Out of all the holiday traditions, there’s one that outshines the rest. Every year, holiday light installations draw people out all over the country to marvel at the many ways in which these glowing decorations illuminate the night.
Austin has a long tradition of holiday light events spanning every corner of the city which has landed the city a ranking as Thumbtack’s most festive city in the U.S. for the third year in a row. The most notable light event is the annual Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, however, plenty of other spots around town provide a similar spectacle.
If you’re in town for the holidays and interested in seeing lights in Austin, follow this guide for the best holiday light destinations both new and old.
The Domain (Ends Dec. 25)
We’ll start up north at the Domain, a luxury outdoor shopping mall. While the entire mall is decorated with lights for shoppers to enjoy, the mall has set up a large Christmas tree on the lawn on Rock Rose Avenue. In the evening, the tree lights up once an hour for a short light show synchronized with Christmas music. This offers a great opportunity to enjoy a festive display while out at the many nearby restaurants or stores.
37th Street (Ends Jan. 1)
Just north of campus in central Austin, the residents of 37th Street and the surrounding area put on a fantastic neighborhood lights display. The area has been known to reflect the unique and weird Austin culture through its festivities since the 1980s. Live music and local food vendors have appeared in previous years and can be expected to line the streets in this pedestrian-only experience.
Tarrytown and Mozart’s Coffee Roasters (Ends Jan. 4)
Mozart’s Coffee sits at the edge of Lake Austin with a highly decorated outdoor patio and a great, lakeside view. Every year Mozart’s puts on a light show like no other from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night through Jan. 4. The lights flash along with music and provide great entertainment you can enjoy while sipping your hot chocolate. Mozart’s lounge also features frequent live, local music performances, including the UT Jazz Combo. Making the trip to Mozart’s also allows for a scenic drive through the historically affluent neighborhood of Tarrytown for a tour of light-covered luxury homes.
Zilker Park and the Trail of Lights (Ends Dec. 23)
Across the river in Zilker Park is the Trail of Lights, a 60-year-old Austin tradition that features a walk around the park with light displays from all the event’s sponsors. Along the way, you will find a ferris wheel and plenty of vendors selling funnel cakes, turkey legs, kettle corn and other carnival-style foods. The Zilker volleyball courts are turned into a massive fire pit for a yule log, a centuries-old holiday tradition. Outside of the event, one of Austin’s historical moontowers is turned into a massive Christmas tree surrounded by more food trucks. There, many take part in the timeless tradition of standing under the tower, looking up, and spinning around until they fall over. General admission tickets are free through Dec. 18. Get tickets here.
Diagon Alley Austin (Year-round)
For “Harry Potter” fans, one house in the south Austin neighborhood of Circle C goes all out with wizarding themed decorations and light displays. Diagon Alley Austin began as a way for local Joel Pace to cheer up his wife after a cancer diagnosis. Though his wife has since recovered, the decorations have become a local attraction. This year, the house will feature Hogwarts Castle and a lifesize Hogwarts Express, along with many other notable locations from the series.
Peppermint Parkway (Ends Dec. 29)
In southeast Austin, the Circuit of the Americas– Austin’s own F1 track– hosts a drive-thru holiday lights experience with light tunnels and Austin-themed displays. Outside of your car there are lots of activities including carnival rides, mini golfing, food and a petting zoo. While this is a ticketed event, tickets can be split between riders in your car. Get tickets here.
