Austin Parks Foundation Offers Free Movie At Trail Of Lights

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The Austin Parks Foundation will offer residents a free screening of the holiday classic movie "The Polar Express" during this year's Trail of Lights holiday event, officials said Wednesday.

Those planning to attend are urged to grab their blankets and popcorn as accouterments to their film viewing. The movie will be shown on one of the last free nights of the Trail of Lights, and the first 300 guests will receive free cocoa and silver bells.

Starring Tom Hanks, the 2004 Robert Zemeckis-directed movie "The Polar Express" is a delightful 3D computer-animated film based on the 1985 children's book of the same name. The plot opens on the night of Christmas Eve, where a restless boy ruminates on his increasing skepticism of the existence of Santa Claus.

As he struggles to sleep, the boy is abruptly roused by the sudden arrival of a steam locomotive on the street outside his home. He hurriedly puts on his robe to investigate further, tearing the pocket of the garment in the process. Outside, the train's conductor (voiced by Hanks) introduces the train as the Polar Express, explaining it's headed to the North Pole. Initially hesitant to board the train, the boy ultimately jumps aboard as it pulls away.

We'll stop there to avoid spoilers in case you haven't seen it.

The screening is scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. While free, those planning to attend need to secure tickets first (see link below).

TICKETS:

General admission is free on Dec. 13
Guests can purchase Platinum Admission, ZIP Fast Pass Admission and General Parking passes here: https://austintrailoflights.org/movie.

WHEN:

Thursday, Dec. 13

Story-time reading of "The Polar Express" at 7:30 p.m.

Movie starts at 8 p.m.

WHERE:

Zilker Stage at the Trail of Lights

Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. 78746

For more information on Austin Parks Foundation, visit www.austinparks.org/movies. For more information on the Trail of Lights, visit www.austintrailoflights.org.

About Austin Parks Foundation

Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Austin and Travis County by strengthening the region’s parks system, which spans more than 29,000 acres. A non-profit established in 1992, APF addresses the city’s funding and resource gap in order to develop, maintain, and enhance the area’s 300+ parks, trails, and green spaces. APF fosters innovative public/private partnerships and since 2006, has given more than $2.5 million in community grants to the greater Austin community. APF is known for its annual flagship volunteer event, It’s My Park Day, and is a presenting partner and beneficiary of Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park. For more information, please visit www.austinparks.org.

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>>> Photos from 2017 Zilker Park Trail of Lights by Tony Cantú/Patch staff