Christmas Lights Austin: 2025 Guide To The Best Displays

Last Updated On – 5th December, 2025

Jump to: Major Austin Lights Displays | Free Austin Christmas Lights | Drive-Through Christmas Lights

Every December, the jolly season takes over Austin in a sweep of dazzling lights, joyous carols, and magical wonderlands. No matter which part of the city you visit, you’ll be met with a feast to the eyes and soul, announcing the arrival of the holiday season. But, with so many places aglow, where do you go?

In this guide, we’ve compiled the top free and ticketed Christmas lights in Austin, along with dates, tips, and neighborhood gems, so you can plan a magical outing for families, couples, or friends.

After you’ve picked your must-see light displays, keep the fun going with Things To Do in Austin This Weekend for the latest concerts, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings.

Editor’s Note: We strive to keep listings up to date, but details are subject to 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 37th Street Lights Austin, Austin Trail of Lights, Georgetown Square Holiday Lights, and Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights.

Major Walk-Through Displays in Austin

Austin Trail of Lights

Image credit: Austin Trail of Lights

Experience the glow of the season as Zilker Park lights up with more than two million twinkling bulbs, 96 illuminated trees, and over 70 festive displays. Enjoy bright tunnels, sparkling attractions, and the cheerful sounds of local musicians.

This 2025, there are two new attractions for you to explore. The Neon Zoo by Ion Art invites guests into a colorful walk-through filled with imaginative creatures and bold artistry. Nearby, the Texas Tunnel surrounds visitors with a sunset-inspired glow that celebrates the spirit of the Lone Star State.

This year also introduces a joyful new offering: couples can exchange vows right at the Trail of Lights with Santa leading the ceremony, creating a holiday memory unlike any other.

Each night also features live performances by Austin artists and chances to learn classic dance styles such as swing and two-step.

When: December 10 – 23, 2025 | 6 pm for early entry | 7 pm for GA entry
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
How much: Starts at $8 for ticketed days | Check schedule for free days

Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights

Step along the shores of Lake Austin and watch over a million twinkling lights bringing the festival’s theme, “Heaven and Nature Sing,” to life. You can catch aerial LED flyboard performances inspired by The Nutcracker, watch choreographed lights soar above the water, and hear live caroling from McKenna Michels and her Holiday Band as the evening unfolds.

You’ll also find the Christmas Village filled with Mozart’s famous hot chocolate, sweet treats, Broadway-style waterfront shows, and Nutcracker-themed fire dancers lighting up the night. Families can also meet Santa, snap holiday photos, and enjoy interactive displays.

For something more unique, glide through illuminated tunnels on a Donut Boat, relax in private igloo lounges, or take in sunset views from scenic patios while lights shimmer across the lake.

When: November 22, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 7 pm
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
How much: Varies by attraction

Luminations at the Wildflower Center

Image Credit: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center FB Page

Step into a glowing winter wonderland at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where pathways twinkle, and artful light installations transform the gardens into a magical holiday escape.

You can wander through sparkling forests, enjoy live pop-up music, and sip festive drinks as lights shimmer around you.

Kids can climb and explore Fortlandia, the interactive forts installation, while families discover new interactive elements and projections throughout the Central Gardens.

When: December 5, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 5:45 pm – 7:45 pm
Where: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
How much: Starts at $13

Peppermint Parkway

Immerse yourself in a sparkling holiday world at Peppermint Parkway and wander through millions of twinkling lights, whimsical characters, and festive attractions at Circuit of The Americas.

You can watch nightly Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, stroll through a lively holiday plaza, and enjoy snowfall as cheerful music fills the air.

This year, thrill-seekers can hop on the brand-new Circuit Breaker tilt roller coaster or join Rudolph’s Scavenger Hunt. Singing Christmas trees, the Peppermint Princess, and the Gingerbread Man add interactive fun throughout the evening, while food vendors and local craft stalls make the holiday marketplace irresistible.

As for the families, take a moment to meet holiday mascots Pepper and Mint or visit the petting zoo to say hello to ponies, rabbits, chickens, goats, and ducks.

When: November 21, 2025 – December 28, 2025
Where: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
How much: Starts at $10

Free Neighborhood & Walkable Austin Christmas Lights

37th Street Lights

Image Credit: 37th Street Lights FB Page

Step into the playful spirit of the season as West 37th Street bursts to life with bold colors, imaginative sculptures, and creative light displays. Here, you can see homes and yards decorated with fun themes such as Taylor Swift tributes, circuses, or Candyland, blending holiday lights with humor and DIY charm.

Aside from the lights, the community also sets up interactive stations such as the insecurity checkpoint where you can share a secret, write a dream for the year ahead at the manifestation station, and the beloved Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo.

The street stays open only to foot traffic, so you and your loved ones can enjoy an easy, relaxed stroll each night from sunset to 10 p.m. throughout December.

When: Whole of December
Where: 507 W 37th St, Austin, TX 78705
How much: Free

Zilker Holiday Tree

Step beneath the Zilker Holiday Tree and watch thousands of colorful LEDs spiral around one of Austin’s historic moontowers. You’ll see the 10-foot double star glowing at the top as the lights shimmer across the 155-foot tree, creating a magical scene that fills the park.

You can even spin slowly beneath the lights and watch the pattern swirl above you, a playful tradition since 1967 that keeps Austin’s longest-standing holiday celebration bright and joyful.

When: December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
How much: Free

Longhorn Lights

Stroll through the University of Texas campus and see over 400,000 burnt orange and white lights stretching along nine miles of trees on the South Mall. You’ll catch the glow framing the iconic UT Tower, which shines brightly even as it undergoes its first major restoration since the 1930s.

After select football games, the lights even synchronize to music like Texas Fight and The Eyes of Texas, making each evening feel lively and celebratory.

When: November 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: South Mall, University of Texas, 2515 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
How much: Free

Community First! Village of Lights

Image credit: Mobile Loaves and Fishes

Step into a holiday wonderland as thousands of lights dance to festive music across Community First! Village. You can stroll among vibrant displays, ride the Electric Mini Train, and find playful photo spots like a vintage Mobile Loaves & Fishes truck stop.

Families can also meet Santa and capture holiday memories together. You can also cozy up at the Community Cinema to watch classics like Home Alone, The Star, or The Muppet Christmas Carol, or test your skills at winter carnival games while the lights shimmer around you.

The Holiday Market is also filled with handcrafted gifts made by Village artists, along with delicious eats from food trucks serving everything from Venezuelan cuisine to pizza, crepes, smashburgers, and tacos.

When: December 5 – 13, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 9 pm
Where: 7311 Decker Ln, Austin, TX 78724
How much: Free

Domain Northside Holiday Display

Head over to the Northside Lawn and watch the Holiday Tree light up with a dazzling show of synchronized lights, filling the air with festive energy. You can also catch performances each hour, with extended evening hours on weekends, and enjoy playful touches like the Gen Z Selfie Wall and seasonal photo spots.

You’ll also find Letters to Santa open until December 24, family-friendly activities like snow globe making, face painting, and balloon twisting, plus ongoing giveaways and holiday guides for shopping and events.

When: November 24 – December 25, 2025 | 5 pm – 9 pm
Where: 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
How much: Free

Drive-Through & Family-Friendly Christmas Lights near Austin

Santa’s Ranch – New Braunfels

Image credit: Santa’s Ranch-Drive-thru Christmas Light Park

Drive along winding country roads at Santa’s Ranch and see over 3 million lights bring holiday magic to life. You’ll spot Santa on a four-wheeler, elves ice skating, nutcracker castles, and even Star Wars scenes, all glowing across a mile of festive displays.

A towering 50-foot Christmas tree will mark your entrance, welcoming you to this long-running holiday tradition.

You can then stop for hot chocolate, kettle corn, or pet-friendly treats at the concession stand, and snap photos of whimsical touches like Santa tossing footballs to reindeer or lighting a fire under a snowman.

When: November 1, 2025 – January 3, 2026 | 6 pm
Where: 9561 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How much: Starts at $37

The Light Park

Image credit: The Light Park

Drive slowly through The Light Park at Dell Diamond and let millions of synchronized lights sweep you away across a mile-long route. You’ll pass through the world’s longest holiday light tunnel, with music perfectly timed to the displays, creating a magical, car-bound holiday experience for the whole family.

You can tune into the on-site radio station and sing along as DJ Polar Ice guides the music, snack on popcorn or light-up lemonade, and play with light wands and magic glasses available for purchase. Pets are also welcome.

When: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Where: 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
How much: $39 online | $60 at the gate per vehicle

Want to turn it into a full holiday itinerary? Check our Austin weekend events guide for what’s on right now—live music, markets, and festive activities.

Want to see even more Christmas lights around Texas? Take a look at the best Christmas lights in Houston and the best Christmas lights in San Antonio for more bright, merry inspiration.

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.