As the days get shorter and the city’s end-of-year energy ramps up, Austinites once again seek the glow of holiday lights.
While each of Austin’s light experiences offers its own twist — some rooted in neighborhood DIY culture, others structured around ticketed shows—these destinations share a common thread: community, ritual and the chance to pause amid the year’s busiest stretch. Here’s a look at some of the city’s notable holiday displays.
37th Street Lights
Austinites visit the 37th Street lights on Dec. 12, 2022. The annual tradition has been happening on and off since the 1980s. (Robert Hein / Special to American-Statesman)
A hyper-local, decades-old tradition, the 37th Street Lights remain one of Austin’s most idiosyncratic displays. Residents along the Hyde Park-adjacent stretch transform their block with unconventional décor. The lights are on nightly from Dec. 12 through New Year’s, generally from sunset to 10 p.m., though individual homes may run later. The street is pedestrian-only, and parking is limited to neighborhood side streets. The DIY effort is volunteer-run, with neighbors accepting donated decorations or funds to support the display.
W. 37th Street. facebook.com/37thstreetlights.
Downtown Austin Holiday Lights & Sing-Along
Austin’s Downtown Holiday Stroll on Dec. 3, 2022, brought people together on Congress Avenue for two local traditions: the Capitol Christmas tree lighting and the annual KUT/KUTX carol singalong. (Suzanne Cordeiro / Special to American-Statesman)
Downtown Austin’s seasonal programming centers around the annual Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll, held Dec. 6 on Congress Avenue between 10th and 11th streets. The free event includes live music, a community carol sing-along and the Capitol tree lighting. From Nov. 14 to Jan. 6, the Downtown Austin Alliance will add markets, pop-ups, installations and building décor across the district.
Congress Ave. 512-469-1766, downtownaustin.com/holidaystroll.
Light Park Austin (Round Rock)
The Light Park is open seven days a week, including holidays, with hours from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. (Provided by Light Park Austin)
This drive-through installation north of the city is up and running with extended hours from Dec. 22 through Jan. 4. Visitors move through a mile-long route at low speed while tuning in to an accompanying radio soundtrack. Admission is priced per vehicle, varying by day of the week, with higher rates on weekends and during the final stretch of the season. The experience includes concession options, and requires headlights off during the route for visibility of the displays.
3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. thelightpark.com/locations/round-rock-texas.
Longhorn Lights (UT Austin)
Texas students mill around the holiday light Bevo at the lighting of Longhorn Lights, the University of Texas’ annual holiday light display along Guadalupe Street, Nov. 19, 2024. (Sara Diggins/American-Statesman)
Running nightly through Jan. 1, Longhorn Lights illuminates the University of Texas campus along the South Mall — known as “the six-pack”— with the Tower as its backdrop. This year’s location emphasizes the Tower’s ongoing restoration, which includes exterior masonry and lighting upgrades. The installation spans 21st Street and University Avenue and operates from 5 to 10 p.m. daily.
200 W. 21st St. utexas.edu/longhornlights
Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights
Holiday décor and lights are an annual tradition at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters on Lake Austin. Customers gather under the lights on Dec. 12, 2022, in Austin, Texas. (Suzanne Cordeiro / Special to American-Statesman)
Mozart’s annual lakeside show runs through Jan. 3, with performances scheduled hourly from 7 to 10 p.m. The display includes choreographed light shows, waterfront staging elements, and a holiday village with food and drink options. Some nights feature additional programming, such as a fire-dancer performance inspired by “The Nutcracker” and limited-run musical presentations. Admission to the village area is $3, and the venue closes on Christmas Day.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd. 512-477-2900, mozartscoffee.com.
Peppermint Parkway (Circuit of the Americas)
The Peppermint Parkway holiday experience, seen here in Dec. 2022, returns to Circuit of the Americas. In addition to the drive-thru Christmas lights, Peppermint Parkway features carnival rides and food. (Scott Moore / Special to American-Statesman)
This seasonal attraction at Circuit of the Americas returns as a walk-through experience open through January. The route features lighted displays, costumed performers, and access to a plaza with rides, games and food vendors. Admission starts at $8 per person, with add-on options such as amusement rides, mini golf, or a low-speed lap around the COTA track in personal vehicles. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free.
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle. 512-301-6600, peppermintparkway.com.
Trail of Lights (Zilker Park)
The Austin downtown skyline can be seen from the ferris wheel at Trail of Lights Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at Zilker Park in Austin. Trail of Lights celebrated 60 years. (Briana Sanchez/American-Statesman)
One of Austin’s oldest and most attended seasonal events, the Trail of Lights opens Dec. 6 with a Fun Run event before its regular evening schedule begins. General admission ranges from free on select nights (Dec. 10–12 and 15–18) to $8; children 11 and under enter free with an adult. The walk-through trail includes large-scale light displays and on-site parking by advance purchase only.
2100 Barton Springs Road. austintrailoflights.org.
Zilker Holiday Tree
The Zilker Holiday Tree has 3,309 bulbs and stands 155 feet above Zilker Park on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Adjacent to the Trail of Lights, the Zilker Holiday Tree operates on its own schedule through Jan. 1. The 155-foot structure is built around one of Austin’s historic moon towers, featuring more than 3,000 LED bulbs arranged in a spiral pattern. Drive-up viewing is permitted on designated nights (Dec. 2–6, 8–9, and Dec. 24–Jan. 1) with free parking available on-site. On other nights, the tree is accessible only during Trail of Lights operating hours due to road closures.
2100 Barton Springs Road. 512-471-1000, austintexas.gov/department/zilker-holiday-tree.