Tree Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off Zilker Trail Of Lights Season

AUSTIN, TX — One of Austin's most beloved holiday traditions kicks off Sunday, Dec. 1 with the City coming out to celebrate the Zilker Holiday Tree and its lighting ceremony. Now in its 53rd year, the first tree was lighted on December 10, 1967 by Mayor Pro Tem Mrs. Emma Long. Standing at 155 feet, composed of 39 streamers each holding 81 multicolored 25-watt bulbs, the beautiful tree is illuminated by a total of 3,309 lights. Gracing the top of the tree is a double start measuring 10 feet from point to point and displays 150 frosted bulbs.

In the subsequent of the first tree lighting, the time honored tradition of lighting the tree is awarded to the young winner of the city-wide tree art contest. The Zilker Holiday Tree is sponsored by the Trail of Lights Foundation and is installed, produced and managed by multiple City of Austin Departments including Austin Energy, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Resource Recovery and Austin Police Department who provide in kind services that keep the display available to the citizens of Austin.

The 2019 53rd Annual Zilker Holiday Tree Schedule includes:

2019 Tree Lighting Ceremony - Sunday, Dec. 1

• 5:30 pm Pre-event music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble
• 6:00 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony. Featuring local entertainment, food, novelties and live music!
• Performances by:
  • The Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, Robert Laguna, Conductor. Pre-event music starts at 5:30 pm!
  • Barton Hills Choir, Gavin Tabone, Director, Kati Achtermann, Principal
• Bring a toy to donate to Operation Blue Santa

2019 Zilker Holiday Tree Season Parking Schedule

If you are planning to visit the Holiday Tree itself, make sure to plan around nights as noted below - carefully review the schedule. TRAFFIC AND PARKING FEE ALERT! December 1, and 10th - 23rd expect high volumes of traffic and road closures during Trail of Lights. Parking on site is pre-paid ONLY on these nights!

Days & Access and Traffic Expectations

• December 24 - January 1: Free on site surface parking available.
• December 10-23: Trail of Lights Event Nights, pre-paid parking only, no drive in access until after 11 pm.
• December 8-9: Free on site surface parking available, expect significant traffic on the 8th for private events.
• December 7: Trail of Lights Fun Run - no drive in access until after 11 pm. Pre-paid parking only.
• December 1- 6: Free on site surface parking available.

2019 Trail of Lights Schedule

Public Event Schedule - CLICK HERE.
December 7 5K Run - see event website to register
December 10-23 Trail of Lights event nights - see event website for details, ticket, pre-paid parking, etc...
PLAN YOUR TRIP! There will be PRE-PERMITTED PARKING ONLY at the park during Trail of Lights Nights. Motorists will not be allowed to wait and pay on site for parking. Extensive neighborhood parking restrictions will be in effect. Shuttle or bicycle arrival is the best option - plan ahead!

For more events, be sure and check out the Austin Patch Events Calendar.