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 10-23. 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! This year the Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 1 at 6pm.
Downtown Holiday Sing-Along, Stroll & Tree Lighting
Free and family-friendly, this popular Austin holiday tradition takes place around the Capitol building. The festivities begin at 3pm on Congress Avenue (downtown) and features artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa and more. Then head to the Capitol steps for a holiday sing-along. At 7pm, the countdown to the lighting of the tree begins.
Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin has become one of the most popular annual Christmas lights shows in Austin. Now in its 40th year, expect an expanded light display as well as immersive and on-the-water viewing options.
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.
Georgetown Lighting of the Square
See downtown Georgetown come alive with thousands of twinkling lights at 5:30pm on November 29th. Many activities and events will happen in and around the town square. Lights stay up through January 1st.
Round Rock Christmas Lights
Hometown Holiday
From December 1-31, head to downtown Round Rock for an evening filled with festive lights, live music, and interactive holiday decor.
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
With over two Million Christmas lights, this display is so big, NASA reported seeing it from space. There’s also market days, a lighted parade, a decorating contest, and a chili cook off.
Lockhart Christmas Lights
A Christmas to Remember
It all begins Friday, December 6th, at 7pm with the lighting of the Courthouse Tree. Then on Saturday, enjoy free, family fun at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library and a lighted parade in the evening.
Bee Cave Christmas Lights
Hill Country Galleria Holiday Village
Loads of holiday-themed activities and sales happen at the Hill Country Galleria, including a tree lighting in the plaza on Friday, November 29th. Free.
Lake Travis Christmas Lights
Lake Travis Holiday Boat Parade
This is a must see (or participate in) if you love boating and the holidays!
Lakeway Lights On!
The Lakeway Trail of Lights kicks off on Friday, December 6th with this big event that has activities, food, and the grand lighting. Free.
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!