It’s officially the holiday season and Christmas festivities are in full swing! So get ready to get into the spirit with our massive list of holiday lights happening all around Central Texas.
Austin Holiday Lights Displays:
Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show
Through January 4 | Mozart’s, 3825 Lake Austin Boulevard
You are invited to join for the annual Light Show 2024! You reserve a table by selecting your day, time, and table location to enjoy ATX’s most famous holiday tradition. This year’s festival offers a unique twist on classic holiday markets with a handmade Holiday Village, engaging activities, delectably sweet treats, over 305 entertainment performances, onsite savory Salt Lick BBQ, and, of course, Mozart’s world-famous hot chocolate. General admission tickets are just $5 in advance (with all kids under 11 free to attend with ticketed adults). Tickets grant access to the light displays and captivating entertainment with 2.5-hour time options. More info here.
Holiday Tree Light Show
Through December 25 | Domain NORTHSIDE, across from Apple located at 3121 Palm Way
Stop by the NORTHSIDE holiday tree and enjoy a beautiful holiday tree light show every hour on the hour on Saturdays from 12 to 9 p.m., Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m., and Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Walkway of Lights (Marble Falls)
Through January 4 | 305 Buena Vista Drive
The Walkway of Lights, hosted by The Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce, returns for its 34th year. Open nightly, the Walkway of Lights displays two million lights in Lakeside Park and over 350+ lighted sculptures. The cost is now $2 per person. Hours are as follows: Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m.
Nature in Lights
Through December 31 | Fort Hood, Cottage Road BLDG NAF 126
Open to all, Fort Hood’s Holiday Drive-thru Tradition will be open through December 31, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There’s also a Santa’s Village with vendor booths, crafts, concessions, and photos with Santa. Hours and pricing here.
Santa’s Ranch (New Braunfels)
Through December 31 | 9561 I-35, New Braunfels
Santa’s Ranch has been part of the New Braunfels holiday scene for over 20 years. Create magical memories for families, friends, and even pets with 58 days of holiday fun for you to enjoy. The ranch is open EVERY single night, including ALL holidays, even if it’s raining!
Maywald Christmas Lights
November 28 Through December 27 | 10505 Twilight Vista
The Maywald Christmas display started about 16 years ago with just a few lights and now they have thousands! Lights will be on Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. During Christmas week, December 20 through 27, lights are on every night from 6 to 10 p.m. Maywald will be closed December 2, 3, 9, and 10. There is a parking area so you are encouraged to park and walk around. The display is free but all they ask is a donation to Make-A-Wish at the box when you enter.
Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights (Fredericksburg)
November 21 Through January 7 | Marktplatz, 114 W. Main Street, Fredericksburg
All are invited to experience a 10-minute audio presentation, featuring the story of the town’s German heritage, holiday carols and concluding with a countdown to the lighting of Marktplatz. Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights continues nightly through Monday, January 6. Each evening will feature holiday music starting at 5 p.m., and the 6 p.m. audio presentation and lighting countdown. After the countdown, the music will conclude at 6:30 p.m. Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights will not take place on Friday, Dec. 6, for the annual Light the Night Christmas Parade or Tuesday, December 31, for the City of Fredericksburg’s New Year’s Eve: Countdown to 2025.
Georgetown Tree Lighting and Holiday Lights
November 29 Through January 1 | Georgetown Square
On November 29, kick-off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Square, traditionally held at 5:30 p.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving! Sing along with the Uptown Carolers and see the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas all lit up for the Holidays! The downtown holiday lights will remain lit every evening through January 1. This is a free event.
Lights Spectacular in Johnson City
November 29 Through January 5 | Historic Square, Johnson City
Imagine a light display with over a million lights. And it’s so big, NASA reported seeing it from the International Space Station! Yes, that would be the Johnson City Texas Lights Spectacular. Through January 5, you and your family can see this incredible lights display for free. Some quick tips: Get to Johnson City Texas early – before sundown. Park against the courthouse or around downtown streets in areas that allow parking. Visit the Johnson City Visitor’s Center early (during regular business hours) to get free maps, guides and info on the area.
Peppermint Parkway
Through December 29 | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard
Peppermint Parkway is a drive-thru experience with millions of lights, dazzling scenes and dancing elves at Circuit of The Americas. Stay late in Peppermint Plaza with amusement rides, letters to Santa, and so much more.
Bastrop River of Lights
November 29 Through January 6 | June Hill Pape River Walk, 601 Chestnut Street, Bastrop
Take in the River of Lights, numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. 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 River of Lights opens the day after Thanksgiving and continues every night until January 6 from dusk until 10 p.m.
Zilker Tree
December 1 through January 1 | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road
The official tree lighting will take place on December 1 with pre-event music starting at 5:15 p.m. with the ceremony at 6 p.m. Free parking on site first-come first-served. Entry suggested via eastbound Barton Springs Road. Carpool to the event or take Cap Metro. Overflow park and walk in the gravel area located just west of Stratford Drive and Lou Neff Road.
Longhorn Lights
November 19 through January 1 | Guadalupe Street between 21st and 24th Streets
The University of Texas at Austin presents a new tradition! Longhorn Lights stars 24 Heritage Oak trees that are illuminated with synchronized burnt orange and white lights dancing to music by the Longhorn Band. The display runs along Guadalupe Street between 21st and 24th, also known as The Drag, and is free and open to the public for all to enjoy nightly from November 19 through January 1, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Community First Village of Lights
December 6, 7, 13 and 14 | Community First Village, 9301 Hog Eye Rd Suite 950
With more than 250,000 Christmas lights choreographed to holiday music, the Village of Lights is sure to put your entire family in the Christmas spirit! Additionally, their holiday market offers unique, handcrafted gifts made by artists who live in Community First! Village. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Classic Christmas movies will be featured in the Community Cinema and Santa will make an early visit. More details here.
Lakeway Trail of Lights
December 6 through January 1 | 1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd, Lakeway
One of Lakeway’s most cherished traditions is the Trail of Lights! Trail of Lights will be open each night from 6 p.m. until Midnight through January 1, 2024.
Mueller’s Annual Tower Lighting
December 3 | Mueller Lake Park, 4550 Mueller Boulevard
The popular Central East Austin neighborhood of Mueller is returning for its annual tower lighting, happening December 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at John Gaines Park. The annual event features refreshments, DJ, speakers, and the lighting of Mueller’s Control Tower. The tradition of the NOEL signs atop the control tower dates back to 1961, when the tower first opened.
Light Up the Lake (Round Rock)
December 6 and 7 | Old Settler’s Park, 3300 East Palm Valley Boulevard
BIG & GLOWING holiday cheer is coming back to Round Rock for two amazing nights in December! Join for the annual Light Up the Lake holiday festival around the lake and festival area at Old Settlers Park on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7 nightly from 6 to 10 p.m.
Texas State Capitol Tree Lighting and Holiday Stroll
December 7 | Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th Streets
Join KUT, KUTX & the Downtown Austin Alliance for the 30th Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along and Stroll. This free family-friendly event is on Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th streets. Featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa and more, the Holiday Stroll is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.
Trail of Lights (Wimberley)
November 30 through December 26 (walking trail only on 24 & 25) | EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, 1101 Ranch Road 2325, Wimberley
The trail runs most days in December and is a walking trail through approximately eight acres of lighted exhibits. The EmilyAnn’s Trail of Lights is free to attend; however, donations are graciously accepted at several donation stations at the entrance and throughout the grounds. Most nights feature live entertainment on the stage next to our yule log where guests can enjoy complimentary marshmallows and hot chocolate. Santa Claus flies in most nights from the North Pole and will be in his house to greet everyone! There will also be several special event nights throughout the run of the trail. Check for special event night here.
Annual Buda Trail of Lights (Buda)
December 12 through 14 and 18 through 21 | Historic Stagecoach Park, 880 Main Street, Buda
Experience holiday magic as Historic Stagecoach Park transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and illuminated displays. Guests are shuttled from Cabela’s to stroll through festive scenes at your leisure while enjoying food, entertainment, and holiday splendor. Don’t miss a special visit from Santa himself!
37th Street Lights
December 13 Through January 1 | 37th Street
From sunset through 10 p.m. nightly, meander through the lights of 37th Street. To find it, use 507 W. 37th Street on your GPS. Get opening night details here.
Trail of Lights
December 10 through December 23 (closed Mondays) | Zilker Park
The most beloved, and longest running holiday tradition of its kind in Texas’ capital city, Austin Trail of Lights powered by H-E-B, welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests from Central Texas and around the world each year for its jubilant displays of lights. Complimentary General Admission is available for ALL Austin Trail of Lights on select nights with Zip and Platinum tickets packages available for purchase.
Tail of Lights (Cedar Park)
December 13 | Veterans Memorial Park, 2525 W New Hope Drive, Cedar Park
Even pups like to paw-ty! Enjoy festive holiday lights and music at Veterans Memorial Park. Dress your furry friend in their best holiday outfit and take your picture with “Santa Paws.” From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., stroll the Tail of Lights; a beautifully lit path perfect for a leisurely walk. While you mingle and jingle, you can enjoy treats and pet-friendly vendors.
Looking for more events? Check out our Free Fun in Austin calendar here.
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