Sponsored Content, By Chelsea Bancroft
One of my favorite parts of the season is driving throughout the city to explore all the beautiful holiday light displays. Austin and the surrounding areas have some amazing light displays every year. So, bundle up, pour that hot cocoa to go and jump in the car to check out these best places to see holiday light displays in Austin.
Austin Trail of Lights
Opening Dec. 10, the Austin Trail of Lights is easily the most famous light display in Austin and is celebrating its 55th year! Depending on the day you visit, general admission is either $5 or entirely free. Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road
37th Street Lights
A long-standing tradition, the impressive holiday light display on 37th Street is back again this year, starting Dec 14. Check them out just north of the University of Texas campus. Address: 37th and Guadalupe streets
There are often lots of children running around at holiday light displays, so always be extra cautious while driving and enjoying the lights. Roger Beasley Mazda wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!
Lake Austin Holiday Boat Parade
The third annual Lake Austin Holiday Boat Parade will take place Dec. 7 this year. Whether you have a boat or just want to watch from the shore, this parade is fun for all. Suggested viewing areas: Pennybacker Bridge, Hula Hut, Abel’s on the Lake, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Speaking of Mozart’s, this Austin-tatious coffee shop presents a great holiday light display every year. The 15-minute show runs through Jan. 5, with shows starting at 6 p.m. nightly and repeating at the top of the hour through 11 p.m. Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
Circle C Neighborhood Holiday Lights
This Southwest Austin neighborhood presents impressive displays every year, with cul-de-sac neighbors often joining in on the same light theme. Escarpment Boulevard and the streets near Circle C are said to glow with holiday magic! Address: Escarpment Boulevard and La Crosse Avenue
Anna Court Christmas Lights
Anna Court has more than 250,000 Christmas lights and a playl- ist of songs that lasts for almost three hours! During festivities, neighbors will collect new, unwrapped toys for Blue Santa, as well as toy and cash donations for SafePlace. Address: Anna Court, Cedar Park, Texas
Chinati Court Christmas Lights
Also located in Cedar Park, Texas, Chinati Court dazzles during the holidays, as all the homes located on the cul-de-sac are spectacularly decorated each year and are a joy to see. Address: Chinati Court, Cedar Park, Texas
Rhodes Family Christmas Lights
This home was once featured on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight, so you know it’s good! Address: 2410 Sharon Drive, Cedar Park, Texas
Harlien Family Christmas Lights
This marks the 25th year the Harlien family has decorated their home with an abundance of holiday lights. During the past five seasons, they have raised more than $130,000 for Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas and hope to raise $30,000 this year. Address: 400 Liscio Cove, Georgetown, Texas
Shady Oak Christmas Display
Located up in Georgetown, Texas, Shady Oak Christmas Display features nearly 25,000 lights. Be sure to tune in to 95.3 FM to further enjoy the show. Address: 107 Shady Oak Drive, Georgetown, Texas
Santa’s Ranch
This is easily one of my favorites! Featuring more than 1.5 million custom light displays, Santa’s Ranch is worth the drive south. Admission is $30 per vehicle. Address: 9561 N. I-35, New Braunfels, Texas
Chelsea Bancroft is the strategic-partnerships and social-media manager at Roger Beasley Mazda and a blogger at onechelofanadventure.com.