Tree Lighting Ceremonies Around Austin
Kick off the holiday season with some of Austin’s best-loved traditions! Tree lighting ceremonies are a festive way to celebrate with family, friends, and the local community. From the iconic Zilker Holiday Tree to charming events in Georgetown, Round Rock, and more, these tree lighting ceremonies bring holiday cheer and stunning light displays to the Austin area. Here’s your guide to all the must-see tree lighting ceremonies in and around Austin this holiday season.
1. Zilker Holiday Tree
Local entertainment, food, novelties, and live music at Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Road (on the south side of the park). Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Nov 30, 2025 at 6 p.m. (music starts at 5:15 p.m.)
2. Hill Country Galleria Light Up The Plaza
The Hill Country Galleria goes all out for the holidays. Watch their tree lighting on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature live music, ice-skating, giveaways, face painting and refreshments for guests beginning at 5 p.m. Free admission and parking.
3. Annual Lighting of the Square (Georgetown)
Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Lighting of the Square event on the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. The event will be held on the east steps of the historic Williamson County Courthouse, 710 S. Main St. The festivities include entertainment from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
4. The Driskill
The Driskill Hotel’s free annual tree lighting ceremony is a sophisticated holiday event with a historic twist. The lobby of this famous Austin landmark is decked out with holiday decor, and guests can enjoy live music and holiday treats as the grand tree is illuminated. Date is TBD.
5. Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin’s Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Showcase is on December 6, 2025 from 5-9 p.m. Celebrate the season as Fairmont Austin lights up the holidays. Enjoy an evening of festive cheer and exclusive holiday previews at our complimentary annual Tree Lighting benefiting Dell Children’s Medical Center. Bring a new, unwrapped toy donation for Dell Children’s Holiday Village to enjoy photos with Santa.
7. Tree Lighting Ceremony at Heritage Park in Cedar Park
On Dec 3, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., join Cedar Park Parks and Recreation in the tradition of lighting the tree at Heritage Oak Park. Over 50,000 lights illuminate the largest live oak tree in Cedar Park. The holiday festivities include live music performances, holiday movie classics, food and sweet treats from local vendors, photo ops (bring your own camera), and Santa’s grand arrival to his sleigh. Create memories and ring in the season with holiday cheer!
8. Annual Tree Lighting at Lyndon B Johnson State Park
Enjoy carolers, a live nativity, Santa Claus, refreshments, and of course, the spectacular tree lighting. There will be refreshments and activities near Park Headquarters. Then journey back in time visit the Sauer-Beckmann Farm at dusk. The ambiance created by the lantern-lit path, the real Christmas Tree in the parlor, and the live music transports you back to what an authentic Texas-German Christmas was like at the turn of the century. The tasty homemade treats help too! December 21, 2025 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
9. Hotel Viata Tree Lighting Event
November 23, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Hotel Viata: tree lighting, marketplace, Santa, live choir performance, and more!
10. Dripping Springs Tree Lighting
November 29, 2025 at dusk at Veterans Memorial Park. Free holiday movie (Muppets Christmas Carol) following the tree lighting.
11. Tree Lighting With Cocoa and Carols Downtown Hutto
Join family and friends for a magical evening in beautifully decorated Historic Downtown Hutto! This year’s festivities feature the traditional Tree Lighting and a new festive tradition, Cocoa & Carols. Sip and stroll the Downtown with friends and family, hosted by the Downtown Hutto Business Association. November 29, 2025 from 5-8 PM
12. Capitol Tree Lighting, Sing Along & Stroll
Congress Ave, downtown Austin between 10th & 11th St. December 6, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. (tree lighting 7 p.m.)
Live music, vendors, caroling, photos with Santa, performances, and more. Bring donation for the food bank! Parking is not free. Get 50% off Uber.
13. Pfestival of Lights & Parade
100 E. Main Street, Pflugerville, TX on December 6, 2025 from 4-7:30 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with the annual Pfestival of Lights & Parade! Enjoy pfamily-friendly activities starting at 4 pm, line the streets for the parade at 5 pm, and watch as Santa arrives around 6 pm to light the tree and take photos. This year’s parade theme is Shining Through the Decades, celebrating 60 years of Pflugerville. It’s a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, laughter and community cheer.
14. Old Town Leander Christmas Festival Tree Lighting & Holiday Movie in the Park
Saturday, December 6, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Old Town Leander, 100 N Brushy St, Leander at the future site of Old Town Park. After the tree is lit, stick around to watch The Grinch on the big screen and enjoy some hot chocolate.
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