Lake Austin's MOZART's Holiday Lights Information, Fall / Winter 2022. Per Austin American Statesman

 

What you need to know: Mozart's holiday light show in Austin, from tickets to what's new. click here for the AAS article link.

Did a little holiday spirit blow into Austin with this week's cold front? If you're looking ahead to the winter holidays, the hourly show at Mozart's Coffee Roasters is one of the city's most popular holiday light displays.

Each year, the lakefront coffeeshop decks its expansive patio with hundreds of thousands of colored lights to create a festive display that twinkles in time to Austin-centric holiday music. Guests can reserve tables in the coffeeshop, join the standing room only "Bavarian marketplace" on the upper deck, or book a cruise to view the lights from the lake. Here's what we know about this year's event.

When are the Mozart's holiday light shows?

The shows kick off on Nov. 10 and run through Jan. 6. Shows happen every day but Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets are on sale now.

How much are tickets and do I need them?

Advance tickets are required for table seating in the cafe. Four-person tables are $40 and six-person tables are $60. Be aware as you book your table that over half of the four-tops (the ones marked pink on the map) are standing tables and there is no option to add seating to those tables. Infants 18 months and older will be counted as a person at your table and guests are allowed to bring one dog per table. Tickets are not available by phone, but can be ordered online here.

If you don't need a seat, it's free to view the display from the Bavarian marketplace on the upper deck, but capacity is limited and registration is required to attend. You can register groups of seven or fewer people for one of two nightly time slots here.

How long should I plan to be there?

If you have a seated reservation, it's for a tight one-hour experience. You will check in 15 minutes before your reservation time and leave the cafe five minutes before the hour is up. Incomplete parties will not be seated. Reservations for the standing room only party upstairs are available in three-hour blocks, from 6 to 9 p.m. or 9 p.m. to midnight.

What is the food and drink situation like?

Guests who make seated reservations can pre-order food and drink packages. A holiday hot cocoa and treats package, for example, includes bottomless cocoa or coffee, brownies, cookies, and cinnamon sugar and salt soft pretzels ($67.50 for four, $86.50 for eight). All guests will be able to order food and drink in the marketplace upstairs during the event.

What is this nautical lights experience?

Perhaps you'd prefer to look at the lights from the lake. You can take a BYOB cruise up to the light display and enjoy the lights from a river barge for $150 for six people, $200 for eight people and $350 for 15 tickets on a private boat. You will not leave the boat during the cruise.

Is anything new this year?

There is a one hour silent disco at 9:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Silent disco tickets are $15. In addition, organizers have tapped choreographed dancers to add another performance element alongside the singing pianist who has been a staple at the event.

What is parking like?

Mozart's has a parking lot across the street from the coffeeshop, but spaces are limited and fill up fast so plan to arrive early or explore rideshares or other transportation options to make your reservation time.