Support Us Button Widget
Culture

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” will light up Austin this fall

The famous holiday film from Tim Burton will set up shop at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for just over two months.

August 11, 2025 • 
Laura Figi
ATX_NightmareBeforeChristmasLightShow

Fans of the 30-year-old movie will be able to see the characters in a never-before-seen way.

Photo courtesy of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Trail

What’s this, what’s this? “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is coming to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center this fall, so everybody scream.

Disney’s “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” Light Trail will allow visitors to travel between Halloween Town and Christmas Town in a world unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The nighttime trail will be open dusk to 10:15 p.m., Wednesdays-Sundays, from Thursday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 30.

ATX_NightmareBeforeChristmasTrailGif

Adventurelive, the company behind the trail, also produced Broadway’s “Hamilton.” | Photos courtesy “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Trail

Austin is one of only two cities in the US to host the event this year, next to New York City. Inside, the event features 8,300 sqft of light installations, interactive video projections, sculptures of the characters, and music from the 1993 film.

Tickets for the trail go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, starting at $41 for adults and $31 for children.

More from ATXtoday
Thousands of people gathered at Zilker Park, flying kites, in front of the Austin Skyline.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March 30, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ParamountSXSW.JPG
City
ATXtoday’s takeaways from SXSW 2026
The momentous 40th anniversary of the festival brought hundreds of celebrities, dozens of premieres, thousands of steps, and some key messages to ATX in 2026.
March 26, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ParkerScott
Business
Local love: ATXtoday’s growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
March 25, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATXtoday-Sherwood-Forest-Faire-Washing-Well-Wenches-March-2025.jpg
Travel and Outdoors
Escape the city (and the 21st century) at Sherwood Forest Faire
Experience jousting, live performances, artisan markets, and feasts every weekend through Sunday, April 19.
March 25, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A yellow little free library outside of the flagship Kendra Scott store.
Business
Meet the Austin founders on Inc.’s 2026 Female Founders 500
This year’s national list includes 14 entrepreneurs behind local companies — from dating apps to jewelry to nutrition.
March 23, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A turquoise wall at ONETACO features a framed photo of Guy Fieri on the left and a stencil-style graffiti portrait of him in blue and yellow on the right. The graffiti includes his signature, the phrase "Guy Fieri was here," and the Food Network logo. Below the artwork is a red-walled hallway lined with framed sports jerseys.
Food
14 hot spots where celebrities like to eat and party in Austin
We know Austin has an exquisite culinary scene, and apparently celebrities do too, because they’re all over town visiting the city’s famous restaurants and hidden gems.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_LuckPotluckWillieNelsonPerformance2026
Culture
Inside the annual Potluck dinner, fundraiser, and concert at Luck Ranch
Warning: Setting foot on Lunch Ranch may make you want to never leave.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A table set at an outdoor restaurant with a bowl of whipped cheese topped with diced tomatoes, herbs, and nuts, accompanied by pieces of toasted flatbread. Three cocktails are in the background: a pale yellow drink in a wine glass with a sprig of thyme, a dark espresso martini in a coupe glass, and a pink beverage in a tall glass with a black straw. The setting features wicker chairs, a potted plant, and natural light streaming through open windows.
Play
40+ great brunch restaurants to try in Austin
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in town, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, micheladas, and more.
March 17, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A large group of musicians and performers, including Willie Nelson, on stage under bright lights, with a neon sign reading "Luck" in the background. Some artists are seated playing guitars, while others stand with brass instruments, singing or engaging with the audience. The crowd in the foreground raises hands and takes photos.
Culture
Inside Luck Reunion, Willie Nelson’s Americana music festival
The annual celebration of live music and cosmic cowboy vibes is known to sell out quickly, and for good reason.
March 16, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A massive structure covered in vines with a round red sign that reads "XXX Pearl."
Travel and Outdoors
How to spend a day in San Antonio, according to an Austinite
Get ready to plan your next day trip and let City Editor Figi take you through some of her favorite spots from a recent trip to the historic Alamo City.
March 13, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi