.

Compare central and south Austin stays, then check the drive to Zilker Park. Set your dates and group size above to see the stays that fit.

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