There are so many things that make the holiday season fun. Whether you're in town for a convention or to celebrate the season with loved ones, visiting one of Austin's spectacular light shows should be on the agenda. Here are some of the top places to check out holiday lights in Austin this winter.
37th Street Lights
Starting December 12, 2025
The 37th Street Lights are famous in Austin for being one of the city's "weirdest" and most unique holiday light displays. Located primarily between Guadalupe and Home Street, this neighborhood spectacle is an all-volunteer effort where residents decorate their homes with a quirky, eclectic mix of traditional Christmas lights, found objects, sculptures, and offbeat themes—like the must-see Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo. Visitors are highly encouraged to walk the streets to fully appreciate the distinctive, non-traditional creativity of this festive and funky display.
Viewing is free and open to the public.
Longhorn Lights
November 18, 2025 - January 1, 2026
The Longhorn Lights is a beloved holiday tradition that illuminates the University of Texas at Austin's campus. Thousands of orange and white lights adorn the trees along the South Mall, creating a beautiful and celebratory glow that frames the iconic UT Tower. This display adds a special festive spirit to the heart of the Forty Acres each holiday season.
Viewing is free and open to the public.
Peppermint Parkway. Courtesy of Circuit of The Americas™
Peppermint Parkway
November 21 - December 28, 2025
Hosted at Austin’s Formula 1 racetrack, Circuit of The Americas™ (COTA), this walking route follows characters Pepper and Mint on an adventure through a display of over 6 million lights. Visitors can also experience rides, food trucks, and a meet and greet with Santa at the end of the trail.
Reserve your ticket here.
Mozart’s Annual Festival of Lights
November 22, 2025 - January 3, 2026
View a stunning and immersive light display at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, just on the bank of the Lake Austin waters. Sip on great coffee and listen to live music as lights dazzle in the sky and reflect on the water. Once you’ve got your fill of lights and caffeine, stop at their holiday market for a treat on the way out.
Reserve your spot here.
Zilker Holiday Tree. Courtesy of Austin Trail of Lights
Zilker Holiday Tree
November 30, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Situated in Zilker Park, Austin’s beloved Zilker Holiday Tree stands at a staggering 155 feet tall and is fashioned around one of Austin’s last standing Moonlight Towers. This giant display is appointed with a 10 feet wide star and over 3,000 multicolored lights. The tree turns on nightly at 6 pm.
Viewing is free and open to the public.
Downtown Holiday Stroll
December 6, 2025
Start your holidays downtown with the annual Downtown Holiday Stroll. Sing-along to holiday classics while the Downtown tree lights up the city scape. The evening will feature a Christmas classics sing-along and music from Amber Blue Music.
Event is free and open to the public.
Courtesy of Trail of Lights.
Austin Trail of Lights
December 10 - December 23, 2025
Get into the Christmas spirit at this iconic Austin event. What started out as a humble gathering in 1965 is now a community-wide celebration of the unique qualities that make Austin such a special destination. The Trail of Lights features over 2 million lights, 40 displays, and a ton of holiday activities.
Reserve your ticket in advance here.
Looking for more holiday entertainment? Check out our guide to holidays in Austin.
