The Trails of Lights: A Holiday Tradition in Austin
Every year as Christmas approaches, workers start preparing for the extensive Trail of Lights celebration that has been a holiday tradition in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas since 1965. For an entire mile you can walk or take a miniature train ride through multitudes of lighting displays and props set up to show you every side of Christmas, and several more entertaining scenes. The Rainbow tunnel starts the display and continues out through the entire park. If you are either new to the city or just happen to be in the area, The Trail of Lights is one exhibit you do not want to miss.
Entry to the Trail of Lights is free, but you may want to bring some spending money along with you if you plan on taking the miniature train ride or want to pick up some apple cider and edible Christmas treats throughout your tour. For those who enjoy Christmas knick-knacks, there are also plenty of local vendors who set up shop around the parks lighting displays, so you will want to make sure you have some spare cash for these booths as well. (You never know whose Christmas present you may find along the way!)
Traditionally the Trail of Lights kicks off on December 8th with the 5K Trail of Lights run (complete with awards for top fifty finishers). However, inclement weather can sometimes affect the run and the official opening of the Trail of Lights, so you will want to stay cued in either on the official Austin website or listen to the local radio stations for their updates.
One of the favorite displays that you will not want to miss if the upcoming year will be your first trip to the Trail of Lights, is the 12 Days of Christmas. In fact, the 12 Days of Christmas is what started out the Trail of Lights as a tradition back in 1965, and is one of the most elaborate and light filled displays that has continued to keep people coming out in droves for years and continues to attract visitors annually. There are over 300,000 strings of lights and props that make up the entire Trail of Lights that span throughout the entire park, so if you are not pleased by this exhibit, there are surely more that will catch your eye.
Of course, remember that December in Austin is always a bit colder than any other time throughout the year, so by evening you will want to head out to the Trail of Lights with your sweaters and hats. Also, since you will have to walk about a mile if you are want to fit in all the lighting displays, you will want to make sure you outfit your feet in a pair of comfortable shoes to make sure you make it!
Dena Davis is Broker and partner at the Davis Company an Austin Texas Real Estate firm. The Davis Team can advise you on the perfect Shady Hollow Home.
Every year as Christmas approaches, workers start preparing for the extensive Trail of Lights celebration that has been a holiday tradition in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas since 1965. For an entire mile you can walk or take a miniature train ride through multitudes of lighting displays and props set up to show you every side of Christmas, and several more entertaining scenes. The Rainbow tunnel starts the display and continues out through the entire park. If you are either new to the city or just happen to be in the area, The Trail of Lights is one exhibit you do not want to miss.
Entry to the Trail of Lights is free, but you may want to bring some spending money along with you if you plan on taking the miniature train ride or want to pick up some apple cider and edible Christmas treats throughout your tour. For those who enjoy Christmas knick-knacks, there are also plenty of local vendors who set up shop around the parks lighting displays, so you will want to make sure you have some spare cash for these booths as well. (You never know whose Christmas present you may find along the way!)
Traditionally the Trail of Lights kicks off on December 8th with the 5K Trail of Lights run (complete with awards for top fifty finishers). However, inclement weather can sometimes affect the run and the official opening of the Trail of Lights, so you will want to stay cued in either on the official Austin website or listen to the local radio stations for their updates.
One of the favorite displays that you will not want to miss if the upcoming year will be your first trip to the Trail of Lights, is the 12 Days of Christmas. In fact, the 12 Days of Christmas is what started out the Trail of Lights as a tradition back in 1965, and is one of the most elaborate and light filled displays that has continued to keep people coming out in droves for years and continues to attract visitors annually. There are over 300,000 strings of lights and props that make up the entire Trail of Lights that span throughout the entire park, so if you are not pleased by this exhibit, there are surely more that will catch your eye.
Of course, remember that December in Austin is always a bit colder than any other time throughout the year, so by evening you will want to head out to the Trail of Lights with your sweaters and hats. Also, since you will have to walk about a mile if you are want to fit in all the lighting displays, you will want to make sure you outfit your feet in a pair of comfortable shoes to make sure you make it!
Dena Davis is Broker and partner at the Davis Company an Austin Texas Real Estate firm. The Davis Team can advise you on the perfect Shady Hollow Home.
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