Christmas Lights in Austin, TX
Austin, TX's best Christmas light displays include Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (Free), Blanton Museum of Art ($15), Buzz Mill ($5-10), Caswell Tennis Center ($5), and Givens District Park (Free). Most displays run from late November through early January, with peak crowds on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Free Tue 3-7pm and Sun 3-5pm — outdoor water play area will soak them
1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723 · Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Monday · Ages 0–11
Free splash pad that'll burn two hours minimum — pack a towel
1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703 · Daily 8am-10pm (May 1 - Oct 31)
Free Tuesdays — the Kelly chapel light show mesmerizes kids
200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78712 · Tue-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mon
Top-tier playground, splash pad, and lake loop — Thinkery right across the street
4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 · Daily 5am-10pm · Ages 0+
10-mile loop around the lake, totally free, open 24 hours. The boardwalk section is worth doing even if you skip the rest.
Along Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701 · Open 24 hours
$5, no membership, 8 lighted courts. Reserve two days out or just show up and wait for an open court.
2312 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX 78705 · Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm
Free outdoor courts with lights, plus a full indoor gym. Summer evenings are the real scene — East Austin pickup basketball at its best.
3811 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78721 · Outdoor courts: daily dawn to dusk. Rec center hours vary.
1.5 million bats emerge at sunset — largest urban bat colony in North America, free to watch
100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 · Nightly at sunset, Mar-Oct
Farm-to-table with a rotating menu — whatever's in season, they're cooking it.
1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 · Tue-Sat 5:30-10pm, brunch Sat-Sun 10:30am-2pm