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It’s beginning to look a whole lot like the holidays ’round these parts: Austin is well on its way to suiting up for the season. There is no shortage of places to catch a dazzling holiday lights show, whether you’re driving through a spectacular display, taking a stroll downtown, or entering a whole new world of holiday markets. These are the best places to get into the spirit of things and find a holiday lights show near Austin.
Peppermint Parkway
Pepper & Mint are ready to welcome you back to one of Austin’s best holiday events: Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas. Beginning November 25, experience a mile of smiles with six million lights, immersive villages, dancing characters, and so much more. Fans can also take a parade lap on America’s only purpose-built Formula 1 track in the United States with the Candy Cane Cruise ticket. Explore Peppermint Plaza before or after your drive for amusement rides, letters to Santa, and delectable treats at the Holiday Market, Peppermint Pub and Sweet Shoppe. Plus, you can even pick out a discount tree at the all-new Wonder Woods, one of Austin’s most affordable holiday tree lots. The holiday spectacular is open on select nights November 25-December 30. Get your tickets now before they sell out!
Waterloo Greenway Creek Show
Now in its second year, the Creek Show is an immersive display of illuminated art created by teams of visionary local artists, landscape architects, and designers.With a FREE ticket from November 11 – 20, 2022, guests are guaranteed entry to Creek Show and you can visit anytime between 6pm – 10pm on your reservation date.
Austin Trail of Lights
The bane of every Zilker Park-goer’s existence transforms into a beautiful cruise through the Trail of Lights. You won’t be taking the loop around the park in agonizing stop-and-go traffic this time; December 8-23, the roadside trees surrounding Zilker Park will be dressed for this drive-thru event with over 2 million holiday lights.
Lost Pines Christmas
There is an abundance of holiday spirit emanating from Bastrop, and it’s all thanks to Lost Pines. From November 25, 2022 – January 2, 2023, follow the River of Lights along the June Hill Pape River Walk, marvel at the tree-lighting ceremony, and enjoy the The Farm Street Opry, a country Christmas-themed event. Top it all off with a lighted parade, and Lost Pines has Texas’s heart.
Field of Light
Stroll through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center along a winding pathway of sparkling lights at Field of Light, a holiday lights show that sprawls 16 acres through the Arboretum. This stunning display of 28,000 stemmed spheres is subtly lit by solar-powered fiber optics. The exhibition beautifully showcases the intersection of art, technology and nature along a 0.75-mile walking trail. Grab tickets for $45 to this event between now and through December.
Mozart’s Christmas Light Show
The lights show that Austin holds its breath for every year is back at it again. Mozart’s will be decked from top to bottom in dazzling holiday lights that carry a very Texas theme. Grab a table for an up-close look at the lights, or register for free to wander the Bavarian Marketplace for standing room only.
Austin Downtown Holiday Stroll
For one night only, the Austin Downtown Holiday Stroll & Sing-Along runs from 5 to 10 pm on December 3 full of free family-friendly y’alliday cheer. Enjoy seasonal photo-ops, holiday window and lights displays, pop-up exhibits, and a 45-foot tree lighting that is just spectacular.
The Domain Holiday Display
You had to know The Domain was going to knock this out of the park. Expect a tree-lighting ceremony—40-feet tall with 200,000 lights, 400 ornaments, and a 5-foot tall star on top—photos with Santa Claus, live musical accompaniment, and holiday lights draped throughout the entire shopping area.