Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights 2025 – Best Streets, Map & What to Expect

Last Updated On – 4th December, 2025

Pemberton Heights has long been one of Austin’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, and during the holidays, it turns into a glowing showcase of elegant architecture wrapped in warm Christmas lights. While not an official event or coordinated display, the Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights remain a beloved local tradition for those who enjoy peaceful drives, beautifully decorated homes, and the quiet magic of old Austin.

If you’re planning holiday light outings for 2025, this guide gives you everything you need to know about the Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights 2025, including what to expect, parking tips, and nearby alternatives.

After your Pemberton Heights lights drive, check out Things to Do in Austin This Weekend for festive markets, live music, and seasonal events happening around 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 37th Street Lights Austin.

What Are the Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights?

Image Credit: austinot.com

The Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights shine from one of Austin’s most historic neighborhoods. The area sits inside the Old West Austin Historic District and grew in the 1920s as one of the city’s first automobile suburbs. Once bridges connected the neighborhood to downtown across Shoal Creek, families began settling into the grand homes that still line the quiet streets today.

Each December, residents decorate their houses on their own. There’s no official kickoff date and no city-sponsored event. The tradition only grew year after year because neighbors enjoy lighting up their block and sharing the season’s spirit.

Visitors can drive through the area, which runs roughly between Northwood Road, Lamar Boulevard and Shoal Creek, 24th Street and Windsor Road, and Loop 1. At least a dozen homes create eye-catching displays. Some keep things classic with white lights, while others go all out with bright colors, nativity scenes, and playful holiday characters.

The best part is that these displays change each year based on who joins in, which gives the neighborhood a fresh look every season.

What to Expect from Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights in 2025

2025 is expected to follow recent years’ trends, which include:

• Beautiful, elegant decorations — often warm-white lights, wreaths, tree lighting, and boutique-style displays
• Several standout homes that go all-out
• A calm, quiet drive-through experience
• A neighborhood that feels safe, historic, and festive

There are no guarantees of extremely elaborate displays, but the overall atmosphere delivers a memorable holiday outing.

Where Is Pemberton Heights Located?

Image Credit: austinot.com

Pemberton Heights sits between MoPac (Loop 1) and Lamar (North Lamar Blvd) and between Windsor/24th Streets and Northwood Road.

Major access roads to Pemberton Heights include:

• Harris Boulevard, which is a main entrance into the neighborhood,

• Windsor Road along the southern edge,

• North Lamar Boulevard on the east side,

• Loop 1 (MoPac) on the west serves as a major boundary and access highway.

Best Streets in Pemberton Heights for Christmas Lights

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When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Image Credit: austinot.com

The Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights begin to glow in early December. Most homes turn on their lights by mid-December, and even more join in as Christmas approaches.

Because this is a resident-led tradition, there are no official hours. You can enjoy the lights on any evening. But, if you want the best views, the best time to visit is around mid-December in the hours just after sunset.

Austin’s early winter dusk, around 5:30 PM, creates the perfect backdrop for a drive through Windsor Road, Stanford Drive, and the nearby streets. A full loop usually takes about 30 minutes and offers a relaxed, self-guided holiday outing.

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Is the Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights Walkable or Drive-Through?

You can walk in parts of Pemberton Heights (especially if you’re exploring nearby parks or trails), but the holiday lights spread across many streets. Driving lets you comfortably cover Windsor Road, Stanford Drive, Woodbridge, and more without risking traffic or missing part of the display.

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Parking Tips

Pemberton Heights doesn’t offer designated parking since the Christmas lights are part of a neighborhood-led display. Most visitors enjoy the lights by driving through, but parking is possible if you want to stroll a bit. Just make sure to use public street spots and keep driveways and fire hydrants clear.

Here are helpful places to look for parking:

• Windsor Road, Northwood Road, and Woodbridge Road: These boundary roads offer the most reliable street parking. Arriving early on weekends helps you find a good spot before evening traffic picks up.

• North Lamar Boulevard or 29th Street: Both provide access from the east side. Parking here keeps you off the quiet residential streets and respects the neighbors.

• Adjacent Pease Park lots: These sit near Shoal Creek on the southwest side. They are meant for park access, but they can work if you don’t mind a short walk to the lights.

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Tips for Visiting Pemberton Heights Christmas Lights

Image Credit: austinot.com

• Drive slowly and pay attention. The neighborhood is residential and some pedestrians may be walking along or crossing streets.

• Turn off or dim your car headlights when stopped to view a house. This helps you see the lights better and avoids disturbing the display for others.

• Use public street parking only, and avoid blocking driveways or fire hydrants. Don’t park on private lawns.

• If you park and walk around, stay on sidewalks or streets. Do not walk on lawns or enter private property.

• Keep noise and disruptions minimal. Turn down music, avoid squealing tires or honking.

• Arrive early on a weekday evening if you can. That helps you avoid heavy traffic and gives you better parking chances.

• Keep valuables out of sight if you leave your car parked, lock doors, and stay in well-lit areas.

• Don’t linger too long in front of a single house. If you want pictures, park properly rather than stopping in the middle of the street.

• Take any trash, food wrappers or drink containers with you when you leave. Respect the neighborhood and help keep it clean.

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Nearby Holiday Displays to Add to Your Night (Alternatives)

A visit to Pemberton Heights pairs well with several nearby holiday attractions. These spots sit close enough for a relaxed, festive night around Austin.

• 37th Street Holiday Lights 
  Located in the historic Clarksville neighborhood, this long-standing drive-through tradition features over 100 homes decorated with classic white lights. Active nightly through December, it’s a serene and nostalgic display that has been delighting locals since the 1970s
• Zilker Holiday Tree and Trail of Lights 
  One of Austin’s most iconic holiday events, Zilker Park lights up with more than 2 million bulbs. The 155-foot Holiday Tree dazzles, while themed zones like Candy Cane Lane, live music, a Ferris wheel, and festive food vendors create a full holiday experience.
• The Domain Holiday Lights 
  This upscale shopping district transforms into a holiday wonderland, with elaborate lights wrapping stores, plazas, and trees.
• Mueller Holiday Market & Lights 
  Mueller offers walkable streets lined with holiday lights, seasonal pop-up markets, and family-friendly activities.
• Trail of Lights at Battery Texas (Peppermint Parkway) 
  At the Circuit of the Americas, this walk-through light display stretches over a mile with synchronized LEDs. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas village, Santa photo opportunities, a roller coaster, and food trucks.

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Still building your itinerary? Pair Pemberton Heights with more can’t-miss happenings from Things to Do in Austin This Weekend, including free events, family-friendly picks, and hidden gems.

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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.

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