All The Best Holiday Lights Displays in Austin
Austin transforms into a sparkling wonderland every holiday season, with neighborhoods, parks, and local attractions lighting up with dazzling displays that delight both kids and adults. If you’re looking to experience the best holiday lights in Austin, this guide covers the top spots for festive cheer. From drive-thru displays to walkable winter wonderlands, here’s where to find the most magical holiday lights displays in Austin this year.
Walkable Lights Displays
1. Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
One of Austin’s most famous holiday traditions, the Austin Trail of Lights in Zilker Park, is a must-visit for families. With millions of lights, holiday-themed displays, and a giant Christmas tree made from over 3,000 lights, this event brings holiday magic to the heart of Austin.
Parking: Available near Zilker Park with shuttle options for easier access.
Highlights: Walk through illuminated tunnels, meet Santa, and take family photos with festive backdrops.
Tickets: General admission is free on certain nights, but tickets are required for peak nights. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. There are different prices for different levels of tickets.
2. Mozart’s Coffee Lake Austin Festival of Lights
This is an old annual tradition in Austin, but so much has changed this year! Mozart’s is rolling out their lights show (now called the Lake Austin Festival of Lights) with $5 reservations per person instead of table reservations. Their lakeside deck will still transform into a sparkling light show that’s both cozy and family-friendly. Each year, the show includes synchronized music and intricate light patterns, creating a fun, intimate holiday experience for visitors. This year, you get a $5 ticket (kids under 11 are free) and you can stay for up to 2.5 hours. Seating is open and not available to reserve.
You can also purchase igloo reservations and donut boat or boat reservations.
3. Luminations at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Explore the Wildflower Center Central Garden under a light installation. Food and drink options available for purchase. New this year: you can explore the Fortlandia exhibit at night while you’re there for Luminations!
Dates & Times: November 22, 2024- January 5, 2025. Entry times between 5:45pm-7:45pm Exhibit ends at 9pm.
4. Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
5. Lakeway Trail of Lights
Enjoy a FREE festive walk through a holiday lit trail. Self walk through only. There are no attendants or vendors on-site.
Dates & Times: Nightly December 6, 2024- January 1, 2025, 6pm-midnight
Access locations: Lakeway Activity Center parking lot – 105 Cross Creek- The City Hall Parking lot – 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway
6. Light Up the Lake: Round Rock
FREE: 2-DAY EVENT. Enjoy a light show, live music, holiday displays, food and refreshments, crafts, family activities, yule log and more!
Dates & Times: Friday, December 6th 6pm & Saturday, December 7th 6pm
7. 37th Street Lights
This is a FREE, quirky Austin tradition. Walk through 37th Street at Guadalupe in Austin. Homes are decorated and there are fun interactive surprises along the way. Some nights will even have entertainment like fire dancers.
Dates & Times: Opens Dec 13, 2024 through New Years. Sunset-10pm
8. Harry Potter & The Forbidden Forest
Not specific to Christmas or the holidays, but this is a temporary walk-thru lights experience that’s in Cedar Creek through Dec 19, 2024. It’s a must-do for any Harry Potter fan! We absolutely loved it!
Dates & Times: Open Friday – Sunday and select weeknights through Dec 19, 2024
Admission: Go here to purchase tickets. Get 10% off with my code: FFAUSTIN10
9. Diagon Alley Austin
This South Austin (Circle C) neighborhood house goes all out for the holidays! It’s free to experience, but donations are encouraged. Check their Facebook page for updates on times, dates, etc.
10. Elfvis & the Kringles
Another neighborhood house (Round Rock) that goes all out for the holidays, including fake snow falls and animatronics timed with music! Check their Facebook page for updates. 2405 Berwick Cove Round Rock
Drive-Thru Lights Displays
1. Santa’s Ranch
Drive over a mile through holiday light exhibit with animated Christmas displays. Enjoy homemade cocoa, kettle corn, and snacks for purchase.
Dates: November 1st 2024- January 4th 2025 Sun-Thur 6pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm
Admission: Single ($37 per vehicle) & Season Pass ($74) options
2. Peppermint Parkway at COTA
Over a mile of a dazzling drive-thru light displays while you drive on the race track at COTA. Festive plaza offering food, rides, activities, and more.
Dates & Times: November 22nd- December 29th 6pm- 9pm
Admission: $45-99. Purchase tickets here.
3. The Light Park (Round Rock)
Drive-thru lights in the Dell Diamond parking lot in Round Rock. Takes about 20 min to drive the whole track. Food & drinks available at entrance.
Dates & Times: Nov 1 – Jan 5: Open Daily
Sundays – Thursdays: 5:30 – 10:00pm
Fridays & Saturdays: 5:30 – 11:00pm
Thanksgiving and Christmas hours differ.
Admission: $29-49 (season pass $159)
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