It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! We’ve rounded up a giant list of places to go see holiday lights this season. We will be adding to this list as time goes on and new information becomes available, so check back! Before you head out, please check links for updated information due to weather or schedule changes. Where’s your favorite place to go see lights? Let us know if we’ve missed any and we’ll add them!
Austin Area Displays
Mozart’s
Mozart’s Annual Light Show
Now – January 3 | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin
Starting 6 p.m. each evening, and replaying at the top of every hour until closing, enjoy dazzling lights set to music! The 12-minute lights show will happen every night, excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Don’t miss out on all the holiday fun! FREE!
Shady Oak Christmas Display (Georgetown)
Daily from 6-10 p.m. | 107 Shady Oak Drive, Georgetown
Tune to FM 95.9 to enjoy music along with this house’s lights. Check Facebook for weather updates. FREE!
Rhodes Family Christmas (Cedar Park)
Daily through January 1 | 2410 Sharon Dr, Cedar Park
Please come enjoy the Christmas spirit at this house in Cedar Park. It is also a collection site for the Cedar Park Area Food Bank. FREE!
Anna Court Light Display (Cedar Park)
November 26 – December 31 from 5-10:30 p.m. | 1321-1333 Anna Court., Cedar Park
This Cedar Park cul-de-sac is decked out with thousands and thousands of festive lights. Bring a toy to donate to Blue Santa. FREE! Monetary donations will go to Reveal Food Bank.
Lost Pines Christmas River of Lights (Bastrop)
November 27 – January 1 | Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop
Take in the River of Lights, 120 lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic Colorado River Walk and enhanced by music. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman’s Park on Farm Street. The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and community organizations and individuals generously provide this traditional treat enjoyed by all ages and by visitors and locals alike. FREE!
The EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens Trail of Lights (Wimberley)
November 28 – December 29 at 6 p.m. | Emily Ann Theatre and Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley
Stroll a walking path with more than 100 lighted exhibits created by local businesses, churches, organizations and families. Roast a marshmallow at the Yule Log and listen to live entertainment on most nights. The trail will be open from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. FREE!
Take a spin under the Zilker Holiday Tree
Zilker Tree
November 30 – December 31 from 6 pm – 12 midnight | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin
Each year, the Austin community eagerly awaits the lighting of the 155-foot tall Zilker Tree as a symbol of the upcoming holiday season. The tree will be lit nightly through the end of the year, but note that area roads will be closed for the Trail of lights through December 22. FREE!
Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour & Christmas Towne (Round Rock)
November 30 – December 16, Sunday – Thursday from 6-9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 6-10 p.m.; December 17-24 from 6-10 p.m.; December 25 & 26 from 6-9 p.m. | Rock’N Lights: 4111 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock; Christmas Towne: 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
Experience the fourth annual Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour featuring all new displays and a bigger and brighter Christmas Towne. With 2 million lights, the 1.5-mile path is the must-see event of the season. The 2015 show features a longer light tunnel. Christmas Towne features light displays, full-scale carnival rides, a light maze, pedal go-kart rides, holiday food, entertainment and more. Rock’N Lights is $15 per car. Get a $5 off coupon here. Christmas Towne is FREE (tickets for carnival available for purchase) and will be open December 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24. The entrance to Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour is located at Old Settlers Park. Enter the park at Old Settlers Boulevard and Harrell Parkway. Participants will exit at Hwy. 79 into Christmas Towne. Lights Tour entrance address is 4111 E. Old Settlers Blvd. Christmas Towne is located at the Old Settlers Association and the Dell Diamond parking lot, at the exit of the Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour. Christmas Towne entrance address is 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.
Harlien Family Christmas (Georgetown)
December 1 – 31 | 400 Liscio Cove, Georgetown
70,000 lights synchronized to 64 channels of animation. Multiple lit trees, arches, Christmas features, and Santa! Cookies and Cocoa with Santa will be December 2, 11, and 18. FREE! Donations to Make-a-Wish Foundation appreciated.
Chianti Court (Cedar Park)
Check link for dates/times | Just off Sun Chase Blvd in the Ranch at Cypress Creek. Park on Sun Chase and walk, if you can. (Map) Cedar Park
See the Facebook page for updates on when the lights will be available for viewing. The neighborhood is also a collection point for Brown Santa. FREE.
Holiday Light Shows at The Domain
Through December; starting at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. | The Domain II, 3225 Amy Donovan Plaza, Austin
Watch the holidays come to life with hourly lights show in Domain II. More than 82,000 lights and 2,200 strobes will dance to holiday music for the first 15 minutes of each hour.
Elfvis & the Kringles (Round Rock)
December 5 – 31 from 6-9 p.m. | 3448 Tourmaline Trail, Round Rock
Stop by this house for a unique Christmas light display featuring Elfvis, the Kringles, the Grinch, and Olaf from Frozen. Animated Christmas light display with handmade animatronics. Tune into 107.5 FM and enjoy the animated light show to music which features singing, dancing, and performing animatronics. Sponsored and created by Ideal Signs. Annual Toy Drive on December 5: Bring an unwrapped toy to donate and celebrate the start of a holiday tradition! Benefiting Brown Santa and Blue Santa. FREE!
Toungate Klub Kringle (Leander)
Starting December 5 at 8:30 p.m. | 2305 Arroyo Grande, Leander
Lights and music show at this house in Leander. FREE!
Austin Trail of Lights
Austin Trail of Lights
December 8-22 from 7-10 p.m. | Zilker Park, Austin
Visit the North Pole at the Trail of Lights to share your holiday wish list with Santa at Santa’s House, stop in Santa’s Workshop for a photo and a variety of interactive experiences, and pick up a free book from the H-E-B Read 3 Book Train. Entry to the Trail of Lights is FREE from December 8-15. From December 16-22, general admission is $3 for guests age 12 and up, online or at H-E-B stores. Children 11 and under are FREE every night! Parking passes and shuttle tickets are also available online.
Trail of Lights (Buda)
December 11 & 12 and 17-20 from 6-10 p.m. | Historic Stagecoach Park, 880 Main Street, Buda
A FREE holiday event filled with dazzling lights, entertainment, hot beverages, and more. FREE parking and shuttle from the Cabela’s parking lot.
Annual Holiday Lights & Ice
December 18 – January 6 | Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin
6th Annual Holiday Lights & Ice event benefiting Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. Get in the holiday spirit with skating on an indoor ice rink that overlooks the scenic hill country and is accompanied by a display of twinkling lights and festive activities for the whole family to enjoy. Skating tickets: $25 adult; $20 children age 12 and under.
Central Texas Displays
Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls
Walkway of Lights (Marble Falls)
Now – January 1 | Lakeside Park, Buena Vista, Marble Falls
If there is a chance of rain for the night you are planning to visit, call the weather hotline at 844-635-4448 for updates. The walkway cannot be turned on when the ground is wet. FREE!
Santa’s Wonderland (College Station)
Now – January 3; times vary | 18898 State Highway 6 S, College Station
Hay ride, live music, shopping, horse and carriage tours, food, campfires, a train ride, petting zoo, pony rides, a giant movie screen, snow, a synchronized light show, and the big man himself- Santa! Children ages 2 and under admitted free. Buy tickets here.
Nature In Lights (Fort Hood)
Now – January 3; 5:30-11 p.m. | Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area; directions here
Drive through Over 110 holiday lights displays, Santa’s Village, holiday treats, photos with Santa, etc. $8/car.
Santa’s Ranch (New Braunfels)
Now – January 2 from 6-10 p.m. | 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels
Santa’s Ranch has been a Texas tradition for over a decade! In fact, the coming 2015-2016 season will be Santa’s Ranch 14th year as one of the best holiday light displays in the state. Take a drive through over a mile of winding country road and take in the beautiful lights, animated displays, and enjoy delicious homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn and snacks. $28 + tax/ car.
San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio
The Saga Light Show at San Fernando Cathedral (San Antonio)
Every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. | Main Plaza, Home Of San Fernando Cathedral, 115 N. Main Avenue, San Antonio
Enjoy a 24-minute video art masterpiece on the facade of the San Fernando Cathedral. This event is outdoors, so it is weather-permitting. Check the website for cancelations. On December 11 there will be no show and on December 20 there will only be shows at 9:30 and 10 p.m. FREE!
Starry Starry Nights Lighted Christmas Park (Llano)
November 27 – December 31 at 6 p.m. | Badu Park, Llano
Christmas lights strung along the Llano River glow each night for families to enjoy. Llano reflects upon the season with thousands of beautiful, colorful Christmas lights along the river. Walk through the lighted archway that begins with hot chocolate and ends with Santa on the weekends! FREE! Call the Llano Chamber at 325-247-5354 for more information.
Lights of Tejas (Giddings)
November 27 – December 29 | Tejas, 1038 Private Road 2191, Giddings
Every year during the holiday season, Tejas transforms its campus into one of the best light festivals in the state. Located near Austin, Houston, College Station, and San Antonio, Lights of Tejas in Giddings, Texas is something you will not want to miss. Come and enjoy more than one million dazzling Christmas lights and have some family-friendly fun at our midway-style games, the exciting activities, and indoor light show. $7 (kids 2 and under are FREE).
Johnson City Courthouse
Lights Spectacular (Johnson City)
November 27 and 28 | Johnson City (map)
The twinkliest town in the hill country celebrates its 26th annual Lights Spectacular! Johnson City transforms itself from a slow-paced, presidential hometown nestled on the banks of the Pedernales River, into a bright beacon of light like a guiding star, welcoming visitors with good old fashioned Christmas cheer. The spectacular courthouse lighting ceremony and fireworks on Friday, November 27th kicks off the festival with more than a million lights which fill three city blocks including the Courthouse, City Park, and Pedernales Electric Co-op headquarters. The season-long celebration is family and pet-friendly, and lasts until New Year’s Day. FREE!
Lighted Christmas Parade (Lockhart)
December 4 at 7 p.m. | Downtown Square, Lockhart
The annual Lighted Christmas Parade is sponsored by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce. The parade is a fantastic display of lights that travels around the Courthouse Square. Line-up begins at 5 p.m., judging at 6 p.m. and the parade steps off at 7 p.m. For information about the Parade Route, call the Lockhart Chamber at 512-398-2818. FREE!
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias in San Antonio
Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias (San Antonio)
December 4 – 20 | River Walk, San Antonio
Experience the holiday serenity of the River Walk as you stroll along the lush banks of the San Antonio River guided by more than 6,000 Luminarias. Warmly glowing candles in sand-filled bags line the walkways to symbolically mark the “lighting of the way” for the Holy Family. This century’s old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday & Sunday only December 4-20, 2015. FREE!
Holiday Lighting Events
Annual Lighting of the Square (Georgetown)
November 27 at 5:30 p.m. | Georgetown Square, 710 S. Main Street, Georgetown
Kick off the holiday season with Georgetown’s annual Lighting of the Square! Sing along with The Austin Carolers and warm your tummy with hot chocolate and cookies. Stay for pictures with Santa. Plan to get in some shopping, too, as merchants will stay open late. FREE!
Christmas Tree Lighting (Hutto)
November 28 from 6-8 p.m. | Hutto Co-Op, 420 U.S. 79, Hutto
Join Mayor Holland and friends as she calls upon Santa’s magic to help light the Christmas Tree in Downtown Hutto. Local organizations and churches will be at the event singing, playing music, serving hot cocoa, and decorating Christmas cookies. FREE!
The Driskill Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1 at 6 p.m. | The Driskill, 604 Brazos Street, Austin
Enjoy seasonal music from the Arundel Ensemble String Quartet in celebration of the annual lighting of The Driskill Tree. FREE!
Mueller Tower Lighting
December 1 from 6-8 p.m. | Mueller Control Tower, Berkman Drive, Austin
The FREE, family-friendly event will feature live music from the Reagan High School Drumline and the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Band. The event will also include free coffee, hot chocolate, and holiday treats as well as activities for children. Austin City Council Member, Ora Houston, will be counting down the moments until the Noel sign is lit across the Control Tower, honoring a tradition that dates back to the 1960s.
Christmas Stroll (Georgetown)
December 4 from 5-9 p.m. and December 5 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Downtown Georgetown (map)
The Magic of the Stroll is real and will bring memories on this 35th Annual Celebration. The Georgetown Square will be transformed into a genuine Christmas card come to life. It’s a magical setting of a multitude of trees outlined with twinkling white lights , old fashioned lamp poles, Santa in the Christmas tree farm waiting to hear from both naughty and nice. It’s the place to journey back in time as you wonder through Bethlehem Village. You can also find the Grinch and his characters in Whoo-Village. There are many activities to be found for the kids. Home Depot can always keep them busy building something and Whoo-Village is sure to have some cookie decorating going on! It’s all FREE. Be sure to visit Santa in his Village on 8th & Church Streets where you can buy your tree, build a wreath, and get your picture taken with Santa.
Lights of Love 5k
December 4 from 6-9 p.m. | Mueller Hangar, 4550 Mueller Dr, Austin
Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights, the 8th Annual Lights of Love 5K and Family Fun Run on December 4 kicks off the holiday season. The fun begins in the Mueller Hangar with holiday festivities for everyone — family, friends, organizations, schools and even four-legged friends. Strollers, walkers, joggers and runners don their best holiday outfit and enjoy a holiday inspired course in the Mueller neighborhood. Kids’ crafts, photos with Santa Claus, festive music, hot chocolate and more round out an evening of fun for everyone! Registration for the Family Fun Run is $25.
Christmas Family Night (Round Rock)
December 4 at 6:30 p.m. | Dell Diamond Parking Lot at Christmas Towne, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
During Christmas Family Night, the Old Settlers Association is decorated with small wooden houses which host various games and activities. The event kicks off with a welcome from Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw, followed by the illumination of holiday lights. Then Santa makes his grand entrance. This FREE event includes activities for the entire family including live music, dancers, candle making, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. Children should bring their wish lists for Santa Claus and parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa. Plus, enjoy FREE hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other refreshments, activities, snacks, and performances throughout the evening.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop (Cedar Park)
December 4 from 6:30-9 p.m. | Heritage Oak Park, 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park
On this magical night, join in the tradition of lighting the tree. Over 65,000 lights illuminate the largest Live Oak Tree in Cedar Park. Santa’s Workshop will kickoff immediately following the tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy live music, carriage rides, games and prizes, inflatables, FREE photos with Santa (bring your own camera), and arts & crafts projects. Bring the whole family for what promises to be a festive evening. FREE admission.
Christmas on Mercer Street (Dripping Springs)
December 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Mercer Street, Dripping Springs
Hosted by the City of Dripping Springs and Dripping Springs Lions Club, the Christmas on Mercer Street festivities will feature an old-fashioned holiday celebration on Mercer Street with live music and entertainment, arts and crafts booths, kid’s games and activities, a trackless train and pony rides, photos with Santa Claus, and a festive selection of food and drinks. Admission is FREE to the public. The annual Lighting of the Tree will be held at the Triangle at 6:15 p.m. Christmas carolers representing local churches and schools will serenade with heart-warming, traditional Christmas Carols at the tree lighting ceremony.
laV Christmas Tree Lighting
December 5 from 4-7 p.m. | laV, 1501 East 7th Street, Austin
Join laV for a Christmas Tree Lighting event! This holiday celebration will include pictures with Santa, craft stations for the kids, reindeer, live music by the Bottom Dollar String Band, and special treats and drinks for purchase. Admission is FREE with an unwrapped gift donation, benefitting Operation Blue Santa.
Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade (Pflugerville)
December 5 from 5-8:30 p.m. | Railroad Avenue to Main Street, Pflugerville
Pfree arts and crafts projects to take home, Pfree hot chocolate and apple cider, Pfree cookies, and a bonfire to warm up! Pfree photos with Santa Claus (you bring the camera!), Pfree glowsticks and glow-in-the-dark necklaces. Also, Pflugerville Animal Trailer will be on site – apply to give a pet a Pforever home for the holidays! FREE!
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Leander)
December 5 at 5 p.m. | City Hall, 200 West Willis Street, Leander
Celebrate the season with The City of Leander! The Christmas Parade will begin at 5 p.m. with the Tree Lighting to follow. Pictures with Santa, Holiday Hayrides, Yule Fire, Choral Performances, and a variety of vendors. FREE!
Holiday Candle Light Trail
December 5 from 6-9 p.m | Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E 41st St, Austin
Walk the Candle Light Trail, take pictures with Santa, and enjoy holiday refreshments and entertainment at this FREE family event.
Christmas Luminary (Pflugerville)
December 5 & 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 500 Immanuel Rd, Pflugerville
Biblical Christmas scenes illuminated. FREE!
Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll
December 5 from 6-9 p.m. | Congress Ave., Downtown Austin
The annual Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll is a FREE, family-friendly event that celebrates the arrival of the holiday season and the joy it brings. The evening starts at 6 p.m. when crowds gather on the south steps of the Capitol to sing the songs of the season during KUTX 98.9 “Eklektikos” host John Aielli’s Holiday Sing-Along. As the clock strikes 7 p.m., the countdown to the lighting of the Capitol tree begins, featuring a programmed light show at the top and bottom of every hour, set to holiday songs of local Austin musicians. From 7 to 9 p.m., Congress Ave. will be abuzz with holiday cheer during the Downtown Stroll. Shops, restaurants, galleries and museums will be open late and will feature special activities and offers. Additional Stroll activities include classic holiday cartoons, photos with Santa, live music, a special holiday Farmers’ Market with Sustainable Food Center, and much more. Support fellow members of the community by bringing non-perishable food or cash donations to the Capitol Christmas tree for the Capital Area Food Bank. The Holiday Sing-Along & Downtown Stroll attracts more than 20,000 attendees each year, so guests are encouraged to bike or use public transportation. FREE!
Luminations
December 12 & 13 from 6-9 p.m. | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,4801 La Crosse Avenue, Austin
Thousands of luminaries and twinkling lights turn the Wildflower Center into a holiday wonderland during Luminations, an Austin holiday tradition. Visit with Frosty the Snowman, enjoy children’s activities, kettle corn and hot beverages. Admission is $3-5; children 4 and under are FREE. Guests are asked to bring a food donation for the Capital Area Food Bank.
Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
December 21 from 5-8 p.m. | Central Austin
Minor Mishap Marching Band invites you under the dark Solstice sky for a kid-friendly parade of light! Gather together on the shortest day of the year to celebrate light, darkness, music, community, nature and other things of general awesomeness. Please make a lantern to carry in the parade! The beauty of this event is created by you! FREE!
Ford Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony (San Antonio)
November 27 from 7-9 p.m. | River Walk, San Antonio
The 34th Annual Ford Holiday River Parade is a San Antonio tradition. It offers a spectacular one-hour parade on the San Antonio River Walk featuring 28 illuminated floats decorated for the 2015 theme: Holiday Memories. Lavishly decorated floats include celebrities, music and festive-costumed participants. This years’ Grand Marshall is the Honorable Julian Castro, former San Antonio Mayor and homegrown son who resigned as mayor in 2014 to take a Cabinet position in Washington D.C. Tickets are available online.
Gruene Town Lighting (Gruene)
December 5 from 5-6:30 p.m. | Check here for directions
Watch as Cowboy Kringle rides into town on horseback and lights Gruene for the Holidays. Live musical performances with festival food and wine available for purchase. Afterwards, get some holiday shopping done at Gruene’s 30+ stores. FREE! Call (830) 629-5077 for information.
