Support Us Button Widget
Culture

You can ride the Zilker Eagle during the Trail of Lights this year

Plus, the music lineup for the annual tradition is here, featuring artists like Chief Cleopatra and Como Las Movies.

December 5, 2024 • 
Laura Figi
A teddy bear made of colorful Christmas lights sits among lit-up trees on the path of the Trail of Lights.

Walk through the Trail in between rides on the Zilker Eagle and dance to some local music during this year’s annual tradition.

Photo courtesy of the Trail of Lights

The sparking lights won’t be the only attraction during this year’s Trail of Lights.

The Zilker Eagle mini-train will run special extended holiday hours from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10-Monday, Dec. 23. Tickets run the same price as daytime hours — $6 per ride — and children under 2 ride for free.

The annual holiday celebration, which is in its 60th year, will also host a lineup of live music:

  • Topaz and the Golden Go-Gos of Golden Dawn Arkestra | Tuesday, Dec. 10
  • UT Ensembles | Wednesday, Dec. 11
  • “Texas Music Scene” live taping | Thursday, Dec. 12
  • Tone Royal | Friday, Dec. 13
  • Floyd Domino’s Swing Revue | Wednesday, Dec. 18
  • Chief Cleopatra | Friday, Dec. 20
  • Como Los Movies | Saturday, Dec. 21
  • Big Wy’s Brass Band | Sunday, Dec. 22

Learn all about the history of The Trail of Lights before you go.

More from ATXtoday
Luxurious mansion at dusk with elegant arches, balconies, and a sweeping pool reflecting warm lights. Situated on a lush hillside, exuding opulence and grandeur.
Real Estate
Step inside some of the most expensive home listings in Austin
These mansions are on the market right now, so you can dare to dream about living in some of Austin’s nicest homes.
February 12, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
"I Love You So Much" spraypainted in red cursive on a green wall.
Play
It’s a date: 35+ date ideas in Austin
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Capital City.
February 12, 2026
 · 
STAFF
The Spurs mascot waves a large, black flag with a team logo on a darkened basketball court, set against a crowd in the stands.
Sports
San Antonio Spurs host fourth annual Spurs Week festivities
Whether or not you have tickets to the upcoming I-35 Series games, the San Antonio Spurs are inviting Austinites to get in on the action during Spurs Week.
February 11, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A spread of sashimi dishes from above on a dark wooden table, surrounded by cocktails, beer, a glass of wine, dishes of soy sauce and plates with chopsticks on top.
Food
28 places to get sushi in the Austin area
Whether you’re looking for omakase, sake pairings, a sushi conveyor belt, a whimsical interior, or an “Ahi Tower,” we’ve got the restaurant for you.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Huston-Tillotson University
City
History of Austin’s first institution of higher learning: Huston-Tillotson University
The historic Huston-Tillotson University has produced dozens of notable alumni who have shaped the Austin folks know today.
February 9, 2026
 · 
Vagney Hampshire
Elegant dining room with plush chairs around square tables, set for a meal. Large windows with golden drapes, and crystal chandeliers hang above.
Food
Persian restaurant Roya opening this month
Chef-owner Amir Hajimaleki has been honing the concept through local pop-ups since 2018 with plans to showcase the Persian “art of hospitality.”
February 5, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
Matthew McConaughey wears a plaid red suit in front of a wall for the Washington Commanders.
Sports
A brief history of Austin celebrity Super Bowl commercial appearances
As you watch the 2026 Super Bowl, keep watch for a few familiar, local faces that will make a cameo during the commercials.
February 5, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Olympic Torch Relay Celebration Cauldron 3.jpeg
Sports
Meet the four 2026 Winter Olympians from Texas
Cheer on Team USA at this year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, where four talented Texans will compete for the gold.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_GoldenCheekedWarbler
Travel and Outdoors
Get outside in ATX for The Great Backyard Bird Count
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
February 4, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A café-like interior with warm lighting, featuring brown leather seating, wooden tables, metal chairs, and lush green plants.
Business
Switchyards to open second ‘neighborhood work club’ in east Austin, with more on the way
The company will drop 350 new memberships with the opening of its second workspace, a former auto repair shop, in March.
February 2, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi