A list of the best Christmas lights, events, and activities in the Austin area for this holiday season. Be sure to make some family memories this holiday season.
As the holiday season approaches spending time together as a family creating memories is one of my favorite holiday traditions. There are so many festivals, events, light displays, and activities in the Austin area that there is something for everyone. Or something new to try every year.
I am sharing some of the best Christmas lights, events, and activities in the Austin area for this holiday season. Be sure to make some family memories this holiday season.
Best Christmas Lights and Events in the Austin Area
Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
Starting in early December, the Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park offers over 2 million holiday lights with over 70-holiday displays and lighted tunnels. This event has been happening since 1965 and is a staple in the Austin area. There are several nights that a free to the public with the remaining needing a paid ticket. Parking costs extra no matter the date of your visit. Be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance and be prepared for long lines to get into the parking area.
Peppermint Parkway at Circuits of the Americas
Returning in November, the Peppermint Parkway at Circuits of the Americas is a one-mile drive-thru holiday experience with over 6 million lights. In addition, they have a holiday plaza with food, rides, activities, and more. This is another event where you need to purchase a ticket well in advance of your visit.
North Pole Flyer in Bertram
Starting in late November, the North Pole Flyer Train will depart from the historic Bertram train station on a 2-hour round-trip ride. During the ride, Santa will visit each car with a gift for each child, a reading of the North Pole Flyer by an elf, free and unlimited hot chocolate to passengers in the lounge cars, and various activities.
Annual Christmas Light Show at Mozart’s
Starting in late November, the Annual Christmas Light Show at Mozart’s is an experience you will not want to miss. There is a nightly musician and then a couple of times during the hour their Christmas Light Show happens where the lights dance to the music. There are two ways to experience this light show. The first is to purchase a reserved table and then you can purchase food and drinks in advance as a package or purchase food and drinks on the day of the show. The second way is to reserve one of the free general admission tickets where you have access to the marketplace, but you have to watch the show from the side and the view is not as good. The reserved tables sell out well in advance and should be purchased as soon as the tickets become available.
Georgetown Holiday Lights
Starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Georgetown Holiday Lights in downtown Georgetown is a great place to spend time shopping, eating dinner, and viewing the lights. The lights are on nightly through the end of the year.
Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls
Starting mid-November and running through the end of the year, the Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls is a wonderful free family event. The Walkway of Lights is a walk-through event with holiday displays and lighted tunnels and is open nightly (weather permitting). There is also an ice skating rink located nearby, where you can rent skates and live out your winter fantasy of spinning around on the outdoor ice rink.
PEC Holiday Lights in Johnson City
Starting around Thanksgiving and taking place well into the New Year, the PEC Holiday Lights in Johnson City is a family favorite. The electric company covers the oak trees at their headquarters with lights that make for a spectacular view. The lights are turned on every day from 6 pm to midnight. This event is free to attend. The weekends tend to be the busiest but it is well worth taking the time to experience.
Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights
Starting the week of Thanksgiving, the Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights is like being in a real-life Hallmark movie. There is a 30-foot Christmas tree, ice skating, and the highlight is the 26-foot tall Christmas pyramid all located in the Marktplatz. The lights turn on nightly at 6 pm. Be sure to go early to Fredericksburg and make a day out of it by exploring the town, shopping on the decorated main street, and having dinner at one of the many restaurants. Then stop by the PEC Holiday Lights on your way back to Austin.
