The Best Holiday Lights in Austin

Light up this holiday season with one of these fun and festive events.

Words by Abby L. Johnson

In this most untraditional of holiday seasons, enjoy a classic winter holiday experience. There are plenty of places to see Christmas lights in and around Austin this year. Bring a coat and a sense of wonder to any one of these exceptional displays.

Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas

Experience the holiday magic and drive through the Circuit of the America’s Peppermint Parkway. Attendees can drive their vehicles through a light show featuring the magical adventures of the show’s mascots, Pepper and Mint, as they set out on a quest to deliver letters to Santa. COTA also offers a host of other fun holiday-themed activities on the weekends and select weekdays, including zip lines, kart racing, train rides, and a drive around the race track.

Tickets for Peppermint Parkway can be purchased online in advance here or at the gate For kart racing or zipline rides, register in advance online.
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.

2. Marble Falls Walkway of Lights

Pack up the family, even the dog (with a leash of course), and take a drive through the hill country to Marble Falls for a dazzling winter holiday experience. The city is hosting their 30^th annual Walkway of Lights at Lakeside Park. From 6 to 10 pm every evening until January 2, visitors can view over two million lights as they stroll around Lake Marble Falls. Admission to the Walkway is free, though donations are accepted. Ice skating will also be available nightly from 5 to 10 pm; tickets can be purchased in advance online here or at the park.
Lakeside Park: 305 Buena Vista Drive, Marble Falls, TX 78654

3. Georgetown Historic Town Square

Head north and visit Georgetown’s charming historic town square. Every evening through January 2, the downtown area and County Courthouse will be lit up with holiday cheer. Guests can stroll through and enjoy the lights and sights of the city. Georgetown’s square features delightful historic architecture and locally-owned boutiques for guests to patronize. Experience the holiday tradition and get a feel for their small town charm.

4. Pflugerville Drive-Through

On Saturday, December 19, from 6:30-9pm, Pflugerville will hosta holiday drive-through featuring a very special guest. Visitors can bring their letters to Santa and say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Claus, all from their vehicle. The Pflugerville tree and lights will make the drive down Main Street an unforgettable one. Click here for more info.
E Main Street, Pflugerville, TX 78660

5. Mozart’s Light Show

There is perhaps nothing cozier than a hot chocolate and sweet treat from Mozart’s on a chilly Texas night. This year, Austinites can enjoy Mozart’s annual Light Show from the comfort of a private table. The hour-long show highlights different musical guests each night and is sure to dazzle the whole family. Guests can reserve a table for parties of up to six people. Mozart’s is also offering the option to order drinks and pastries ahead of time so that the table will be set and ready to go when patrons arrive. Mozart’s Light Show will run nightly through January 6. For those who can’t make it in person, Mozart’s is also selling a Light Show in a Box Kit—enjoy the show on the big screen at home! More info and bookings are available on Mozart’s website.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd.

6. Austin Trail of Lights

Perhaps one of Austin’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, will continue this year, although with some modifications. As opposed to year’s past, Austinites will enjoy the spectacle from their vehicle this year. In a new drive-through experience, the Trail of Lights will feature over two million lights in a series of classic displays long-time fans know and love, as well as some new additions to the show. Attendees should purchase tickets ahead of time and plan to spend about an hour from start to finish in the newly imagined experience. For more info and to book tickets, make sure to visit their event website.
2100 Barton Springs Rd.