The holiday season has arrived and everyone is putting up their lights. The night isn’t so dark anymore. Houses have become colorful and bright. Besides the beautifully decorated houses, there are five great places to see Christmas lights in the Austin area.

1. The Domain: The Domain is lit up along the walk path from store to store, and they have a 40-foot tall Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is on the back side of Macy’s; there is even a giant present next to it for picture taking opportunities. Also, this year from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (until Christmas) the Domain is giving free horse-drawn carriage rides. Head down early, shop, and get in line for a special ride down the road.

2. Old Settler’s Park: At Old Settler’s Park from Dec. 2-31 the city of Round Rock puts on Rock’N Lights. Visitors drive through the tour of lights in their car, seeing everything from elves to a church. The path is 1.5 miles long and has two million lights. Unfortunately, Rock’N Lights does cost money, $15 per car. Hop in your car and head on down to travel through the fun lights.

http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/rocknlights

3. Trail of Lights: Austin’s annual Trail of Lights began on Dec. 8 and lasts until Dec. 22 at Zilker Park. The admission is free and rather than driving through, visitors walk along the path. There are a variety of lights, and, of course, there is the famous Zilker tree where visitors can dance. Visit downtown Austin and see the Trail of Lights from 7-10 p.m, complete with vendors.

http://austintrailoflights.org/

4. Marble Falls: Marble Falls also has a walk around light “trail,” next to a lake with two million lights. The “trail” is much shorter, but the lights are still nice. Admission is also free, but stop for a nice warm hot chocolate, coffee or tea for a reasonable price. Visit this Christmas light location until Jan 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. http://www.tex-fest.com/regional/marble_falls.html

5. Georgetown: In Georgetown, the courthouse is decorated with white lights and large strings of green lights to look like a Christmas tree. Many of the stores put up their own lights and decorations as well. The trees are decorated beautifully with classy white lights. The Georgetown lights turn on after sunset and visitors take any path they like. This light tour is 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many stops are made.

If you’re looking for Christmas lights to see these are the places to go. Take a light tour around Austin and enjoy the brightness of the holiday season.