Cheer Abounds with Holiday Lights Around Town

37th Street Lights

Dreaming of a white Christmas? It might not be too likely to happen in Austin this year, but all of the holiday lights make it easy to get into the spirit of things! No matter what side of town you’re on, there are plenty of options. As Christmas draws closer, Austin’s best-lit neighborhoods can definitely draw a crowd.

Just east of Guadalupe, the 37th street lights are particularly famous. What started as just a single resident adding on each year to a Christmas lights display now encompasses the entire neighborhood with everything from trees, rooftops, and light poles to old motorcycles, cars, and lawnmowers all coated with lights. This fantastic light display is truly one of the most spectacular in the entire state. Due to its popularity, be prepared to park several blocks away. Just start at Guadalupe and keep walking, it is absolutely magical!

Photo by David Weaver, A-List Photos

The majority of Hyde Park decorates lavishly. Don’t miss driving though the avenues to see some of the other lit houses in this area of town.

Photo by David Weaver, A-List Photos

When discussing Christmas lights in Austin, it’s impossible not to mention the Zilker Holiday Tree. Although there has been some controversy as the Holiday Tree replaced the famed Trail of Lights due to city budget cuts, the Zilker Holiday Tree still makes an impressive display. The tree composed of 39 streamers stands at 155 ft tall and totals 3,307 lights all together. The double star on tops measures 10 ft from point to point. It’s a true Austin-holiday tradition to stand under the center of the tree, look up, and spin around. As you drive to the park, check out on some of the neighborhood lighting surrounding the Zilker area.

Photo by Chris Williamson

Though not quite as big, the Domain will feature a 40-ft Great Tree. The Domain will have other yuletide activities going on including complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides, marshmallow roasting, holiday entertainment, and traditional strolling carolers on Fridays and Saturdays in addition to fireworks displays on Saturdays beginning at 8 pm.

Head to Austin’s highest point at Mt Bonnell to see more holiday twinkling. From your elevated vantage point, it is easy to see the lit-up residences along the lake. Driving through the surrounding neighborhoods is also worthwhile to see all of the lit-up houses.

You can even contribute to charity and view Christmas lights all in one stop. 8304 Roan Lane in the Oak Hill features thousands of lights timed to music. The house collects donations for Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year, the light display raised over $1,200 for the charity.

Also in southwest Austin, the Circle C neighborhood boasts excellent holiday lights with many of the cul-de-sacs joining in together to create a theme. Escarpment Blvd and its side streets have some of the best lights.

Downtown even features some lights on 6th street, parts of Congress, as well as the 2nd Street District.

Besides being just plain fun, Austin’s incredible light displays are an easy way to get into the holiday spirit and see some truly artistic representations of the Christmas holiday.

Photo by David Weaver, A-List Photos

Posted by Lucy Kinney

Lucy Kinney has published 143 posts.

Lucy is a writer and publicist in Austin, Texas working in both the state and private sector. Lucy is a native to Austin and enjoys running on Town Lake, yoga, and exploring the hill country when she's not busy working. Lucy is married to local builder, Eden Kinney. She graduated from the University of Texas in 2010 with a B.S. in Public Relations and a Business Foundations Certificate. Her new travel blog can be found at http://lucysdistinctdestinations.wordpress.com/