Here’s what I believe to be the best guide to Austin-area Christmas and holiday lights. I’ve also included anything that you would consider a day trip from Austin, like Buda, Georgetown, and even New Braunfels.
Along with the Austin Trail of Lights and the Zilker Tree Lighting, I’ve also tried to include lots of other displays you might not be aware of. If you are looking to avoid the big crowds or just looking for a different experience this year, I hope you’ll find something on this list! If anything is missing or wrong, please let me know! You can use the Contact Us form on the Austin Events calendar website to let me know.
37th Street Lights
Get ready for a whimsical stroll down 37th Street! This beloved Austin tradition is back and brighter than ever. From mid-December until Christmas, the residents along this quirky street turn their homes into a dazzling display of lights and creative decorations. It’s a true DIY wonderland that captures the heart of Austin’s unique spirit. You’ll want to walk through this enchanting neighborhood after sunset to soak in all the fun details—trust me, driving just won’t do it justice!
Trail of Lights
The Austin Trail of Lights is the holiday highlight that everyone looks forward to! For over 60 years, Zilker Park has been transformed into a magical wonderland filled with over 2 million twinkling lights and festive displays. This year, join in the fun from December 10-23 as you wander through the trail with family and friends. Don’t miss the chance to participate in the Fun Run for a little extra holiday cheer before the main event kicks off. It’s a classic Austin experience that will fill your heart with joy!
Zilker Tree Lighting
You can’t miss the Zilker Holiday Tree—it’s truly one of Austin’s shining stars! Standing tall at 155 feet, this beautiful Moontower is adorned with 3,309 colorful LED bulbs that light up the night sky. From December 1 through January 1, you can walk beneath this stunning tree and take in its magical spiral design. The tree lighting ceremony is a festive kickoff to the season, bringing together friends and families for some holiday magic. Be sure to stop by and snap some photos!
Downtown Holiday Sing-Along, Stroll & Tree Lighting
Join in on the fun at the Downtown Holiday Stroll! This free event around the Texas State Capitol kicks off at 3 PM with artisan vendors, tasty food trucks, and even photos with Santa. The highlight? A heartwarming community sing-along followed by the countdown to lighting up the Capitol Christmas Tree at 7 PM. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit with loved ones while enjoying all that downtown Austin has to offer. Come share in the joy!
Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights
If you’re looking for a cozy holiday experience, head over to Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin! Their Festival of Lights runs from November 29 to January 4 and is an absolute delight. Picture this: over a million twinkling lights dancing to festive music while you sip on delicious hot chocolate. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends or family and enjoy live performances in a beautiful lakeside setting. You won’t want to miss this enchanting celebration!
Longhorn Lights
Experience the festive spirit at Longhorn Lights, a delightful display brought to you by the University of Texas! Running from November 19 through January 1, this enchanting light show features 24 majestic oak trees along Guadalupe Street, illuminated with burnt orange and white lights that dance to the music of the Longhorn Band. It’s a free event open to the public every evening from 5 to 10 PM, making it a perfect stop for UT fans and families alike. Stroll along The Drag and soak in the holiday cheer!
Community First! Village of Lights
Join the magic at Community First! Village of Lights, happening on select nights in December (6, 7, 13, and 14). This heartwarming event features over 250,000 twinkling lights choreographed to festive music, creating a truly immersive experience. While you’re there, explore the holiday market filled with unique, handcrafted gifts made by local artists. Enjoy food and drinks while watching classic Christmas movies and don’t forget to say hi to Santa! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season while supporting a great cause.
Mueller’s Annual Tower Lighting
Head over to Mueller Lake Park for the beloved Mueller’s Annual Tower Lighting on December 3. This festive event kicks off the holiday season with a beautiful tree lighting ceremony that brings the community together. Enjoy live music, delicious food options, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The park will be aglow with lights throughout the holiday season, making it a lovely spot for an evening stroll or a cozy gathering with friends.
Domain Northside Holiday Display
If you’re looking for some holiday fun at The Domain, check out their Holiday Tree Light Show! Running from November 24 to December 25, this charming display features a stunning tree that lights up every hour between 5 PM and 9 PM on weekdays and noon to 9 PM on weekends. It’s a great excuse to grab some shopping done while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Plus, it’s free to attend—what’s not to love?
Cedar Park Christmas Lights
Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop
Get ready for a magical evening at Heritage Oak Park! On Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., join the community as over 50,000 lights illuminate Cedar Park’s largest live oak tree. Enjoy live music performances, holiday movie classics, and Santa’s grand arrival. Kiddos can snap photos with Santa (bring your own camera) and participate in fun holiday-themed activities. Don’t miss the food and sweet treats from local vendors. It’s a free event that’ll surely get you in the holiday spirit!
Tail of Lights
Bring your furry friends to Veterans Memorial Park on December 13, 2024, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a paw-some holiday celebration! Dress your pups in their best holiday outfits and stroll down a beautifully lit path. Take pictures with “Santa Paws,” enjoy holiday music, and check out pet-friendly vendors. There’s even a “Yappy Hour” with treats for both humans and pets. It’s a free event that’s sure to get tails wagging.
Georgetown Christmas Lights
Shady Oak Christmas Display
Head over to 107 Shady Oak Drive for a dazzling synchronized light show set to music. This home display is a local favorite and a must-see for Christmas light enthusiasts
Georgetown Lighting of the Square
Mark your calendars for November 29th at 5:30 p.m. when downtown Georgetown transforms into a winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the historic square, creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy various activities and events around the square, with the festive display continuing through January 1st.
The Light Park
For a unique experience, drive through The Light Park featuring over one million LED animated lights synchronized to festive music. It’s a fun adventure for all ages that you can enjoy from the comfort of your car2
Round Rock Christmas Lights
Hometown Holiday
From December 1-31, 2024, downtown Round Rock becomes a festive wonderland. Enjoy nightly light displays, including larger-than-life ornaments, gorgeous oversized gift boxes, and twinkling archways. Live music events happen five nights a week (Tuesday-Saturday) from December 3-21, featuring local musicians at East Main Street parklet or Prete Plaza stage.
Christmas Dreams & Snowy Things
On December 21st, head to the CHASCO Family YMCA for the 10th annual Christmas Dreams and Snowy Things. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy 90,000 pounds of snow, a giant snow slide, holiday games, food, music, and a visit from Santa Claus. It’s a free, family-friendly event that’s sure to create lasting memories.
Buda Christmas Lights
Buda Trail of Lights
Take a stroll through this charming trail at Historic Stagecoach Park, featuring animated light scenes along a half-mile path. The winter wonderland includes Santa’s Village, concessions, and plenty of festive fun for the whole family. It’s a delightful way to experience the magic of the season in Buda.
New Braunfels Christmas Lights
Santa’s Ranch
Get ready for a magical drive through over a mile of twinkling wonderland at Santa’s Ranch! This beloved New Braunfels tradition has been dazzling visitors for over 20 years with 3 million lights and charming animated displays. As you wind through the country roads, don’t forget to stop for some homemade hot chocolate and kettle corn. The 50-foot Christmas tree at the entrance is a sight to behold! Open nightly from November 1, 2024, through January 4, 2025. While there’s a fee, it’s an unforgettable holiday experience for the whole family.
Johnson City Christmas Lights
Lights Spectacular
Prepare to be amazed by the Johnson City Lights Spectacular, featuring over 1.2 million LED lights so bright that NASA has reportedly spotted them from space! This free, family-friendly event runs nightly from November 29, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Don’t miss the kickoff on November 29th with a grand lighting ceremony and fireworks, followed by the famous Lighted Hooves & Wheels Parade on November 30th. Enjoy weekend activities like photos with Santa, carriage rides, and hayrides through the glowing wonderland.
Lockhart Christmas Lights
A Christmas to Remember
Join the festive fun in Lockhart starting Friday, December 6th at 7pm with the magical lighting of the Courthouse Tree. On Saturday, head to the Dr. Eugene Clark Library for free family activities, then line the streets for the dazzling lighted parade in the evening. It’s a weekend full of small-town charm and holiday spirit!
Bee Cave Christmas Lights
Hill Country Galleria Holiday Village
Experience holiday magic at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave! The festivities kick off with the “Light Up the Plaza” event on November 29th, featuring live performances and the grand lighting of the plaza. From November 15th through January 5th, lace up your skates at the outdoor Bee Cave on Ice rink. Don’t miss the Bee Cave Holiday Market on select days in December for unique, handcrafted gifts. With Santa photos, festive decorations, and special events, it’s a winter wonderland for all ages.
Lake Travis Christmas Lights
Lake Travis Holiday Boat Parade
Witness the magic of Christmas on the water at the Lake Travis Holiday Boat Parade! This dazzling spectacle features boats decked out in their holiday best, creating a floating light show you won’t forget. It’s a must-see (or participate in) event for boating enthusiasts and holiday lovers alike.
Lakeway Lights On!
Kick off the holiday season at the Lakeway Trail of Lights, starting Friday, December 6th. This free event transforms the area into a sparkling wonderland with a grand lighting ceremony. Enjoy festive activities, delicious food, and the warm glow of holiday lights. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit with your community!
Other Austin Holiday Happenings
I’ve made a new site that features holiday events from 100’s of cities across the world – including Austin, of course. I’ve named it “Christmas-Events-Near-Me.com” (I know, super creative. But it does the job!)
See what’s happening in Austin this holiday season – or wherever in the world you’ll be! Please share it if you find it useful!