Austin is no stranger to bustling nightlife. And this time of year, it’s the soft shine of twinkling Christmas lights that really steals the show. From the local neighborhoods to the decked-out storefronts and massive Christmas trees, these displays help celebrate the holiday season like nothing else. Christmas in Austin is truly a sight to behold! Here are the 8 light displays around Austin you won’t want to miss this year:

1. Downtown Holiday Stroll
1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
Downtown Austin/Facebook
For anyone who loves the idea of caroling, now’s your chance for a holiday sing-a-long with the entire city of Austin. This weekend event takes place in the heart of downtown just outside of the iconic capital building. The Holiday Stroll also features the Christmas Tree Lighting, an event you won’t want to miss.
2. The Driskill Hotel Tree
604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Andy/flickr
You'll find this magnificent Christmas tree in the lobby of the Driskill, Austin's grand hotel. The tree lighting takes place early in December, and you'll want to keep your eyes out for other holiday events happening here throughout the season.
3. Lake Austin's Boat Trail of Lights
4801 Plaza on the Lake, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Lake Austin's Boat Trail of Lights/Facebook
Beautiful all year-round, Lake Austin truly transforms during the holiday season. During a special event known as Lake Austin’s Boat Trail, residents of Lake Austin come together with their decorated boats to create nothing short of a spectacle. Whether you’re participating in the actual boat decorating or simply watching from afar, the event will make for an enchanting evening.
4. 37th Street
West 37th Street, W 37th St, Austin, TX, USA
That Other Paper/flickr
Located in Hyde Park, 37th Street has become rather famous for its incredible display of Christmas lights. If you’ve yet to experience Austin’s "weirdness" in the best possible way, this is a great place to start. Tacky light displays, props, and holiday scenes make for one of the best pedestrian walks in town.
5. Austin Trail of Lights
Zilker Metro Park-Barton Springs Pool Pedestrian Walkway, Austin, TX, USA
aaron vazquez/flickr
Anyone who’s been in the Austin area for the past few years has come to know and love the Austin Trail of Lights. Zilker Park opens from 6:00 - 10:00 PM every evening to allow visitors to walk through this winter wonderland. And the best part? The event is free! If you can’t walk, be prepared to pay $10 cash for parking.
6. The Domain
11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX 78758, USA
MarkScottAustinTX/flickr
Who needs the Rockefeller Christmas Tree when we've got one right here in Austin? The Domain's Christmas display is equally impressive and also features Santa Claus himself, at the ready for a photo op.
7. Lala's Christmas Bar
2207 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757, USA
Lala's/flickr
Just as the slogan says, "it's always Christmas at Lala's!" This year-round Christmas themed bar is all the more fitting this time of year. From the rooftop reindeer to the indoor lights, Lala's is an off-the-beaten-track spot that'll put you in the spirit.
8. Rock N' Lights Holiday Light Tour
3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Rock'N Lights Holiday Light Tour/Facebook
For one of the biggest volumes of Christmas lights in town, be sure to check out the Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour. No less than 2 million lights will dazzle a 1.5-mile driving path. Get a group of family and friends together for this most memorable night out.

You can see why we consider these to be the best Christmas lights near Austin! Have you been to any of these events or spectacles in Austin? Did any of your favorites miss the list? We’d love to hear from you! For more holiday celebration, be sure to check out the 12 Best Christmas Light Displays in Texas.

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More to Explore

Austin's Musical And Magical Holidays

William Suphan | October 15, 2022

What are the holiday traditions that are unique to Austin?

Austin is known for tons of music and lots of quirky fun. Their holiday traditions follow suit. While they have Christmas trees, they also like to decorate local cedar trees near the freeway with garlands, tinsel, and more. You may luck out and see Cowboy Santa clopping down the street on a mule, giving a holiday "Howdy!" to passersby. Tourists and locals love to pose for a photo next to the Willie Nelson Nutcracker in The Domain shopping center. Locals love to gather at the Moontower Christmas Tree that glitters with over 3,000 lights and is Austin's Christmas landmark.

What are the best holiday markets in Austin?

Austin has a ton of creative people and they don't just make music, they also make arts and crafts of every kind and sell them at various wonderful holiday markets. The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar shows intriguing artistic creations and it's a local tradition to shop here and take in some amazing live music. The Spokesmas Bazaar at The Yard is filled with local crafts and shoppers can sip beer or coffee as they peruse the imaginative goods. Last-minute shoppers are sure to find something memorable at the Eastside Pop Up at Hotel Vegas. Live music and handcrafted gifts make it a fun experience.

What are the best holiday festival in Austin?

Austin does holiday festivals like no other place. This city transforms its Formula One racetrack, Circuit of the Americas, into a spectacular Christmas destination with a massive ice skating rink, a tunnel of sparkling lights, a whimsical light maze, and of course you'll have to greet Santa. Harry Potter and the holidays are combined at the Worthwich Yule Ball at the Sterling Events Center. Dress up as your favorite Harry Potter character and try to win the cosplay contest, dance the night away, play Quidditch, and learn how to make your own wand. They have wonderment for every age.

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