Austin, Texas is a city that loves to celebrate the holidays with a variety of spectacular light displays. From the iconic Zilker Christmas Tree to the Maywald Christmas Lights, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're in town for a convention or just to spend time with your loved ones, you won't want to miss out on these amazing light shows. The Zilker Christmas Tree is one of the most iconic illuminations in Austin.
Standing at 155 feet tall, it is made up of 39 streamers with 81 multi-colored 25-watt bulbs, totaling 3,309 lights. At the top of the tree is a double star measuring 10 feet from point to point and featuring 150 frosted light bulbs. The circumference of the tree measures 380 feet and is supported by 19 electricity poles, each 14 feet tall. The first tree was illuminated by the interim mayor on December 10th, 1967. Since then, the honor has been given to the winner of a citywide tree art contest. The Walk of Lights showcases two million lights in Lakeside Park and more than 350 illuminated sculptures.
It is open every night and is definitely worth a visit. The Moontower Christmas Tree is another popular display in Austin. It shines with more than 3,000 lights and is a beloved local tradition. The Maywald Christmas Lights have been around for 13 years and have grown from just a few lights to more than a million. The restoration included new LED bulbs that are brighter and more energy efficient, saving approximately 131,400 kilowatt-hours a year. The Texas State Capitol Tree Lighting and Christmas Walk takes place on December 3rd each year.
The Alliance for Downtown Austin kicks off the holiday season with a Christmas stroll through downtown Austin. The oldest and most cherished Christmas tradition in the capital of Texas is the Austin Trail of Lights. It welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors from Central Texas and around the world every year with its joyful light displays. Finally, there are the 37th Street Lights which had become an unofficial Austin landmark until they were shut off by local authorities in 1993 due to safety concerns. Austin is the only city in the country that still operates moonlight towers (or moon towers, as they are better known in Austin).Austin has something for everyone when it comes to holiday light displays.
From the iconic Zilker Christmas Tree to the Maywald Christmas Lights, there are plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you're in town for a convention or just to spend time with your loved ones, you won't want to miss out on these amazing light shows.
