Winter wind coasts the frigid ground with a wintry chill as the lights on the tree illuminate the night for the first time.

On Nov. 9, The Zilker Christmas Tree was lit for the holidays and has been part of Austin’s holiday traditions since the first tree was sparked in Dec. 10, 1967.

Towering 155 feet in the winter breeze with a total of 3,309 lights, the glowing spectacle truly encompasses the beauty and community of the holidays.

“It brings all the Austin families together and is a loving Christmas time atmosphere,” senior Adrian Gomez said.

Zilker Park is a widely popular area in downtown Austin. The beautifully spacious recreational area of Zilker Park, highly known for hosting the popular music festival ACL every year and best place for cooling off in the sweltering summer heat; Barton Springs. However, this time of year, Zilker is home to the holidays. The Zilker Park area boasts a beautifully glowing tree along with the Trail of Lights and Fun Run in the winter months and brings people from all over the city and beyond together.

“It makes me feel like it’s truly Christmas, I feel joyful and excited seeing all those light displays,” senior Amber Jones said.

The Trail of Lights glistens and sparkles across the street from the tree. People of all ages flood across Barton Springs Rd. into the tunnel of lights like moths to a flame. Being one of the  three largest events in Austin, the Trail of Lights was attended by more than 400,000 people last holiday season and remains a cherished local tradition.

“Everything to me about it is special,” Jones said.  “You see all these great light displays and they add new stuff every year so you get excited to see what’s new.”

Elves, Santas, and even small toddlers scamper under the festive two million lights at the Fun Run last Saturday Dec. 5. The 2.1 mile run is another holiday favorite that starts at the tree and encompassed the total array of displays and glimmering Christmas lights.

“Looking at all the lights was really memorable and makes you feel like you’re in a different world,” senior Danny Cruz said. “It really takes your worries away.”

The lights beautiful twinkling and dancing cast a bright, jovial holiday blanket on the crowds of people. Groups gather close around sharing smiles and laughs while kids stare up at the lights in wonder and amazement.

“It was really neat seeing all the lights working together to make a sort of light show throughout the whole park,” Cruz said.

For senior Michela Gero the tree lighting is a big family tradition that has been going in her family for four years.

“My family and i are at the tree lighting ceremony an hour before it starts,” Gero said. “Its special for me because it is one thing my special needs brother loves.”

As the tree stands tall above the crowds of people looking up to admire its enchanting fluorescence, the noises of the crowds grow faint and soft as they dissipate back into the cold December wind.