In this guide, we'll traverse the city's glittering landscapes, tantalize our taste buds with local culinary wonders, and explore the myriad ways Austin residents embrace the joy of giving during the most wonderful time of the year. So, buckle up – we're about to unwrap the magic of the season, one festive experience at a time!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where to See Holiday Light Displays in Austin, TX

Embark on a dazzling journey through Austin's enchanting neighborhoods as we unveil the most mesmerizing holiday light displays in the city.

37th Street Lights

Location: 507 W. 37th Street, Austin, TX

The 37th Street Lights offer a uniquely eccentric and surreal holiday experience, making them the quirkiest lights one can encounter this festive season. To fully appreciate the spectacle, it is recommended to explore on foot, as the street often experiences heavy traffic, and some of the most intriguing displays are best observed by venturing a bit away from the main thoroughfare.

Bastrop River of Lights

Location: June Hill Pape Riverwalk, Bastrop, TX

Experience the enchanting River of Lights along the Colorado River in Bastrop, Texas, featuring an array of illuminated displays showcasing diverse seasonal themes along Bastrop's picturesque June Hill Pape Riverwalk. 

Buda Trail of Lights

Location: 880 Main St, Buda, TX

Radiating holiday cheer throughout the season, visitors can stroll through Historic Stagecoach Park to marvel at twinkling lights and illuminated displays. The experience promises a delightful combination of food, entertainment, and holiday splendor, topped off with a special visit from Santa himself.

Domain Northside Holiday Display

Location: 11821 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX

Between Sunday, November 19th, and December 25th, make sure to visit the NORTHSIDE Holiday Tree. Experience the enchanting Holiday Tree Light Show, scheduled every hour on the hour. Discover this festive spectacle located adjacent to The Lawn, just across the street from Apple.

Lights Spectacular at Johnson City

Location: 811 Danz Well Rd, Johnson City, TX 

Experience a must-see Holiday Lights display in Johnson City with over 2 million twinkling lights, visible even from space! Before sundown, explore the historic downtown, savor local delights, and enjoy a festive family-friendly atmosphere. The lights illuminate Johnson City from dusk to midnight, creating "The Twinkliest Town in Texas" atmosphere on Main Street, Memorial Park, and PEC headquarters.

Mozart’s Christmas Light Show

Location: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX

Embrace the winter season tradition with Mozart’s Coffee Roasters' annual holiday Light Show! Enjoy mesmerizing light displays, hot chocolate, and delightful treats for a family-friendly holiday experience. This immersive event features live performances by local musicians, a photo booth for memory capturing, and endless streams of hot chocolate, tea, and house-roasted coffee.

Peppermint Parkway

Location: 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd. Austin, TX

Peppermint Parkway returns to Circuit of the Americas from November 24 to December 30, 2023! Enjoy a drive-thru holiday spectacle featuring a mile of holiday displays, millions of lights, dancing characters, and a bustling holiday plaza with food, rides, activities, and more!

Santa’s Ranch at New Braunfels

Location: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX

Santa's Ranch in New Braunfels beckons friends and families to partake in one of the state's premier holiday light displays. Visitors can embark on a drive through over a mile of scenic country roads, immersing themselves in the brilliance of over 2.5 million lights and animated Christmas displays.

Trail of Lights

Location: 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX

The 59th annual Austin Trail of Lights, presented by the Trail of Lights Foundation and powered by H-E-B, illuminates Zilker Park in December 2023. This beloved holiday tradition celebrates Austin's unique community spirit, drawing crowds from Central Texas and beyond with its festive displays and millions of lights.

Holiday Markets in Austin

Indulge in the joy of holiday shopping as we guide you through the vibrant and diverse holiday markets in Austin. Get ready to navigate the bustling markets that transform Austin into a winter wonderland of gifts and festive delights.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Discover a treasure trove of local holiday gifts at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar! With the work of 200 talented artists, this festive marketplace showcases a diverse array of handmade and unique creations, ranging from exquisite jewelry and ceramics to captivating paintings and beyond.

Holiday Arts Market

Visitors are invited to join the Holiday Arts Market every weekend throughout December. They can explore a diverse array of local artist vendors offering unique handmade goods, perfect for holiday gifts. Attendees can bring friends and family to partake in ice skating, enjoy holiday music, and engage in various fun activities.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar

The Armadillo Christmas Bazaar stands as Austin's premier destination for high-quality art, live music, and artisan gifts during the holiday season. This vibrant and immersive fine art and music festival has proven its enduring appeal over time.

Ways to Give Back

'Tis the season of giving, and in Austin, we explore meaningful ways to spread joy and kindness. From volunteering opportunities to charitable events, this section guides you on how to make a positive impact during the holidays.

Hope Alliance

Operating under the conviction that any form of physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse between individuals is unacceptable, Hope Alliance firmly believes that such acts diminish or impede the full expression of life and growth, which is the inherent right of every person.

Learn more here.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes

Established in 1998, Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) is a social outreach ministry dedicated to empowering communities in adopting a lifestyle of service for the homeless. Originating in Austin, Texas, the organization is committed to serving its homeless neighbors.

Learn more here.

The Settlement Home for Children

The Home, a licensed nonprofit, supports individuals who've faced emotional trauma, abuse, and neglect. Situated on a 10-acre campus, it offers various programs, including a Residential Treatment Center, Group Home Program, Transitional Living Program, Foster & Adoption Program, Post-Adoption Services, and a University of Texas Charter School.

Learn more here.

CareBOX Program

CareBOX is a dedicated organization that delivers crucial care supplies directly to the homes of cancer patients, aiming to prevent malnutrition, infections, and injuries. Join us in saving lives by contributing essential supplies to support cancer patients.

Learn more here.

The Equality Alliance

The mission of The Equality Alliance (TEA) is to unite LGBTQIA+ events and philanthropy through their "parties with a purpose," aiming to generate financial support and visibility for grassroots LGBTQIA+ charities advocating for equality in Central Texas.

Learn more here.

Things To Do During the Holidays in Austin

As we wrap up this festive journey through Austin's holiday wonders, the magic of the season is not limited to twinkling lights and delectable treats. Now, imagine immersing yourself in this vibrant cityscape year-round, experiencing the unique charm that Austin has to offer.

If the thought of making Austin your home sweet home has crossed your mind, why not take the next step? Click here to speak with our real estate consultants. Whether you're envisioning a cozy space to enjoy holiday traditions or a year-round haven in the Live Music Capital of the World, let us guide you to your dream home in Austin.

Posted by Ryan Rodenbeck on December 8th, 2023 Share this post on Facebook Tweet this post on Twitter Send a link to post via Email