It’s beginning to look a lot like string lights. Austin was recently rated the most festive city in the US for the third year in a row, 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 | Friday, Nov. 29-Monday, Jan. 6
Enjoy this free light display along the scenic June Hill Pape River Walk at Fisherman’s Park. Psst — don’t forget to check the calendar for special activities, like visits from Santa and karaoke.
Downtown Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll | Saturday, Dec. 7
Head Downtown (on Congress Avenue between 8th and 11th streets) for the 30th annual Capitol tree lighting, a vendor market, food trucks, live music, and tons of cheer from 3 to 8 p.m.
Longhorn Lights | Now-Wednesday, Jan. 1
The second annual Longhorn Lights brings festive nostalgia and twinkling lights to 24 Heritage Oak trees to Longhorns past, present, and future along Guadalupe Street between 21st and 25th streets.
Luminations | Friday, Nov. 22–Sunday, Jan. 5
This glowing exhibition at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is inspired by artistry in nature. Tickets start at $23.
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights | Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Jan. 4
Walk through more than two million lights and 350+ sculptures at Lakeside Park in Marble Falls. Tickets run $2 per person at the door.
Mozart’s Annual Light Show | Friday, Nov. 29-Saturday, Jan. 4
The beloved local coffee shop’s annual holiday tradition includes a marketplace, holiday pastries, donut boat rides, cozy igloos, and live music. Tickets start at $5 and kids under 11 are free.
Peppermint Parkway | Friday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Dec. 29
Cruise down the Circuit of the Americas to see a plethora of drive-thru installations, plus holiday photo ops, a mini golf course, cookie decorating, COTA go-karting, rides, and a market at Peppermint Plaza. Admission for one car starts at $45.
Pfestival of Lights + Christmas Parade | Saturday, Dec. 7
Get pfestive at this annual tree lighting and parade on Main Street in Downtown Pflugerville, complete with a photo opportunity with Santa.
Round Rock Light Up the Lake | Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 7
Take in a light show at Old Settlers Park featuring giant balloons over Bright Lake and enjoy holiday foods, crafts, a yule log, and live music.
Hometown Holidays | Saturday, Dec. 14
Enjoy free entertainment, a glowing lights display, candle making, turkey legs, and a visit from Santa at San Marcos Plaza Park after the 5K Jingle Bell run.
Trail of Lights | Tuesday, Dec. 10-Monday, Dec. 23
Now in its 60th year, this Austin tradition will return to Zilker Park with the same twinkling lights displays you know and love. Pro tip: check out the event calendar for themed and free nights.
