Holiday Lights: Zilker Tree, Trail of Lights & More

Photo: Austin Trail of Lights (official website)

Spinning under the Zilker Holiday Tree is an Austin rite of passage. The 155-foot 'tree' is a historic moonlight tower strung with 3,309 lights. The Trail of Lights next door is a big walk-through light display. Go on a free night early in the run, wear good shoes and pre-buy parking. Timing: Late November through New Year's.

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   That Other Paper / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

   Zilker Holiday Tree

   Nov 29, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027; nightly 6–10pm. Lighting ceremony Sun Nov 29 (music 5:15pm, lighting 6pm).Free

   Free. Parking is first-come, first-served on paved lots (except on Trail of Lights nights).

   Website Source
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   Photo: Austin Trail of Lights (official website)

   Austin Trail of Lights

   Dec 10–23, 2026, 7–10pmFree to $8; kids 11 & under free

   General admission is FREE Dec 10, 11 and 13–17. Other nights it's $8 for ages 12+, and kids 11 and under are always free. ZIP passes ($20–25) get you in at 6pm. Parking passes ($25–35) are sold online only. Shuttle from Toney Burger Center ($10) on paid nights. Free photos with Santa.

   Website Source
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   Photo: Mozart's Coffee Roasters (official website)

   Mozart's Festival of Lights

   Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027; from 6pm nightly$7 early bird (through Nov 20) / $8

   2 million+ lights and synchronized light shows on the shore of Lake Austin. Under 18 months free.

   Website Source
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   Luminations at the Wildflower Center

   Select nights Nov 20 – Dec 31, 2026 (closed Dec 24–25); entry 5:45–7:45pmAdults $30, youth 3–12 $20

   Glowing garden paths, live music and hot chocolate. Tickets must be bought in advance. Free parking at St. Augustine's with a shuttle, or $25 on-site.

   Website Source

Dates and prices change — please confirm with each place before you go.

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Seasonal guide

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Seasonal guide

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