If you love Christmas lights, this one’s for you! We’re shining a spotlight on all the best holiday light displays in Central Texas in 2020.
Austin Area Christmas Lights Displays:
Peppermint Parkway
Through January 3 | 6 to 10:30 p.m. | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard
Introducing Peppermint Parkway, an all-new drive-thru experience with millions of lights, dazzling scenes and dancing elves at Circuit of The Americas.
Trail of Lights
Through January 3 | Various Times | Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road
The 56th annual Austin Trail of Lights is returning to the city’s iconic Zilker Park as a drive-thru only event. 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.
Santa’s Ranch (New Braunfels)
Through January 3 | Sunday – Thursday from 6 to 10 P.M. and Friday – Saturday from 6 to 11 P.M. | 9561 I-35 NORTH
Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state! You’ll take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks.
Want more ideas on how to spend your time in New Braunfels? Check this out!
Lakeway Trail of Lights
Through January 3 | Starting at 6 P.M. | Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek
Although there will be no in-person event marking opening weekend this year, the trail will be shining brightly each night with thousands of twinkling lights for all to enjoy! They request that you please follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask when appropriate. Friendly reminder, please limit your groups to less than 10 people.
Walkway of Lights (Marble Falls)
Through January 2 | From 6 to 10 P.M. | Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive
Join in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Walkway of Lights! Gaze in awe at over 2 million Christmas Lights reflecting off of our beautiful Lake Marble Falls for 44 nights in a row. Scheduled theme nights will be happening throughout the duration of this event so be sure to keep an eye out on their Christmas Page for more information! Don’t forget to try out the ice skating rink!
Maywald Christmas Light Display
Through January 3 | 6 to 10 p.m. Nightly | 10505 Twilight Vista
It’s the most wonderful time of the year–the Maywald Christmas Light Display! The lights turn on November 21 and run nightly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. through January 3 (weather permitting). Donations received at the light show benefit Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. Last year, the Maywalds raised over $45,000 totaling over $76,000 in four years!
Bastrop River of Lights
Through January 1 | Open till 10 P.M. daily | Fisherman’s Park, 1209 Linden Street
Take in the sights at the River of Lights which include numerous displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk.
Looking for more things to do in Bastrop? Try this post!
Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Through January 3 | From 6 to 9 P.M. | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Avenue
Here to light up your nights, our Luminations tradition is going to keep on glowing in 2020! Experience the calm of winter at the Center with the shimmer of thousands of luminarias lighting the way. This year, for the first time ever, stroll through our naturally beautiful Texas Arboretum among the illuminated oaks and the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia.
A Very Happy Holiday Blue Star Lite Show Drive-in Expereince
Through December 23 | Various times | Blue Starlite Drive-in, 2103 East M. Franklin Avenue
The Blue Starlite team wanted to create a hybrid of a typical night at the Blue Starlite Drive-in with the vibe of a Holiday light walk. So for one hour you will drive-in to a sparkling festive space with photo ops, Movie themed decorative scenes, and yet still our super safe and comfortable blue Starlite Drive-in Covid rules in place.
Natural Bridge Caverns Christmas (San Antonio)
Select Dates Through December 23 | Various times |26496 Natural Bridge Caverns Road
At Natural Bridge Caverns, we celebrate Christmas unlike anywhere else in the world! Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, they kick our holiday festivities up a notch. Hear your favorite carols echo through Texas’ largest underground cavern. Visit with Santa “Spelunker” Claus, then round up his reindeer in our 5000 square foot outdoor maze. As the sun sets behind their 30-foot Christmas tree, take a stroll through their 1/3 mile trail of lights. Don’t forget to roast s’mores, enjoy live music, and shop for your holiday gifts!
Lights Spectacular Hill Country Style (Johnson City)
Through January 3 | Various Times | 101 East Pecan Street, Johnson City
Celebrate Lights Spectacular’s 31st Season! Holiday lights will continue to glow in Johnson City – with a socially distanced tour of “The Twinkliest Town in Texas” -boasting over two million twinkling lights in our historic square off Main Street.
Toyota of Cedar Park Northern Lights Holiday Spectacular
Through December 31 | Daily at 5 p.m. | 1501 E New Hope Dr, Cedar Park
The socially distanced experience will feature vibrant drive thru lighting displays as well as a different Holiday movie screening each night and a fun double feature on weekends. Food, drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase directly from your smart phone and served to your car during each movie. All you have to do is scan your QR code that will be by your car, order and let us do the rest! Guests will be able to drive through the trail from December 5 through 31, 2020 and can choose ticket types based on their preferred date, and movie preference. Bring your chairs, blankets and relax in your own 8×12 space by your car to enjoy the movie. Social Distancing rules and regulations will be enforced.
Looking for more things to do in Cedar Park? Check out this post!
Bee Cave Buzz Fest
December 17 through 19 | From 6 to 10 p.m. | Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Boulevard
Join at the Hill Country Galleria for a deep dive into the ocean of bioluminescence and immersive sound by nationally acclaimed artists. Explore and experience art in a whole new light. Free for all ages.
Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show
Through January 6 | Reservations available between 6 and 11 P.M. | Mozart’s Coffee, 3825 Lake Austin
Mozart’s holiday lights are a Austin tradition that we look forward to every year! The awesome light displays along with the warm treats make this holiday stop a must-stop. Due to this year’s reservation system, make sure you reserve your tickets sooner rather than later!
For more holiday happenings, check out this post!
Featured photo via Peppermint Parkway.
