The holiday season is a special time of year, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights in Austin, Texas? From the historic Driskill Hotel to the quirky West 37th Street tradition, there are plenty of places to explore and enjoy the festive decorations. Downtown Austin is home to the highest concentration of businesses in the city, making it an ideal spot for watching Christmas lights. The Driskill Hotel is a popular destination for vacationers, with its fully illuminated Christmas tree and exquisite ornaments. Clarksville is a quieter neighborhood with fewer businesses, but its cafés and restaurants still meet the standards set by Clarksville homes when it comes to holiday decorating.
Willis Littlefield's home is a particular highlight, with its creative and eye-catching Christmas display. Hyde Park's West 37th Street is an annual tradition that began in the 1980s. Local artists often participate in the light show, which features eclectic decorating schemes and themes. It's a popular destination for students from the University of Texas and families from the north.
Zilker Park is well-known for its green spaces, but it also offers a unique holiday display. Instead of a real pine tree, Zilker Park uses one of Austin's legendary “moonlit” towers as a kind of Festivus pole, with chains of multicolored lights creating a tree-shaped formation. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Trail of Lights, which includes 65 Christmas light displays, an illuminated ferris wheel and carousel, live musical performances, food trucks, and more.Round Rock is another great destination for those looking to explore outside of Austin. The town hosts an annual Christmas Towne in the Dell Diamond parking lot, as well as plenty of light displays in downtown Round Rock. Finally, West 37th Street between Guadalupe Street and Home Lane is home to some of the most creative light displays in Austin.
The lights dance in tune with music, and there's even a wall of audio-activated lights. The Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park is another must-see event that features activities, food, and great lighting. The Zilker Park Christmas tree is also worth checking out; it's the only one in the United States made with the decoration of a moon tower with 3,309 lights. Whether you're looking for traditional decorations or something more unique, there are plenty of places to explore during the holiday season in Austin. From downtown to Round Rock and beyond, there are plenty of neighborhoods to explore for festive lights.
