Christmas Lights in Austin, Texas

Ready for some of the most beautiful Christmas lights of the season? Here’s a nice guide for the Austin, Texas region

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love seeing Christmas Lights all over, hearing Christmas carols and enjoying the nice atmosphere of giving and caring for each other.

Here in Texas, this is very evident. I went on a tour of the Austin metro area, where I live, to create a series featuring the best Christmas Lights in town. Enjoy! 🙂

Episode 1: Texas Capitol and Mozart’s Coffee

Featuring the Christmas tree at the Texas State Capitol and the Holiday Light Show at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Addresses and Instructions:

Texas State Capitol

1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Cost: Free

The Christmas tree is located on the sidewalk in front of the Capitol.

In 2017, the Downtown Stroll on Congress Avenue occurs on December 2nd from 5 to 9 PM. It’s close to the Capitol, between 9th-11th Streets. The Christmas tree lighting specifically is at 7 PM. The full schedule is available here.

There’s metered parking on the streets nearby and garage parking as well. Here’s a complete guide to parking options downtown Austin

If you’re in the commercial and financial center, you can also walk (10-20 min).

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Cost: Free

The Light Show goes from 6:00 PM until midnight (Fridays and Saturdays until 1:00 AM).

Unlike in the previous years, when there was a 10-15 min show on top of the hour, now for 2017 there’s a shorter presentation every 15 minutes. So regardless of when you arrive, you will be able to see it without much wait.

Everything happens on their outdoor patio, so you don’t need to eat in order to watch. But who can resist a delicious hot chocolate when temperatures may be around 50 F (10 C)? And they cleverly installed a couple of outdoor selling spots, so that you don’t need to queue inside and miss all the fun.

Mozart’s is located at Oyster Landing Marina. There’s free parking, but between 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM it can be challenging to find an empty spot.

Episode 2: Round Rock and Cedar Park

Featuring the Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour, and select homes in Round Rock and Cedar Park (North of Austin metro area)

Addresses and Instructions:

Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour

This drive-thru light show used to occur at the Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, but from 2017 on it’s moving to downtown Round Rock. Now there are thousands of lights wrapped around more than 100 trees on Main Street, lighting also the building facades.

The Christmas Towne, however, continues at Old Settlers Park. It has carnival rides, a light maze, kart rides, holiday food, and entertainment. Wristbands for unlimited rides cost $18. Here’s a 2017 coupon for $3 off. You can also purchase separate tickets per ride (between $2-$3 each).  It was not on yet during my visit last year, that’s why it does not appear in the video.

If you’re interested, check the Round Rock Parks and Recreation site for updated functioning hours. The Christmas Towne will be open between December 14th and 23rd in 2017. Entrance address is 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.

Elfvis & The Kringles Home Display

3448 Tourmaline Trail, Round Rock, TX
Cost: Free, but donations of unwrapped toys or cash for Brown and Blue Santa are encouraged

In this house, they feature their amazing creations like Elfvis and the Kringles. With the success of the idea, the Grinch and Frozen’s Olaf were added to the family. The show occurs daily between 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM.

They haven’t yet informed when it starts in 2017, but it should be early December.

Once you arrive, tune to 107.5 on your radio.

Second Round Rock house Home Display

3908 Alabaster Ln, Round Rock, TX
Cost: Free

I discovered this house totally by chance when I was returning from the Elfvis & The Kringles house, and I absolutely loved it! Their front yard is covered with Christmas decorations and it’s so beautiful.

I tried finding out if they have a website, but couldn’t discover anything yet. If anyone knows, please let me know and I’ll update it here. 🙂

Anna Court Drive

1329 Anna Court Dr, Cedar Park, TX
Cost: Free, but donations of unwrapped toys or cash for Blue Santa are encouraged

In 2017 they turned on the Christmas lights on Thanksgiving evening. They will run until New Year’s Eve.

This is that amazing cul-de-sac in Cedar Park. Lights and music are on every day between 5:00 – 10:00 PM (Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve until 11 PM). Once you arrive, tune your radio to 89.1.

Santa generally shows up on weekends, but make sure you visit their Facebook page for the updated schedule.

Episode 3: Georgetown 

Featuring the Georgetown Town Square and select home displays

Addresses and Instructions:

Town Square

103 W 7th St, Georgetown, TX
Cost: Free

Georgetown is one of those charming little towns one should visit. Regardless of the holiday season, on the first Friday of each month stores and galleries in the main square stay open until later. There’s live music and a great atmosphere. Always fun!

Harlien Family Christmas

400 Liscio Cove Georgetown, TX
Cost: Free, but cash donations to Make-A-Wish Foundation are encouraged

In fact, they have raised $70,000 over the past three holiday seasons and were able to sponsor wish trips for 14 children. It’s really an amazing project.

The lights are on between 6-10 PM throughout the entire month of December. In 2017 there are special appearances by Santa on December 9th, 15th and 20th (weather permitting)

Spindler Family Christmas Light Show

2441 Candle Ridge Trail, Georgetown, TX
Cost: Free, but donations of unwrapped toys are encouraged

Once you arrive, tune your radio to 88.5 FM.

The 2017 program has not been released yet.

Shady Oak Christmas Display

107 Shady Oak Drive Georgetown, TX
Cost: Free, but donations of unwrapped toys are encouraged

The lights are on every evening starting at 5:45 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays until 11 PM (10 PM for the other days)

Episode 4: San Antonio River Walk and the Austin Trail of Lights

Featuring the Austin Trail of Lights and the San Antonio River Walk

Addresses and Instructions:

San Antonio River Walk

The area I visited is located close to the Alamo. The entire River Walk map is here
Cost: Free

The lights are on the whole night (5:30 PM – 6:30 AM) from November 25, 2017, to January 7, 2018

San Antonio also organizes a nice Holiday River Parade on Black Friday (not in the video). There are very few spots where you can watch it for free though, as they shut the River Walk down late afternoon, reopening later exclusively for the parade.

The River Walk restaurants also change their menus for that day, generally offering an all you can eat buffet + parade ticket. There’s nothing for less than $50 + tax & 20% tip per person.

But if you can’t make it to the big event, the Christmas lights alone are also worth a trip. That’s what you saw in the video.

During the holiday season, there’s also boat caroling at the River Walk between December 1st and 22nd (6:15 PM – 9:30 PM). To participate, you must book a barge ($125-$150 for 15 adults). Even if you’re not the caroling type, it’s always fun to watch.

Austin Trail of Lights

Zilker Park, Austin, TX
Cost: Free between December 9th-14th, and 18th-19th, $3 in the other days. There are also VIP type tickets allowing priority entry one hour before the general public and other perks like free rides, private restrooms, and refreshments depending on the package.

The Trail of Lights opens to the general public between 7:00-10:00 PM and only runs for about 2 weeks before Christmas (8th-23rd more specifically). The Zilker Tree lighting occurs much earlier, generally on Thanksgiving weekend.

There’s no nearby street parking, so if you’re driving, your best option is to buy a prepaid pass to the event’s parking lot across the street. It’s not sold onsite and you must print your parking pass ahead of time. As most of the streets near the Zilker Park are closed to traffic for this event, carefully read their instructions about how to access the parking lot.

On select days there are also shuttles for $5 departing two downtown locations. Shuttle pass also includes general admission, with entry via the “Prepaid” expedited lanes.

The ride-share drop off is located by Austin High School.

There are food trucks inside the park.

Other Christmas Lights nearby worth a visit

Johnson City Lights Spectacular
100 E Main St, Johnson City, TX
Cost: Free

Lakeway Trail of Lights
105 Cross Creek, Lakeway, TX
Cost: Free

Bastrop River of Lights
Fisherman’s Park at 1200 Willow St, Bastrop, TX
Cost: Free

Santa’s Ranch
9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX
Cost: $28 + tax per vehicle or $56 + tax per vehicle for a season pass

So, here’s a cheat sheet with the main addresses

Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas!

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