Can you feel that winter magic in the air? It’s that time of year when Austin transforms into a twinkling wonderland with spectacular displays! I put together a list for you of the best holiday lights in Austin to walk or drive through. Whether you’re an Austin old-timer or just passing through, these magical displays are guaranteed to light up your holiday spirit!
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The Best Places to See Holiday Lights in Austin, Texas
Walk-Up Holiday Lights
Austin Trail of Lights
December 10 to December 23
The Austin Trail of Lights is one of the biggest light displays around and is practically a tradition. It has been operating for 60 years! They have over 2 million lights, 90 lighted trees, and more than 70 other displays and tunnels. There’s also food and drink vendors, Santa’s Workshop, rides, live music, and more.
Zilker Holiday Tree
December 1 to January 1
When the Austin Trail of Lights isn’t happening, you can drive up to the Zilker Park holiday tree. There’s free public parking nearby that’s first-come, first-served. This is a great place to get beautiful pictures of the Austin skyline behind the Zilker Holiday Tree. I recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.
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Diagon Alley Austin
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you’ll want to check this one out! Every year for the holidays, a home in South Austin completely transforms into a Harry Potter world. There’s a different theme each year, and this year’s theme is the Yule Ball. Since it’s in a neighborhood, you’re asked to park nearby and walk up to the display. It’s free to visit.
Mozart’s Festival of Lights
November 29 to January 4
Mozart’s Coffee on Lake Austin is a popular spot for holiday light viewing, and for good reason. Not only is it a local favorite, but Mozart’s puts on a spectacular display for the holidays. They also have fun activities, live entertainment, and serve their renowned hot chocolate. The view of the lake here is just the cherry (or star?) on top.
Drive-Thru Holiday Lights
Peppermint Parkway
November 22 to December 29
Peppermint Parkway is a big, popular light display in Austin with over a mile of holiday light displays to drive through. You can also enjoy food, rides, and other fun activities while you’re there. Tickets start at $45 for access for one vehicle and up to four people.
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Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
November 1 to January 4
Santa’s Ranch is a big drive-thru holiday light display in New Braunfels, about a 40-minute drive from Austin. It has been operating for over 20 years and now has 3 million lights and animated displays. Grab some hot chocolate and kettle corn, and enjoy the views from the comfort of your car!
The Light Park in Round Rock
November 1 to January 5
Round Rock puts on a vibrant, electrifying display at The Light Park, about a 30-minute drive north of Austin. Millions of lights sync up to holiday music as you drive through tunnels and pass dazzling displays. They also have five other locations across Texas. The Round Rock location opens nightly starting at 5:30 p.m.
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Longhorn Lights by UT
November 19 to January 1
It wouldn’t be Austin without a burnt orange and white light display! The University of Texas puts on a display of their colors along The Drag, down Guadalupe Street between 21st and 24th. You can walk down the sidewalk or drive along the street from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
What are your favorite holiday lights in Austin?
Here’s to hoping your holidays are as bright and cheerful as Austin’s beautiful lights! And I’d love to hear about your favorite spots or any hidden gems you discover. Please let me know in the comments below. After all, the more light, the merrier, right? Happy holidays, y’all!
Looking for more things to do for the holidays? Check out some of my other posts on holiday travel and activities below!
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