Austin, TX

Where can I see holiday lights in Central Texas?

Published

4 months ago

December 6, 2025

Where can I see holiday lights in Central Texas?

AUSTIN, Texas – The 2025 holiday season is here and with it comes lighting displays, parades and events.

FOX 7 Austin has gathered a list of where you can go to enjoy holiday lights and celebrate with your friends and family.

The list is arranged by county, then city.

Travis County

Austin

Austin Trail of Lights

When: Dec. 10-23 from 6-10 p.m. each night
Where: Zilker Park
What: Annual event hosted by the Trail of Lights Foundation, trail features more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more than 70 other displays and lighted tunnels; event also features live music, local food trucks, holiday vendors, and an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs Claus
Cost: General admission ranges from $0–$8 depending on the night. ZIP passes range from $20-$35 and include early access, an exclusive entrance and a special lounge area. Platinum passes range from $85-$480 and include valet parking, early access, a shuttle, a special lounge area and drink and ride tickets.
Website: https://austintrailoflights.org/

Zilker Holiday Tree

When: Nov. 30–Jan. 1 from 6-10 p.m. (Drive up visitation nights: Dec. 2-6, Dec. 8-9, Dec. 24-Jan. 1)
Where: Zilker Park
What: The Zilker Holiday Tree stands 155 feet tall and is composed of 39 streamers, each with 81 multi-colored lights, totaling about 3,309 lights. The lights are hung from the Zilker Moontower, one of 17 original Austin moontowers. It has been lit almost every year since 1967 (excluding 1973)
Website: Zilker Holiday Tree | AustinTexas.gov

Luminations

When: Dec. 5-Jan. 3, closed Dec. 24-25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
What: Guests can enjoy a canopy of twinkling lights, glowing garden paths, nightly live music, festive photo moments, and hot chocolate and churros.
Cost: $30 for adults ($23 for members), $20 for kids age 3-12 ($13 for members), free for kids 2 and under
Website: www.wildflower.org/luminations

Del Valle

Peppermint Parkway at COTA

When: Now until Jan. 4, open Monday-Friday 5:30-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 3-10 p.m.
Where: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
What: Walk-thru trail with millions of twinkling lights, whimsical characters, and more, leading to a plaza filled with delicious seasonal treats, joyful rides, lively activities and more
Cost: Admission starts at $8 per person, kids 2 and under get in free; additional costs for other events, rides and amusements
Website: Peppermint Parkway

Lake Austin

Mozart’s 2025 Lake Austin Festival of Lights

When: Nov. 11-Dec. 11 with showtimes at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m.; Dec. 21-Jan. 3 with showtimes at 7, 8, 9, and 10 p.m. (closed Christmas Day); Triple feature experience from Dec. 12-20
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin
What: This year’s festival is themed “Heaven and Nature Sing,” and includes new and spectacular additions like a fire dancer waterfront battle from “The Nutcracker” and a limited-run Broadway-style Christmas concert. The Christmas village is also returning with hot chocolate and sweet treats. Millions of lights will also glow in the ever-expanding Lake Austin Nautical Light Show.
Cost: General admission to the Holiday Village is $3; additional fees could apply for other parts of the event
Website: www.mozartscoffee.com/pages/festival-of-lights

Pflugerville

Pfestival of Lights & Parade

When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 4-7:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Pflugerville
What: Family friendly activities, hot cocoa, and festive performances behind City Hall; parade from Railroad Avenue to downtown starting at 5 p.m.; Santa arrives for tree lighting and photos at 6:30 p.m.

Menorah Lighting

When: Sunday, Dec. 14 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Pflugerville
What: Third annual Menorah Lighting with Chabad of Round Rock/Pflugerville

Hays County

San Marcos

Lone Star Light Show

When: Now until Dec. 31, open Sunday-Thursday 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-11 p.m.
Where: 6218 I-35 South frontage road, northeast of Old Bastrop Road
What: Interactive drive-thru light show with seven immersive tunnels, an entirely LED nativity, thousands of light strands, a 50-foot-high Christmas tree and more.
Cost: $25 general vehicle admission for weekdays; $30 general vehicle admission for weekends
Website: www.lonestarlightshow.com

Wimberley

EmilyAnn Theatre’s Trail of Lights

When: Now until Dec. 26, open Sunday-Thursday 6-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-10 p.m. (except Dec 21-23, open from 6-10 p.m.)
Where: EmilyAnn Theatre, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley
What: A walking trail through about 8 acres of lighted exhibits; live entertainment onstage near the yule log where guests can enjoy complimentary marshmallows and hot chocolate; several special event nights throughout the run of the trail; a concession stand and an entrance store
Cost: Free, but donations accepted as this is a fundraiser for the theatre
Website: www.emilyann.org/trailoflights.html

Bastrop County

Bastrop

Bastrop River of Lights

When: Now until Jan. 5, from dusk to 10 p.m. every night
Where: 601 Chestnut Street, Bastrop
What: Attendees can stroll the half-mile June Hill Pape Riverwalk and enjoy hundreds of sparkling displays in festive holiday themes

Lost Pines Lighted Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, Dec. 13 starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Bastrop
What: More than 150 dazzling entries of floats, fire trucks, unicycles, vintage cars and even Santa himself. Event will travel south down Main Street

Bexar County

San Antonio

Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo

When: Now until Jan. 4
Where: 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio
What: Multiple realms of twinkling lights, festive music and whimsical displays; daily activities like Pick-A-Present, S’mores Pits and photos with Santa; weekend activities and meet-and-greets with the zoo’s mascots;
Cost: Free for San Antonio Zoo members or with a standard admission ticket; day memberships start at $44.99; daily admissions start at $21.91; children under 3 get in free
Website: Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo

Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk

When: Now until Jan. 11, from sundown to sunrise
Where: San Antonio River Walk in Downtown San Antonio
What: About 200,000 lights draped across the bald cypress trees lining the downtown portion of the River Walk
Cost: Free
Website: Holiday Lights on the San Antonio River Walk

Blanco County

Johnson City

Lights Spectacular 2025

When: Now until Jan. 4, from dusk (about 5:45 p.m.) to midnight
Where: Located at various locations throughout downtown Johnson City; Memorial Park; Pedernales Electric Coop HQ
What: Laser show and fun lighted ornaments at courthouse; over 1 million lights on oak trees and colorful themed displays at Memorial Park and PEC HQ; interactive displays, carriage rides
Cost: Free
Website: www.lightsspectacular.com

Burnet County

Marble Falls

Walkway of Lights

When: Now until Jan. 3, from 6-10 p.m. (weather permitting)
Where: Lakeside Park & Beach, 205 Buena Vista Drive
What: Attendees can stroll past Christmas sculptures on Marble Falls Lake and enjoy many different events, like pictures with Santa, a boat parade, movies in the park and more. Concessions will also be available such as cookies, hot chocolate and coffee
Cost: $2 per person
Website: Walkway of Lights

Comal County

New Braunfels

Santa’s Ranch

When: Now through Jan. 4, open Sundays through Thursdays 6-10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 6-11 p.m.
Where: 9561 I-35 North in New Braunfels, just southwest of San Marcos
What: A drive-thru mile-long light display with over 3 million lights, a concession stand with hot chocolate, kettle corn, snacks, souvenirs and more
Cost: $37 plus tax for a single pass per vehicle; $74 plus tax for a season pass per vehicle
Website: www.santasranch.com

Gillespie County

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights

When: Now until Jan. 6, nightly beginning at 5 p.m. (closed on Dec. 5 and Dec. 31)
Where: Marktplatz in Fredericksburg
What: Each evening will feature holiday music starting at 5 p.m., followed by a 10-minute audio presentation on the history of Fredericksburg’s German heritage at 6 p.m., then a countdown to the lighting of Marktplatz. The music will end at 6:30 p.m. following the countdown.
Cost: Free
Website: Visit Fredericksburg

The Source: Information in this report comes from a variety of sources, including city and county websites and event pages for individual displays.

HolidaysTravis CountyWilliamson CountyLifestyleHays CountyBastrop CountyBexar CountyBell CountyBlanco CountyBurnet CountyCaldwell CountyComal CountyFayette CountyGillespie CountyLee CountyLlano CountyMilam County

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Austin, TX

Oregon vs. Texas game time set for 2026 NCAA Tournament second round

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Press Room

Oregon vs. Texas game time set for 2026 NCAA Tournament second round

Oregon will play host Texas at 5 p.m. PT, March 22 in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

The game will be televised live on ESPN.

The No. 8 seed Ducks (23-11) are coming off a 70-60 win against No. 9 Virginia Tech in a first-round game Friday morning. The No. 1 Longhorns (32-3) demolished No. 16 Missouri State, 87-45, in their first-round game Friday.

Watch Oregon vs. Texas on FUBO

When is Oregon vs. Texas in Women’s March Madness?

The No. 8 Ducks and No. 1 Longhorns will play at 5 p.m. PT Sunday at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The winner will advance to the Sweet 16 and a game March 28 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Oregon vs. Texas predictions

The Ducks were sharp in their win against the Hokies, with Katie Fiso leading the way as the point guard had 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Mia Jacobs had 13 points and Ehis Etute had 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Beating the Longhorns will be a significantly more challenging task. Texas is 19-0 at home this season and has wins against No. 1 seeds South Carolina and UCLA.

All-American junior forward Madison Booker leads the Longhorns in scoring (18.9) and rebounding (6.5). She had had 14 points and 12 rebounds in Friday’s win against Missouri State.

Where to watch Oregon vs. Texas

The game between the Ducks and Longhorns will be televised live on ESPN.

Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him at chansen@registerguard.com.

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Austin, TX

Page Not Found | Los Angeles Football Club

Published

16 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Press Room

Page Not Found | Los Angeles Football Club

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Austin, TX

Best places to see bluebonnets in Central Texas this spring

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

Press Room

Best places to see bluebonnets in Central Texas this spring

LLANO, TEXAS – APRIL 06: Bluebonnet flowers blossom in a field on April 06, 2024 in LLano, Texas. The Bluebonnet flower, also known as the Texas lupine, blooms through mid-to-late April and is the Texas state flower. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Spring has taken hold across Texas, with blooming flowers and budding trees signaling the season’s arrival — and giving families the perfect excuse to head out in search of scenic fields.

Although this year’s wildflower season is expected to be better than 2025’s underwhelming display, experts at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center say it will still be uneven, shaped by inconsistent rainfall and ongoing drought across the state.

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So where can you find these iconic blooms?

Here’s a look at where to spot bluebonnets across Central Texas and how their growth patterns are shaping up.

Where to see bluebonnets in Central Texas in 2026

Here are some of the best places to see bluebonnets across Central Texas:

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Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

A bit of a drive, but the payoff is immense. Rolling hills carpeted in bluebonnets stretching as far as the eye can see. Pack a picnic, bring your pup (on a leash, of course), and prepare for an Instagram takeover.

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2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Naturally, the namesake of our wildflower queen is a prime location. Expect meticulously maintained fields and educational opportunities alongside your photo ops. But be warned, this popular spot fills up faster than a breakfast taco line on Sunday.

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4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin.

Turkey Bend Recreation Area in Marble Falls

According to TexasHillCountry.com, the Turkey Bend Recreation Area is a wildflower hotspot, boasting over 400 acres of land and breathtaking views of the Colorado River.

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And while you’re in Marble Falls, you can also stop by the aptly named Blue Bonnet Cafe. This local institution offers all-day breakfast and, most importantly, their “world famous” pies.

4000 Shaw Dr., Marble Falls.

St. Edward’s Park

If you’re looking for a bluebonnet experience with a side of hiking, this is your spot. Trails wind through fields of wildflowers, offering stunning views and a chance to escape the crowds.

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301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin.

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

This sprawling trail network offers pockets of bluebonnet bliss, particularly along the less-traveled sections. You might even stumble upon some unexpected wildflower companions, like Indian paintbrush or winecups.

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Brushy Creek Regional Trail, Cedar Park.

State parks

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers 11 miles of trails, including the Summit Trail.
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Courtesy of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, several state parks in Central Texas offer exceptional viewing and photography opportunities. And the best part? They’re all within an hour-and-a-half drive from Austin, making them perfect for a day trip.

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Roadsides along Highway 29 and Interstate 35

Bluebonnets bloom at the intersection of I-35 and Woodland Avenue Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

For a classic Texas experience, simply hop in your car and cruise along Highway 29 west of Georgetown or I-35 near Woodland Ave. The roadsides are often awash in blue, providing picturesque backdrops for impromptu photo shoots. Just remember to pull over safely and avoid trampling the flowers.

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Local neighborhood parks

Keep your eyes peeled. Many neighborhood parks and greenbelts are home to hidden bluebonnet patches. A leisurely stroll through your own backyard could yield a delightful surprise.

Is it going to rain in Austin in April? See outlook

North and West Texas have picked up more rain, which could lead to more vibrant blooms in those areas. Meanwhile, Central and South Texas, including the Austin area, remain under severe to extreme drought conditions, with rainfall deficits of a foot or more.
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Mary Wasson-Triplett/Austin American-Statesman

“In a state as geographically vast and varied as Texas, it’s rare that we can make a forecast that suits the whole state,” said Andrea DeLong-Amaya, the wildflower center’s horticulture educator. “We have wild fluctuations in weather and lots of microclimate scenarios, and this year’s bloom season will be just as varied.”

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Recent rainfall patterns help explain the mixed outlook. North and West Texas have received more rain, which could lead to more vibrant blooms in those areas. Meanwhile, Central and South Texas — including the Austin area — remain under severe to extreme drought conditions, with rainfall deficits of a foot or more.

While the upcoming week looks dry across Central Texas, there are signs of a wetter pattern developing toward the end of March and into early April.

Is Texas in drought right now? See latest conditions

Central and South Texas, including the Austin area, remain under severe to extreme drought conditions, with rainfall deficits of a foot or more.

Mary Wasson-Triplett/Austin American-Statesman

Rainfall during the critical germination months from September through November was well below normal, and the winter rain needed to support deep roots and healthy growth also fell short. Add in the recent roller-coaster temperatures, and the added stress has made it even tougher for bluebonnets to thrive.

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DeLong-Amaya said bluebonnets may be harder to find along roadsides this year, but additional spring rainfall could help boost later-blooming flowers.

Tips for the bluebonnet experience

Go early or late: Avoid the midday crowds and harsh sunlight by visiting in the morning or evening. Golden hour provides the perfect lighting for those dreamy bluebonnet portraits.
Respect the flowers: While it’s tempting to frolic through the fields, remember that these blooms are delicate. Stay on designated paths and avoid picking or trampling the flowers.
Watch out for critters: Texas is home to a variety of wildlife, including snakes and fire ants. Be mindful of your surroundings and wear appropriate footwear.
Check social media: Local wildflower enthusiasts are constantly sharing updates on bluebonnet sightings.
Bring a blanket and a book: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy the bluebonnets is to simply sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty.