It’s beginning to look a lot like string lights. Austin was recently rated the most festive city in the US, and we have to say, that’s a high honor.
So grab a pair of earmuffs, a warm cup of hot cocoa, a light jacket, and your loved ones — we’re stepping out to enjoy some of the best holiday light displays in the Austin area.
Bastrop River of Lights | Now-Tuesday, Jan. 2 | 5-10 p.m. | Fisherman’s Park, 1200 Willow St., Bastrop | Free | Enjoy this light display along the scenic June Hill Pape River Walk.
Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 5-9 p.m. | Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th streets, Austin | Free | This family-friendly event features food trucks, vendors, photos, and a Capitol tree lighting.
Longhorn Lights | Now-Monday, Jan. 1 | 5-10 p.m. | Guadalupe Street between 21st and 25th streets, Austin | Free | The inaugural Longhorn Lights is sure to bring festive nostalgia to Longhorns past, present, and future.
Luminations | Now-Saturday, Jan. 6 | 5:45-9 p.m. | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin | $23-$28 | This glowing exhibition is inspired by the four elements.
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights | Now-Sunday, Dec. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr., Marble Falls | Free | Walk through more than two million lights, including 350+ sculptures.
Mozart’s Annual Light Show | Now-Friday, Jan. 6 | Times vary | Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin | Free+ | This holiday tradition includes a Bavarian-style marketplace, holiday treats, a real piece of Taylor Swift’s dance floor, and a silent disco.
Peppermint Parkway | Now-Saturday, Dec. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin | $40-$99 | The holiday light display returns with a plethora of drive-thru installations, plus a petting zoo, holiday photo ops, rides, and a market at Peppermint Plaza.
Pfestival of Lights | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 3-7:30 p.m. | Downtown Pflugerville, 100 E. Main St., Pflugerville | Free | This event includes a parade and tree lighting.
Round Rock Light Up the Lake | Friday, Dec. 1 + Saturday, Dec. 2 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Old Settlers Park, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock | Free | Take in a light show featuring giant balloons over Bright Lake and enjoy holiday foods, crafts, and activities.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas | Now-Saturday, Dec. 2 and Thursday, Dec. 7-Saturday, Dec. 9 | 6-9 p.m. | San Marcos Plaza Park, 401 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos | $5 | Enjoy a parade along the river, photos with Santa, a glowing lights display, petting zoo, and “reindeer games.”
Trail of Lights | Now-Saturday, Dec. 23 | 6-10 p.m. | Zilker Park, 2207 Lou Neff Rd., Austin | Free-$95 | Austin’s signature light display is returning to a walking trail after two years of drive thru only. Pro tip: check out the event calendar for themed and free nights.
