Austin, December 17, 2025
Austin, Texas, is embracing the holiday spirit with a dazzling array of light displays. From the historic Zilker Trail of Lights to the whimsical Peppermint Parkway, locals and visitors are invited to partake in these enchanting celebrations. Each display reflects the community’s creativity and resilience, providing delightful experiences despite any challenges faced. As families stroll through these illuminated attractions, they can enjoy a sense of togetherness and joy, showcasing the heartwarming essence of the season in Texas’ vibrant capital.
Experience the Magic of Austin’s 2025 Holiday Light Displays
Get Ready to Celebrate the Holidays in Texas’ Capital
Austin, Texas, is radiant with holiday spirit, inviting residents and visitors alike to partake in its array of stunning light displays this season. From iconic traditions to innovative installations, the city’s festive offerings highlight the resilience of local organizers and their commitment to creating joyful experiences, even in the face of challenges. These events serve not only as celebrations but as opportunities for community engagement and enjoyment, showcasing how individuals and groups can thrive when given the chance to coordinate and shine.
With a limited bureaucratic approach often yielding faster and more flexible event planning, Austin is poised to host a memorable holiday season. As Texans take to the streets and parks, they will witness the creativity and dedication of their neighbors, turning the city into a beautiful wonderland.
Zilker Trail of Lights
December 10–23, 2025
The beloved Zilker Trail of Lights returns with its enchanting display featuring over two million lights, 90 decorated holiday trees, and more than 70 captivating displays. Since its inception in 1965, this tradition has illuminated the park, drawing families and friends to bask in its holiday glow.
The Light Park
Open nightly through January 4, 2026
Situated just north of Austin in Round Rock, The Light Park presents a mesmerizing drive-through display where millions of lights dance in synchronization to festive music. Operating hours extend from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Vehicle admission varies by date, ensuring an accessible experience for all.
37th Street Lights
Starting December 12, 2025
This beloved neighborhood event boasts a unique mix of creative displays, where residents showcase their holiday cheer through a blend of traditional lights, whimsical decor, and offbeat themes. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the streets to fully appreciate this eclectic display.
Longhorn Lights
November 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026
The University of Texas at Austin comes alive with thousands of orange and white lights that adorn the trees along the South Mall, creating a picturesque setting around the iconic UT Tower. This light display is a charming nod to the holiday season and the university’s spirited community.
Peppermint Parkway
November 21 – December 28, 2025
Hosted at the vibrant Circuit of The Americas, Peppermint Parkway features a walking route graced with over 6 million lights. Visitors will find themselves enchanted as they navigate through carnival rides, food trucks, and joyful encounters with Santa at the trail’s end.
Santa’s Ranch
November 1, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Located a short drive away in New Braunfels, Santa’s Ranch delights guests with over a mile of festive illuminations and animated scenes, embracing the spirit of the season for families, friends, and even furry companions.
Walkway of Lights
Now until January 3, 2026
In Marble Falls, this lakeside display features stunning Christmas sculptures, providing an ideal backdrop for various local events including photos with Santa, a boat parade, and movies in the park, all complemented by warm refreshments.
Johnson City Lights Spectacular
Now until January 4, 2026
This annual event transforms Johnson City into a bright oasis with over 1 million lights illuminating oak trees and thematic displays throughout Memorial Park. Visitors can enjoy interactive installations and even horse-drawn carriage rides.
EmilyAnn Theatre’s Trail of Lights
Now until December 26, 2025
Nestled in Wimberley, this trail weaves through around eight acres of radiant exhibits, featuring live entertainment and complimentary treats like marshmallows and hot chocolate to warm hearts and hands.
Before heading out to explore, it’s advisable to check the official event websites for up-to-date information on timings and ticket availability. With so many festive options, Austin and Central Texas truly shine during the holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the Zilker Trail of Lights take place?
The Zilker Trail of Lights is scheduled from December 10 to December 23, 2025.
Where is The Light Park located?
The Light Park is located in Round Rock, just north of Austin, Texas.
What is the 37th Street Lights display known for?
The 37th Street Lights are known for their eclectic and creative displays, where residents decorate their homes with a mix of traditional Christmas lights, found objects, sculptures, and offbeat themes.
When do the Longhorn Lights display begin?
The Longhorn Lights display begins on November 18, 2025, and runs through January 1, 2026.
What is Peppermint Parkway?
Peppermint Parkway is a walking route at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas, featuring over 6 million lights, carnival rides, food trucks, and a meet-and-greet with Santa at the end of the trail. It runs from November 21 to December 28, 2025.
Key Features of Austin’s 2025 Holiday Light Displays
| Event | Location | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zilker Trail of Lights | Zilker Park, Austin, TX | December 10–23, 2025 | Over two million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, and more than 70 festive displays. |
| The Light Park | Round Rock, TX | Open nightly through January 4, 2026 | Drive-through holiday display with millions of lights synchronized to holiday music. |
| 37th Street Lights | 37th Street, Austin, TX | Starting December 12, 2025 | Eclectic and creative neighborhood displays with a mix of traditional Christmas lights and unique themes. |
| Longhorn Lights | University of Texas at Austin | November 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Thousands of orange and white lights adorning trees along the South Mall, framing the UT Tower. |
| Peppermint Parkway | Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TX | November 21 – December 28, 2025 | Walking route featuring over 6 million lights, carnival rides, food trucks, and a meet-and-greet with Santa. |
| Santa’s Ranch | New Braunfels, TX | November 1, 2024 – January 4, 2025 | Over a mile of festive, country-road magic with more than 2.5 million dazzling lights and animated Christmas scenes. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin’s Holiday Spirit Shines with Community Festivities
Freeze Watch as Texans Brace for Cold Weather
Austin Residents Encouraged to Prepare for Winter Weather
Texas-Themed Christmas Entertainment: A Local Delight
Moody Center Recognized as Top Global Venue in Austin
H-E-B Set to Open New Store in Austin’s McKinney Falls Area
Shoplifter Arrested at ‘Shop with a Cop’ Event in Chesterfield County
Lockjaw Announces Texas Tour with Upon A Burning Body
Holiday Cheer at Bullock Museum with Special Effects Screening of Elf
Celebrate the Holidays at FitzGerald’s Sidebar in Berwyn, IL
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
