Sneak peek at new Trail of Lights

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With the flip of a switch, a small group of people was treated to a sneak peek of the all new Trail of Lights display in Zilker Park Tuesday evening.

The Austin tradition dating back to 1965 was scaled back in 2009 because of economic concerns and canceled altogether in 2010 and 2011.

"I'm super excited that it's back," said Jennifer Atkins, who was part of the sneak preview and brought her young daughter. "It was missing from Christmas.  This is something we used to do from the time that she was born and just to be able to bring her back is going to be fantastic."

Dozens of workers worked Tuesday to get half of the trail complete for the preview. Among them, John Honning, the Event Director.

"The tunnel is all LED lights this time," said Honning. "It's almost an optical illusion walking through the tunnel. It kind of gives you an eerie feel but its' a lot of fun."

The trail officially opens December 16 and runs through the 23rd.

"There's not another event in Austin- that's first of all- free of charge- that really brings east north west and south together," said Honning.

Trail of Lights is a free event, but donations will help any one of 23 participating non-profits.