Here is a guide for the holidays in the ATX. The Trail of Lights is the most popular and going to The Domain is my favourite (year round).

Trail of Lights

Zilker Park
The biggest & main holiday event in Austin. The Trail of Lights is a festive mile walk through Zilker Park that has dazzling light displays. There is normally live music, holiday market, Ferris wheel, carousel, food trucks, drinks, and more.

Zilker Holiday Tree

Zilker Park
By the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park.

Mozart’s Light Show

Lake Austin
At Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, sip on a steaming cup of hot chocolate while watching the dazzling lights display choreographed to lively music.

Winter Wonderland

Circuit of Americas
Be wowed by Winter Wonderland at The Circuit, held at Circuit of The Americas, offering holiday fun that includes carnival rides, music stages, the Tunnel of Lights, an ice skating rink, Santa’s Village, selfies with St. Nick and much more.

Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol has a tree lighting. From there you can see more lights downtown on Congress Ave & from 11th Street to 9th Street.

Ice Skating

Whole Foods Flagship
Spend an afternoon on the rink at the Whole Foods flagship store on North Lamar. Then head inside for a cup of cocoa or cider and live, local music on the weekends.

Operation Blue Santa

Austin Police’s Operation Blue Santa provides toys and gifts for boys & girls in need during the Holiday season. Collection sites are located throughout the Austin area & they also host and are at different events. You can find more information here.

The Domain & Domain Northside

The Domain & Domain NORTHSIDE always go all out for the holidays. You can have pictures taken with Santa, see Christmas trees, holiday lights, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, there’s different events throughout December, & multiple places for photo ops. You can also do your Christmas shopping, grab coffee at Starbucks or Starbucks Reserve, grab something to eat at many amazing restaurants, grab a drink on Rock Rose, or (my favourite) grab some holiday cupcakes at Sprinkles.

Scream Hollow Twisted Halloween

Bastrop (Outside of Austin)
Scream Hollow transforms into a Winter Wonderland decorated with Christmas lights & activities like a reindeer exhibit, making Christmas cookies, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, double racing slide, Christmas movies, CandyLand bounce houses, live Christmas music, and snow hill for sledding.

Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour & Christmas Towne

Round Rock (Outside of Austin)
Rock’N Lights is a drive-through light show that features thousands of sparkling lights through Old Settlers Park from Nov. 28 to Dec. 26.