It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Austin, and nothing kicks off the season quite like lighting up the tree! We’ve rounded up the best holiday tree lightings happening around the city, so you can soak up all the festive magic. Scroll on to see where (and when) Austin is getting lit this year!
Updated November 2025
THE DOMAIN'S WHO-LIDAY HOLIDAY
Get ready to kick off the holiday season in a festive, Seussical Who-Liday Holiday Event at the Domain! Starting at 2pm, you can join for an afternoon packed with family fun. Snap a photo with the Green Man himself and his best furry friend, Max, craft your own snow globe, write letters to Santa, and so much more. Stick around as the magic continues into the evening with the official tree lighting you won’t want to miss!
Date & Time: November 22nd at 6pm
Location: The Lawn by the Apple store
Price: Free
The Domain | Directions
HOTEL VIATA TREE LIGHTING
Bring your family and friends for a magical evening of holiday festivities as the Courtyard comes alive with the lighting of our grand Christmas tree (and yes, there’s a 100% chance of snow)! Enjoy browsing unique gifts from local artisans at a Holiday Market, capture the moment with a cheerful visit from Santa Claus, and soak in the sounds of the season with beautiful live choir performances to complete the festive atmosphere!
Date & Time: November 23rd from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Location: Hotel Viata
Price: Free
West Lake Hills | Directions
HILL COUNTRY GALLERIA LIGHT UP THE PLAZA
Ring in the holiday season at Light Up the Plaza, a magical Black Friday tradition the whole family will love! Kick off the evening with festive fun, including live music, ice skating, giveaways, face painting, and seasonal treats. Then gather as we flip the switch and light up the plaza with a dazzling Christmas tree ceremony featuring a special appearance by Santa himself!
Date & Time: November 28th from 5pm to 8pm
Location: Hill Country Galleria
Price: Free
Bee Cave | Directions
GEORGETOWN ANNUAL LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE
Get into the holiday spirit at Georgetown’s Lighting of the Square! Enjoy festive music from the Uptown Carolers, cozy holiday lights around the historic courthouse, and the excitement of the official tree and Square lighting. Bring friends and family, soak in the cheerful atmosphere, and kick off the season in true Georgetown style!
Date & Time: November 28th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Location: Georgetown Square
Price: Free
Georgetown | Directions
Photo courtesy of Austin Parks and Recreation
ZILKER HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Celebrate the season at the iconic Zilker Tree! Enjoy an evening of local entertainment, delicious food, and live music, including a special performance by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. Bring your family and friends to experience this beloved Austin tradition as the tree lights up the park and holiday magic comes to life before your eyes!
Date & Time: November 30th from 5:15pm to 6:30pm
Location: Zilker Park
Price: Free
Zilker | Directions
HERITAGE OAK TREE LIGHTING
Celebrate the holiday season at Heritage Oak Park as Cedar Park’s largest Live Oak Tree is illuminated with over 50,000 sparkling lights! Enjoy festive music, capture magical moments with Santa beneath the glowing tree, and soak in the holiday cheer as this year's art contest winner has the honor of “lighting the tree,” adding an extra special touch to the tradition! Plus, a new event is coming this year: A Jolly Bright Lakeline Night.
Date & Time: December 3rd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Location: Heritage Oak Park
Price: Free
Cedar Park | Directions
FAIRMONT HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
Kick off the holiday season at Fairmont Austin with our annual Tree Lighting! Enjoy an evening full of festive cheer, exclusive holiday previews, and support a great cause, all benefiting Dell Children’s Medical Center. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Dell Children’s Holiday Village and capture a special moment with Santa.
Date & Time: December 6th from 5pm to 9pm
Location: Fairmont Austin
Price: Free
Downtown | Directions
