Best Christmas Lights & Holiday Displays in Austin (2026)
Big light trails, free neighborhood traditions, drive-through shows and Hill Country evenings worth the drive.
New to RoamRecs? Save these places to your own map in one tap, find them again on your phone, and share lists with friends. It’s free.
Run a business in this guide, or want yours added? Get in touch. Or get featured.
A good Austin Christmas night might mean standing under the Zilker tree, wandering a delightfully weird front-yard display on 37th Street or watching a drive-through show from the back seat. Head a little farther out and you can trade the big-event crowds for a glowing courthouse square or a canopy of lit-up Hill Country oaks.
This guide covers 23 of the best Christmas lights and holiday displays in and around Austin for 2026, from free neighborhood walks to ticketed light trails, plus the one-night tree lightings worth planning around. Start with the side of town you'll be on and how much walking you want to do. One main display, dinner and time to enjoy both usually makes the best night.
Austin Christmas Lights at a Glance
| Display | Area | 2026 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Trail of Lights | Zilker Park | Dec 10–23 | Free 7 nights; $8 ages 12+ on others |
| Zilker Holiday Tree | Zilker Park | Nov 29–Jan 1 | Free |
| Luminations | Southwest Austin | Select nights Nov 20–Dec 31 | $30 adults, $20 ages 3–12 |
| Mozart's Festival of Lights | Lake Austin | Nov 21–Jan 3 | $8 ($7 early bird through Nov 20) |
| Peppermint in the Park at COTALAND | Southeast Austin | Select dates Nov 20–Jan 3 | From $19.99 (no rides) |
| Longhorn Lights | UT campus | Nov 17–Jan 1 | Free |
| 37th Street Lights | North University | Dates TBA | Free |
| Community First! Village of Lights | East Austin | Dec 4–5, 11–12 | Free; RSVP |
| Domain NORTHSIDE Tree Light Show | North Austin | From Nov 21 | Outdoor lawn show |
| Four Seasons Austin | Downtown | Nov 20–Jan 3 | Skating ticketed |
| Lakeway Trail of Lights | Lakeway | Dec 4–Jan 1 | Free |
| The Light Park | Round Rock | Nov 6–Jan 3 | Per vehicle, by date |
| Georgetown Square | Georgetown | Nov 27–Jan 1 | Free |
| Buda Holiday Lights | Buda | Dec 10–12, 17–19 | Free |
| Light Up the Lake | Round Rock | Dec 4–5 | Free |
| Lights on the Lake at Volente Beach | Lake Travis | Select dates Nov 20–Jan 3 | Paid entry + $15 parking |
| Johnson City and the PEC lights | Johnson City | Nov 27–Jan 3 | Free |
| Bastrop River of Lights | Bastrop | Nov 27–Jan 4 | Free |
| Marble Falls Walkway of Lights | Marble Falls | Nov 20–Jan 2 | Free |
| EmilyAnn Trail of Lights | Wimberley | Nov 28–Dec 26 | Free; $20/family suggested |
| Santa's Ranch | New Braunfels | Nov 6–Jan 3 | $37 + tax per vehicle |
| Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights | Fredericksburg | Nov 24–Jan 5 | Free |
| Sights & Sounds of Christmas | San Marcos | Dec 3–5, 10–12 | $10 ages 13+ |
Christmas Lights in and Around Austin
Start with the city's big traditions at Zilker Park, Lake Austin, UT and the neighborhood displays, then branch out to free walks, a drive-through and town-square evenings in Lakeway, Round Rock, Georgetown, Buda and out on Lake Travis. Everything here works for a weeknight.
Austin Trail of Lights
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA
If you only do one big Christmas night in Austin, make it this one. The Trail runs glowing tunnels and holiday scenes through Zilker Park, with food and music along the way. It's a real walk, so give yourself time to stop and look, and pick a free night early in the run if value matters. Details: Dec 10–23 · General admission 7–10 p.m.; ZIP (early-entry) and Platinum tickets from 6 p.m. · Free Dec 10–11 and 13–17; $8 ages 12+ on Dec 12 and 18–23, 11 and under always free · Parking ($25–$35) must be booked ahead and isn't sold on site; on paid nights the $10 shuttle from Toney Burger Activity Center includes admission · Strollers and small wagons OK, no pets
Zilker Holiday Tree
2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746, USA
The Zilker tree is about as Austin as Christmas gets: a towering spiral of colored lights strung from a moonlight tower. Stand underneath and look up, and you've had the full experience in half an hour. You don't need a Trail ticket, and nights outside the Trail's run are much easier for parking. Details: Nov 29–Jan 1 · Nightly 6–10 p.m.; lighting ceremony Nov 29 at 6 p.m. · Free · Expect event traffic Dec 4–5 and Dec 10–23; otherwise paved-lot parking is first come, first served
Luminations at the Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739, USA
Light installations tucked into the Wildflower Center's gardens make this Austin's best date-night pick, with room to wander and actually talk. Kids love exploring Fortlandia after dark too. It's all outdoors, so comfortable shoes and a layer matter more than dressing up. Details: Nov 20–22, 27–29; Dec 3–6, 10–13, 17–23, 26–31 · Timed entry 5:45–7:45 p.m. · $30 adults, $20 ages 3–12, under 3 free · Free offsite parking and shuttle, or $25 guaranteed onsite parking · Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Mozart's Festival of Lights
3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Mozart's is all about the setting: a hot chocolate, lights across the water and holiday music beside Lake Austin. It's an easy date or a festive coffee run with visiting family. General admission, a reserved table and a boat cruise are three different purchases, so decide how you want to spend the night before you book. Details: Nov 21–Jan 3 · Shows from 6 p.m., ending at 9 or 10 p.m. by date · $8 general admission ($7 if bought online by Nov 20), under 18 months free; tables and boats extra
Peppermint in the Park at COTALAND
9111 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617, USA
COTA's holiday event has moved inside its new COTALAND theme park, with lights, a Christmas market and rides for families who want to make an evening of it. If rides aren't the point, the walking pass is the cheaper way in. Plan it like a theme-park visit, with time for food and whatever the kids want most. Details: Select dates Nov 20–Jan 3 · Evening passes from 4 p.m. · $19.99 walking pass (no rides); $39.99 evening or all-day pass with rides; parking extra · Cashless
Longhorn Lights
South Mall, Austin, TX, USA
Orange and white lights turn UT's South Mall into an easy, free stroll, with the campus doing plenty of the work as a backdrop. It switches on at 5 p.m., so families can see it and still make bedtime. Pair it with dinner nearby. Details: Nov 17–Jan 1 · Nightly 5–10 p.m. · Free; campus parking rules and fees still apply · South Mall, 21st St. and University Ave.
37th Street Lights
507 W 37th St, Austin, TX 78705, USA
This is Austin's weird-Christmas tradition: neighbors on one North University block cover their houses in handmade displays, found objects and strange little scenes. What shows up changes every year, which is half the fun. 2026 dates haven't been announced yet, so check before you build a night around it. Details: 2026 dates TBA · Free; donations welcome · Walk it rather than driving through, keep driveways clear and skip the nearby business lots, which can tow · W. 37th St. between Guadalupe St. and Home St.
Community First! Village of Lights
9116 Hog Eye Rd Building 3401, Austin, TX 78724, USA
Village of Lights gives families more to do than follow a trail: lights, a market of handmade gifts from artists who live in the Village, food trucks, a mini train, crafts and Santa. It runs just four nights, so pick a date early. Details: Dec 4–5 and 11–12 · 5:30–9 p.m.; lights on around 6, Santa and the train wrap at 8:30 · Free; RSVP · Park at the Travis County Expo Center (Gate 3 off Decker Lake Rd.) and take the shuttle; accessible parking is at the Village · No pets
Domain NORTHSIDE Holiday Tree Light Show
11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758, USA
If you're already shopping or eating at the Domain, the NORTHSIDE tree's musical light show earns a stop. Shows run on the hour, so time your walk past it rather than waiting around. Details: From Nov 21 (festivities from 2 p.m., tree lighting at 6 p.m.); end date TBA · Hourly shows daily · NORTHSIDE Lawn across from Apple
Four Seasons Austin
98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
The Four Seasons goes all in: a lit arrival drive, a long tunnel of glowing stars, a lawn tree and a gingerbread display for the hotel's 40th anniversary. It's a polished date or a nice outing with visiting family, especially with a skate at the Ice Rodeo rink. Book the activity first and enjoy the decorations around it. Details: Nov 20–Jan 3 · Ice Rodeo skating and rinkside cabins daily 4–9 p.m., ticketed · Dining and parking extra; if you're only coming to look, ask about access first
Lakeway Trail of Lights
1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd, Lakeway, TX 78734, USA
A free, self-guided walk on the west side with no tickets to juggle. It stays lit until midnight, so dinner first is easy, and it's an obvious pick if you're staying out toward the lake. Regular nights have no vendors, so eat beforehand. Details: Dec 4–Jan 1 · Nightly 6 p.m.–midnight · Free · Lights On! opening celebration Dec 4, 6–9 p.m. · Stroller and wheelchair access via the sidewalk around City Hall to the rear trail entrance
The Light Park, Round Rock
3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Tune the radio, stay in your seats and let the animated displays do the work. It's one of the most practical outings for small kids or anyone who'd rather skip a long walk, and one ticket covers the whole car. Weeknights are calmer; eat first so nobody's hungry in line. Details: Nov 6–Jan 3 · Nightly 5:30–10 p.m.; until 11 p.m. Nov 26–28, Dec 4–5, 11–12 and 18–26 · One ticket per vehicle, priced by date · Dogs OK if they stay in the car
Georgetown Square Holiday Lights
710 S Main St, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
Georgetown is the move when you want dinner, a stroll and somewhere to linger. The lit courthouse anchors the square, and the shops and restaurants around it make the lights feel like part of town rather than an attraction. Opening night brings the crowd and countdown; any other evening is an easy walk. Details: Nov 27–Jan 1 · Evenings; opening celebration Nov 27, 5:30–6:30 p.m. · Free · Use the city's public lots and garages; bridge work on Austin Ave. can slow the drive in
Buda Holiday Lights
880 Main St, Buda, TX 78610, USA
Historic Stagecoach Park gives Buda's lights a roomy, small-town-festival feel, and it's free. The regular run is just two Thursday-to-Saturday stretches, so put it on the calendar instead of assuming you can drop in. Details: Dec 10–12 and 17–19, 6–9 p.m.; older-adult evening Dec 9 and sensory-friendly evening Dec 16, both 5–7 p.m. · Free · No parking at the park; shuttle details TBA
Light Up the Lake
3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Giant lit balloons floating over the lake set this Round Rock festival apart from a regular light trail, with music and holiday displays filling out the night. It's free, but only on two nights. Details: Dec 4–5, 6–10 p.m. · Free · Walking festival on sidewalks and grass · At Old Settlers Park, not The Light Park at Dell Diamond
Lights on the Lake at Volente Beach
16107 Farm to Market Rd 2769 Suite D, Leander, TX 78641, USA
Volente Beach turns its Lake Travis shoreline into a walk of lit scenes and photo stops, with places to settle in with something warm. It makes the most sense if you're already out by the lake. The Jingle Cruise boat ride is a separate ticket. Details: Select dates Nov 20–Jan 3, mostly Wed–Sun, plus Dec 21–22 · Entry slots from 5 p.m. · Paid entry by date; $15 parking in the Dodd St. lot; boat tickets separate
Email me this guide
All 24 places with map links, in your inbox. No account needed.
Hill Country Christmas Lights Worth the Drive
Small-town squares, riverside walks and a ranch drive-through. These take real travel time, so make the trip the evening rather than a detour from an Austin dinner reservation.
Johnson City PEC Lights
201 S Ave F, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
If you're going to drive out of town for lights, this is the trip. Pedernales Electric Cooperative wraps the live oaks on its headquarters campus in a canopy of white lights, and the courthouse square, lit again this season after its renovation, makes a second stop. Get there before dark, eat in town and take your time at both. Details: Nov 27–Jan 3 · PEC 6 p.m.–midnight · Free · Weekend traffic can be heavy, so arrive early
Johnson City Lights Spectacular (Courthouse Square)
101 E Pecan Dr, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
The Blanco County Courthouse is lit again this season after its renovation, and the square makes the natural second stop after the PEC oaks. Details: Nov 27–Jan 3 · Downtown from dusk to midnight · Free · Use legal downtown parking
Bastrop River of Lights
1200 Willow St, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
A half-mile of displays along the Colorado River makes for an easy small-town stroll after dinner downtown. It's the handiest regional pick if you live on Austin's east side. Details: Nov 27–Jan 4 · Nightly 6–10 p.m. · Free · Tree lighting Nov 27, 6–8 p.m. · The Fisherman's Park entrance is step-free; the Main and Pine St. entrance has stairs
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Spend the afternoon in Marble Falls, eat early and finish with a free walk of holiday scenes beside the lake. It's big enough to feel like a destination without anyone in the family needing a ticket. Details: Nov 20–Jan 2 · Nightly 6–10 p.m., weather permitting; wet-weather decisions are posted at 3 p.m. · Free · Paved path with a hill near the exit
EmilyAnn Trail of Lights
1101 Farm to Market Rd 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676, USA
EmilyAnn has a handmade, community-built feel, with displays spread across the theatre's gardens and music and activities on select nights. It pairs naturally with an afternoon in Wimberley and an early dinner. Details: Nov 28–Dec 26 · From 6 p.m., closing at 9 or 10 p.m. by date; Dec 24–25 lights only, 6–9 p.m. · Free; $20 per family suggested donation · General parking at the neighboring schools; ask volunteers at the EmilyAnn driveway for accessible parking · No pets
Santa's Ranch
9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Winding ranch roads lined with animated Christmas scenes, all enjoyed from your seat. It's open every night of the season, Christmas included, which makes it handy with relatives in town. Despite the name, there's no live Santa. Details: Nov 6–Jan 3 · Sun–Thu 6–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat 6–11 p.m. · $37 plus tax per vehicle; $74 season pass · From Austin, take I-35 south to exit 199 and join the right-lane frontage-road queue · No buses, limos, trailers or RVs
Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights
126 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
The farthest trip here, and worth a full day. The German Christmas pyramid and community tree give the Marktplatz a distinctive holiday setting, and the 6 p.m. lighting program is a natural way to cap an afternoon of shops and dinner. Details: Nov 24–Jan 5 · Music from 5 p.m.; 10-minute lighting program at 6 p.m. (no program Dec 4 or Dec 31) · Free
Sights & Sounds of Christmas
206 N C M Allen Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
This one's a full festival, with carnival rides, performances and holiday scenes around the lights. Go when you want a big, busy evening with the kids rather than a quiet stroll. Details: Dec 3–5 and 10–12, 5:30–11 p.m. · $10 ages 13+, 12 and under free; rides and food extra · Clear-bag policy; check the 2026 parking and shuttle plan before you go
Austin Tree Lightings and One-Night Celebrations
If you want a countdown, a sing-along or Santa, these are the nights to plan around. For photos and breakfasts, see our where to see Santa in Austin guide. The longer-running displays keep their own hours, listed above.
| Date | Event | Where | Time and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 21 | Domain NORTHSIDE tree lighting | North Austin | Festivities from 2 p.m.; tree at 6 p.m. |
| Nov 27 | Georgetown Square lighting | Georgetown | 5:30–6:30 p.m.; lights around 6 |
| Nov 27 | Bastrop tree lighting | Bastrop | 6–8 p.m., Fisherman's Park |
| Nov 29 | Zilker Holiday Tree lighting | Zilker Park | Music 5:15 p.m.; lighting at 6 |
| Dec 1 | Fairmont Austin tree lighting | Downtown | 6–8:30 p.m.; RSVP; Santa photos 6:30–8:30 with a new, unwrapped toy donation |
| Dec 2 | Heritage Oak Tree Lighting | Cedar Park | 6:30–8:30 p.m.; Heritage Oak Park |
| Dec 4 | Lakeway Lights On! | Lakeway | 6–9 p.m.; opening-night parking plan |
| Dec 5 | Downtown Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll | Congress Ave. | 5–8 p.m.; sing-along at 6, tree lighting at 7 |
| Dec 5 | Pflugerville Pfestival of Lights & Parade | Pflugerville | 4–7:30 p.m.; downtown Main St. |
| Dec 8 | Mueller Tower Lighting | Mueller | 5:30–7:30 p.m.; RSVP |
| Dec 9 | Buda older-adult evening | Buda | 5–7 p.m. |
| Dec 11 | Light Up Lakeline | Cedar Park | 6:30–9 p.m.; Lakeline Park |
| Dec 16 | Buda sensory-friendly evening | Buda | 5–7 p.m.; quiet spaces |
Planning Your Austin Christmas Lights Night
The classic Zilker night. Eat early, sort out parking or the shuttle in advance, then see the Zilker tree and spend the rest of the evening on the Trail of Lights. For free admission, go Dec 10–11 or 13–17, and don't stack another timed reservation on top.
A Hill Country evening. Drive out to Johnson City in the afternoon, eat in town, then see the PEC oaks and the courthouse square after dark. For a different rhythm, spend the afternoon in Wimberley and finish at EmilyAnn after 6 p.m.
Price the whole night, not the ticket. A free trail can still mean paid parking, and a per-vehicle drive-through can be the cheaper option for a full car. At Mozart's, tables and boat rides are extras; at COTALAND, the walking pass leaves out rides.
Go to the right entrance. The venue address isn't always where you park. Village of Lights sends drivers to Expo Center Gate 3, Buda has no parking at Stagecoach Park, the Trail of Lights uses the route on your parking pass and Santa's Ranch has its own frontage-road queue.
Check the weather before driving out of town. Outdoor displays can close for rain or wet ground, and Marble Falls posts its daily call at 3 p.m. Bring a layer for a slow evening outside, especially near the water.
For a festive drink after the lights, see our Austin Christmas bars and holiday pop-ups guide.
Making a weekend of it? Our guides to Austin Christmas markets and holiday ice skating pair well with a lights night, and our Christmas tree guide covers the lots and farms.
Save this guide
Keep this guide in your RoamRecs so you can find it again later.
Email me this guide
All 24 places with map links, in your inbox. No account needed.
Own or run a place in this guide, or want yours added? Get in touch. Own a restaurant or bar here? Become a featured partner on this guide →
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free Christmas lights in Austin?
Which Austin Christmas lights can you drive through?
Do you need a Trail of Lights ticket to see the Zilker tree?
Can you see Christmas lights in Austin after Christmas?
What's a good option if it's raining?
Is the Maywald Christmas Display open in 2026?
Related guides
More in Austin
About the creator
Your guide to eating, drinking & exploring Austin 🤠 BBQ, Tex-Mex, live music, patios & local favorites. Find your next spot ↓
View profile →