7 Best Austin Light Displays to Visit This Holiday Season
Though far from the chill of the North Pole, the city of Austin becomes a bustling hub of holiday cheer each winter. From drive-thru displays to interactive experiences, read on to discover seven of this year's best holiday light displays to enjoy with your friends and family.
Austin Trail of Lights
The Austin Trail of Lights returns to Zilker Park for its 57th year, featuring more than two million lights. Guests can keep warm in the comfort of their own cars as they tour past holiday illuminations in every color, shape and size. General admission passes are on sale now, beginning at $30. The Austin Trail of Lights is open nightly, beginning November 27th and running through New Year's Eve. For more information, visit their website at austintrailoflights.org .
The Zilker Tree
Located in Zilker Park, this 155-foot moon tower is designed to resemble a massive illuminated Christmas tree, featuring hundreds of individual lights. Illuminations take place nightly from 6-10 PM, November 27th through New Year's Day. Admission is free. Please note: Masks are currently required for all visitors ages 2 and older. For more information, visit their website at austintexas.gov/department/zilker-holiday-tree .
Peppermint Parkway
This mile-long drive-through event will return to Austin for 2021, following its initial launch in 2020. Originally designed as a way to safely enjoy the holiday spirit amid the ongoing COVID pandemic, Peppermint Parkway features festive music and millions of glittering lights for the entire family to enjoy. Tickets start at $35, and the event will run from November 26th through December 26th. For more information, visit their website at peppermintparkway.com .
Luminations at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Located at the Texas Arboretum, this walk-through illuminated display features thousands of luminaries, seasonal treats, and brightly-lit Fortlandia forts. The display is open with limited capacity Thursdays through Sundays from December 2nd through January 30th. Admission is $25 for guests 18 and older, and $15 for ages 5-17. Children under the age of 4 can enjoy the display for free. For more information, visit their website at wildflower.org/luminations .
Mozart Coffee's Christmas Lights Show
Overlooking scenic Lake Austin sits Mozart's Coffee Roasters, known year-round for its comforting brews and live music performances. Things are more lively than ever this holiday season, with the return of Mozart's nightly holiday spectacular. Enjoy a cozy coffee and sweet holiday treat as you take in the reflection of holiday lights on Lake Austin, and browse the many curiosities of the Bavarian marketplace. Guests can opt for a reserved table option, or choose free general admission which is "standing room only". Reserved tables begin at $20, and shows run through January 6th. For more information, visit their website at mozartscoffee.com
37th Street
This eclectic, 20-year old tradition brings the residential streets of 37th and Guadalupe to life in grand festive fashion, decked with a rainbow of lights and eye-catching décor. The walk-through event begins with an opening ceremony on December 10th, and runs until New Year's Day. For more information, visit the official Facebook page.
Starlit Austin
The vibrant new public art installation known as the Kilroy Star will debut at West Sixth Street Indeed Tower on December 2nd, from 4-8PM. The illuminated star spans a whopping 20 feet in diameter, featuring 30,000 LED lights. The star's debut celebration will include a light show, artisan market, live entertainment and complimentary seasonal beverages. Admission is free--however, guests are asked to RSVP in advance. For more information, please visit eventbrite.com .
