Zilker Tree Lighting In Austin To Be Virtual Amid Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — The Zilker holiday tree lighting ceremony — a quintessential Austin holiday tradition — will be virtual this year due to the coronavirus, officials said on Monday.

The need for social distancing has prompted this year's tree lighting to be a virtual version. Nevertheless, "...the experience aims to bring joy to the holiday season and allows all to participate for free whilst staying home and staying safe," city officials wrote in an advisory. To that end, special guests for the virtual ceremony include host Quita Culpepper, Mayor Steve Adler, City Manager Spencer Cronk, the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, winners of the Zilker Holiday Tree Art Contest and more luminaries.

The lighting ceremony is unique in that the tree-shaped scaffolding is actually one of the 15 remaining moon towers across Austin. The anachronistic illumination devices were popular in the late 19th century across the U.S., and the ones in Austin are the last surviving towers anywhere in the world. While long-dormant as a lighting implement, the moontower at Zilker Park is given new life each year when it is transformed into a holiday tree.

Residents can participate in the virtual experience in myriad ways starting on Sunday (Nov. 29) at 6 p.m. Set a calendar reminder to watch on any of these platforms:

• ATXN YouTube channel Premier Link.
• City of Austin Facebook page.
• City of Austin Instagram IGTV @austintexasgov.
• ATXN English.
• ATXN Español.
• Spectrum: Channel 6 (10.6 without a cable box).
• Grande Communications: Channel 6 (119.6 without a cable box).
• AT&T U-Verse: Channel 99.

View historic Zilker Holiday tree images

Nightly Zilker Holiday Tree Access

The Zilker Holiday Tree will be lit nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight on Sunday through Jan. 1, 2021, at Zilker Metropolitan Park. No onsite access is allowed this year due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. A perimeter will be installed to prevent access and gathering under or near the Zilker Holiday tree.

Additionally, parking lots and parking spaces near the tree will be closed. No vendors or amenities will be permitted on-site to discourage pedestrian traffic. Viewing of the tree is allowed only while inside a vehicle from the roadway. Austin Public Health recommends being cautious this holiday season by celebrating virtually or with members of your household only.

Those choosing to gather traditionally are urged to follow the holiday safety guidance at austintexas.gov/holidaysafety.

"One perk of the virtual 2020 Zilker Holiday tree experience is that you will be able to still spin under the tree, safely from home in your pajamas," city officials noted. Visit the Zilker Holiday Tree portal for a virtual tree spinning video "...which you can play on a loop for a dizzying experience," officials wrote.

Trail of Lights

Trail of Lights is a drive-thru only experience this holiday season. Beginning Saturday (Nov. 28) through Jan. 3, 2021, participants can access the Trail of Lights with a vehicle pass purchased in advance. No walk up or open-air vehicle access is allowed due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Vehicle tickets and more details available at the Austin Trail of Lights portal.

About the Zilker Holiday Tree

The Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall, and is composed of 39 streamers — each holding 81 multicolored, 25-watt bulbs encompassing 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree, a double star measures 10 feet from point to point. The double star displays 150 frosted bulbs. This unique spiral pattern of lights was created by City of Austin electricians. At its circumference, the tree measures 380 feet. The diameter is 120 feet. The base of the tree is made up of 19 utility poles, each 14 feet tall, arranged in a circle around the Moonlight Tower. On December 10, 1967, the first tree was lighted by Mayor Pro Tem Mrs. Emma Long. In subsequent years this honor has been awarded to the young winner of a city-wide tree art contest.