The Austin Trail of Lights, powered by H-E-B, puts on its magnificent display by utilizing more than two million lights. More than 400,000 people visit the 50-plus displays and exhibits, and the event is made possible with the help of a thousand volunteers. This year the two-week event will continue past traditions from its 51-year history, as well as several new features. For the first time ever, attendees will find a classic carousel in Zilker Village, along with a new and improved Groovy Grove. Favorites will also return, including Santa's Workshop, the North Pole, the Yule Log, Candy Land and the Ferris Wheel (which will have a new home on Lou Neff Road). Each night will feature a different special event, such as turning the iconic Trail of Lights globe Longhorn burnt orange. The Zilker Tree Lighting will take place on Sunday, November 29. Some of Austin's favorite food trucks will be on the scene, from East Side King and Mighty Fine Burgers to Amy's Ice Cream and Funtastic Funnel Cakes. Additional fun can be had at the arts and crafts station, the Community Performance Stage which will feature more than 60 local performance groups, or by letting the kids write letters to Santa at the North Pole. H-E-B is sponsoring a Read 3 train to promote literacy, and will be giving every child who stops by the train a free book to take home. The official start to the Trail of Lights kicks off December 8 and runs through December 22.