Austin’s annual Trail of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition among Central Texas families, and it’s back for yet another season of Christmas magic. The event is both drive-thru and walk-thru with over two million lights and festive displays to enjoy. The Trail of Lights in Austin is an iconic part of holiday celebrations in the city.

For the 59th year in a row, Austin's beloved Trail of Lights will return for another enchanting holiday season.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook
The event started as a small gathering known at the time as Yule Fest in 1965. It has grown each year to now become one of Austin's three major events held each year.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook
Over two million lights adorn every inch of the trail, including 90 trees trimmed from tip to trunk with glittering bulbs.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook
You'll also pass by a whopping 70 displays, including favorites like Candy Land, Santa’s House, and Santa’s Workshop that make appearances every year.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook

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Several lighted tunnels illuminate the darkness, and—as with snowflakes—no two are exactly alike. There's enchantment around every corner, and the element of surprise only adds to it.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook
Kids from one to 92 will get a glimmer in their eyes as the whimsical winter wonderland unfolds all around. For added wonderment, tune into Trail of Lights Radio and listen to classic holiday songs.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook
Tickets can be purchased online in advance of your visit.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook
Choose between General Admission, Zip Passes, and Platinum Passes - each with its own unique bonuses and extras. Admission prices range from free or low-cost to premium for luxury extras and special treatment.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook
General admission is free on most days, with some days having a small per-person fee. Zip Passes start at $25, and Premium Passes start at $95.
Austin Trail of Lights / Facebook


Take a walk through Austin's Trail of Lights in Texas in this video from Take A Walk:

Visit the Trail of Lights website or the Trail of Lights Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever been to Trail of Lights in Austin? If so, will you be attending this year? Let us know in the comments. For another epic drive-thru light show in Texas, check out our previous article about Lights Alive!

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Christmas In Texas

Chris Muras | November 01, 2023

Where can I find drive-thru holiday lights in Texas?
Texas may not treat you to a white Christmas, but it can certainly dazzle you with holiday lights. Here are a few places to enjoy drive-thru lights in Texas:

  • Elf Acres, San Antonio, TX: As San Antonio's first drive-thru holiday light show, Elf Acres has been delighting fans for nearly 20 years. Enjoy 20 acres full of twinkling lights, Christmas light tunnels, and creative light displays. There is even a humble manger scene that is incredibly peaceful and serene.
  • Land of Lights, Athens, TX: This is another magical light display that has been treating guests to holiday cheer for over two decades. Handmade villages complete with the Whoville Jail and poor Mr. Grinch behind bars, a charming 50s-style diner, and old-fashioned gas stations sit side-by-side with more traditional biblical themes, and even more outlandish alien visitors sitting on Santa's lap - you'll find just about anything in this delightful drive-thru light show.
  • Lights Alive!, San Antonio, TX: San Antonio strikes again with this drive-thru light show. It's a mile-long drive with millions of lights synchronized to music. But that isn't all you'll find here. Make holiday crafts in Santa's workshop, try your hand at inflatable axe throwing, or try to break out of two holiday-themed escape rooms. Plus, there are plenty of holiday treats to enjoy from handmade fudge to hot cinnamon sugar donuts.

That's only the tip of the holiday light-covered iceberg when it comes to light shows in Texas. Here are 13 drive-thru light displays to check out in Texas this holiday season. Make it a fun family road trip by hopping in an RV from RVShare and following the lights from town to town.

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Featured Addresses
Trail of Lights, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA