Zilker Tree Will Get Test Lighting Tomorrow Morning

If you're excited about Sunday's lighting ceremony for the Zilker Tree, don't freak out if you're driving down MoPac tomorrow and you see the 155-foot tall structure already illuminated. It's just a test.

Austin Energy just sent us this email under the subject line, "In case you get calls…"

The Zilker Tree will be switched on tomorrow morning (Wednesday, December 1) beginning at 6 a.m. until about 8 a.m. to allow Austin Energy crews to replace any lights that may be burned out and for any other adjustments that may be needed.

Since the 155-foot tall tree can be seen from MoPac, you could receive some calls from people driving in to work.

The tree-lighting ceremony will be held this Sunday, December 5 at 6 p.m. The ceremony is an event of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department which manages activities around the tree throughout the holiday period. Once the tree is lit December 5, it will be on nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight through December 31. 

The tree consists of 3,159 bulbs (red, yellow, green, blue) on 39 streamers, each 137 feet long.  The tree was designed by Austin Energy electricians and is assembled each year by Austin Energy crews.