Austin, Texas – September 15, 2026 -- Early Bird registration is now open for the 2026 Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run, sponsored by Raising Cane's, with discounted tickets available for a limited time through Ticketbud.
The run returns to Zilker Park on Saturday, December 5
Participants of all ages can walk, jog, dash, or dance through the holiday light display before anyone else sees it. New this year, a rolling start lets runners pick any start time between 6 and 8 p.m., while faster racers can opt into the Runner's Start, launching at the 6 p.m. countdown alongside VIP registrants.
Every registration includes a T-shirt, race bib, and photos with Santa
Standard registration comes with a commemorative long-sleeve Fun Run T-shirt, a race bib, and access to the Finish Line Festival, which includes a complimentary beer or hot cocoa. Runners also get free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus courtesy of Raising Cane's, plus a stop at Santa's Workshop, Letters to Santa, and the H-E-B Read3 Train in the North Pole.
VIP access adds a private lounge and bonus drink ticket
The VIP experience, presented by Velocity Credit Union, includes dedicated entry and a climate-controlled VIP Lounge with a private bar, complimentary food, cocoa, cookies, and a bonus adult drink ticket.
Non-runners can skip the course and head to the party
Finish Line Festival tickets are sold separately for friends and family who want to attend the celebration without registering for the run. The festival features local food trucks, a health and fitness expo, community partner activities, music, and lights.
Ticketbud built the new format around flexibility
"The Trail of Lights Fun Run is such a joyful Austin tradition, and we're proud to make registration simple and flexible for everyone taking part,