From the weird to the traditional and everything in between, the Austin area offers lights to enchant anyone!
The Domain Light Shows
The Domain lights up the night with a light show like none other. More than 82,000 lights and 2,200 strobes dance to holiday music for 10 minutes. Catch the show between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dillard’s. Light Shows take place at 6PM, 7PM and 8PM.
Where: 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758
Hours: 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More Information: https://www.simon.com/mall/the-domain/stores/simon-guest-services/stream/holiday-light-shows-6151606
Zilker Holiday Tree
The Austin Trail of Lights closes on Dec. 23, but the Zilker Holiday Tree will be up through Jan. 1. The tree is 155 feet tall and features more than 3,000 lights. Access to the tree is free and independent of the Austin Trail of Lights admission. Food vendors and other merchants will operate at the Tree throughout the month of December. The tree will be on display each night from 6:00 p.m. – midnight.
Where: 2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
Hours: 6 p.m.-midnight
Cost: FREE
More Information: http://www.austintexas.gov/zilkerholidaytree
37th Street
Dubbed the weirdest lights you’ll see this holiday season, 37th Street is uniquely Austin.The quirky lights were on hiatus for awhile but have returned to their full, Austin glory. The best way to experience the lights is on foot. Visit their website for more information.
Where: 507-301 W. 37th St.
Cost: FREE
More information: https://thirtyseventhstreetlights.github.io/?fbclid=IwAR3p6CCSCgwQaGXr8mY-GvbcHsISPzSHlQTpjTSywraExJ7zOimQMLz54D4
10th Annual Joyous Light Show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Sip on hot chocolate and enjoy a delicious treat from the bakery while watching the dazzling light show. Mozart’s decorates the deck with more than 1 million LED lights set to favorite holiday tunes. Admission is free and open to all. Parking is available in front of the shop or across Lake Austin Blvd in the overflow lot. Closed on Thanksgiving Day. Closes at 10 p.m. Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day.
Where: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
Hours: Through Jan. 5, Daily, 6-11 p.m.; Four times every hour
Cost: FREE
More Information: https://mozartscoffee.com/christmas-lights-show/
Willis Littlefield’s House
Willis has animatronic Santas galore and welcomes kids to interact with his display (and he insists you take a candy cane!) The lights will be on through Christmas Day.
Where: 1611 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 7803
Cost: FREE
Downtown Round Rock
If your taste is more traditional, head to downtown Round Rock for the Hometown Holiday display. Enjoy the dazzle of holiday lights as they sparkle, twinkle and glow to life every evening at nightfall. Look for twinkling trees, larger-than-life ornaments, gift boxes, and archways for that perfect holiday snapshot. Open through Dec. 31. Free.
Where: Main Street, Round Rock
Hours: Nightfall through Dec. 31
Cost: FREE
More information: https://downtownroundrocktexas.com/hometownholiday/
Chianti Court in Cedar Park
Just off Sun Chase in the Ranch at Cypress Creek (park on Sun Chase so you can walk down Chianti). Donate to Williamson County’s Brown Santa program and buy hot chocolate to raise funds for the organization.
Where: The Ranch at Cypress Creek
Hours: Nightly through January 1
Cost: FREE
More Information: https://www.facebook.com/chinati.court
Williamson County Courthouse on the Square
More than 10,000 lights will adorn the building and trees in the historic town center until New Year’s Eve.
Where: 710 S Main St, Georgetown, TX 78626
Hours: Nightly through Dec. 31
Cost: FREE
A short drive …
Bastrop River of Lights
Take in the River of Lights, numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop’s scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fishermans Park on Farm Street.
Where: Fishermans Park, Farm Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
When: Through Jan. 3; dusk until 10 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More information: https://www.visitbastrop.com/event/bastrop-river-of-lights/4/
Johnson City Lights Spectacular
Lyndon Johnson’s hometown is transformed into the “Twinkliest Town in Texas” during the 30th annual Lights Spectacular. More than 2 million lights adorn the courthouse and the surrounding city blocks, including City Park and the Pedernales Electric Co-op (PEC) headquarters. Enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage ($15 per person), visit Santa, and participate in the PEC holiday lights photo contest.
Where: 101 E Pecan Dr, Johnson City, TX 78636
Hours: Through Jan. 5
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.johnsoncitytexas.info/lights-spectacular.html
Marble Falls Walkway of Lights
With 2 million lights on more than 130 sculptures, the Marble Falls Walkway of Lights is one of the biggest holiday events in the Highland Lakes. The Walkway of Lights is open 6-10 p.m. and runs through January 1, 2020. The Walkway is free. Parking is available in Lakeside Park and in the public parking places along the street throughout downtown.
The trail can take about 30 minutes to complete. In the event of rain, the decision to open or close is made each day at 3 p.m. Call 844-635-4448, or visit marblefalls.org, before visiting to check the status of the walkway.
Where: Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Hours: Through Jan. 1; 6-10 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More Information: https://www.marblefalls.org/walkway
Starry, Starry Nights – Llano
Stroll along the bank of the Llano River, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy the festive lighted displays! Starry, Starry Nights is open 6-9 p.m. through New Year’s Eve.
Where: Badu Park, 300 Legion Dr., Llano, TX 78643
Hours: Through Dec. 31; 6-9 p.m.
Cost: FREE
More Information: http://www.llanostarrystarrynights.com/
Wimberley Trail of Lights
More than 100 local businesses, community groups and families make displays for this 8-acre walking trail. Live entertainment, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Jingle Bell Express and other events will take place throughout the holiday season.
Where: EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley, Texas 78676
Hours: Through December 28; 6-9 p.m. (Sunday-Thursday); 6-10 p.m. (Friday & Saturday)
Cost: FREE but donations are appreciated
More Information: http://www.emilyann.org/trailoflights.html
