Driving around to see Christmas lights can be so much fun – especially when you know exactly where to go. While we don’t know about every house or street sharing the joy, we do know of a handful of spots that are worth the drive.
See our 2022 list here!
Here are the best free Christmas lights displays around Austin!
Zilker Tree
2100 Barton Springs Road
There may be a charge for the Trail of Lights but it’s free to see the Zilker tree! The tree is scheduled to be illuminated through New Year’s Day and you can visit it nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. In addition to the notorious Moontower light display, there are a few vendors where you can purchase kettle corn, drinks, and other treats.
Mozart’s Coffee Christmas Lights Show
3825 Lake Austin
While reserved tables are necessary if you’d like to sit and eat or drink, there is a free option to watch the show. Enjoy the festival-style Bavarian marketplace and watch the show from the elevated parking lot directly up the stairs on a deck above all of the reserved tables.
The Harry Potter House
Bungalow Lane off Slaughter Lane in Circle C
There’s a Harry Potter house in Southwest Austin that’s all decked out for Christmas. You can see everything from the safety of your car as you drive-by or you can step outside to view it from the street. The Yule Ball will be on display through New Year’s. Learn more here. While you’re in the Circle C neighborhood, wander around and you’ll probably find some other fun displays as well.
37th Street Lights
500 Block of 37th Street
This DIY Austin street of lights tradition has been around for years and residents love to keep it weird! The lights mostly occur between Guadalupe and Home St on 37th Street. If you search 500 37th Street in your GPS, it will get you there. The best way to view the lights is by walking as the street gets backed up with cars. Plus you end up missing a lot of details if you’re stuck inside the car.
Round Rock Holiday Lights Trail
Various Addresses
If you find yourself north of the city, swing by the Forest Creek, Oak Bluff, and Lake Forest neighborhoods of Round Rock. You can find addresses on roundtherocktx.com. There’s even a Google map!
Want more Christmas light and events? Check out our massive list here!
