Best Austin-Area Christmas Lights Displays

AUSTIN, TX — Christmas is right around the corner, and there's no better way to get into the spirit than by seeing holiday lights adorning trees and buildings.

AUSTIN TRAIL OF LIGHTS

2100 Barton Springs Rd.

The mother of all Austin lights displays, the Trail of Lights has been a local tradition since 1965. The centerpiece Zilker Tree — a moon tower made to look like a huge tree — is quintessentially Austin. The makeshift tree cuts quite a figure at 155 feet in height, decked out with more than 3,300 bulbs and lights and nearly 40 multi-colored streamers. Given the coronavirus pandemic, this year's version is strictly a drive-through event. But coronavirus won't be allowed to play Grinch with the joy the annual lights yield. Prices range from $25-$35 per vehicle depending on entry time and night with timed access each hour starting at 7 p.m.

LALA'S LITTLE NUGGET CHRISTMAS BAR

2207 Justin Lane

Full disclosure: It's always Christmas at this bar that's perennially decked out with holiday decorations. But more than ever, the watering hole is suffused with the spirit of the season amid challenging times. Lift a glass for old St. Nicholas!

LUMINATIONS AT THE WILDFLOWER CENTER

4801 La Crosse Ave.

Already one of the area's most beautiful spots, the Wildflower Center is made even more bucolic with the shimmer of thousands of luminarias lighting the way. For the first time this year, visitors are able to stroll through the natural vistas of the arboretum among illuminated oaks and light-splashed forts of Fortlandia. You might want to grab a bite to eat while there from a special seasonal menu at the Wildflower Café. Preorder here.The event runs through Jan. 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Due to popular demand, four more nights were added from Jan. 7-10.

MOZART'S CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW

3825 Lake Austin Blvd.

The bakery is extravagantly decorated with holiday lights on a lakeside lake. Visitors reserve a slot to enjoy the show for a one-hour time slot between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a staff member before being escorted to the event. As a precaution this year, protective face coverings are required when not seated at reserved tables. Those wanting treats waiting for the at their table before arrival can preorder a "Mozart's At Your Table" tray for groups up to six people."

THE DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY STROLL

1100 Congress Ave.

Through Dec. 31, the Downtown Austin Alliance offers this free, family-friendly event with holiday window and lights displays, pop-up activations and the centerpiece 45-foot holiday tree. The Holiday Passport enables visitors to shop local with a pocket-sized guide replete with deals and discounts.

THE DOMAIN HOLIDAY DISPLAY

11410 Century Oaks Terrace

The shopping complex takes on a holiday feel with a 40-foot tree with some 200,000 lights, 200 ornaments and a five-foot start t top it off. More lights have been installed across the upscale shopping center, yielding a decidedly festive vibe.

Off the beaten track, there are a number of displays just outside of Austin. Just a short drive away, those wanting to see lights have a number of options:

BASTROP RIVER OF LIGHTS

1200 Willow St., Bastrop, Texas

Through Jan. 1, 2021, this free display features multiple lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop's scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fishermans Park on Farm Street.

LAKEWAY TRAIL OF LIGHTS

105 Cross Creek, Lakeway, Texas

Through Jan. 3, 2021, one of Lakeway's most cherished traditions runs nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight. The trail will be shining brightly each night with thousands of twinkling lights for all to enjoy. Visitors are asked to maintain social distancing guidelines, wear protective face coverings and limit groups to fewer than 10 people. Access the trail from the lower level of the parking lot at the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek) or by parking behind City Hall (1102 Lohmans Crossing at the corner of Lohmans and Sailmaster). For more information, call (512) 314-7532.

WALKWAY OF LIGHTS

305 Buena Vista Dr., Marble Falls, Texas

Two million lights on more than 130 sculptures illuminate Lakeside Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day through the season — weather permitting. The 2020 display runs through Jan. 2, 2021. On weekends and holidays — including Christmas Eve — children can visit with Santa and his elves. The trail can take about 30 minutes to complete. In the event of rain, the decision to open or close is made each day at 3 p.m. Call 844-635-4448 or go to marblefalls.org before visiting to check the day's status. While there, visitors can take in some shopping at the various shops on Main Street near Walkway of Lights, or elsewhere in town. After viewing the lights, visitors can explore more Christmas light displays throughout the Highland Lakes.