Last Updated On – 4th December, 2025
For decades, the 37th Street Lights Austin display has been one of the city’s strangest, most lovable holiday traditions. Born out of the creativity of Hyde Park neighbors in the ’80s and ’90s, the street became famous for its odd, artistic, and sometimes downright bizarre decorations. Over the years, the display has changed, evolved, and shifted, but the spirit remains unmistakably Austin.
In 2025, the lights are still a resident-driven tradition, but you can still expect some surprises that will surely leave your mouth wide in awe. If you’re headed out to explore this beloved little street, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Keep the holiday weird going! After you stroll through 37th Street’s quirky displays, check out Things to do in Austin this Weekend for live music, pop-ups, and festive events happening across the city.
Editor’s Note: We do our best to keep listings up to date, but details may change. Always verify with event organizers or participating locations before heading out.
This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through them may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Also, check out our recent articles on Austin Trail of Lights, Georgetown Square Holiday Lights, and Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights.
What Are the 37th Street Lights? A Weird Austin Tradition
Image credit: 37th Street Lights
Austin’s 37th Street Lights is a beloved holiday tradition that fills the West 37th Street neighborhood with creativity and cheer. Every year, homes between Guadalupe and Home Lane transform into vibrant displays full of quirky Christmas lights and imaginative decorations.
This tradition started in the mid-1980s and quickly became a showcase of Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit. Here, you can encounter unconventional decorations, from homemade sculptures to interactive art installations.
Some highlights are even interactive, like the “insecurity checkpoint,” where neighbors share secrets, or the “manifestation station,” where visitors leave wishes for the New Year. Families can also enjoy a stuffed animal petting zoo.
Each home has a personality of its own. Some display whimsical themes like purple rain houses, Barbie setups, or Taylor Swift-inspired scenes. A few standout homes on nearby corners, including 35th and Cedar, also offer particularly eye-catching displays that linger in memory long after the lights go down.
Are the 37th Street Lights Austin Happening in 2025?
Image Credit: austinot.com
Yes — but with realistic expectations.
Like the last several years, the 37th Street Lights Austin 2025 displays will depend entirely on the neighbors who live on the block. Some years see more lights, others are quieter.
This year, the event will open on December 12, 2025, and stay up until New Year’s Day. Lights will start turning on around sunset up until 10 pm.
What you can usually expect:
- Several homes with creative, colorful displays
- Inflatable decorations, quirky art pieces, and LED scenes
- A fun neighborhood walk with holiday energy
- A small but spirited crowd
What you should not expect:
- A full street synchronized light show
- Trail-of-Lights–style displays
- Professional installations
Fortunately, the neighborhood continues to keep the tradition alive, but just in a more low-key way than the 1990s heyday.
Are the 37th Street Lights Austin Free?
Yes, you can enter and walk around the neighborhoods for free.
Where Are the 37th Street Lights Austin Located?
The 37th Street Lights is located at 500–610 W 37th Street, Austin, TX 78751, between Guadalupe St and W 37½ St in the Hyde Park / North University area
This stretch is walkable, shaded by trees, and easy to explore in 10–15 minutes.
Parking Guide for 2025
Finding a spot to enjoy the 37th Street Lights takes a little planning, but nearby options make it easy to reach the festivities.
Recommended parking spots:
- Residential streets north of 38th Street, west of Guadalupe, 35th Street, and Cedar Avenue, and areas around the Baker Center on 39th and Avenue B
- Central Market: Use the rear exit and walk diagonally southeast through the adjacent park to reach the lights.
- Near Civil Goat: Streets nearby provide easy access. Use GPS to locate the closest option or park one street south.
- End of 37th Street Block: Drive to the end, park, and enjoy a short walk back to the main displays.
Parking Tips
Check all street signs carefully.
The Domino’s parking lot on 37th Street enforces strict towing and booting, even if spaces appear open. University and North Campus areas also enforce paid parking from 8 a.m. to midnight Wednesday through Saturday.
Rideshares or walking from a nearby area often save time and reduce stress during peak crowds, especially when parts of the street are closed to cars.
Best Time to Visit the 37th Street Lights Austin in 2025
Image credit: 37th Street Lights
Weeknights early in the season provide the most relaxed experience, taking 15 to 30 minutes to stroll through the displays.
Weekends bring extra energy and excitement. Fridays and Saturdays keep the lights on until 11 p.m., but crowds peak during these nights. If you still want to go on these days, arriving right at opening, around 6:30 p.m., allows you to explore without waiting and capture the displays before the busiest hours.
Nearby Alternatives if 37th Street Lights Are Lit in 2025
Austin offers plenty of other festive light experiences that you can visit before or after passing by 37th Street.
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Trail of Lights Austin: Wander through Zilker Park’s large walk-through display featuring millions of lights and themed areas, typically running throughout December.
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Peppermint Parkway: Enjoy a mix of drive-through and walk-through zones, Santa photo opportunities, rides, and a Christmas village from late November through December.
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Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower: Stroll garden paths lined with thousands of luminaries and light installations, accompanied by live music and seasonal food.
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Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Festival of Lights: Experience choreographed light shows over the waterfront, often with timed reservations for a cozy, musical evening.
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Lakeway Trail of Lights: Explore a community light trail west of Austin, generally running from early December through New Year’s.
Tips for Visiting (Etiquette + Safety)
Image credit: 37th Street Lights
Make the most of the 37th Street Lights with these simple tips:
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Walk or use rideshares: Streets can get crowded, and some areas are close to traffic. Walking from nearby parking or using rideshares reduces stress.
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Respect driveways and lawns: Keep off private property and avoid blocking driveways. Neighbors appreciate courteous visitors.
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Follow parking signs: Pay attention to all posted signs. Towing and booting happen quickly, especially in Domino’s lot or the University/North Campus areas.
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Keep pathways clear: Stay on sidewalks and designated paths to ensure everyone can move freely and safely.
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Take photos thoughtfully: Snap pictures without crowding the decorations or other visitors. Pause to let others enjoy the displays.
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Bring small flashlights: Streets are festive but dimly lit in some places. A flashlight helps navigate safely without disturbing the displays.
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Dress for the weather: Austin evenings can get chilly in December. Wear layers and comfortable shoes for walking.
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Keep pets leashed: If you bring pets, ensure they stay on a leash and enjoy the walk safely.
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Plan for peak times: Weeknights offer a relaxed experience; weekends bring larger crowds. Arriving early helps avoid congestion.
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Enjoy the community spirit: Smile, greet neighbors, and take in the creativity—it’s all part of Austin’s festive charm.
Want to round out your night after the lights? Head to Things to Do in Austin This Weekend for can’t-miss markets, holiday shows, and cozy seasonal activities to pair with your 37th Street stop.
