On Saturday, December 8 Austinites near and far gathered for one of the most anticipated openings of the year, “Night Lights” at the Austin Trail of Lights. An annual preview party, “Night Lights” is an exclusive evening event where patrons can both give back to the Trail of Lights Foundation and get a sneak peek at what the Trail has to offer that year. Though tickets may sound steep at $85 a pop, attendees get access to an open bar, cocktail tastings, and oodles of complimentary bites from some of Austin’s best restaurants.
The 2nd largest event in the city, the Austin Trail of Lights is an annual event in Zilker Park that celebrates Austin’s culture and creativity, music and food, heart and soul. Presenting over 40 displays and 2 million lights, the Austin Trail of lights is the perfect event to brighten up your holidays.
Thanks to the Trail of Lights Foundation and proceeds from “Night Lights”, the Trail is free for the public at least half of the nights for its duration. Anyone who wants to be part of the magical experience is welcome!
Some of our favorite tastes this year included tequila from Mi Campo, poke from Poke Poke, wine from Infinite Monkey Theorem, shepherd’s pie from the newly established Darcy’s Donkey, coffee from Fara Coffee, and apple pie from Chudleigh’s. Honestly, the list could go on. We were completely STUFFED by the end of the night.
Fancy some tunes while you sip and nibble? The Trail has got you covered. This year, “Night Light” visitors enjoyed performances from Austin’s own Brownout, an American Latin-funk band along with Interrobang, a neo-brass ensemble. If that wasn’t entertainment enough, “Night Lights” also offered complimentary ferris wheel and carousel rides and a classic car show.
The Austin Trail of Lights is open from December 10 – December 23.
We had a blast at “Night Lights” and already can’t wait to return to the Trail. Check out some of our photos below, and be sure to visit https://austintrailoflights.org/ for more information!
For more Austin Christmas events you won’t want to miss Sippin’ Santa at Nickel City!
Leigh is a native Texan gone temporary New Yorker and now proud Austinite. Passions include but are not limited to music (both as a spectator and dabbler), traveling & cultural adventures, film & television, true crime, design (of the fashion, interior, and graphic sorts), and photographing & writing about all the aforementioned. Self-acclaimed coffee connoisseur & wino, cat aficionado, book worm, and nature junkie.