Christmas lights in the Highland Lakes

Walkway of Lights reflects off of Lake Marble Falls every holiday season. Photo by Ronnie Madrid/Divine Radiance Photography

Highland Lakes communities brighten nights and spirits with twinkling displays every holiday season. Plan a road trip to see them all or spread out your visits for weeks of Christmas cheer. You’ll find displays in Marble Falls, Johnson City, Burnet, Granite Shoals, and Llano.

WALKWAY OF LIGHTS

Downtown Marble Falls

Nov. 17-Dec. 31

Walkway of Lights is one of the biggest holiday displays in the Highland Lakes with over 2 million lights on more than 130 sculptures at Lakeside Park, 306 Buena Vista Drive. The lights reflect off of Lake Marble Falls from 6-10 p.m. each night throughout the season, weather permitting. On weekends and holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, children can visit with Santa and his elves. The paved, handicap-accessible trail takes about 30 minutes. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome.

LIGHTS SPECTACULAR & PEC LIGHTS

Downtown Johnson City

Nov. 24-Jan. 7

With over 2 million lights on display, Lights Spectacular is another must-see on the Highland Lakes Christmas bucket list. The Blanco County Courthouse Square and downtown Johnson City glow with holiday spirit from dusk to midnight each day. Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and other festive treats while taking in the sights.

Lights at PEC headquarters — ***Walk among the lighted trees at PEC headquarters in Johnson City. Staff photo***

Just a few blocks away at 201 S. Avenue F, the trees around the Pedernales Electric Cooperative headquarters glow blue and white. Each bough is wrapped with twinkling lights — a 30-year holiday tradition.

TRAIL OF LIGHTS

Downtown Burnet

Nov. 25-Jan. 1

Start your luminous adventure on the east end of Wallace Riddell Park along a path lined with dozens of lighted sculptures, including a picture-perfect tunnel. The next stop on the twinkling trek is the Burnet County Courthouse, fitted with static and moving displays and the county’s Christmas tree. Take Jackson Street to Hamilton Creek Park to watch the lights sparkle off of the water.

While it’s possible to walk the entire Trail of Lights, organizers encourage driving to each location and parking.

CHRISTMAS AT QUARRY PARK

Granite Shoals

Nov. 25-Jan. 4

The city’s annual Christmas by the Highway is now Christmas at Quarry Park. The display is moving to the park, where you can either drive or walk through the lights. Holiday figures and Christmas trees galore will line the entrance to Quarry Park and City Hall, 2221 N. Phillips Ranch Road just off of RR 1431. A photo area will be set up to capture holiday memories.

STARRY, STARRY NIGHTS

Llano

Dec. 2-31

Sip hot chocolate while exploring a lighted winter wonderland at Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive. The display is open from 6-9 p.m. nightly. Admission is free.