Austin Gets a Taste of Halloween Town: The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Okay, so imagine walking through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at night, but instead of just trees and trails, you’re suddenly surrounded by glowing pumpkins, singing skeletons, and Jack Skellington himself. That’s exactly what I got to experience at the preview opening of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail, and let me tell you—it feels like stepping straight into the movie.
From Sept. 25 through Nov. 30, the Wildflower Center will host this immersive light trail Wednesday through Sunday evenings (from dusk until about 10:15 p.m.), and Austin is actually one of only two cities in the entire country to get it—the other is New York. Tickets start at $31 for kids and $41 for adults, with a flex option at $51 if you don’t want to be locked into a specific entry time.
The trail itself is magical. Everywhere you look, there are lights, video projections, and even 3D sculptures of the characters you know from the film. I loved that you could actually stop and take photos with Jack, Sally, Santa, and more—it felt like being dropped into Halloween Town in real life. Halfway through, there’s even a little snack and drink stand where you can grab something before continuing on the path. It made the whole experience feel like more than just a light show—it was a whole evening out.
The workers were also super friendly, which added to the vibe. They were happy to point out the best photo spots or just chat with visitors, and that warmth made it feel welcoming instead of just another attraction.
The whole thing is put together by the same creative minds behind Hamilton and other big productions, and it really shows in the attention to detail. The lights weren’t just pretty—they told the story of the movie as you walked, weaving through moments of both Halloween Town and Christmas Town.
If you love The Nightmare Before Christmas (or just want something festive and fun to do this fall), this is absolutely worth checking out. Between the glowing trails, the chance to meet iconic characters, and the Texas backdrop of the Wildflower Center, it’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like a kid again—caught somewhere between Halloween and Christmas, with a smile on your face the whole way through.
