Lifestyle
The Zilker Holiday Tree Welcomes the Christmas Season in Austin
Each year, the Moonlight Tower in Zilker Park is transformed with strings of bright lights to become the Zilker Tree. KXAN reports that on Sunday night, the tree’s switch was flipped by winners of a children’s art contest at 6:50 p.m. The ceremony marked the 51st year of the Zilker tree and its community lighting ceremony that ushers in the holiday season.
According to the AustinTexas.gov website, the tree is “…155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs – totaling 3,309 lights.” Though it should be noted that last year, the lights were changed to LEDs to save on energy. On top of the tower sits an impressive double-sided 10-foot-tall star.
From now until midnight on December 31, Austinites can visit the Zilker tree to take photos and continue the dizzying tradition of spinning under the lights while looking up. It may not sound like it would be completely disorienting, but you’ll be shocked at how quickly you lose your balance while trying to spin! Each night, the tree will illuminate at 6:00 p.m. and visitors should be mindful to check the Trail of Lights schedule to see if nearby parking will be available. During Trail of Lights nights, only those with permits can park right next to the tree.
