The best holiday light shows in Texas

Zilker Park may host iconic events like Austin City Limits Music Festival and the ABC Kite Festival, but come December, it transforms into a holiday wonderland for the Trail of Lights. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the beloved event, which features over two million lights, 90 lighted trees and 70 holiday displays. 

Hook ‘em, holiday style! The University of Texas at Austin will be hosting its second annual Longhorn Lights show. Starting November 19, you can catch bright burnt orange and white lights twinkling to classics like “Texas Fight” and “The Eyes of Texas.” Catch the show nightly starting at 5pm along Guadalupe Street. 

Sometimes, you want Christmas all in one spot—and Holiday at the Arboretum delivers. With over 500,000 lights, a holiday market and photo ops with Santa, the Dallas Arboretum offers festive fun for all ages.  

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Dallas Zoo. The entire grounds are bathed in over two million twinkly lights, animal lanterns and holiday-themed photo opportunities to create memories that’ll last beyond the holiday season. Don’t miss the live musical performances or a selfie moment with Santa. 

Radiant Nature is back for its second year of holiday fun. Must-see installations include a Chinese temple, pandas with bamboo, pine trees and towering ginkgos. After exploring, don’t forget to hit up the immersive Insta-worthy photo zones. 

Blast off to the holidays at Space Center Houston’s Galaxy Lights. This intergalactic light show features space-themed displays—think space ships and UFOs—and family-friendly activities, including s’mores and hot cocoa. 

San Antonio’s iconic River Walk turns up the holiday charm with 100,000 colorful, twinkling lights. The best part? It’s free and open to the public daily. The best way to see the lights is by walking the riverbanks or catching a boat tour. 

Starting November 16, watch the San Antonio Zoo transform into a winter wonderland. Explore miles of dazzling lights, holiday music, whimsical displays and a new light show reflecting over Big Lake. 

The holiday season is the only time of year when Six Flags is lit in festive lights. Between November 23 and December 23, visitors can grab a selfie with Santa, watch the H2Ho Ho Ho light and water show and hitch a ride on the North Pole Express.

San Antonio Botanical Garden is beautiful during the day, but some might argue it’s even prettier at night. Thanks to Tianyu Arts and Culture, the garden glows with handcrafted lanterns, from sparkling fishes to fluorescent flowers, making it a holiday dreamscape.