Are you looking forward to lighting up your holiday season? When in Austin, you needn’t worry about visiting places exuding the right holiday spirit. The city truly comes alive during Christmas, lighting up streets and transforming them into a sparkling winter wonderland. For locals and visitors alike, Austin has something incredible to offer every year. Apart from its live music and mouth-smacking foods, it’s also popular for its happening festivities, especially when it’s displaying the Christmas lights.
Let’s list the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights in Austin so you don’t spend time looking for the right places to visit –
Locations Featuring the Most Immersive Christmas Lights in Austin, Texas
37th Street: For The Best Light Show
This particular street or neighborhood in Austin truly embodies the spirit of Christmas. It’s the most famous to see the trail of lights. For over 30 years, this street has been lit up every year with extraordinary Christmas decorations. During the holidays, there’s something distinctively Austin at the intersection of 37th and Guadalupe streets: a huge, Godzilla-like beast decked out in Christmas lights. Some major highlights here are the DIY charm and interactive elements, the Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo, and the pedestrian-friendly promenade.
A neighbor of 37th street, Tracy Firsching said, “This street is one of the remainders, or like, the reminders of what the old Austin was like – ‘Keep Austin Weird’ vibe. Here, you can see the lights lit up from mid-December through January 1st.
Austin Trail of Lights: A Must-See Holiday Lights Display
The annual Austin Trail of Lights is a must-see when celebrating Christmas in the city. From December 8th to 23rd, this neighborhood is lit up with twinkling lights every year. It’s typically held at Zilker Park, where visitors and locals are invited to participate in this beautiful tradition. The park lights up with over 2 million lights, along with over 90 Christmas trees and 70 immersive displays. You can also view the traditional Zilker Holiday Tree.
The Austin Trail of Lights is a magical experience you will take with you back home. Do not miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the enchantment of Christmas in Austin.
Chinati Court: Well-Lit and Decorated Holiday Trees
The Christmas lights at Chinati Court take place in the Cedar Park neighborhood. If you enjoy watching a city street come alive with decorations, you’ll be thrilled to learn that a suburban cul-de-sac shares the same vibe. The locals of the neighborhood go all in with the celebration and decor. They even make the concrete ground a station for hot chocolate and coffee. Take a stroll through the enchanting streets of Chinati Court at Cedar Park.
Mozart’s Annual Festival of Lights: A Must-Visit Around Austin
Held on the banks of Lake Austin Waters, this place is among the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights in Austin. You can view the stunning and heartwarming display of neighborhood lights while enjoying your coffee and the live music that Austin is famous for. Once you’ve spent your time here, you can also visit their Bavarian marketplace on your way out. This will complete your entire experience of a joyful holiday cheer.
Christmas Lights at Mercer: A Joyful Celebration
Happening in Dripping Springs, Christmas on Mercer is a holiday extravaganza that takes place every year. It effectively captures the essence and spirit of Christmas. From December 2nd, the neighborhood comes alive with a host of fun activities to try, exquisite lighting, holiday magic, and vendors displaying their art and craft creations.
With a special holiday movie showing on Friday to get you in the spirit of the season and the opportunity to take priceless photos with Santa on Saturday, this endearing event is a true celebration of the holiday tradition and season.
Downtown Holiday Stroll: A Staple in Austin, TX
On Saturday, December 2, from 5 to 9 p.m., KUT, KUTX, and the Downtown Austin Alliance will host the 29th Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along, and Stroll, a must-attend Christmas event. This free, family-friendly event is the ideal way to kick off the holiday season and is located on Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th streets. It’s a fun event for everyone, complete with food trucks, craft booths, a bit of dazzle, and chances to take pictures with Santa. Applications for vendors are now being accepted if you want to participate in the event. It’s a great chance to display handcrafted items, holiday presents, or delicious treats, and more than 10,000 people are anticipated.
Christmas Light Show at Round Rock
Held at the Round Rock neighborhood, the Christmas lights here are incredible! Here, the Elfvis and the Kringles perform every year to entertain the locals and visitors. They also perform with a special guest (Olaf from Frozen). It’s a worthy display to check out to elevate your Christmas celebration.
Pemberton Heights: A Cultural Hit
For everyone who loves a more traditional, authentic, and elegant vibe with holiday lights in Austin, Pemberton Heights is a great place to be! It’s also considered one of the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights in Austin. It’s situated within the Old West Austin Historic District. This neighborhood is home to some of the most beautifully decorated homes with colourful displays, intricate lights, festive music, traditional scenes, and so on.
Celebrate Christmas In Style to See Holiday Lights!
Christmas is all about music, food, cultural atmosphere, festive spirit, fun, family, friends, and everything in between. So, if you visit Austin for the holiday season or are looking for properties here to settle, you have plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. Whether it’s amicable living scenes or uplifting your festive spirit, the city caters to all!
FAQs
When Is The Best Time To See The Christmas Lights in Austin?
The best time to visit neighborhoods for Christmas light displays is usually after sunset. Usually, the lights are lit up from 5:30 PM until 10:00 PM.
Are Austin Neighborhoods Free To Visit To See The Lights?
Yes, most neighborhoods are free. However, some shows like the Trail of Lights might incur a certain fee on specific nights.
What Is The Most Famous Street To See The Christmas Lights?
37th Street is the most famous neighborhood to enjoy the Christmas lights. It’s the best spot to experience the real festive cheer.
