Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run
Participants run, jog, or stroll an untimed two-mile course starting at the Zilker Holiday Tree, continuing down Barton Springs Road, and winding through the Trail of Lights. At the finish line, attendees enjoy a festival featuring music, local food trucks, brand expos, and rides on a Ferris wheel and carousel. Visitors can also explore the North Pole area to see the H-E-B Read3 Train, write letters to Santa, and take complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
What to Expect
Untimed two-mile course through the lights followed by a finish-line festival.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Zilker Park
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Trail of Lights Foundation
Food & Drink
Food trucks and bars offer food and drinks for purchase; registered fun runners receive one complimentary beer (21+) or cocoa after finishing.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and groups who enjoy an active holiday outing
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $20 - $80. – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking passes are available per vehicle in advance; Fun Run registrations do not include onsite parking. All passes must be purchased online in advance. ADA-accessible parking is available with a Stratford Parking pass and a state-issued placard or license plate.
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible parking is available in the Stratford lot with an advance parking pass and a state-issued placard or license plate.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted.
Tips & Advice
- Register early if you want a specific shirt size, since sizes may be limited for registrations after November 1.
- Pick up your bib and shirt before the event; bring photo ID and your mobile or printed registration ticket.
- Buy parking online in advance, and follow the required route on your parking ticket because street closures will be in effect.
- Bring your Fun Run bib to take part and access the starting line; the event shirt is not required.
- If you are arriving late, you can join the next available wave; the rolling start remains open for two hours.
Special Events & Promotions
- Toddlers and infants in strollers can participate in the Fun Run free; children 11 and under need a youth registration.
- Runners of all ages can buy a separate Runners’ Start registration for a dedicated starting chute; VIP registrants also use the dedicated chute.
- VIP registration includes early packet pickup, VIP Lounge admission, complimentary food and cocoa and cookies, and drink tickets (adult and youth allocations differ).
- Teams of 10 or more can request a discount code and qualify for early packet pickup.
- Teams of 36 or more qualify to have their team name printed on bibs and shirts if all members register by November 6.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can take part in the fun run?
Adult registration is for ages 12 and older, while youth registration is for ages 11 and under. Toddlers and infants in strollers are free; children walking need youth registration.
What does registration include?
Registration includes the untimed two-mile course, a long-sleeve shirt, bib, complimentary beer or cocoa, Santa and Mrs. Claus photos, North Pole activities, and Finish Line Festival and Expo access.
Are there activities that require an extra ticket?
Ferris wheel and carousel rides require separate tickets. A separate Finish Line Festival pass gives access to the festival but not the run course.
What are the VIP and team options?
VIP registration includes dedicated entry, early packet pickup, a VIP lounge, food, cocoa and cookies, and drink tickets. Teams of 10 or more can request a discount code; teams of 36 or more can have their name printed on bibs and shirts if all members register by November 6.
What should I know about parking and pets?
Parking passes must be bought online in advance and are not included with run registration. Pets are not permitted.
More Christmas Events near Austin
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