Discover 19 verified christmas lights in Austin and nearby areas.
Welcome to my guide for Austin Christmas lights and holiday displays. If you're looking to soak up the festive spirit, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy the season in and near Austin.
Some of my favorite spots include the Zilker Holiday Tree and the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, both of which are beloved neighborhood favorites. You'll also find creative light displays and walking trails that make exploring the city extra special this time of year.
Whether you're interested in free displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, or walkable options, I've got you covered. Discover what's happening and make the most of your visit to see the holiday lights near Austin.
Iconic 155-foot holiday tree atop a historic moontower.
The Zilker Holiday Tree in Austin illuminates the holiday season with its impressive 155-foot structure, featuring 3,309 multicolored LED lights. The annual lighting ceremony kicks off the festive period with live entertainment and community spirit. Visitors can also admire the...
Iconic Austin holiday tradition with over 2 million lights.
The Austin Trail of Lights transforms Zilker Park into a dazzling holiday spectacle with over 2 million lights and 70+ festive displays. This cherished Texas tradition offers a magical experience for all ages, featuring everything from dazzling light installations and...
Millions of lights synchronized to music with aerial LED stunts.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Mozart's 2025 Lake Austin Festival of Lights, themed 'Heaven and Nature Sing.' This beloved tradition transforms Lake Austin with millions of twinkling lights, featuring breathtaking aerial LED stunts, Broadway-caliber Christmas concerts, and a charming...
All-new light installations celebrating winter's natural beauty.
Prepare to be dazzled by Luminations, a breathtaking celebration of winter's natural beauty returning to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. This enchanting event features all-new light installations designed to illuminate the landscape and inspire wonder. It's a magical experience...
Reimagined walk-through holiday light experience
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Peppermint Parkway's reimagined walk-through experience. Millions of twinkling lights illuminate a dazzling parkway filled with whimsical characters and holiday cheer. Afterward, explore the festive plaza offering delicious seasonal treats, joyful rides, and lively...
Drive-through holiday lights and F1 track experience
Experience the magic of the holidays at Peppermint Parkway, returning November 2025. This dazzling drive-through attraction features over a mile of twinkling lights, animated characters, and festive displays. Enhance your visit with an optional F1 track lap or explore the...
A free, self-guided walk through a beautifully lit holiday trail.
Discover the enchanting Trail of Lights, a beloved Lakeway tradition. Stroll through a beautifully illuminated path each night, transformed into a magical holiday wonderland. This self-guided experience offers a free and festive way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Pet-focused holiday light display with Santa Paws
Experience the magic of the holidays with your furry companions at the Tail of Lights. This enchanting event transforms Lakeline Park into a festive wonderland with dazzling holiday lights and cheerful music. Capture unforgettable moments with a visit to 'Santa...
Downtown Round Rock illuminated with festive lights and live music
Experience the magic of Hometown Holiday in Downtown Round Rock, where the streets sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decor throughout December. Enjoy enchanting live music performances, explore interactive holiday displays, and marvel at a popular model train...
Synchronized drive-through holiday light show.
Immerse yourself in a spectacular drive-through holiday light show at The Light Park. Millions of synchronized LED lights create a magical winter wonderland, set to festive music. It's a dazzling experience perfect for families looking to enjoy the holiday spirit...
Enchanting 'Trail of Lights' display
Step into a magical holiday celebration at Western Wonderland, featuring a dazzling 'Trail of Lights' with sparkling displays and whimsical scenes. Enjoy ice skating, browse a festive holiday market, and discover enchanting holiday characters. This event promises a spectacular array...
Annual town square holiday light illumination
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Georgetown's Annual Lighting of the Square. This cherished tradition officially kicks off the festive period the day after Thanksgiving, illuminating the entire town square with dazzling lights that twinkle nightly through January...
Over 100,000 lights on the iconic Christmas tree.
Experience the magic of the Sights & Sounds of Christmas, a beloved San Marcos holiday festival! This family-friendly event features dazzling light displays, thrilling carnival rides, and a chance to meet Santa. Explore the Town of Bethlehem, enjoy festive food,...
Expansive 8-acre walking trail of holiday light displays.
Experience the magic of the EmilyAnn Trail of Lights, a dazzling holiday spectacle transforming 8 acres into a winter wonderland. Stroll through enchanting light displays, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows, and meet Santa Claus on select nights. This beloved...
Six-day holiday festival with carnival, petting zoo, and Santa's arrival.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Sights & Sounds of Christmas in San Marcos. This six-day festival features a thrilling carnival with rides for all ages, a charming petting zoo with llamas and goats, and an ice-skating rink....
Over two million twinkling lights in 'The Twinkliest Town in Texas'
Prepare to be dazzled by Lights Spectacular, transforming Johnson City into 'The Twinkliest Town in Texas.' This breathtaking display features over two million lights, creating a magical holiday wonderland across the historic square, Memorial Park, and PEC headquarters. It's an...
Mile-long drive-through light display with animated scenes.
Embark on a magical journey through Santa's Ranch, a beloved Texas holiday tradition for over two decades. This enchanting drive-through experience features over three million dazzling lights and animated displays spread across a mile of scenic country roads. Indulge in...
Millions of lights in a drive-through holiday display
Experience the magic of the holidays at Natural Bridge Caverns with their spectacular Hill Country Christmas Lights. This enchanting drive-through event illuminates the Texas landscape with millions of dazzling lights synchronized to festive music. Journey through themed areas that bring...
Immersive ice sculpture experience based on Frosty the Snowman.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman, a spectacular immersive experience carved from 2 million pounds of ice. Explore 10 whimsical scenes from the beloved story, marvel at intricate ice sculptures of your favorite characters,...
See the location of all christmas lights around Austin and nearby areas
Open Map →Some of the most popular displays include the Zilker Holiday Tree and the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park. You'll also find creative neighborhood displays and immersive light trails throughout the city and nearby areas.
Yes, Austin offers both drive-through lights, like those at Peppermint Parkway, and walkable options such as the Trail of Lights and the Zilker Holiday Tree. Each provides a different way to enjoy the festive season.
Most major displays begin in late November, with the Trail of Lights and Zilker Holiday Tree usually lighting up in early December. Many neighborhood displays also start around Thanksgiving.
Yes, several free displays are available, including the Zilker Holiday Tree and many neighborhood light displays. Some events may have free viewing nights or areas open to the public without tickets.