Photo: CBS Austin
Holiday Magic Around Austin: Your Guide to Festive Events and Lights
As the holiday season arrives in Central Texas, the Austin area transforms into a spectacular wonderland of twinkling lights, festive performances, and cherished traditions. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the season, there’s no shortage of magical experiences to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Trail of Lights Opens Tonight at Zilker Park
The season officially kicks off tonight as the beloved Austin Trail of Lights opens its gates at Zilker Park. Running through December 23, this 61st annual celebration features over 2 million lights adorning 96 illuminated trees across more than 70 festive displays. Visitors can stroll the 1.25-mile trail while enjoying the towering 155-foot Zilker Holiday Tree—one of Austin’s last standing Moonlight Towers wrapped in 3,309 lights and crowned with a 10-foot double star.
This year introduces two exciting new installations: the Neon Zoo by Ion Art and the Texas Tunnel, which celebrates the Lone Star State with a sunset-inspired light experience. Free admission is available on select weeknights, with premium options including early access and complimentary hot cocoa in the ZIP Lounge. Live local music, food trucks, and classic carnival rides complete the experience.
Peppermint Parkway at COTA
For those seeking a walk-through holiday adventure, Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of The Americas runs through December 28. This reimagined experience features millions of lights along a dazzling pathway, plus the new Circuit Breaker roller coaster, Santa meet-and-greets, go-karting, mini golf, and nightly tree lighting ceremonies at 6 PM. With tickets starting at $8 per person, it’s an affordable way to enjoy holiday festivities with thrilling entertainment options.
Longhorn Lights at UT Austin
The University of Texas campus glows with school spirit as Longhorn Lights illuminates the South Mall through January 1. Nine miles of burnt orange and white lights frame the iconic UT Tower, which is currently undergoing its first restoration since the 1930s. The synchronized display dances to holiday favorites and music by the Longhorn Band, offering free viewing nightly from 5 to 10 PM.
Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker
Texas’s longest-running production of The Nutcracker returns to the Long Center for its 63rd season. Running through December 23, Ballet Austin’s beloved performance features live accompaniment by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, spectacular sets, and the tradition of surprise celebrity guests playing Mother Ginger. From Clara’s enchanting journey to the Land of Sweets to the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy, this timeless classic creates cherished holiday memories for generations of families.
Georgetown Square’s Twinkling Tradition
Just 30 minutes north, Georgetown‘s historic downtown square dazzles with thousands of golden lights illuminating the Williamson County Courthouse and surrounding streets through January 1. The lights kicked off with the annual Lighting of the Square ceremony on November 28 and now shine nightly, creating perfect photo opportunities around the magnificent Christmas tree. The charming square also offers boutique shopping, local restaurants, and the Candyland Christmas Stroll marketplace.
Neighborhood Light Displays
Austin’s residential neighborhoods contribute their own festive flair. The quirky 37th Street Lights near UT campus features creative DIY displays, including the famous Stuffed Animal Petting Zoo and interactive art installations. Starting this Friday, this volunteer-run tradition captures Austin’s eccentric spirit with offbeat decorations best experienced on foot.
In Pemberton Heights, over 50 homes along Windsor Road and Stanford Drive coordinate synchronized light shows set to music. Cedar Park‘s Rhodes Family Christmas and Heritage Park displays have become local legends, while Leander neighborhoods like Huggins Holidays and Chalk Knob Manor offer impressive synchronized shows supporting local food banks.
Making the Most of the Season
With free events alongside ticketed experiences, there’s something for every budget. Many attractions offer weekday specials and early-bird pricing, so planning ahead pays off. Whether you’re ice skating under twinkling lights, attending a classical ballet, or simply driving through decorated neighborhoods, the Austin area offers countless ways to celebrate the season.
The holiday spirit is alive and glowing throughout Central Texas. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and experience the magic that makes this season truly special in the Live Music Capital of the World.
A former Austin Energy employee routed roughly $980,000 in city money to fictitious vendors during a six-year period ending in 2023, according to an investigative report released Tuesday by the Austin City Auditor’s Office.
WE NEED AN EXTERNAL AUDIT OF THE ENTIRE CITY OF AUSTIN BUDGET ASAP!
— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) December 9, 2025
Help us put regular performance audits of the ENTIRE City of Austin budget (including utilities like Austin Energy) here: https://t.co/2Wds53aQIa. We need ~25k valid, signed petition by mid-January to make to…
This fraud went on for years, they've known about it for years, and now it is a breaking news story to pump up the city auditor's office….
— Stephen Bell (@steeple_b) December 10, 2025
anyone wonder why? pic.twitter.com/0gTKDLlYHV
Political action committee Save Austin Now has filed a lawsuit against Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax, alleging the city is interfering with its First Amendment rights over the group’s parody use of the city’s new logo.
The PAC is asking a Travis County judge to block Broadnax from taking further action, claiming its use of the logo is protected political speech. The lawsuit follows a letter the city sent to Save Austin Now accusing it of unauthorized use of the logo on its website.
The city of Austin spent $1.1M of tax $ on this logo. Last week the city threatened us with legal action for creating a parody logo to highlight this waste. We're still using it & we have filed a free speech suit in state court. Time for an Audit? (See Statesman coverage) pic.twitter.com/87d9cDUD3A
— Save Austin Now (@SaveAustinNow) December 7, 2025
The city of Austin asked the PAC Save Austin Now to remove the city's logo from its website. In response – SAN has filed a lawsuit against the city claiming they are protected by the First Amendment. I spoke with an intellectual property legal expert about this battle @cbsaustin pic.twitter.com/zLzfKDPIVm
— Jahmal (@JahmalKennedy) December 8, 2025
Following a targeted ambush that left 19-year-old Victor Ekozeme dead and another injured, Austin police have arrested a fifth suspect. The January shooting occurred outside the Wildhorse Flats apartments near Manor during what investigators call a planned gun robbery. (Austin American-Statesman)
Newly released court records indicate that a subject of interest regarding a double homicide in Sun City was allegedly implicated in an assault at a Domino’s location in Georgetown this past Saturday. (FOX 7 Austin)
A woman was arrested for murder in connection to a deadly shooting at a downtown Austin bus stop on November 12.
34-year-old Kimberly Sotelo was taken into custody in Spring, Texas, last week. She was booked into the Montgomery County Jail for murder.
Austin police responded to reports of a shooting just after 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 12 at the intersection of E. 5th Street and Trinity Street. When first responders arrived on scene, they found 52-year-old Gared Goff lying on the ground. He was pronounced dead on scene. (FOX 7 Austin)
Investigators have determined that a fire at a three-story apartment building under construction in southeast Austin Sunday evening was intentionally set, the fire department said Tuesday.
Reporte Austin reports of arrests by State Troopers and hooded federal agents at various locations Tuesday, including SH 71 near the airport, and FM-969 and SH130 in Del Valle. ICE Out of Austin is in the area documenting the activities. (Video courtesy of ICE Report Austin out of Austin).
At several of the stops, hooded officers arrived at the scene to make migrant arrests. Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Texas will continue to carry out operations of this kind across the state, assisting ICE. (Videos and photos courtesy of ICE Report Austin Out of Austin and anonymous).
I’ve seen the Trump Administration do many terrible things, but this one is a first.
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) December 10, 2025
They wrongfully deported a 19-year-old Austin constituent in shackles. When she spoke out, armed ICE agents were sent in an unmarked van to threaten her parents.
No one in America should have… pic.twitter.com/LuXF7VPNio
Bexar County authorities were attempting to serve an eviction notice at a residence on Gembler Road Tuesday when the occupant barricaded themself inside which then led to an officer-involved shooting.
The Texas primary election is less than three months away, and voters in Williamson County are likely to see more changes to how their elections run as the GOP is planning to end countywide voting.
Williamson County officials, along with TxDOT, announced the completion of the Sonterra Boulevard project in Jarrell
Williamson County Commissioners met Tuesday with a busy agenda.
Travis County residents whose property was damaged or lost in the July 5th flooding, can get one-on-one help from the Travis County Appraisal District and Tax Office at an upcoming free clinic.
The TownLake YMCA in downtown Austin is planning a renovation and expansion of its nearly 5-acre property to include housing, an early education center and other commercial and community spaces. (KUT 90.5)
City Council was briefed today on the Townlake YMCA PUD project. This KXAN article about it doesn't have any new info: https://t.co/OtPtWhqONo
— The ATX (@TheATX1) December 10, 2025
But here's a new rendering: pic.twitter.com/tetyQIgvq7
Austin Public Health warns it has seen more cases of salmonella and norovirus across Central Texas.
PODCAST
It’s been a big year for Austinites with lots of highs and lows, from the very public back-and-forth over Cheer Up Charlies to the city’s new $1.1 million logo and so much in between. In today’s episode, host Nikki DaVaughn is joined by producer Elissa Castles and newsletter editor Kelsey Bradshaw to recap what they saw as hits and misses when it comes to Austin events, civics, and more.
WEATHER
TUESDAY’S HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES
AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
The Geminid meteor shower will peak this Saturday night, Dec. 13, with over a hundred meteors falling every hour, and the best way to see it is to get away from downtown Austin and look to the east around 9:00pm.
Grants totaling over $17 million have been distributed to rural Texas volunteer fire departments. (KXAN-TV)
Glenn Hamer on Tuesday resigned as president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, one of the state’s most influential business groups, two weeks after he was sued over allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
Nearly 1,000 Texas cities are under investigation in an effort to ensure municipal budget transparency and curb unlawful tax increases, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced in a Tuesday news release.
BREAKING: I launched a statewide investigation of nearly 1,000 Texas cities to ensure municipal transparency and stop illegal tax increases.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) December 9, 2025
Local officials will not be allowed to ignore the law, cover up their finances, and burden Texans with never-ending tax increases. pic.twitter.com/3dckjzvhPU
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Tuesday unveiled a plan to drive down property taxes by further hiking the amount of a home’s value that can’t be taxed to pay for public schools and lowering the age at which Texans qualify for additional relief on their school tax bills.
Today, I launched “𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐥,” a plan to accelerate school property tax cuts, reduce school property taxes, and freeze appraised values for more than 3.3 million homeowners, forever, by taking the current over 65 freeze on taxable value down to… pic.twitter.com/D9d1RySFe8
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) December 9, 2025
From the Houston Chronicle.
High-profile Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett launches her campaign for the U.S. Senate. We’ll look at how she’ll compete in a crowded field against primary opponent State Rep. James Talarico and prospective general election foes incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Last month Texas voters approved funding for a dementia prevention and research institute. Now a lawsuit means that plan is on hold.
Plus, why more and more Texans are selling their blood plasma for cash. The state leads the nation in donations.
And a Christmas festival in Galveston pays homage to author Charles Dickens.
(Episode from December 9, 2025)
(Episode from December 4, 2025)
ERCOT, which manages the power grid for about 90 percent of the state, is reporting progress in operations when it’s warm. But, the winter months could be another story.
A two-day undercover sting in November led to 20 arrests as the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office targeted people attempting to buy sex in North Texas. (FOX 4 DFW)
Texas DPS is reopening a cold case from 1992.
Two Texas A&M University scientists are tackling one of the biggest threats to monarch butterflies on their fall migration through Texas: death by car. (Axios)
A four-year-old San Antonio boy was shot and killed at his home Monday. The Bexar County Medical Examiner says J’osiah Cabral died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
An apparent meteor was captured on camera in Freeport.
SPORTS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: The Texas Longhorns have fired running backs coach Chad Scott. (Houston Chronicle)
Texas Football FIRES RBs Coach Chad Scott | LIVE | 12/10/25
NHL: Jason Robertson scored his team-leading 19th goal and Mikko Rantanen had three assists as the Dallas Stars extended their point streak to 11 games Tuesday night with a 4-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. The Stars are 9-0-2 in their last 11. They’ve also earned at least one point in 13 straight road games (9-0-4), extending their franchise record. (Yahoo! Sports)
ON THE SCHEDULE
NBA: No action from the Mavericks, Rockets or Spurs last night. Dallas and Houston get another night off while San Antonio is on the road.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL: One game of note on the college basketball schedule tonight.
MLB: The Houston Astros on Tuesday finalized the signing of starting pitcher Ryan Weiss to a one-year deal that includes a club option for 2027 and will reportedly pay him $2.6 million next season. (Yahoo! Sports)
Meanwhile, The Astros will have the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 draft after their first appearance in MLB’s draft lottery yesterday.
The Texas Rangers drew 16th.
The Daytripper takes a unique form of transportation today, as we ride the historic Texas State Railroad. This scenic train ride through the beautiful Piney Woods from Rusk to Palestine offers a glimpse into the past, when railroads were at their peak. We explore the vintage cars and learn about the legacy of this railway, powered by a 1958 diesel engine, showcasing its historical significance. People come from all over the world to enjoy this unique Texas travel experience.
