One of the best things about this time of year (other than the surplus of eggnog at HEB, of course) is checking out all the awesome light shows in the area. Here in Austin, the temperature is still a balmy 70 degrees in December. It often doesn’t even feel like fall, much less like the holidays! That’s why it’s so fun for us Austinites to get out and marvel over all the holiday lights and festive décor scattered throughout the city. Otherwise, there just aren’t very many indicators that it’s the holiday season — that is, apart from the yearly appearance of Santa Claus in a cowboy hat, riding a horse down Congress Avenue!
Just because it’s nice and sunny here at the same time that winter blizzards are raging in other pockets of the country doesn’t mean we don’t know how to do a great holiday light display. In fact, this city is home to some seriously fantastic light shows. So gather the kiddos (or call up your babysitter or nanny, if you’re in need of a parents night out), prepare the to-go hot cocoa, and check out our picks for the five best holiday light shows in Austin.
Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703
Date & Time: Light show runs nightly through Jan. 1, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. (excluding Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
Phone: 512-477-2900
Ready for a serious feast for the eyes? You haven’t seen a holiday light display until you’ve witnessed the official Mozart’s Christmas Lights Show! That’s right, not only does this coffee shop have one of the best porch views in town (Mozart’s has a fantastic outdoor deck overlooking Lake Austin), this is the place to get infused with holiday cheer. We’re talking thousands of lights that are custom made into Austin-y landmarks, live choral singing from local schools, audio-activated walls of lights, and all the gourmet hot chocolate you can stomach.
Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
Address: 2400 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746 (Zilker Park)
Date & Time: Dec. 9 – 23, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Check the calendar for free nights and other specialty programming, or pay $3 for general admission.
Phone: 512-907-8891
It’s not Christmas time in Austin until you’ve walked through the Trail of Lights! This mesmerizing display of holiday lights pretty much takes over Zilker Park for the entire month of December, and it’s an annual tradition for folks around these parts (the event draws around 400,000 people every year). This year, in addition to the Trail’s usual features — think 40+ displays, 2 million lights, the famous Zilker Tree, and tons of children’s activities — you can expect to see live local bands playing holiday tunes most nights. And make sure you come hungry, because there are always plenty of local food trucks serving up hot drinks and snacks.
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels
Address: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Date & Time: Nov. 3 – Dec. 31, Sunday – Thursday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Phone: 830-743-1293
Santa’s Ranch in New Braunfels, located just south of the San Marcos outlet malls, is a truly fabulous holiday experience for the whole family to enjoy. For just $22 per vehicle, you’ll drive through seemingly countless Christmas displays, including large-scale gingerbread houses, lit-up nativity scenes, a depiction of the North Pole, and tons of other custom-crafted holiday displays. Santa’s Ranch is the perfect activity for those who’d prefer to avoid crowds and stay in the car — without sacrificing any of the fun!
Capitol Tree Lighting in Downtown Austin
Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Date & Time: Annual tree lighting takes place Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
Every year, the city of Austin holds its official lighting of the Christmas tree outside the State Capitol — and it’s an event you won’t want to miss! The countdown to the lighting begins right before 7 p.m. and features a programmed light show at the top and bottom of every hour, set to holiday tunes performed by local musicians, of course. (Gotta have that Austin touch!) Then, bustling Congress Avenue will open its many shops and galleries to the public. There will be plenty of kid-friendly activities, crafts, and so much more!
Lights Spectacular in Johnson City
Address: 100 E. Main St., Johnson City, TX 78636 (Johnson City Chamber of Commerce)
Date & Time: Every weekend through Jan. 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Phone: 830-868-7684
For the last 28 years, Johnson City, located just an hour west of Austin, has been transforming itself from a regular Texas town into a veritable Christmas card come to life! The annual Lights Spectacular celebration is a grand, old-fashioned holiday affair. The town courthouse gets strung up with over 100,000 lights, local bands play live music in the streets, and there are carriage rides, hayrides, and plenty of handmade ornaments for sale. If you’re looking for a quintessential small-town atmosphere this holiday season, the Lights Spectacular is your best bet.
Did we include your favorite holiday light show in the Austin area? Let us know in the comments below!
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