It is the most magical time of the year. The time when you can find random trees on the side of the road decorated. The time when it’s okay to drink hot cocoa by the fire even though it’s not always cold out (because Texas). The time when you can find Austin extra lit with some incredible light shows.
Gather up your holiday fun crew and head out to these awesome Holiday Light Shows in Austin!
The Christmas lights are on at Mozart’s for the 13th year! The annual light show is a local favorite and will be open daily for you to check out. This year, reservations will be required and will give you a one-hour time slot.
Tables are available for up to 6 people, and you’re encouraged to pre-order a ‘Mozart’s At Your Table’ tray to enjoy some treats during the show!
?: Austin Trail of Lights
The most popular light show in Austin is back. To ensure the safety of all guests the trail will be a drive-thru event only!
Guests can tune their radio into the trail’s station and enjoy Christmas music throughout their experience.
With more than 2 million lights, 90 trees, and more throughout the trail, you definitely do not want to miss out on this experience!
You can experience the Austin Trail of Lights from December 8th – December 23! Purchase your tickets now for you and your crew!
?: Peppermint Parkway
Peppermint Parkway is bringing its holiday light show to Circuit of the Americas! This drive-thru experience will take guests on an adventure with Pepper and Mint as they race to deliver their letters to Santa.
With all of COTA to spread out, guests will find several fun activities to participate in. From train rides to zip line adventures and everything in between!
Peppermint Parkway opens on November 25th! Be sure to grab your tickets below!
?: City of Lakeway
Just west of Austin you can find the Lakeway Trail of Lights! This free, family-friendly light show welcomes people from all over Austin. Trail of Lights will be open each night from 6 PM – Midnight through January 2, 2023.
There is no charge to park or to attend. The trail is self-guided, with handicapped and stroller access from City Hall along the sidewalk and around the building to the back. There are no vendors or attendants on-site.
?: Johnson City
Johnson City may be a bit of a drive from Austin but this light show truly is spectacular. With lights wrapping every tree from top to bottom you will be in awe.
Make a full evening out of it by stopping into a winery in Dripping Springs on your way out to view them and make reservations to grab dinner on your way back into Austin!
?: Field of Light Austin
A new light show experience has debuted at Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center! Field of Light is a beautiful installation by Bruce Munro that features a mixture of art, technology, and of course nature sprawling over 16 acres. While not specifically holiday themed, this light show is beyond gorgeous and a must-see!
You can catch Field of Light now through December 31, 2022!
?: Round Rock Texas
Light Up The Lake is a MUST-DO for the holiday season! Unlike the other light shows featured here, this show is for TWO nights only! Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd head on over to Old Settlers Park from 6pm–9pm to take in a dazzling light show, giant balloons, holiday treats, yule logs, and more family fun.
Lighting of the lake lights is a 6:30 pm, so if you want to catch that in action, plan accordingly.
If you are looking for more ways to experience the holidays in Austin this year then look no further. Check out our Austin City Guide page and explore more guides like the Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Austin You Must Visit!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to keep up with all the best things to do this holiday season as well as any last-minute event changes. Not to mention we also have some pretty sweet giveaways coming your way too!
Lastly, we want to follow along on your Holiday adventures! Tag us on social media @StufftoDoinAustin for a chance to be featured on our page.
Happy Holidays from the Stuff to Do in Austin team!
Kristen is a City Manager for UNATION and author of the Stuff to Do in Austin City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to do in the Austin area, download the UNATION app and follow @StufftoDoinAustin on Instagram and Facebook.

