Shine Bright Austin: Top Holiday Light & Event Picks for the Family 🎄
It’s that time of year again—cozy sweaters, cocoa in hand, and the twinkle of holiday lights around every corner of Austin. If you’re planning festive outings with your crew (yes, including your furry friends if they’re up for it), here are some tried-and-true light shows and holiday events around town. We’ve pulled together a mix of grand displays and drive-through experiences so there’s something for every kind of family outing.
Austin’s Light Shows & Holiday Events
Before we dive into the list, here’s the fun part: Austin doesn’t just do holiday lights — it goes all in. From cozy, cocoa-in-hand strolls to over-the-top drive-through spectacles, there’s something for every family vibe. Whether you’re chasing that magical “first holiday memory” with a little one, looking for a low-stress outing with grandparents, or planning a bright night out after school, these glowing experiences bring the season to life all across the city.
Mozart’s Lake Austin Festival of Lights
Where & When: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703. This holiday display runs from November 22 to December 11th and picks back up on December 21st to January 3rd. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Why you’ll love it: A bit more intimate than the big park displays, this lakeside setting gives you a cozy vibe to wander or cruise through with the family. Hot cocoa, sweet treats, and that magic “wow” moment when the lights come on.
Good-to-know: It can get crowded, and parking/traffic around the lake can be tricky. Takes a pause between 12/12 and 12/20 for the And Heaven and Nature Sing! show.
Austin Trail of Lights (at Zilker Park)
Where & When: 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704. Dates for 2025: December 10–23 from about 7pm nightly with early entry options.
Why you’ll love it: This is a true Austin holiday tradition. Walking through the sparkling lights, festive tunnel, giant tree, and that warm community vibe = classic family outing.
Good-to-know: Bring layers (it gets chilly at night). There are free nights but ticketing/parking is limited on some evenings. Arrive early if you want to avoid long lines. Pets are typically not allowed.
Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll (Downtown Austin)
Where & When: Hosted on Congress Ave. between 10th and 11th Street in Downtown Austin on December 6th from 5pm-8pm
Why you’ll love it: Tons of fun with live music, local food, artisan vendors, the Capitol tree lighting, and FREE holiday fun for the whole family.
Good-to-know: Parking downtown can be pricey / limited so consider ride-sharing or public transit. If you have little ones, bring a carrier, wagon, or stroller with wheels. Tree lighting will be at 7pm!
Peppermint Parkway (at Circuit of the Americas)
Where & When: Held at Circuit of the Americas from November 21st through December 28th and open from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Why you’ll love it: This one ups the fun factor—millions of lights, interactive displays, photo-ops, walk-through or drive portions, high energy add-ons, candy-cane themed fun and more. Good for families who want a “big event” feel.
Good-to-know: Book early. If you have younger kids, arrive just as it opens to avoid the biggest crowds.
The Light Park (Round Rock)
Where & When: Dell Diamond Parking Lot, 3400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX – a short drive from Austin. Opens around early November and runs into early January.
Why you’ll love it: Packed car? Bring the whole crew (even pets in many cases). One ticket per vehicle, drive through the lights in comfort and ease—perfect if walking long distances isn’t ideal for your group.
Good-to-know: Since it’s a drive-through, traffic can build up on peak nights. Weeknights are a better bet. Make sure your vehicle meets requirements (some larger vehicles may be restricted).
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Where & When: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739. Dates run September 25 – November 30 for 2025.
Why you’ll love it: Unique blend of spooky-meets-festive. If your kids (or you!) love the quirky side of the holidays and want something a little different this year, this trail is a fun twist.
Good-to-know: It’s a walking experience — bring comfy shoes. It may skew more toward the “cool outing” vibe than the ultra-cozy “hot cocoa on the couch” vibe. Trim the outing accordingly if you’re bringing younger children.
Final thoughts and tips
- Pick your style: Do you want a full-fledged event night (Peppermint Parkway or Trail of Lights) or something more relaxed (Holiday Stroll downtown or Mozart’s)?
- Book early: Many of these experiences require tickets or have limited parking, make sure to double check before you head out!
- Dress for comfort: Even in Texas, November and December nights can get chilly. Layers win and always better safe than sorry.
- Pet & stroller friendly: If you’re bringing your dogs or little ones in a stroller, check in advance—some events allow pets, some don’t; some are walk-through, others drive-through.
- Weeknight = less crowds: If your schedule allows, you’ll likely have a more relaxed experience Monday–Thursday.
- Add a little personal flair: You might want to pack a little holiday surprise (themed treat, glow sticks, a quick photo-op) to elevate the outing for your family.
Whether you’re looking for big lights and big thrills or a mellow evening with cocoa and twinkling trees, Austin has you covered. These events are wonderful ways to create memories with your littles and lean into the magic of the season.
Looking for something else? You can find more recommendations on the Recess events page!
