What began as a small gathering in 1965 known as the "Yule Fest," a gift to the city of Austin from Austin Parks and Recreation Department, has now grown to be a community-wide celebration of the unique spirit and people that make Austin the place we love to call home. In the 59 years since the first Yule Log was lit, the Trail now features more than 2 million lights illuminating the park, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other holiday displays and lighted tunnels.

Founded in 2012, the Trail of Lights Foundation is an independent nonprofit corporation dedicated to producing the Austin Trail of Lights as an authentically Austin community celebration. The organization raises the funds from donations by individuals and the business community to produce and ensure the long-term sustainability of Austin’s largest community celebration.

All Austin Trail of Lights sponsorships support the Trail of Lights Foundation and its mission to keep the event accessible to EVERYONE in Central Texas. Your sponsorships allow us to keep half the nights open to the public completely FREE and invest in our guests’ experience across the park.