Most of us have piled into the family car and made the rounds to see Christmas light displays near Austin. It's a beloved holiday tradition, especially in a city as dazzling as ours. And this year promises to be even brighter!
In this spirit, we've crafted a unique Christmas Lights road trip to maximize your light-viewing experience. This fun little trip includes a mix of everything: enchanting Christmas strolls, tree decor, mesmerizing light shows, and even a local watering hole. At just under two hours, this trip is a must-do this year. Check out the Google Map for the journey, and we'll see you out there!
1. Austin Trail of Lights
The Austin Trail of Lights is every bit as magical and enchanting as its name implies. Hosted in Zilker Park, this annual event runs every evening but Mondays. Be prepared to pay for parking, but the event itself is free! It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs and enjoy the cool winter air.
2. Donn's Depot
Need a little refreshment? Take a pit stop at Donn’s Depot, a repurposed train station in Austin that now serves as a piano bar. With festive lights, winter decor, and a decked-out Christmas tree, it’s the perfect place to grab a hot beverage and snack before hitting the road and continuing the tour.
3. The Domain
No holiday road trip is complete without a massive outdoor Christmas tree sighting, and that’s exactly what the Domain promises to deliver this time of year. This shopping center is bustling with excitement, twinkling lights, and even St. Nick himself. This is one big Christmas tree lighting in Austin you can't bear to miss!
4. Cedar Park Christmas Lights
This suburb of Austin is beloved for its celebration of Christmas each year. The Anna Court neighborhood is a cul-de-sac that totally transforms with hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights, a beautiful display for the whole community. This Christmas tradition in Austin is a favorite for a reason.
5. 37th Street
For a taste of Christmas perfectly unique to Austin, you won’t want to miss the 37th Street light display. There's a reason it's one of our all-time favorite holiday traditions in Austin. It’s something like a legend for locals and never disappoints with its quirky assortment of holiday decorations. The event takes place in Hyde Park.
6. The Driskill Tree
Our road trip ends with one of the most elegant Christmas sightings in all of Austin: the breathtaking tree at the Driskill. Located in the historic lobby, this tree appears like something from a painting. It might just be the downright best Christmas tree in Texas, which is quite a tall order.
What do you think about this Christmas lights road trip through Austin? Is it something you'd be interested in taking? Be sure to share your thoughts with us! For more amazing winter goodness, check out an amazing winter hike near Austin!
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