With just a few days left until Christmas, holiday cheer is in full gear and it is prime time to seek out the perfect festive evening. While the Zilker Park Trail of Lights is the go-to holiday light experience for most Austinites, there are many opportunities to soak in some yuletide glow just outside our city’s borders.
Just 45 minutes southwest of Austin is Wimberley – an artsy Hill Country town that boasts the slogan, “Keep Wimberley Weirder”. Wimberley hosts a Trail of Lights all their own, located at the EmilyAnn Theater and Gardens, and, while well- worth the trip, there is no need to go to the trail to get a dose of holiday spirit – the whole town is adorned with lights and Christmas décor, and is the perfect place to find some unique, last minute gifts.
A festive greeting at the EmilyAnn Theater and Gardens. Photo: Shea Carley
After exploring Wimberley’s art galleries and antique shops, head over to the EmilyAnn Theater and Gardens. If you’re looking to provide some of your favorite youngsters with the best Christmas outing central Texas has to offer, this is the place to do it. Grab a cup of pick-your-price of hot cocoa and wander your way to Santa Claus through a maze of little trails that not only exhibit some of fantastic lights, but the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Friends gather around the yule log at the Trail of Lights in Wimberley to make smores. Ready-to-roast smores can be purchased at the event for just a buck. Photo: Shea Carley
Santa is available to hear children’s Christmas wish lists. Photo: Shea Carley
Another lighted trail that is located just about 45 miles up the Colorado River from Austin offers some of the most stunning Christmas sightseeing – the Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls. Strolling along this trail you’ll get double the glowing beauty as millions of lights are reflected in Lake Marble Falls.
The Walkway of Lights. Photo: DailyTrib.com
South of Marble Falls you’ll find one of the largest light displays in the entire state. In Johnson City, the whole community comes together to participate in Lights Spectacular. From the Blanco County Courthouse to locals’ homes, everything is dripping with shimmering lights. Be sure to check out the Pedernales Electric Co-op Headquarters, and walk among breath-taking trees lit from trunk to twig.
Pedernales Electric Co-op Lights. Photo: Flickr user Dave Wilson
Wimberley, Marble Falls, and Johnson City are but three locations on the Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail. So get out of the city this holiday season (you have until January 1st!) and celebrate winter Texas-style.
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