Austin Trail of Lights grand opening leaves people with Christmas cheer

AUSTIN, Texas - It's been an Austin favorite for decades. 

The Austin Trail of Lights kicked of Saturday night attracting hundreds of people to Zilker Park.
More than 2 million twinkling lights helped light the way of visitors.
                
The trail included over 40 displays each one different.
The money raised at this year’s event will go towards the Central Texas Food Bank. 

Their goal this year is to raise around 25,000 meals.  The event has placed bins where people can stop by and drop off canned goods or donations. 

This year a friendly guest flew in all the way from the North Pole the big man in red himself Santa Clause.

"We got lights we got walk ways we got wonderful food. But the best part is the big guy himself is here for all the boys and girls. Tell me what you want for Christmas I making a list and checking it twice,” said Santa. 

Tiffani Roberts said she lived in Austin for two years but decided this year to attend the Trail of Lights with her family. 

“We’ve never been but I thought we would give it a try and turned out it helped get us in the holiday spirit,” said Roberts.

Roberts said she’s thinking of making the event a family tradition. 

“I think it’s great having us together, the boys really like it. And my husband enjoys it too. The Christmas music is my favorite and the lights,” said Roberts. 

The trail will remain open through Dec. 23. After that, admission is $3 to get in for those 12 and older.

Admission is free during the first week. However, most weeknights are free. Refer to the https://austintrailoflights.org. to see which nights offer free entry and which nights carry a $3 entry fee.