All The Best Holiday Lights Displays in Austin

Addie Gross Holidays

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

trail of lights austin — Austin Trail of Lights

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. Dec 10-23, 2025. Tickets: General admission is free on certain nights, but tickets are required for peak nights. Purchasing tickets & parking in advance is recommended. There are different prices for different levels of tickets.

Mozart’s Coffee Lake Austin Festival of Lights

Mozart's Lights austin — Mozart’s Lights

Lake Austin Festival of Lights) is November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026. 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. You can also experience the lights out on the water with a floating igloo, donut boat, or cruise!

Luminations at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Luminations at the wildflower center — Luminations

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: Dec 5, 2025 – Jan. 3, 2026. Entry times between 5:45pm-7:45pm Exhibit ends at 9pm. $20-30

Lights On The Lake at Volente Beach

5 Acres of lights, scenes and fun. Come experience the magic of Christmas at our all new Lights on the Lake. Themed cocktails and food + special photo ops for everyone! Buy tickets here.

Marble Falls Walkway of Lights

Info and dates/times TBD

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 5, 2025 – January 1, 2026, 6pm-midnight. Access locations: Lakeway Activity Center parking lot – 105 Cross Creek- The City Hall Parking lot – 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway

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 5th & 6, 2025 from 6-10:30 p.m.

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 December 12 at 6 p.m.

Light Up Your Night at Brushy Creek Amphitheater in Hutto

This interactive walking trail will feature over 100 dazzling light displays paired with festive sounds, creating a magical experience for all ages. December 10-23 starting at 6 pm | Brushy Creek Amphitheatre. Open until 9 PM most nights, extended to 10 PM December 18–21. Admission is free, and in lieu of entry fees, guests are encouraged to bring canned goods to support local charities.

Luminary Festival Wells Branch

This 2-day festival takes place at Katherine Fleischer Park in Wells Branch on Dec 12 & 13, 2025 from 6-9 p.m. Stroll through the magical glow of KF Park at day one of the Luminary Festival! As the sunsets, more than 1500 luminarias are lit along the trail which can be enjoyed at anyone’s leisure. Once you’re done admiring the lights, there’s a handful of other free activities at your disposal. Hop on our haybale ride and journey through the neighborhood while singing carols as you pass your neighbors dazzling decorations. Take shelter from the cool night air in the Community Center, where free kids activities and crafts are taking place. Snag a cup of hot cocoa and sugar cookies, and venture out to the homestead, where Santa himself is waiting to hear all of your holiday wishes! This festive two-night event has a little bit of holiday joy for everyone.

Cedar Park Trail of Lights

Even pups like to paw-ty! Enjoy festive holiday lights and music at Veterans Memorial Park. Dress your furry friend in their best holiday outfit and take your picture with “Santa Paws.” Stroll the Tail of Lights; a beautifully lit path perfect for a leisurely walk. While you mingle and jingle, you can enjoy treats and pet-friendly vendors. December 13, 2025 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Lakeline Park.

Longhorn Lights

See the lights at the South Mall Lawn November 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026. Orange and white lights will once again adorn the UT Austin campus for the annual holiday tradition, Longhorn Lights! This season, Longhorn Lights will illuminate the South Mall, adding a festive glow to the heart of the Forty Acres and framing the Tower in celebration of the holidays. The iconic Tower is in the midst of a multi-year restoration, the first since its installation in the 1930s, and the holiday lights celebrate its importance on campus.

Longhorn Lights will occur nightly November 18 – January 1 from 5 to 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public. The South Mall is located north of 21st Street at University Avenue. Free and metered street parking is available in the area. Pay parking garages are also available. The closest garage is Brazos Garage. Most on-campus parking requires a UT parking permit and is not recommended for the general public.

Peppermint Parkway at COTA

Get ready to step into a winter wonderland! Peppermint Parkway is back in November 2025 as a brand-new, reimagined walk through experience! Wander through a dazzling parkway, where millions of twinkling lights, whimsical characters, and holiday cheer surround you at every turn. Then, make your way to the festive plaza filled with delicious seasonal treats, joyful rides, lively activities, and so much more.

Dripping Springs Trail of Lights

Wander through the FREE enchanting Trail of Lights, a dazzling display that will take your breath away. With sparkling lights, whimsical scenes, and holiday characters, this trail promises to be a highlight of your holiday season.

Buda Holiday Lights

Experience holiday magic as Historic Stagecoach Park transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and illuminated displays. Guests are shuttled from Cabela’s to stroll through festive scenes at your leisure while enjoying food, entertainment, and holiday splendor. Don’t miss a special visit from Santa himself! December 10-13 & December 17-20 Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Stagecoach Park , 880 Main St. Buda

Drive-Thru Lights Displays

Santa’s Ranch

Open every night from November 1, 2025 through January 4, 2026. Fridays & Saturdays are 6-11 p.m. and all other days are 6-10 p.m. Rain or shine! You can purchase tickets online or in person. Single car passes are $37 and season passes are $74.

The Light Park (Round Rock)

Drive-thru lights in the Dell Diamond parking lot in Round Rock. Takes about 20 min (no line) to drive the whole track. Food & drinks available at entrance. $40-99. Open now through Jan 4, 2025.