Trail of Lights in Austin, Texas: Christmas Fun for the Whole Family

Starting in 1964 originally called the Yule Fest was a holiday gift the the city of Austin and the people from Mrs. Alden Mabel Davis and then Parks and Recreation Director, Beverly Sheffield. 2007 Trail of Lights was the biggest so far and doesn't show signs of slowing down. Over one mile long with over 40 different lighted scenes the Trail of Lights is perfect for any family Christmas get together each and every year. One scene is even Santa's own house with Santa inside waiting for the kids, seeing kids in the atmosphere is a great experience as a parent.

2007 Trail of Lights was estimated to have drawn over 400,000 people and is perfect for kids of all ages. Austin city workers worked hard to bring this all together and did an amazing job. When walking from one scene to another they kept it all flowing as one entity the way the scenes are connected, true fun for all ages. Even from a distance the Austin Trail of Lights is sight to behold, the different scenes light up the Zilker Park area like no other time of the year, it is my favorite time of the year to visit Zilker Park.

Austin Trail of lights gives you more than just lights , you get the total Austin experience. Local musicians show up to to entertain you and yours along with some of the best food vendors around. Kids are sure to enjoy the company of hundreds of other kids all playing along the trail. Keep an eye on your kids at the Austin Trail of Lights, they have local police and park workers but as a parent with so many kids around you need to do your part.

Getting yourself to the Austin City Trail of Lights is easy with or without a car. Zilker Park has plenty of parking spaces for those who are driving to the trail, the park itself is marked by many directions signs all over Austin. Walkers and local Austin community without a car can very easily hop on a bus and get to Zilker Park with more than one bus, the most common is bus 30 from downtown. Look at the Capital Metro web site ( www.capitalmetro.org ) to get the best bus routes from your house.

Austin host the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park which itself is a great place to visit if you never been before. Being one of the largest parks in the Austin city park system, it host a canoe docking/renting area, Frisbee golf coarse, large kids play area with large grills, Barton Springs natural springs pool, beach sand volleyball courts and more. Zilker Parks view of the Austin downtown skyline is one of the best in town.

Austin Trail of Lights opens on the 2nd Sunday of December and runs to the 23rd, if you missed it this year or plan on being in Austin Texas any Christmas to come, I would recommend the Trail of Lights to anyone looking for an amazing Christmas experience with the rest of Austin.