It’s the season of giving, that’s why we’re giving you the best holiday lights around Texas. These decorations will instantly put you in the holiday spirit with their amazing light shows, music and performances. You can’t miss these spots during the winter season.

 

Houston

Lightscape

Now – Jan. 1, 2023, on select nights
Houston Botanic Garden, One Botanic Lane, Houston, 77017
15-minute intervals: $28 for adults and $18 for children

This is the second year for the internationally acclaimed lights and music event within the Houston Botanical Garden. The trail dazzles with new creations never seen before from artists around the world. Stroll through 1.2 miles of the immersive trails with seasonal music, colorful lights and even food and drinks (and s’mores by the fire)! 

Instagram & Twitter: @houstonbotanic

Facebook: @houstonbotanicgarden

Texas Winter Lights at Marriott Marquis Houston

Now – Jan. 8
1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
Complimentary for hotel guests; $25 for guests age 2+; $30 on movie nights;
available to the public Monday – Thursday 

Marriott Marquis Houston’s poolside tradition comes back bigger than ever with this year’s two dozen light displays, interactive graffiti wall, winter themed cabanas and over 30 seasonal beverages. The entire rooftop will be decorated with lights including the twinkling displays in the world’s largest Texas-shaped lazy river. While the pool is heated to 80 degrees, every Friday you can still get a free cup of cocoa if you wear an ugly sweater. They have movies, DJs and nightly snowfall which you can sign up for here!

Facebook, @marriott on Twitter and @marriotthotels on Instagram

Dasher’s Lightshow 

Now – Dec. 31
8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX 77338
$4.95-29.95

This one-mile drive thru will take you under tunnels and near Christmas trees decked out in lights. Your ride will include holiday decor and, of course, bright lights and holiday music. They also have an inflatable obstacle course and maze, only at this location. While enjoying the light show, don’t forget to look out for Christmas characters. You might see the Ice Queen, Miracle Princess and even Santa Claus. There are photo opportunities with all of them and they offer light-up souvenirs, food and drinks (including cocktails).

@dasherslightshowhouston on Instagram and Facebook

Austin

Austin Trail of Lights

Dec. 8 – Dec. 23, closed Mondays
Zilker Park: 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, TX 78704
$0-90 depending on the pass

This is one of the top three biggest events in Austin. There’s two million lights covering the trees and holiday displays. You’ll be mesmerized while going through the lighted tunnels. Trail of Lights Foundation is raising donations each year to keep this an Austin community celebration for years to come. Check out the 2022 Austin Trail of Lights event calendar for free passes. 

Facebook, @austintrailoflights, or on Instagram, @ATXLights. 

Marble Falls’ 44 Days of Holiday Celebrations

Now – Dec. 31
$0-12

The festivities began on Nov. 18 with the 32nd Annual Walkway of Lights and the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 11. After you visit the Christmas tree and stroll though 30 minutes of holiday lights with over 130 sculptures at Walkway of Lights, check out their Winter Ice Skating Rink. After you’ve gotten your fill of lights, look at their calendar for more activities such as the Christmas Parade, Breakfast with Santa, Christmas Market on Main, Downtown Sip N’ Shops, Music on Main and more. 

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

Now – Jan. 6
3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Mozart’s popular light show is bigger than ever! Mozart’s Coffee Shop has a few ways you can enjoy the lights. Your family could reserve a table or you could go solo in general admission. Don’t forget to purchase your holiday cocoa and treats package before the show. They also have a nautical light show where you can take a boat cruise from Walsh Boat Landing to the light show. The boat is dazzled with lights. If you’re looking for a fun night with friends, they also have a silent disco where you can jam out to your top songs with personal headphones. 

Dallas

12 Days of Thompson 

Dec. 12 – Dec. 24
205 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201

Thompson Dallas just opened up and the hotel is bringing new holiday decorations with them. When you walk in, you’ll see a 55-foot tall Christmas tree, along with 12 miles of LED lighting, 17,000 ornaments and 35 more Christmas trees. They have activities daily such as Holiday Gifting Market in the lobby, live Jazz, Christmas dinner and brunch specials, Christmas movie Mondays, Christmas drinks, cookie decorating and more you can check out here!

Dallas Zoo Lights

Now – Jan. 1
650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
$10-21

The Dallas Zoo has special lights with huge animal lanterns and 3D lighted sculptures. You can walk through tunnels of lights or simply gaze at the array of one million twinkling lights at the zoo. You can go with your family and roast s’more by the fire or go with your girls for 21+ nights with adults only. 

Holiday at the Arboretum

Now – Dec. 31
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
$11-35

This is the perfect place if you’re looking for the entire holiday experience. They have an entire Christmas Village with adorable shops. Their lights are amazing with their 23-foot-tall Christmas Pyramid with festive animation and more. You can take a peek into Santa’s house and sleigh. If you can find a sold out ticket, they’re holding the city’s first official Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and the opening of Christmas Village. 

Miracle at Royal 38

Now – Dec. 31
2301 N Akard St Suite 210, Dallas, TX 75201

The Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar is back in Dallas this year. The bar is covered head to toe in colorful lights and holiday decorations. If you’re not going for the lights, go for the drinks. Try out their Christmapolitan or their Snowball Old Fashion. They’ll come in decorative mugs as well.

Enchant Dallas

Now – Jan. 1
1438 Coliseum, Dallas, TX 75210
$20-34

If you’re looking for a more family friendly spot, take your loved ones through the Mischievous Elf Maze and search for the stolen presents. If you’re looking for more lights, skate through the dazzling forest of lights. They also have a village filled with festive shops, specialty crafts and holiday treats! 

San Antonio

Alamo Lights

Now – Jan. 2
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
$3-5

These lights at the after hours of the Alamo are spread throughout the garden. The Christmas tree in Alamo Plaza is dazzled in the holiday lights you’re looking for. There are a few new additions this year, some being David Crockett, Juan Seguin riding on horseback and a few other special surprises. 

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Cover photo courtesy Marriott Marquis Houston.

Maddie Rhodes is a graduate student at Syracuse University. She aspires to work for a travel magazine when she graduates.