Austin Christmas Lights 2024-2025

Austin is the place to be during Christmastime! The city bursts with festive events like holiday bazaars, fairs, and light parades. Wander through downtown to revel in the sparkling decorations and indulge in holiday shopping on the iconic Congress Avenue. Don’t miss the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, where you can drive through a mesmerizing display of millions of twinkling lights.

Downtown Stroll Austin (Saturday, December 7, 2024)

Every winter, the Christmas season in Austin is kicked off with the Downtown Holiday Stroll light display. This free, family-friendly event offers the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, and much more. The festivities take place along Congress Avenue on Saturday, December 7, from 3 pm to 8 pm.

Highlights include a holiday dog costume contest, a Kwanzaa tribute, and the KUTX Sing-Along, all leading up to the lighting of the 45-ft Capitol Tree at 7 pm. The Children's Market will have 24 of Ascent Academy's Holiday Business Fair students, and there will be plenty of activities for everyone. Get into the Christmas spirit with carol sing-alongs, live music, and delicious foods.

Trail of Lights (December 10-23, 2024)

The Austin Trail of Lights celebrates 60 years this December in Zilker Park. What began as a small Yule Fest has grown into Austin’s biggest holiday tradition. This mile-long event showcases more than 2 million lights, 96 Christmas trees, and over 70 displays. A major highlight is the 150-ft (45 m) Zilker Tree, decorated with over 3,300 lights.

Kick off the holiday season early at the Night Lights Preview Party on December 6, or join the Fun Run on December 7. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, festive drinks, s’mores, live music, and photos with Santa. General admission is $8 or free on select nights.

Santa's Ranch (November 1, 2024–January 4, 2025)

Santa’s Ranch, located in New Braunfels, is one of Central Texas’s most beloved holiday traditions, which offers over a mile of festive, country-road magic. Since 2003, this drive-through light display has captivated visitors with more than 2.5 million dazzling lights and animated Christmas scenes, including gingerbread houses, nativity displays, and the North Pole. Families, friends, and even pets are welcome to experience the holiday spirit.

Santa’s Ranch is open every night of the 2024/2025 season, including all holidays, regardless of weather. Operating hours are Sunday through Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 6 pm to 11 pm. Tickets are $37 per vehicle, allowing entry on any night of the season. During the drive, visitors can enjoy homemade hot cocoa, fresh kettle corn, and snacks from the concession stand. A 50-foot Christmas tree adds to the festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir to remember the occasion!

Peppermint Parkway (November 29–December 30, 2024)

Peppermint Parkway returns to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas offering a mile-long drive-through filled with over six million holiday lights, themed displays, and dancing characters. Visitors can enhance their experience with a lap on the iconic F1 track and explore Peppermint Plaza, where Santa Claus, amusement rides, holiday treats, and a petting zoo await. The festivities also include a 2-mile Fun Run on December 7 for those looking to stroll or jog through the holiday magic.

37th Street Christmas Lights (December)

The 37th Street Christmas Lights in Austin is a quirky, long-standing holiday tradition where neighbors transform their homes into festive, eclectic displays. Located near the University of Texas, this free, walkable light show features everything from whimsical decorations to creative, sometimes humorous, holiday scenes. The community spirit and unique artistry make it a must-see stop for locals and visitors alike during the holiday season.