Austin's Best Holiday Light Trails & Walk-Through Display
Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
Open Select Nights in December | Evening hours | 2100 Barton Springs Rd | Austin, TX
This iconic walk-through event spans approx. 1.25 miles of illuminated tunnels, lighted holiday trees, festive displays, and Santa’s Workshop. Expect to walk ~2.5 miles in total when including walking to/from parking or shuttles. Entry is ticketed—some weekday nights offer free admission—advance planning is recommended
Mozart’s Festival of Lights (Lake Austin Festival)
Open Late Nov through Early Jan | Evening hours | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd | Austin, TX
This cozy lakeside display features over a million lights synchronized to music. Enjoy Mozart’s hot chocolate, live music, and the Bavarian-style holiday market. Tickets ~$5/person; kids 11 and under free
Luminations at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Open Late Nov to Early Jan | Timed evening slots | 4801 La Crosse Ave | Austin, TX
Stroll through an illuminated garden featuring thousands of lights, luminaria-lined paths, Fortlandia nighttime installations, and artful botanical lighting. Ticketed with timed entry; typically Thurs–Sun
Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
Drive-Thru Experience Nov to Late Dec | Nightly | 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd | Austin/Del Valle, TX
A mile-long decorated drive featuring over six million lights, themed zones like Candy Cane Lane and Gingerbread Alley—with rides, vendors, and visits with Santa at the end. Tickets required
37th Street Lights (West 37th Street between Guadalupe & Home Lane)
Free Walk-Through | Nightly Dec 13 – Jan 1, ~5 PM–10 PM | 507 West 37th St | Austin, TX
One of Austin’s most beloved DIY holiday traditions. Colorful, quirky displays and interactive installations—including the famous Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo. Best enjoyed on foot to catch all the details
Zilker Holiday Tree (Moonlight Tower Tree)
Free Viewing | Nightly Dec 1 – Jan 1 from ~6 PM | Zilker Park, near Trail of Lights entrance | Austin, TX
A 155-foot-tall Christmas “tree” made of lights strung from a historic moonlight tower. Menorah and tree lighting ceremonies and picture-perfect views included. Free access
Wimberley Trail of Lights
Free Walk-Through | Dec 2 – Dec 26, evenings | Emily Ann Theatre, 1101 FM 2325 | Wimberley, TX (~45 min drive)
A six‑acre walking trail lit with familiar themes, live entertainment, yule log burning, and holiday vendors—perfect for a night out with the family
Lakeway Trail of Lights
Free Walk-Through | Nov 20 – Jan 3, nightly 6 PM–Midnight | Lakeway Activity Center or City Hall parking (see signs) | Lakeway, TX (~20 min west)
A scenic lakeside stroll beneath thousands of lights—free access and relaxed vibe. Great for early December visits
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
Free Walk-Through | Nov 20 – Jan 2, evenings | Lake Marble Falls Park | Marble Falls, TX (~1 hour drive)
Over 2 million lights illuminate this charming lakeside park—ideal for a festive road‑trip outing with food stalls and local ambiance
Cedar Park & Circle C Neighborhood Displays
Free Walk or Drive | Mid‑Dec – Early Jan | 5:30 PM–10 PM | Circle C’s “Harry Potter House” at Slaughter Ln & Vintage Pl; Cedar Park homes like Anna Court or Acosta Court | NW suburbs
These residential displays include themed shows like Harry Potter lights, synchronized music homes, and festive street decorations. Some accept donations for charity
From glittering parks to glowing neighborhoods, these light displays prove that Austin doesn’t just celebrate the holidays—it shines.
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