For many, Austin’s Trail of Lights is a family tradition, but this year, there might be a few changes thanks to the Grinch, otherwise known as the economy.

"We're looking at ways to reduce the budget," Victor Ovalle, with Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department, said.

Last year it cost the city a little more than $1,037,644 to light up Zilker Park. More than $700,000 of that amount comes from the Parks Department, which has been asked to cut $1.4 million from its overall budget.

"We've gotten a lot of feedback from the community saying, ‘We're willing to pay.’ But we're looking at other options," Ovalle said.

Those options include reaching out to sponsors. So far the parks department said H-E-B has offered to contribute, and 3M has contacted the city to offer their help as well. Other options include downsizing the event, or simply canceling the Trail of Lights, leaving only the Zilker Tree.

"We go every year, we usually go twice a year," Junaita Handy Bosma said. "I really, really hope that they keep it free. I hope they can find sponsors or something because it would really be a shame to have to start charging.

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Paying money for something that use to be free might be the only way to keep the twinkle bright for this year’s Trail of Lights.