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TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE 54TH ANNUAL AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS

2018 Gate entry, premium, parking and shuttle passes for Austin’s favorite holiday tradition are now officially available for online purchase!
(AUSTIN, TEXAS – Oct. 25, 2018 source: Juice Consulting) – The 54th annual Austin Trail of Lights, powered by H-E-B, announces 2018 tickets are now available at www.austintrailoflights.org. The Austin Trail of Lights will run from Monday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in Austin’s beloved Zilker Park.
Austin Trail of Lights Ticketing Information
This year’s official Grand Opening of the Austin Trail of Lights will be on Monday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., where general admission will be free and open to the public. The Trail will remain open through Dec. 23, with free gate admission on particular nights or a nominal $3 gate fee that can be purchased ahead of time, online or at the gates. Thanks to the Trail of Lights Foundation’s year-long efforts, seven out of 14 nights of the Trail of Lights are kept free and accessible for all in the community every year. Tickets can be purchased online, via our event calendar at austintrailoflights.org/calendar.
Premium Access
Austin Trail of Lights guests can again take advantage of premium ticket access at the event.
ZIP Fast Passes are the most convenient way to see the Austin Trail of Lights:
  • Early access to the Trail of Lights at 6 p.m. – one hour before the general public
  • Access through dedicated ZIP entrance to experience the special ZIP Lobby
  • Access to the heated Zilker Lounge with complimentary cookies and cocoa, comfortable seating and heated premium washrooms
ZIP Fast Passes passes carry a lot of value, especially on busier nights at the Trail – pass-holders can skip the crowds and enter early. ZIP admission hours are 6-10 p.m., nightly, on Dec. 11-23; ZIP passes are $15 (plus fees) on Dec. 11- 13, and 17-19. ZIP passes are $20 (plus fees) on Dec. 14-16 and 20-23.
Platinum Passes are also now available for purchase and provide guests with a luxurious, stress-free VIP Trail of Lights experience. Each Platinum package includes:
  • Valet parking for one vehicle – parking opens at 5:30 p.m.
  • Platinum concierge planning and our Platinum Team to guide you at the event
  • Early access to the park at 6 p.m. – one hour before the public – through a private, dedicated entry
  • Golf cart shuttle access to the Platinum Lounge and Trailhead
  • Access to a private, heated Platinum Lounge with comfortable seating and exclusive bar
  • One drink ticket valid at bars throughout the park per Platinum Pass
  • One ride pass for exclusive entry to the Ferris wheel or carousel per Platinum Pass
  • Access to the Zilker Lounge with cookies, cocoa, comfortable seating, and heated washrooms
Platinum pass prices range from $80 for an individual pass, $150 for a two-pack, and $260 for a four-pack of tickets.
Guests are advised to purchase their premium tickets ahead of time, online, to lock in their preferred dates at austintrailoflights.org/calendar.
Parking & Shuttle
Trail-goers can make their trip to the Trail easier by purchasing parking or shuttle passes. Close-in, lot parking at Zilker Park is available only with a pre-paid Parking Pass. Parking Passes are available for $15 per vehicle. There are a limited number of spots available each night, and all parking passes must be purchased online in advance. Convenient shuttle services to the Austin Trail of Lights are available from two locations around Austin. Trail-goers are advised to purchase a Shuttle Pass in advance for $6 per person and include shuttle transportation and general admission gate entry fee. Guests who purchase a Shuttle Pass do NOT need to purchase separate General Admission tickets on the nights that require a $3 admission fee. Austin Trail of Lights Shuttles will operate from the following locations on Dec. 14-16, and 20-23: Republic Square in downtown Austin (422 Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas 78701) and the Toney Burger Event Center in south Austin (3200 Jones Rd, Austin, Texas 78745). Parking and Shuttle Passes are available now.
Night Lights Preview Party
Austin Trail of Lights annual “Night Lights” Preview Party is an exclusive fundraising event kicking off the Austin Trail of Lights season. Proceeds from Night Lights ticket sales go directly back into the Trail of Lights. Early access tickets to Night Lights are now available, which can be found here. At Night Lights, guests will enjoy a live performance by BROWNOUT, light bites from Austin’s favorite restaurants, cocktail tastings, a classic car show, complimentary amusement rides and more.
Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run
Visitors seeking a first look at the Trail can register online now for the annual Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 1. The event includes a 2.1-mile course that starts at the iconic Zilker Holiday Tree, flows through the Austin Trail of Lights, and ends with a celebration in the center of Zilker Park – the Finish Line Festival and Expo. Enjoy entertainment from DJ Chino Casino, a dance party, Ferris Wheel and Carousel rides, food trucks, drinks, fitness expo and more! Wacky holiday costumes are always welcome! To register, please click here.
Specialty Nights and Programming
The full calendar, along with online ticket purchasing is available at austintrailoflights.org/calendar.
  • Sunday, Nov. 25: The Annual Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • Saturday, Dec. 1: The Annual Trail of Lights Fun Run
  • Dec. 2, 3 and 4: The Fifth Annual STARS at the Trail program hosts up to 20 nonprofit organizations. The Trail of Lights will be closed to the public on these nights.
  • Saturday, Dec. 8: Night Lights, the annual Preview Party and fundraising event for the Trail of Lights Foundation
  • Monday, Dec. 10: Austin Trail of Lights Grand Opening and Sponsor Soiree
  • Tuesday, Dec. 11: Heroes Night, a celebration of veterans, active military and first responders
  • Thursday, Dec. 13: Movie Night, join us for a holiday movie at the Trail
  • Sunday, Dec. 16: UT Night, dedicated to the vibrant community that is UT Austin
Holiday Parties
The Austin Trail of Lights offers holiday parties for groups from 50 – 2,000 individuals. Parties are located in Zilker Village of the Trail of Lights, adjacent to the iconic Yule Log and a performance stage. Beautifully decorated, heated spaces can be customized to your group’s needs – with food and entertainment options available. Great for coworkers, organizations, non-profit groups, families and friends. More information about hosting a Holiday Party at the Austin Trail of Lights can be found at austintrailoflights.org/holiday-parties.
Sponsors
The Austin Trail of Lights operates entirely with support from sponsors, individual donors and funds from ticket sales. H-E-B returns again for the seventh year as the title sponsor. Sponsor opportunities and custom brand activation opportunities are currently available. For information, please contact Jill Weir at jweir@forefrontnetworks.com.
About the Trail of Lights Foundation
The Trail of Lights Foundation is an independent nonprofit corporation dedicated to producing and maintaining the Austin Trail of Lights as an authentically Austin community celebration. The organization raises the funds from donations by individuals and the business community to produce and ensure the long-term sustainability of Austin’s largest community celebration. It is curated in close conjunction with its long-time partner, Forefront Networks, who provides turn-key production, marketing, sponsorship and programming services to the foundation. The Trail of Lights has remained in the top three Austin events since the Trail of Lights Foundation adopted the event in 2012.
For more information on The Trail of Lights, please see AustinTrailofLights.org.
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MEDIA NOTE:
For general press inquiries about the Trail of Lights, please contact the team at Juice Consulting:
Heather Wagner Reed
713 208 3891
Madison Snelling
210 213 8934
Tyler Ostby
210 854 9119