Looking for the best Christmas tree lighting experiences near Austin? From nearby small towns to downtown Austin, Texas is filled with festive Christmas events that bring the holiday season to life! Enjoy magical Christmas activities like tree lightings, live music, and holiday markets that are perfect for families and friends. Discover the best Christmas events in the area and create unforgettable holiday memories!

Austin Christmas Tree Lighting Events

Austin and nearby small towns have some of the best Christmas tree lighting ceremonies in Texas. Austin’s downtown comes alive with twinkling lights and countless Christmas activities, while small towns nearby host their own charming tree lighting traditions. From holiday markets to live music, there are endless Christmas ideas to make the season bright.

Zilker Park Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas	December 1st, 5:15 pm

Holiday Sing-Along & Stroll Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701	December 7th, 3pm- 8pm

This free event, held on Congress Avenue between 8th and 11th streets, is packed with festive Christmas activities like a Christmas market, food trucks, photos with Santa, and more.

Don’t miss the dog costume contest, a Kwanzaa tribute, live music by the Tiarras, and a joyful sing-along. The highlight is absolutely the grand Christmas tree lighting countdown. Between the Christmas market and lighting of the tree, don’t miss one of the top Christmas events in Austin!

Christmas Tree Lighting and Grinchmas at the Domain Address: 11821 Rock Rose Ave. Austin, TX 78758	November 23rd, 3pm-6pm

Make your way to the Domain for the Merry Grinchmas event! Meet the Grinch, snap pics with Vannagram, and tons of selfie opportunities. There will be a bracelet bar, caricature artists, face painters, and holiday music to get you in the spirit. Be sure to stick around at dusk for the annual Christmas tree lighting.

Small Town Christmas Tree Lightings and Events

There’s something magical about watching a Christmas tree lighting in small towns, and there are plenty surrounding Austin. These intimate Christmas events offer a sense of community, where you can enjoy festive Christmas activities. If you’re looking for Christmas ideas, gifts can be purchased from the vendors in the markets while listening to cheery carols. Mark your calendar and enjoy the holiday festivites.

Dripping Springs

Christmas on Mercer Address: 511 Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620	December 7th, 5pm

Save the date for the Christmas tree lighting on November 30th followed by a Holiday Movie. The main event, Christmas on Mercer, takes place on December 7th, and promises to be even better this year with arts and crafts, business booths, and fun photo ops. Celebrating its 20th year, this event is one of the top Christmas events in Dripping Springs. Perfect for all your festive Christmas activities, it’s a holiday celebration not to miss!

Maywald Christmas Lighting Address: 10505 Twilight Vista, ​Austin, Tx 78736	November 28th, 6pm-9pm

Although technically this is not an official event, the date above is the start of this stunning Christmas display featuring over 350,000 lights. Located between Austin and Dripping Springs this display is on the Maywald family’s private property. Created by their son, Jordan, it has grown each year and even won an award on the TV show “Great Christmas Light Fight.”

A key part of the event is their partnership with Make-A-Wish, where donations help fulfill Wish kids’ dream vacations. With beautiful religious displays celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, this display is a must-see among festive Christmas activities and inspiring Christmas ideas for the holiday season.

Leander

Old Town Christmas Festival Address: 105 N Brushy Street, Leander, TX 78641	December 7th, 10am- 9pm

Visit Leander for some true Christmas joy! This festive event features the Old Town Rudolph Run 5k fun run, a Christmas Marketplace, parade, photos with Santa, live performances, and local vendors. Holiday vendors will be open from 11 am to 9 pm, with children’s activities, live music, theater performances, crafts, and food shopping. The Christmas parade kicks off at 1 pm.

To wrap up the day, everyone is invited to gather downtown for the lighting of Leander’s 60-foot Christmas tree, followed by a showing of “Elf” on the big screen and hot chocolate for all!

Hutto

Christmas Tree Lighting with Drone Show Address: 500 W Live Oak St., Hutto, TX, 78634	November 30th, 3:30pm-8pm

Located in downtown Hutto, this small-town community comes together for a big holiday event. Start with supporting local businesses with holiday shopping. At dusk, visitors can enjoy a traditional Christmas tree lighting along with a drone show. For more events in Hutto, join the HippoClaus Crawl event on December 7th with your most seasonal sweater to enjoy Christmas craft cocktails.

Georgetown

Annual Lighting of the Square Address: 710 S Main St, Georgetown, TX 78626	November 29th, 5:30pm

Join one of the biggest Christmas events near Austin on one of Texas’ prettiest town squares. The traditional Lighting of the Square in Georgetown is a spectacular event. Not only will the Christmas tree be lit, but a countdown by Santa will also light up the Courthouse and all the buildings on the square at once. Visitors can enjoy carolers, get pictures with Santa and the Grinch when freely enjoying hot chocolate or holiday cocktails while walking around the square.

Another fun Christmas event is the Christmas Stroll from December 6th- 8th that includes live music, bouncy houses and more for kids, tons of vendors and a Little Bethlehem to explore.

Round Rock

Hometown Holiday Address: 221 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664	TBD

In downtown Round Rock starting December 1st, the streets will come alive with festive lights and a large Christmas tree. Although there is no ceremony or countdown, a visit to see the lights and Christmas tree in Round Rock should not be missed. Visit the Round Rock Public Library courtyard in the Prete Plaza every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for live music until December 23rd.

Light up the Lake Address: 301 W. Bagdad Avenue Suite 250, Round Rock, Texas 78664	December 6th & 7th, 6pm

Experience the ultimate Christmas cheer at Old Settlers Park during this exciting 2-night extravaganza! Visitors can enjoy giant Christmas inflatables over the lake, a spectacular light show, live music, holiday displays, and festive food and beverages. There will also be crafts and plenty of Christmas activities to make it a perfect outing for all ages. If you’re looking for fun Christmas events and festive Christmas ideas, this is one not to miss!

Buda

Budafest Address: 303 Main Street, Buda, TX 78610	December 6th- 8th, 6:30pm

Bring the whole family to Downtown Buda for three days of festive fun! Enjoy kids’ Christmas activities and a carnival at Buda City Park, browse the craft and art market in the Downtown Greenbelt, and be wowed by the Night Parade and fireworks show along Main Street.

A cherished tradition for 44 years, Budafest’s parade lights up the streets with dazzling displays from local businesses. After the parade, stick around for an incredible fireworks display. If you love parades, don’t miss Sunday’s adorable dog costume parade! It’s the perfect weekend to fill your holiday with festive Christmas ideas and Christmas events.

Marble Falls

Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Address: 100 Avenue G, Marble Falls, TX 78654	November 8th, 6pm-10pm

Join the holiday fun and kick off the season with the Downtown Christmas tree lighting at Harmony Park’s green space! The tree will light up at dusk, followed by a free screening of The Grinch on the lawn. Don’t forget to bring your chairs or blankets to enjoy this festive night under the stars.

It’s a perfect way to embrace the season with fun Christmas activities and gather Christmas ideas for your holiday celebrations. This is one of the best Christmas events to enjoy with family and friends!

Lakeway

Lights On Address: 1102 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway, TX 78734	December 6th, 6pm

Lakeway’s annual start and lighting of their Trail of Lights is a celebration that kicks off the holiday season and festive cheer. Enjoy live music, delicious s’mores, and local food vendors. The festival will have many Christmas activities like photo ops with Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves. This free event is always a great way to bring the community together.

Lago Vista

Christmas Tree Lighting Address: 5803 Thunderbird St #101, Lago Vista, TX 78645	December 2nd, 5:30pm- 8:30pm

The Christmas tree lighting in Lago Vista is a charming, small town, Christmas event that brings the community together. Next to Lake Travis, enjoy twinkling lights, a small stage with local entertainment, and Santa. It’s the perfect event to spend time with family, friends and neighbors during the holiday season. Don’t miss this heartwarming Christmas event in the Lake Travis area!

Cedar Park

Tree Lighting Ceremony 875 Quest Pkwy, Cedar Park, TX 78613	December 6th, 6:30pm- 9pm

Make lasting holiday memories at the Heritage Oak tree lighting. Visitors will be mesmerized over the 50,000 sparkling lights that transform the park into a festive wonderland. This family-friendly event offers exciting Christmas activities like live performances, holiday movies, and tasty treats from local vendors.

Gather around the tree for a thrilling countdown to the Christmas tree lighting. Santa will also make a grand entrance, making it one of the most magical Christmas events near Austin.

Bastrop

Lost Pines Christmas Lighted Parade Address: Downtown Bastrop, Main St, Bastrop, TX 78602	December 14th, 6pm

Experience the magic of the season at the very festive Christmas lighted parade. This parade has over 100 participants inside the parade including lighted floats, vintage cars, firetrucks and of course Santa Claus. Bastrop has many holiday events throughout the season. Click here for a list of events in Bastrop.

Final Thoughts: My Top Picks

When creating Christmas memories and traditions, there are countless of Christmas events to brighten your holiday season. From local markets, live music and family-friendly Christmas activities, the holiday season will fill you with inspiration and joy. Don’t miss the other numerous Christmas events throughout Texas.

My favorite Christmas lighting experience in the past has always been on the Georgetown Square. However, in 2023 the square was so crowded when it came time to the countdown that visitors could not move. My recommendation would be to get to the event early to enjoy the carolers. Make a reservation for a table on the balcony at Juliet Italian Kitchen that overlooks the square.

The Maywald Christmas Display is also one of my favorites to enjoy each year. You’ll see over 300,000 lights on a private property and profits will go to the “Make a Wish” foundation.

No matter which event you go to, or if try to attend them all, you will make some of the best holiday memories. As you plan your seasonal adventures, consider adding these wonderful Christmas ideas to your holiday itinerary. Embrace the magic of the season and make lasting memories at these enchanting Christmas tree lighting celebrations!