As a blogger I am often invited to special events to get a taste and share with my readers. It’s really exciting to be one of the first people to experience things and it is even better when I can do this with my family. I was invited to the Austin’s Trail of Lights Light Check earlier this week. This is when they are still in the process of setting up the location but have enough goodies up to share with a select few of the public.

I know I am the odd one out. Even though I have lived in Central Texas all my life (I will not say how long that is lol). I have never gone to the Trail of Lights. Yes, I have always wanted to. I would see the announcements on the news and talk to my family about going but I just never got around to actually going. Let’s face it, at the end of the year it’s more about working overtime and fighting traffic and crowds in the store than what should really matter, family. But as the years go on and I watch my children grow, I am starting to see that it is not about the latest toy and more about spending time with them.

We were the first of the public to walk through the Trail of Lights tunnel. How amazing is that? The Trail of Lights is an absolutely stunning event that should be on your bucket list at least if not a new tradition to add to your families must do Christmas time list.  

This is the 49th year of the Trail of Lights and it will run December 8-22, 2013. That is 15 fun filled days! 

•  More than 30 lighted displays, highlighting favorite holiday characters and Austin icons
• New and improved parking, shuttles and traffic management
• Expanded dining areas featuring the diverse tastes of Austin’s finest food trailers
• Entertainment from a variety of local, regional and national performers
• Family-friendly activities, including holiday photo opportunities, crafts, and of course, a visit with Santa
• A hospitality area for company and group parties
• A merchandise area for smart shopping
• Opportunities throughout the trail to donate to local charities

I think the Austin Trail of Lights will be a family Christmas tradition for many years to come for my family, and I hope yours too.

To receive the latest updates, sign up for the Trail of Lights newsletter at AustinTrailofLights.org, follow the @ATXLights Twitter feed or like the Facebook page at facebook.com/AustinTrailofLights.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary passes to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.