Discover Austin’s best Christmas light displays without the crowds

‘Tis the season to aimlessly look at glistening Christmas light displays.

While the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas, offers residents and visitors the chance to partake in a 60-year-old tradition starting Dec. 10, the crowds and snail-like pace of fellow attendees often kill the holiday spirit — leaving one feeling more like Ebenezer Scrooge than Buddy the Elf.

Checking out holiday lights shouldn’t be stressful. Not only that, but some would argue it shouldn’t cost a dime to do (aside from a small donation).

Luckily, there are plenty of lights to see for free in Austin this holiday season.

4 free Christmas light displays in Austin, Texas

Those looking to beat the crowds while taking in a sea of glistening lights can check out these four Christmas displays in the greater Austin area:

37th Street Lights

When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Dec. 13 to Jan. 1, 2025.
Where: 507 W. 37th St., Austin.
What: A longstanding park-and-walk excursion on 37th Street (between Guadalupe and Home Lane) featuring houses decked out in eclectic lights and holiday decor that screams, “Keep Austin weird.”

Maywald Christmas Display

When: Dec. 11-Dec. 27. Visiting hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Where: 10505 Twilight Vista, Austin.
What: A dazzling display featuring more than 350,000 lights, Texas-sized Santas and larger-than-life displays spanning 4.5 acres. Donations to Make-A-Wish are accepted upon arrival.

Christmas Lights at Chinati Court

When: Nightly through Dec. 31 starting around sunset until roughly 11 p.m.
Where: Chinati Court, Cedar Park.
What: A brightly decorated cul-de-sac with various photo ops. You can drive by most nights or take in the magic on foot. Santa visits the street every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. until at least 9 p.m. (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

Photos with Santa are free. There will also be a Brown Santa drop-off at this display, and those visiting are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.

The Domain’s Holiday Tree Light Show

When: Nightly through Dec. 25. The free light show occurs every hour during the following times: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Hours for Dec. 24-25 will be noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 11821 Rock Rose Ave., Austin.
What: A dazzling holiday tree light show that occurs every hour on the hour (weather permitting). The tree is located across the street from the Apple Store.