The Trail of Lights is one of Austin's great holiday traditions. Held in Zilker Park since 1965, it now boasts two millions lights.
Start at the tree on the opposite side of Barton Springs Road from the main part of the trail to take in the giant Christmas tree. It's made of lights attached to one of Austin's old Moonlight Towers (click here for more info on those).
Underneath the lights you can enjoy local treats, including Amy's ice cream.
Then head over to the main trail. You can't miss the entrance,
or stray from the trail. It is definitely well marked!
The displays are fun and funky.
Some have a distinctly Austin flavor, like this bat tunnel.
And the brightly lit trees seem to stretch on and on.
Up close, they look otherworldly.
There is even a big Yule log towards the end of the trail, which naturally made me think of toasting marshmallows for s'mores. Of course, the fire was so far from the barrier that no one could possibly have a long enough stick. Instead I went for the Lucky Lab Coffee Co. homemade s'more pop-tart. Yum!
Start at the tree on the opposite side of Barton Springs Road from the main part of the trail to take in the giant Christmas tree. It's made of lights attached to one of Austin's old Moonlight Towers (click here for more info on those).
Underneath the lights you can enjoy local treats, including Amy's ice cream.
Then head over to the main trail. You can't miss the entrance,
or stray from the trail. It is definitely well marked!
The displays are fun and funky.
Some have a distinctly Austin flavor, like this bat tunnel.
And the brightly lit trees seem to stretch on and on.
Up close, they look otherworldly.
There is even a big Yule log towards the end of the trail, which naturally made me think of toasting marshmallows for s'mores. Of course, the fire was so far from the barrier that no one could possibly have a long enough stick. Instead I went for the Lucky Lab Coffee Co. homemade s'more pop-tart. Yum!
Since the event is in the evening, it can be quite chilly. Lucky for me that I had a newly completed knit hat to keep me warm. I have to apologize for the creepy picture. This owl was the only available model when I was taking photos! Anyway, the pattern is an old one from Vogue Knitting, though I had to modify it by knitting the pattern section twice instead of once to ensure it was roomy enough to accommodate my hair.
If you want to take in the Trail of Lights, tonight and tomorrow night are you last chances before it closes for the year, so hop on over. Hint: park under the MoPac Bridge adjacent to Austin High and walk across the pedestrian bridge to Zilker if you want to skip the lines for parking.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday and all the best in the new year!
