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
Semi-dormant for a few years, the greatest, most wonderful DIY Austin street of lights is back. Generally mid-December until Christmas, but some folks leave it up much longer. 37th Street and Guadalupe. Sunset until 11-ish. You can drive down it but you’re going to miss all the detail and that’s what makes it fun.
Trail of Lights
The Trail of Lights is the great granddaddy of them all, as far as Austin Christmas lights go. For more than 50 years, the lights have been dazzling visitors of Zilker Park. There’s also a fun run that goes through the Trail of Lights, and right across the street is the Zilker Tree. The Trail is open December 8-23. Find the course map and register for the run on the site.
Zilker Tree Lighting
This one-of-a-kind “tree” is actually one of Austin’s moontowers. It’s over 150 feet tall, with streamers of lights cascading down from it. Visitors can not only walk around the tree but also walk under it! The Tree Lighting Ceremony will happen virtually on November 27 at 6pm.
Downtown Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting
This popular Austin holiday tradition happens at the Capitol building. The evening starts off at 6pm at the Capitol steps with a holiday sing-along. At 7pm the countdown to the lighting of the tree begins. Throughout the evening, Congress Avenue (downtown) will have various vendors, activities, and live music.
Mozart’s Christmas Lights
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin has become one of the most popular annual Christmas lights shows in Austin. Every hour on the hour and lasting 12 minutes, witness a choreographed music and lights show that grows bigger and better every year.
Cedar Park Christmas Lights
Tree Lighting & Santa’s Workshop
More than 65,000 lights illuminate Cedar Park’s largest oak tree. Live music, carriage rides, prizes, games, treats, bouncy houses, arts & crafts, and Santa Claus too!
Georgetown Christmas Lights
Shady Oak Christmas Display
A great synchronized-with-music lights display at a Georgetown home. The house is located at 107 Shady Oak Drive.
Winter Light Show
Another great synchronized-with-music lights display at a Georgetown home.
Georgetown Holiday Lights
See downtown Georgetown come alive with thousands of twinkling lights. Many activities and events happening in and around the town square.
Round Rock Christmas Lights
Christmas Towne
You can walk through a tunnel of lights at this holiday event in the Dell Diamond parking lot. Featuring all new displays and an even better Christmas Towne: full-scale carnival rides, holiday treats, entertainment, and more!
Buda Christmas Lights
Buda Trail of Lights
This pleasant trail of lights in Buda has animated light scenes spanning half a mile. Plenty of concessions, parking, and festive fun. Plus Santa’s Village!
New Braunfels Christmas Lights
Santa’s Ranch
This enormous display of lights has been growing for over a decade. Drive down a winding mile of country road while checking out many animated displays, and stop for hot chocolate, kettle corn, and other snacks. Plus a 50-foot tall Christmas tree! It’s not free, but it sure is an experience.
Johnson City Christmas Lights
Lights Spectacular
There are 100,000 lights on the courthouse, as well as vendors, carriage rides, and more!
Lockhart Christmas Lights
Dickens Christmas
It all begins with a parade and a weekend-long holiday celebration that is 19th-century England themed. Also there are vendors, food, actors, and Father Christmas.
Bee Cave Christmas Lights
Hill Country Galleria Holiday Village
Loads of holiday-themed activities and sales happen at the Hill Country Galleria.
Lake Travis Christmas Lights
Lake Travis Holiday Boat Parade
This is a must see or participate if you love boating and the holidays!
Lakeway Lights On!
The Lakeway Trail of Lights kicks off with this big event that has activities, food, and the grand lighting.
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!