Austin Trail of Lights Preview Party Promises Food, a Ferris Wheel, and Asleep at the Wheel
Fundraiser offers early look at annual holiday display
By Ali Juell, 6:00AM, Wed. Nov. 2, 2022
Announced today: The 58th annual Trail of Lights will start with a bang on Friday, Dec. 2 with the Night Lights Preview Party, an annual fundraiser and sneak peek at the more than 2 million lights that make up the beloved Austin holiday tradition.
This year, visitors will be able to be on foot and up close again after the pandemic forced the Trail of Lights to pivot to drive-through only access.
In addition to an early look at 70 lighted displays and tunnels, The Night Lights Preview Party – the official fundraiser for the Trail of Lights Foundation – offers guests complimentary drink offerings; rides on a Ferris Wheel and carousel; a performance by Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel; and small bites from local eateries including:
• Juliet Italian Kitchen• Truluck’s
• Verbena
• Texas Honey Ham
• Poke Poke
• Churro Burro
• W Austin
• The Cavalier
• Koko's Bavarian
• El Camaron Taco
• Vamonos
• The Garden ATX
• Snap Kitchen
• Cabo Bobs
• Valhalla Esports Lounge
• La Plancha
• Zucchini Kill Bakery
• Uncle Nicky's
• The Museum of Ice Cream
The Night Lights Preview Party takes place Dec. 2, 6-10pm, at Zilker Park. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Following the event, the Trail of Lights will be open from Dec. 8 to 23 (not including Mondays) for the general public at a $5 entry free for any attendees 12 and up. Entry is free to anyone on select nights.
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Jan. 6, 2023
Austin Trail of Lights, Trail of Lights Foundation, Night Lights Preview Party, holiday lights display