December 17, 2025

Austin’s most famous street for Christmas lights, 37th Street, is back this year. We went to see it last Friday, and that Old Austin spirit was in fine form with live music, irreverent light displays, and folks enjoying a beautiful evening together.

A couple kissing under “mistletoe”

Colorful jellyfish swayed against a black sky…

…dangling their tentacles over a kissing booth.

A yard sign declared, “No butts, no glory.” Indeed!

A troop of mannequin legs — and butts — paraded through the yard.

Odd and punny — a 37th Street tradition

At another house, a Prada “storefront” offered a local riff on Prada Marfa.

Another house played on a Grateful Dead theme.

One house boldly, in neon, proclaimed, “Tits the season.”

In another yard, the Hogwarts castle from Harry Potter had come to roost — relocated from the famous Harry Potter House in the Circle C neighborhood that used to wow visitors every Halloween and Christmas. Last year was its final showing, and I’m glad these wonderful homemade structures have found a new home.

Around the corner, a nod to Austin’s famous “Hi, how are you” mural was outlined in lights.

And in glowing cursive, a neighbor offered wishes for “Joy to the Weird.”

I’ve enjoyed the Christmas spirit of 37th Street for decades. Here are a few earlier blog posts:

• 2008: Christmas magic on 37th Street
• 2011: Funky Austin Christmas lights at 37th Street
• 2018: Joy to the Weird: Austin’s 37th and 35th Street Christmas lights

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Digging Deeper

My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’ll make a great holiday gift for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.

Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this fall and into next spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!

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