Join Austin Parks and Recreation at two special events that celebrate Austin's unique holiday tradition and honor the legacy of black sports. Both events are free and open to the public. Come socialize, play and reflect with us.

Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 

Come to Zilker Park on Sunday, November 30, for the annual Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and enjoy local entertainment, food vendors, and live music. The evening begins at 5:15 p.m. with a performance by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble, followed by the official lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided on stage for the duration of the ceremony.

The Zilker Holiday Tree is a 155-foot-tall display made up of 3,309 multicolored LED lights arranged in a spiral pattern designed by City of Austin electricians. The tree is installed and maintained by multiple city departments, including Austin Energy and Austin Parks and Recreation.

Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to carpool or use Cap Metro. Entry is suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road. In case of inclement weather, updates will be shared on official City of Austin social media accounts.

For more information, visit austintexas.gov/ZilkerHolidayTree.

Wall of Honor Unveiling Ceremony 

Join Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin Parks Foundation and community members on Saturday, December 6 at 12 p.m. for the Unveiling Ceremony of the L.D. Washington and Nathaniel Cannon Wall of Honor at Rosewood Park in the Britton, Durst, Howard and Spence Building, 1183 Chestnut Ave.

The Wall of Honor celebrates the legacy of individuals who shaped youth sports and mentorship in East Austin. It recognizes the contributions of leaders who built and sustained the East Austin Youth Foundation and the Greater East Austin Youth Association—organizations that created vital opportunities for Black youth during and after segregation.

The building housing the wall was renamed in 2011 to honor four community leaders who helped create opportunities for Black youth during and after segregation. The project was initiated by Kenneth D. Thompson, Sr., and supported by Lee Dawson, Jr., with funding from the Austin Parks Foundation’s Austin City Limits Music Festival Grants Program.

For more information, visit austintexas.gov/news/wall-honor-unveiling-ceremony.