Austin – September 30, 2026 -- Tickets are now on sale for the 62nd Annual Austin Trail of Lights, powered by H-E-B, which will light up Zilker Park from December 10 through 23 with more than 2 million lights.

The holiday display features 96 illuminated trees and over 70 lighted tunnels and installations.

The event, which began in 1965 as a small gathering around a yule log, now draws visitors from across the country to Austin's capital city each winter.

General admission is free on seven nights starting at 7 p.m.

Free entry runs December 10–11 and 13–17. On December 12 and 18–23, general admission costs $8 per person, though children under 12 get in free every single night.

H-E-B calls the sponsorship a way to preserve a decades-old community tradition.

Heidi Post, Senior Director of Public Affairs at H-E-B, said the company is honored to power the Trail alongside the Trail of Lights Foundation, helping keep seven nights free for Central Texas families.

Premium passes offer early entry and lounge perks for an added fee.

ZIP passes start at $20 and include early entry, access to the ZIP Lounge, cookies and cocoa. Platinum passes start at $95 and add valet parking, a dedicated entrance and lounge amenities.

A Preview Party and Fun Run kick off the season before the main event opens.

The Preview Party takes place December 4 with live music, local food and drink, and amusement rides. The next day, December 5, brings the Fun Run presented by Raising Cane's, an untimed two-mile course featuring a new rolling start.

Proceeds from premium passes and special events fund Trail operations, the free admission nights and STARS at the Trail, a program offering tailored holiday experiences for nonprofits.