One of the best parts of December, arguably the best part of the month, is the vast number of lights you can go ooh and ahh at around Austin. The city has lots of events where you can take in that holiday spirit and we’ve rounded them up for ya:
Dec. 5 - Jan. 3: Luminations at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center transforms into the light show Luminations during the holidays. The gardens are filled with twinkling lights and you can grab a hot chocolate to sip on while you stroll through the trails. Tickets are $20 for kids and $30 for adults.
Dec. 10-23: Trail of Lights at Zilker Park
Do we even need to explain this one? The iconic Trail of Lights is back at Zilker Park this year, filling up the green space with yummy food vendors, Santa’s workshop, a ferris wheel, dozens of installations, and more than 2 million lights. And, check the calendar for free admission days!
Dec. 12-31: The 37th Street Lights in Central Austin
The 37th Street Lights can make a girl emotional – a whole neighborhood coming together to spread some holiday cheer? 😢 The houses on 37th Street put out weird and fun and cool holiday lights and decorations starting Dec. 12. Park nearby, stroll down the street for free, and thank goodness that Austin is still weird.
Through Dec. 28: Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas
Peppermint Parkway will be different this year – instead of taking in the lights and holiday installations from your car, visitors will now walk through the parkway. Tickets start at $8.
Donn’s Depot. (Kelsey Bradshaw/City Cast Austin)
All Month: Donn’s Depot in Old West Austin
Donn’s Depot should be No. 1 on your list of holiday activities. The bar turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays, and is decked out with lights, inflatable characters, Christmas trees, and more. And, they have great holiday drinks!
Through Jan. 1: Longhorn Lights on The University of Texas at Austin campus
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night, the South Mall on the UT campus is lit with burnt orange and white lights. Take a free walk through the campus and celebrate the Longhorns.
Through Jan. 1: Zilker Holiday Tree at Zilker Park
The Zilker Holiday Tree is 155-feet-tall and includes 3,309 lights. Go stand under the tree this month and spin around while looking up. Or skip getting dizzy and just take pretty photos! The tree is open to the public throughout the month, but be wary of Trail of Lights traffic.
Through Jan. 3: Mozart’s Festival of Lights on Lake Austin
Mozart’s Festival of Lights has a lot to enjoy. Visit for live music, fire dancers, lights, hot chocolate, and boat rides. You can take in the lights from an igloo, or take a donut boat or cruise to see the lights from the water! Boat tickets start at $17.
