Austin's Christmas lights are one of the biggest highlights of the holiday season, with light displays, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, decorated neighborhoods, and seasonal attractions happening across the city throughout 2026. This guide covers the best places to see Christmas lights in Austin, making it easy to plan a holiday outing with family or friends.
The Best Christmas Light Displays in Austin This Season
Austin is home to everything from city-wide light displays to neighborhood favorites that return every year. Here are the best Christmas lights and holiday displays to visit during the 2026 season.
1. Tree Lighting Ceremony — Bastrop
Bastrop kicks off the Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fisherman's Park, right along the Colorado River. This two hour community gathering features live music and merry activities before the main event, when the city's Christmas tree lights up the night. Free to attend and open to all, it’s a tradition that brings the Bastrop community together to mark the start of the most festive time of year.
- Dates: Friday, November 27th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 1200 Willow Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Parking: Free
- Website: visitbastrop.com
Insider Tip: This event runs just 6 to 8 PM, so arrive a little early to snag a good spot near the tree before the crowd builds up.
2. Bastrop River of Lights — Bastrop
The Bastrop River of Lights transforms the half mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk into a glowing trail of holiday light displays each winter season. Winding along the Colorado River, this free community event draws in visitors of all ages for a leisurely evening stroll through hundreds of sparkling installations. Fully accessible and open nightly from dusk to 10 PM, it’s a quintessential Bastrop tradition worth the trip.
- Dates: November 28th, 2026 – January 5th, 2027
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 1200 Willow Street, Bastrop, TX 78602
- Kid Friendly: Yes
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Parking: Free
- Website: visitbastrop.com
Insider Tip: Access the Riverwalk from the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman's Park on Willow Street for the easiest entry, then head up to Main Street afterward to grab a bite at one of Bastrop's local restaurants.
3. Zilker Holiday Tree Lighting — Austin
Stand beneath a breathtaking piece of Austin history at the Zilker Holiday Tree, an impressive 155-foot structure built around a historic moonlight tower. Composed of 39 glowing light streamers holding an incredible 3,309 multicolored LED bulbs, this towering display is topped by a 10-foot double star featuring 150 frosted lights. Created by skilled city electricians, the unique spiral light pattern forms a mesmerizing centerpiece that draws visitors from all across the state. Families gather on the surrounding lawns to enjoy hot cocoa, Christmas music, and clear night views of the downtown skyline. It remains one of Austin's most cherished and visually striking outdoor holiday traditions.
- Dates: November 29th, 2026 through January 1st, 2027 (Official Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, November 29th, 2026)
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: Zilker Park moonlight tower, 2207 Lou Neff Rd, Austin, TX 78746
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Yes (Leashed dogs welcome on the open grass lawns)
- Parking: Paid parking available in designated public surface lots throughout Zilker Park
- Website: https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/zilker-holiday-tree
Insider Tip: Walk straight into the center base of the tower, look directly up into the light streamers, and spin around to experience a classic Austin kaleidoscope effect.
4. Austin Trail of Lights — Austin
Austin Trail of Lights transforms Zilker Park into one of the city's largest holiday attractions, with more than 2 million lights illuminating the trail. Visitors can walk past more than 90 illuminated holiday trees and 70 lighted displays and tunnels, while also enjoying food vendors, holiday activities, Santa, and carnival rides. It’s one of the top Christmas light displays in Austin for families looking to see a massive holiday light show in one evening.
- Dates: December 10th through December 23rd, 2026
- Admission: Free on select nights; $8 for ages 12 and older on December 12th and December 18th-23rd
- Street Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: Advance parking passes required for Zilker Park; shuttle service available on select nights
- Website: https://austintrailoflights.org/
Insider Tip: If you want to avoid paying the general admission fee, visit December 10th, 11th, or 13th-17th when general admission is free, then arrive early enough to enjoy the displays before the busiest part of the evening.
5. Mozart’s Festival of Lights — Austin
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters lights up its Lake Austin location with more than 2 million lights synchronized to music across the building, archway, and surrounding display areas. The experience also features live holiday entertainment and a Broadway style revue inspired by ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. For anyone searching for Austin holiday light displays, Mozart’s offers a combination of synchronized lights, live performances, and waterfront views.
- Dates: November 21st, 2026 through January 3rd, 2027
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 3825 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Not specified
- Website: https://mozartscoffee.com/pages/annual-christmas-light-show
Insider Tip: Shows begin at 6 p.m., so check the nightly calendar before visiting and plan to arrive early enough to grab a waterfront spot before the synchronized show begins.
6. Santa’s Ranch — New Braunfels
Santa’s Ranch offers a drive through Christmas light experience stretching for more than a mile and featuring approximately 3 million lights and animated holiday displays. Families can stay in their vehicles as they travel through the display, with hot chocolate, kettle corn, and souvenirs available along the way. This is a popular option for families searching for drive through Christmas lights near Austin who want to enjoy the displays without leaving the car.
- Dates: November 6th, 2026 through January 3rd, 2027
- Admission: Ticketed
- Street Address: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Parking: On-site
- Website: https://santasranch.com/
Insider Tip: Tickets are sold by vehicle rather than by person, so this can be a good value for larger families. You can also upgrade a single visit to a season pass before leaving if you want to return.
7. EmilyAnn’s Trail of Lights — Wimberley
EmilyAnn’s Trail of Lights leads visitors through approximately eight acres of illuminated holiday displays, with live entertainment, a Yule log, complimentary marshmallows and hot chocolate, and Santa on select nights. The annual event also features special activities throughout the season, creating a walk through experience rather than a drive through display. It’s a great choice for families looking for Central Texas Christmas lights in a more community oriented setting.
- Dates: November 28th through December 26th, 2026
- Admission: Free; donations encouraged
- Street Address: 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley, TX 78676
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: No
- Parking: Limited on-site parking; additional parking available at Wimberley High School and Danforth Middle School
- Website: https://www.emilyann.org/trailoflights.html
Insider Tip: Opening night is a great choice for families who want the full experience, with Santa's arrival, the tree lighting, live entertainment, and the Trail opening all taking place that evening.
8. Lighting of the Square — Georgetown
Georgetown’s annual Lighting of the Square marks the start of the holiday season with the lighting of the historic downtown square, where the decorations remain on display through January 1st. Visitors can walk around the square to see the illuminated buildings and streets and enjoy Georgetown’s downtown during the holiday season. The event is a simple option for families searching for Christmas tree lighting events near Austin without the cost of admission.
- Dates: November 27th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 710 South Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Yes
- Parking: Free parking available at several downtown locations
- Website: https://www.dgagtx.org/events
Insider Tip: If opening night is too crowded, the lights remain on every evening through January 1st, so you can return on a weeknight for a more relaxed walk around the square.
9. Light Up the Lake — Round Rock
Light Up the Lake fills Old Settlers Park with illuminated holiday displays, giant glowing balloons over Bright Lake, a large scale light show, live music, food, crafts, and family activities. The event is designed as a walking experience, giving families time to enjoy the lights and entertainment around the lake. For families looking for holiday light displays near Austin, this Round Rock event combines sensational lights with live entertainment and activities.
- Dates: December 4th-5th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 3300 East Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock, TX 78665
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: On-site parking available
- Website: https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/lightupthelake/
Insider Tip: This is a walking event, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend the evening exploring the displays around Bright Lake rather than trying to see everything from the parking area.
10. Old Town Christmas Festival — Leander
The Old Town Christmas Festival brings holiday activities to downtown Leander with a Christmas Marketplace, Rudolph Run, Hometown Parade, live performances, local vendors, and Santa. The evening concludes with the lighting of a 60 foot Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m., followed by a showing of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and hot chocolate. It’s a family friendly Austin area Christmas tree lighting with an entire day of holiday activities surrounding the ceremony.
- Dates: December 5th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 100 North Brushy Street, Leander, TX 78641
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Not specified
- Website: https://www.leandertx.gov/494/Old-Town-Christmas-Festival
Insider Tip: Plan to stay through the evening finale. The 60 foot tree lighting is followed by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on the big screen, with hot chocolate served during the movie.
11. Lakeway Lights On! — Lakeway
Lakeway Lights On! kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the city’s Trail of Lights, along with visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves. Families can also enjoy live music, s’mores, food vendors, and holiday photo opportunities during the evening. This event is a good pick for families searching for Christmas lights near Austin who want to combine a light display with Santa and other activities.
- Dates: December 4th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 1102 Lohmans Crossing Road, Lakeway, TX 78734
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Available at the Lakeway Activity Center and Justice Center
- Website: https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/1427/Lights-On
Insider Tip: Arrive early for the Santa photos and food, then stay for the official Trail of Lights lighting. Parking is available at the Activity Center and Justice Center, both within walking distance of City Hall.
12. Buda Holiday Lights — Buda
Buda Holiday Lights transforms Stagecoach Park into a walk through display filled with illuminated holiday scenes and seasonal activities. Families can enjoy food and entertainment, visit Santa, and walk through the lights, with shuttle service available from Cabela’s during the event. It’s one of the more accessible free Christmas lights near Austin for families who want an evening light display without an admission fee.
- Dates: December 9th-12th and December 16th-19th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: 880 Main Street, Buda, TX 78610
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: No event parking at Stagecoach Park; complimentary shuttle service from Cabela's
- Website: https://www.budatx.gov/525/Buda-Holiday-Lights
Insider Tip: Families looking for a quieter experience can choose the sensory friendly night on December 16th, which includes designated quiet spaces for guests who need a break from the activity.
13. Sights & Sounds of Christmas — San Marcos
Sights & Sounds of Christmas covers more than 25 acres with holiday attractions including a 100,000 light Christmas tree, carnival rides, a petting zoo, Santa’s Gift Shop, live performances, and themed areas such as A Night in Old Bethlehem and Reindeer Games. Families can spend several hours moving between the lights, entertainment, food, and activities throughout the festival grounds. For families searching for Christmas lights near Austin, this San Marcos celebration offers much more than a traditional light display.
- Dates: December 3rd-5th and December 10th-12th, 2026
- Admission: $10; children 12 and under are free
- Street Address: 205 North CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos, TX 78666
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Free shuttle service available from designated parking lots
- Website: https://sights-n-sounds.org/
Insider Tip: Kids 12 and under get in free, so this is a particularly budget friendly choice for families. Arrive early enough to explore the petting zoo and Christmas attractions before the carnival gets busy.
14. Wishes for Wimberley Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting — Wimberley
Wishes for Wimberley begins with a lighted Christmas parade featuring floats, marching bands, classic cars, and Santa’s sleigh moving through the downtown area. After the parade, families can participate in the toy drive, visit with Santa, and gather for the community Christmas tree lighting on Wimberley Square. It’s a charming option for families searching for a Christmas tree lighting near Austin with a parade and community celebration included.
- Dates: November 28th, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Street Address: Wimberley Square, Wimberley, TX 78676
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Pet-Friendly: Not specified
- Parking: Public parking available around downtown Wimberley
- Website: https://www.visitwimberleytx.org/events/wishes-for-wimberley-parade-toy-drive/
Insider Tip: Arrive 60–90 minutes before the 6 p.m. parade to find parking, choose a viewing spot, and walk around downtown before the parade and tree lighting begin.
Tips for Visiting Christmas Lights in Austin
- Go on a weeknight: Tuesday through Thursday evenings are far less crowded than weekend nights, especially for drive-through and ticketed light experiences.
- Time your visit at dusk: Most light displays are best viewed in the first hour after sunset, when the lights pop against a deepening sky.
- Bring a light layer: Even with mild Texas winters, evenings get cool after sunset. A light jacket keeps everyone comfortable for outdoor displays and walking trails.
- Book ticketed experiences in advance: Popular walk through and drive through experiences sell out on December weekends. Check the schedule and reserve early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here's what to know before you go to any of the listed Austin lights this season.
When do Christmas lights turn on in Austin?
Most major Christmas light displays in Austin turn on between late November and the first week of December. Tree lighting ceremonies typically take place the weekend after Thanksgiving, and most neighborhood and trail displays run through New Year's Day.
Where can I see free Christmas lights in Austin?
Many of Austin's most iconic light displays are free to view, including tree lightings, neighborhood displays, and public park installations. Some ticketed experiences offer drive through or walk through light trails for a more immersive experience.
Are Austin Christmas lights kid friendly?
Yes! Most Christmas light displays in Austin are family friendly, with activities, food, and entertainment suitable for all ages. Check individual listings for stroller accessibility and kid specific activities.
When is the best time to see Christmas lights in Austin?
Weeknights are typically less crowded than weekends, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Most displays look best from dusk through 9 PM. Avoid the weekend right before Christmas if you want a calmer experience.
Can I add my event to this guide?
We'd love to feature your Christmas event! Simply share your event through our quick submission form and we will get it added to the list!
Christmas Lights Worth the Drive from Austin
Austin isn't the only place worth visiting for Christmas lights this season. Within a couple of hours' drive, you'll find several other cities with their own magical holiday displays worth the trip.
Dripping Springs, Texas — 35 Minutes from Austin
Officially welcome the winter season at the annual Dripping Springs tree lighting. Held at the lovely Veterans Memorial Park, the evening kicks off with live holiday musical performances and seasonal entertainment provided by local community organizations. Once the tree illuminates, the park grounds buzz with small town warmth, offering seasonal treats, hot cider, family photo ops, and a free outdoor family movie screening.
Wimberley, Texas — 50 Minutes from Austin
Plan Your Complete Austin Christmas Experience
Austin's Christmas lights are just one part of the city's incredible holiday season. Explore our guides to holiday shows and performances, Christmas festivals and parades, Christmas markets and holiday shopping, and Christmas attractions and experiences in Austin. Whether you're a local or visiting for the season, our Austin Christmas guide has you covered.
