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
A modern, open-concept living room with curved 3D-printed walls, large floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and polished concrete floors. The space features neutral-toned furniture, including beige sofas, rounded chairs, and minimalist side tables. Potted plants, books, and vases are arranged as decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A ceiling fan and recessed lighting complete the look.
Real Estate
Hot home: inside ICON’s 3D-printed neighborhood in Wimberley
The neighborhood’s model home is now open for prospects to get a taste of ICON’s most luxurious and largest abodes to date.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A black-and-white photograph of a suburban street covered in snow. A large Chevrolet Suburban is parked on the snowy road, with visible tracks in the slush. A person wearing winter gear is skiing behind the vehicle, holding onto a rope for balance. Snow blankets the surrounding trees and houses, capturing a rare winter moment in Austin, Texas. The image is credited to the Austin History Center, Austin Public Library.
History
The history of snow in Austin, TX
We’re digging into the historic data on snow in Texas, from annual averages to largest storms.
January 17, 2025
 · 
London Gibson
A stage with a projection screen displaying the text "HI, HOW ARE YOU PROJECT" above an illustration of a frog with a wide mouth, two stalked eyes, and four limbs. Below the screen, there is a small setup with a microphone, an acoustic guitar, speakers, and a stool placed on a rug, lit by soft stage lights.
Culture
Andrew Bird to perform for Hi, How Are You Day concert
Bird will also be joined by Madison Cunningham at the seventh annual fundraising concert for the Hi, How Are You Project.
January 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A luxurious restaurant interior featuring bold, abstract cowhide-patterned artwork in warm red, orange, and gold tones covering the walls and ceiling. The space includes cozy leather banquettes, white dining chairs, and marble-topped tables adorned with elegant place settings. In the background, a sleek bar area with modern lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows adds to the ambiance.
Food
Date night awaits: Book your reservations for Valentine’s Day
Don’t be heartbroken at the last minute — make your Valentine’s Day plans now.
January 16, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
The splash pad outside of the Texas Farmers Market
Live
10 farmers markets around Austin
Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags, Austinites. We’ve rounded up ten farmers markets in the Austin area.
January 16, 2025
 · 
STAFF
A black-and-white photograph featuring Lorne Michaels standing confidently with his arms crossed on a television studio set. The foreground includes large camera equipment and operators, while the background reveals additional crew members and an elevated viewing area. The studio lighting and detailed machinery emphasize the bustling production environment.
“Saturday Night Live” creator donates archive to Harry Ransom Center
Lorne Michaels’ archive of prominent films, the famous comedy sketch show, and early works will go on display this fall.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A plane flying over Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at dusk.
Travel and Outdoors
Fly away on one of these nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
You’ll never have to deal with a layover again, because these are just a few of ABIA’s nonstop flights, which will take you to over 100 cities in the US and abroad.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
An elegant spread of vibrant dishes from Ema restaurant, featuring a variety of colorful plates, including salads, roasted vegetables, and entrees artfully arranged on patterned and decorative tableware. The meal includes fresh bread, appetizers, and cocktails, all displayed on a light wood table.
Food
12 restaurant openings to look forward to in 2025
Austin’s food + beverage scene is growing — here are a few new restaurants coming to the Capital City this year.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Thousands of people gathered at Zilker Park, flying kites, in front of the Austin Skyline.
Events
How to navigate our community events page
Never again wonder how to browse for cool events in our city or how to upload your own.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
The pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock with rainy clouds overhead and a lake surrounding the rock.
Travel and Outdoors
Land acquisition will double the size of Enchanted Rock
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a parcel of land adjacent to the park famous for its massive pink granite dome.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi