Austin Welcomes Exciting New Wedding Experience and Celebrates Legacy Businesses

Austin Welcomes Exciting New Wedding Experience and Celebrates Legacy Businesses

Under the Mistletoe: Engagements and Weddings at the Trail of Lights

This year, lovers in Austin have something special to celebrate with the famous Austin Trail of Lights. After 60 joyful years illuminating the holiday season, the tradition is now inviting couples to not only get engaged but also tie the knot right there in the twinkling lights. The Trail of Lights has unveiled a brand-new wedding package that accounts for everything needed for a magical wedding in a stunning setting.

For those who have made memories at the iconic Christmas display, the venue now offers a unique opportunity to be married among more than two million lights. The site can accommodate between 50-100 guests, offering a beautiful backdrop for both small and large ceremonies. Couples will have access to various spaces throughout the installation, ensuring that each moment can be special and unique.

But that’s not all. The wedding experience includes protection against the unpredictability of weather with furnished and heated tents. Couples and their guests can cozy up by fire pits for a fun evening roasting s’mores and enjoying the holiday spirit.

All-Inclusive Packages Made Easy

Couples who choose to get married at the Trail of Lights will find planning their big day stress-free. They don’t have to worry about hiring caterers, bartenders, or entertainers. The package takes care of all that, offering a variety of food options—from passed hors d’oeuvres to family-style or buffet dinners, plus desserts and drink packages. It’s guaranteed that cookies and cocoa will be on the sweet menu, along with a celebratory champagne toast at Donner’s Depot in Zilker Square.

Entertainment options can also be upgraded, allowing couples to hire a DJ or live musicians. The wedding excitement can be further enhanced with rides on the carousel and ferris wheel, transforming the venue into a fun-filled playground of memories. Plus, couples can organize group photos with Santa, adding a festive touch to the day.

To simplify logistics, packages include parking services, a shuttle option, dedicated staff, security, and signage to guide guests. Each wedding package is customizable, allowing couples to pick and choose elements that resonate the most with them, starting at a total of $16,000. This magical experience will be available from December 10-23, allowing couples to create lasting memories amidst the holiday lights.

Supporting Austin’s Legacy Businesses

Legacy Business Month, encouraging Austinites to explore and celebrate local shops, bars, and restaurants that have been part of the community for at least 20 years.

Participants will receive a passport featuring ten iconic businesses, such as Antone’s Record Shop, Scholz Garten, and The Little Longhorn Saloon, among others. Each time patrons visit one of these legacy businesses, they will receive a stamp on their passport, gaining the chance to win exciting prizes. This year’s program kicks off beginning October 1, with a celebration at Zilker Taproom on October 3, from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Celebrating Austin’s Rich History

At the end of Legacy Business Month, a celebratory event at Scholz Garten will award those with the most stamps. According to Lindsey Derrington, executive director of Preservation Austin, “Austin’s legacy businesses have made significant contributions to our city’s cultural and historic landscape.” She emphasizes that by supporting these businesses, the community can help ensure their survival in a rapidly changing environment.

Whether it’s taking a walk down the illuminated aisles of the Trail of Lights or supporting cherished local businesses, residents and visitors in Austin can find excitement and inspiration this holiday season.