Wear weather and season appropriate attire
- 5:15 pm: Pre-event music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble
- 6:00 pm: Tree lighting ceremony
Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. (south side of the park)
Free parking on site, first-come, first-served. Carpooling or Cap Metro is recommended.
The Austin Civic Wind Ensemble is proud to kick off the holiday season at the 2026 Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. We'll play festive pre-event music while Austin gathers for one of its best-loved traditions.
Austin has lit the Zilker Holiday Tree since 1967. The "tree" is built from 3,309 LED lights strung from one of Austin's historic moonlight towers. The tower is one of 15 still standing in the city, and Austin is the only U.S. city that still uses these towers. The finished tree stands 155 feet tall and has a double star on top. Stand inside it, look up, and spin: it's an Austin rite of passage.
Bring a blanket, your family, and your holiday spirit, and come early to enjoy the music before the lights come on!
Sunday, November 29, 2026
- 5:15 pm: Pre-event music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble
- 6:00 pm: Tree lighting ceremony
Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. (south side of the park)
Free parking on site, first-come, first-served. Carpooling or Cap Metro is recommended.
After the ceremony, the tree stays lit nightly from 6 to 10 pm through January 1.
Event Schedule:
5:15 pm Pre-event Music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble
6:00 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony. Featuring local entertainment, food, and live music.
Bring a music stand. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and dress for the occasion.
Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park)
Parking: Free parking. Carpool to the event or take Cap Metro (trip planner). Free parking on site first-come first-served. Entry suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road. Watch official social media accounts for information in case of inclement weather.
Event Schedule:
5:15 pm Pre-event Music by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble
6:00 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony. Featuring local entertainment, food, and live music.
Location: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park)
Parking: Free parking. Carpool to the event or take Cap Metro (trip planner). Free parking on site first-come first-served. Entry suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road. Watch official social media accounts for information in case of inclement weather.
Sponsors and Production Team
The tree is installed, produced and managed by City of Austin Departments. They include Austin Energy, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Resource Recovery and Austin Police Department who provide services that keep the display available to the citizens of Austin.