Austin Christmas Lights 2022
Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn the Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around. Everyone loves the Zilker Park lights, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond these famous Austin holiday lights, read on to find out.
If you find yourself googling ‘Austin Neighborhood Christmas Lights Displays’ or ‘Drive through Christmas Lights Austin’, you are not alone. We have rounded up the best Christmas lights Austin TX has to offer including nearby areas.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Looking for ways to have fun with the family this holiday? Check out 35 Austin Area Attractions for under $50!!!
The Standard South Central Texas Pogo Pass (San Antonio/Austin/Waco) provides admissions to 35 different entertainment venues in the Austin, San Antonio, and Waco area.
Perfect for families, the Pogo Pass gives both adult and child pass-holders 50+ visits to some of the best things to do that Austin, San Antonio, and Waco have to offer. The Pogo Pass nearly pays for itself with a visit to one or two venues alone!!!
Pass features the following attractions in Austin
- One visit to Wonder World Park
- One visit to Typhoon Texas Waterpark
- One Visit to the Thinkery Museum
- Two Texas Stars hockey games
- Two Austin Spurs basketball games
- One visit per month to Austin’s Park
- One visit to the Austin Aquarium
- One visit to Quest ATX Wakeboard Park
- One visit to Pioneer Farms
- One visit to Monster Mini Golf
- One Visit per Quarter to D-Bat
- One Visit to Mt. Playmore
- Two visits to Rock Sports Arena
- Two visits to Pump It Up
- One visit to Neill-Cochran House Museum
Check out the POGO pass and SAVE Big on Austin Attractions!
Austin Christmas Lights 2022 Video
Check out our compilation of the best Austin Lights Christmas 2022 in a video format!
Austin Christmas Lights 2022 – Best Holiday Lights in Austin
Austin Trail Of Lights
Image Credit: Austin Trail Of Lights
The 58th Annual Austin Trail of Lights, powered by H-E-B, is back!
Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from Central Texas and all over the world attend Austin Trail of Lights, the most cherished and long-running Christmas event of its type in the capital city of Texas.
The Trail of Lights Foundation organizes the yearly celebration in Zilker Park to honor the distinctive character and people who make Austin the adorable city that it is today.
When: December 8-23, 2022 (Closed on Mondays)
Where: Zilker Park, 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704
How Much: $0-$320
Austin 37th Street Christmas Lights
Image Credit: 37th Street Lights
Once more, it’s that time of year! Come one, come all to the 37th Street Lights, one of Austin’s most cherished holiday traditions. Since the 1980s, 37th Street Lights, a well-known local company, has produced some of the city’s most bizarre displays. These are not your typical holiday displays—there are gigantic dinosaurs, a petting zoo of stuffed animals, a Santa disco party, and more!
When: Starts December 9, 2022
Where: 507 W 37th St, Austin, TX 78705, United States
Peppermint Parkway
Image Credit: Peppermint Parkway
The Circuit of the Americas will come to life this holiday season with a one-mile drive-thru display of lights as well as a plaza full of music, food, and magic on select nights.
You can interact with live characters at The Parkway including dancing gingerbread men, roller-skating snowflakes, and everyone’s favorite holiday grump, the Grinch. Then, you can climb up the COTA Candy Cane, COTA’s 251-ft tall observation tower where you can enjoy views of the Parkway and illuminated Austin skyline.
This year, a new addition to the event is the opportunity to pick up your own Christmas tree from Wonder Woods. If you’re up for some food and shopping, you can visit the new Holiday Market where you can get homemade sweet treats, gifts, and holiday swag for the kids.
If you’re a race fan, you can also join the Candy Cane Cruise where you can take your own car for an exclusive parade lap on COTA’s famous 3.41 mile FIA–grade Formula 1 track.
When: Friday, November 25 – December 30, 2022 | 6 p.m.
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617
How much: $35
Holiday Tree Light Show
Image Credit: HOLIDAY TREE LIGHT SHOW
Visit the NORTHSIDE Holiday Tree until December 25 to take in a lovely Holiday Tree Light Show! Across from Apple, near to The Lawn, is where you’ll find The Holiday Tree.
When: November 2o to December25, 2022, 6 pm to 12 midnight
Where: 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758, United States
How Much: Free
Mozart’s Coffee Annual Christmas Light Show Austin
Image Credit: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
View a breathtaking and engrossing light show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, which is located right next to Lake Austin. Enjoy a cup of delicious coffee while listening to live music while the night sky and the ocean are illuminated. When you’ve had your fill of espresso and lights, get a treat from their Bavarian market before leaving.
When: November 10, 2022 – January 6, 2022
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, United States
How Much: 4-person tables are $40 and 6-person tables are $60 (Fees apply) | Reservation required
Maywald Family Christmas Light Display
Image Credit: Maywald Christmas Light Display
How Much: Free; Donations appreciated
Deal Alert – Check out the Austin Ghost and Bat Segway Tour for just $69.99 for 2 adults!
Discover another side of Austin on a 2.5-hour Segway tour that features bats and ghosts. Offered from March to October, this nighttime ride through downtown Austin visits haunted hotels and buildings, famous landmarks, and the world’s largest urban bat colony. See the Texas State Capitol Building, Lady Bird Lake, Austin Convention Center, the 6th Street Entertainment district, Moonlight Towers, and more
- Learn to ride a Segway in a few easy steps
- Hear the ghostly tales behind Austin’s historic buildings
- Look for bats from the huge bat colony at the Congress Avenue Bridge
- See landmarks including the Texas State Capitol building and Austin Convention Center
Get more information and book your Austin Ghost and Bat Segway tour TODAY!!!
Austin Christmas Lights 2022 – Round Rock, Lakeway & Georgetown
Downtown Round Rock Christmas Lights 2022
Image Credit: Downtown Round Rock Texas
This holiday season, a highly sparkling light show lights up downtown Round Rock. You can have a joyful family adventure starting on December 1st as the sun sets and continuing every evening through the end of the month. Bring your coat and jingle your way to Main Street to see a sea of dazzling trees, interactive Christmas decor, live music on the Plaza and in the parklets, and an exhibit of sugary sweet art.
While you enjoy the comforts of home, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat with your group, sip on a festive cocktail (or two! ), and cross things off your shopping list.
When: December 1-31, 2022
Where: 221 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664
How Much: Free
Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour
Image Credit: Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department
The Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour is back and better than ever — bigger and brighter! Visit the Old Settlers Association to see the new Christmas Towne and the brand-new decorations at the second annual Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour.
Rock’N Lights is a December drive thru Christmas lights Austin attraction that winds through Old Settlers Park and includes thousands of glittering lights along the way.
When: December 1-26, 2022
Where: Old Settlers Boulevard and Harrell Parkway, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Lakeway Trail Of Lights
Image Credit: City of Lakeway Government
The Trail of Lights is one of Lakeway’s most cherished annual events! Parking behind City Hall (1102 Lohman’s Crossing at the intersection of Lohman’s and Sailmaster) or in the lower level of the parking lot at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) both provide access to the route.
This is a self-guided trail. There are no vendors or staff members present.
When: December 2 to January 2, 2022, 6 pm to 12 midnight
Where: 1102 Lohmans Crossing Rd, Lakeway, TX 78734, United States
How Much: Free
Lights at the Square in Georgetown, Texas
Image credit: Visit Georgetown, Texas
Experience magic in Georgetown! The entire square will be filled with beautiful lights. You can take some gorgeous photos or sing along to uptown carolers under the lights. The downtown shops will be open late, so plan to get in some unique holiday shopping.
Where: Georgetown, TX
How much: Free
Guests in town? Show a different side of Austin – Austin Murder Walk – Just $45.00 for 2 adults!
In 1885, America’s first serial killer stalked the streets and alleyways of the city of Austin. He came to be known as the “Midnight Assassin,” but his identity remains a mystery. On this guided evening walking tour, explore historic Austin including West 6th Street, Guy Town, and the Warehouse District, plus stop for a drink at the Driskill Hotel, as you learn about his crimes.
Get more details and book your Austin Murder Walk TODAY!!!
Austin Christmas Lights 2022 – Fredericksburg, San Saba, Johnson City and Old West Christmas Fest
Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights
Image Credit: Fredericksburg The Texas Hill Country
This Weihnachtszeit, or Christmas season in Fredericksburg, take in the distinctive blend of German Christmas customs and welcoming Texan friendliness. During Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights, the Community Christmas Tree and German Christmas Pyramid are lit each night as a way for friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate the holiday season.
When: Until December 31, 2022
Where: 126 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, United States
How much: Free
Mill Pond Dancing Lights
San Saba’s Texas flag lights because Texas, y’all (Credit: Mitchell Hallmark/Found Media Group)
Nestled at the top of Texas Hill Country, San Saba goes all out with its Mill Pond Christmas Extravaganza. Who needs the Bellagio fountain when you have 30 acres of dancing shimmer and glimmer right here in the Hill Country?
San Saba flashes more than one million lights in time to the music. You know you’re going to hear Christmas standards along with popular hits.
Walking through the San Saba light trail at Mill Pond Park is free, leashed pet-friendly, and open nightly from dusk – 10 pm Sunday – Wednesday and from dusk until 11 p.m. Thursday – Saturday.
Where: Mill Pond Park, 1007 East Wallace Street, San Saba, TX 76877
How Much: FREE
Austin Christmas Lights 2022 – Johnson City Lights Spectacular
Image Credit: Pedernales Electric Cooperative
Holy holiday spirit, Batman! Johnson City turns into a proper holiday village during the free Lights Spectacular. This year should be another brilliant season, as the event turns 32.
The courthouse wears a draped array of thousands of lights, while Pedernales Electric Cooperative wraps more than one million lights around a large stand of oak trees. Almost every home and business in town dresses up for December.Multiple events are planned between November 26 and January 2 including Hayrides, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Lamplight Tours, Visit with the Grinch & more!
Old West Christmas Light Fest at Enchanted Springs Ranch
Enchanted Springs Ranch puts a new spin on the old west (Credit: R. Mewborne Photography)
Upon entering Old West Christmas Light Fest, you drive through some lights, including a tunnel. They didn’t have cars in the Old West, though, so the Christmasy town is an in-person experience. Walk through and see all of the lights and special decorations up close!
Plus, Old West Christmas Light Fest has many other activities, including new attractions this year like Christmas escape rooms, cookie decorating classes, and even laser tag. Yes, you heard me, LASER TAG among the Christmas lights. Giddy up!
When: November 24 – December 24, 2022 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: 242 State Hwy 46 W. Boerne, TX 78006
How Much: Starts at $15
San Antonio River Walk Holiday Lights
San Antonio’s popular River Walk lights, illuminated from 5:30 pm to 8 am through Jan. 10, 2021, are a classic. Stroll along the River Walk for free, or book a boat to maximize your sparkly glee. Admire the lights over chips and salsa, and perhaps a margarita at one of the riverside restaurants.
The City of San Antonio and the Paseo del Rio Association sponsors the free, season-long light show every year. The Ford Fiesta de Luminarias sees 2,000 luminarias lighting the way along the River Walk for the first three weekends in December. The San Antonio River Authority has added lights to the Pearl District, too, for bonus sparkle.
Special events that may require tickets include the Holiday Light Cruises, Holiday Boat Caroling, Holiday Artisan Market, and more (buy tickets and get details at the website link below).
When: November 25, 2022 – January 9, 2023 (at dawn) | 5:30 pm – 8:00 am nightly
Where: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: Free
Deal Alert – Hill Country BBQ and Wine Shuttle – 2 adults for just $55!
Leave busy Austin for a half-day barbecue and wine tour in the Texas Hill Country. Your driver takes you to the outskirts of Austin to visit three different venues. Driver/Guide and Air Conditioned Vehicle are included. Food and wine tasting costs are NOT included.
Get more information and book your Hill Country BBQ and Wine Shuttle TODAY!!!
Christmas Lights Austin 2022 – Bastrop, Wimberley, Marble Falls, New Braunfels & more!
Image Credit: Visit Bastrop FB Page
Bastrop’s fanciful, fantastic, fun—and even famous—annual Lost Pines Christmas Parade will light up the night skies as it makes its way down Main Street. This famous parade is an absolute high point of the Lost Pines Christmas season. More than 100 entries—from fanciful floats to fire trucks, from Honey Bears to longhorns, from Santa’s helpers to the man himself.
When: December 10, 2022 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: 921 Main Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
How Much: FREE
Bastrop River of Lights
Image Credit: visitbastrop.com
Take in the sights at the River of Lights which includes numerous displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk.
When: November 25, 2022 – January 2, 2023 | Recurring daily – Ending: 10:00 PM
Where: Farm Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
How Much: FREE
Wimberley Holiday Trail of Lights
Wimberley’s toy soldiers greet visitors to Trail of Lights
Santa Claus flies in most nights from the North Pole and will be in his house to greet everyone! There will also be several special event nights throughout the run of the trail. During our 3rd Annual Chocolate Night on December 11th, guests can purchase a ticket to taste 10 samples of delectable chocolate from various vendors.
Another special event will be our Christmas Melodrama which will run Friday and Saturday nights from December 3rd to 18th.
This glittery gorgeousness is a true community effort. Numerous local businesses and community members come together each year to decorate the trail. It is interactive with character cutouts for fun photos, a musical garden, and a life-sized chess/checkerboard. I hope they bring back their human snow globe from last year, too!
When: December 3-4, 7-11, 14-23, 26 | Fridays/Saturdays 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | All Other Days 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley, Texas 78676
How Much: Zoo Lights is included with Standard Admission and is FREE for Members
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
Image Credit: Visit Marble Falls TX FB Page
More than two million lights and 400 lighted sculptures sparkle on the banks of Lake Marble Falls. The annual Walkway of Lights is a free event in Lakeside Park, but donations are welcome. Dogs are welcome on leash.
Santa Land is open nightly with lots of Christmas photo ops. Santa himself makes an appearance on the weekends. Local nonprofit organizations sell holiday goodies and Polaroid Santa photos (cash only) at the park.
The Walkway of Lights, hosted by The Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce, returns for its 32nd year with displays of 2 million lights in Lakeside Park and over 350+ lighted sculptures. It is FREE to the public and is entirely funded by donations. Experience the lights reflecting off Lake Marble Falls for 44 nights this year, and make it a family tradition.
When: November 18 – December 31, 2022 | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654
How Much: FREE
Austin Christmas Lights 2022 – Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
Drive through a sea of Christmas lights (Credit: Santa’s Ranch)
Dinosaurs, space shuttles, and giant pickup trucks! The wacky-lit exhibitions alone should be enough to justify a trip to New Braunfels. Take a mile or so of winding country roads via Santa’s Ranch. More than 1.5 million lights are a-glowing in animated, custom-made displays.
You never know what kind of light show will appear around the next bend. Is this a nativity scene? Angels in a choir? Is it possible that you’re an alien? Is he a cowboy? At Santa’s Ranch, anything is possible.
This family, staff, and even the neighbors all seem to enjoy this Christmas custom.
Once you’re in, stop by the concession stand for traditional treats like hot cocoa and kettle corn.
When: November 11, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | Sundays – Thursdays 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Fridays & Saturdays – 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Where: 9561 I-35 North New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $35 – $70
Traveling for the holidays? Check out Magical Winter Lights in Houston, Top 20 Christmas Lights in Houston, and Best Christmas Lights in San Antonio!
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