Patrons gather around the candy cane entrance to Mozart’s Festival of Lights located in Austin, Texas. The venue provided the perfect backdrop to the Lake Austin Lights cruise.
AUSTIN, Texas — Leading up to my much-anticipated visit from my sister, Rhan, and sister-in-law, Eddy, for the Thanksgiving holiday, I was searching for an unforgettable experience my family could enjoy during their stay.
My internet sleuthing led me to Lake Austin Lights, a holiday cruise around Lake Austin chartered by Austin Rental Boats that offers stunning views of vibrantly decorated LED displays.
Mozart’s Festival of Lights is the perfect complement to the Lake Austin Lights cruise in Austin, Texas.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
The bright and cheery holiday displays of Mozart’s Festival of Lights greeted us, and we took in the vast array of dazzling exhibits that put us in a jubilant mood.
The festival is a virtual Christmas village bordering the lake that features themed shows, live music and even an enchanted forest. Patrons can take their experience up a notch with a cozy stay in one of the charming floating igloos — they reminded me of giant snow globes.
The entrance to Oyster Landing Marina is decorated with a red and white arch and is right next to Mozart’s Festival of Lights in Austin, Texas.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
After snapping a slew of selfies and exploring the village, we made our way to Oyster Landing Marina, where our vessel awaited us.
Our captain greeted us as we climbed aboard our chosen pontoon boat decked out in colorful Christmas lights.
A tree is decorated like a candy cane and adorned with giant ornaments right next to the Oyster Landing Marina at Mozart’s Festival of Lights in Austin, Texas.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
Our boat held upwards of 20 passengers, but there is an option to book private donut boats for smaller parties.
We settled in with complimentary hot chocolate and blankets, and we were on our way.
Additional boats on the water transport patrons through the Lake Austin Lights cruise in Austin, Texas.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
Thousands of lights created a stunning contrast to the ink black lake as we glided over the water, making our way past various holiday displays and passing other colorful boats.
Said to be the crown jewel of the cruise, the breathtaking 80-foot Floating Tunnel of Lights culminated in a truly enchanting experience.
Floating under the gleaming multicolored lights of the tunnel provided an immersive experience like no other, and it was my favorite part of the cruise.
Two nutcrackers stand guard on each side of the Lake Austin Lights tunnel in Austin, Texas. It was my favorite part of the cruise.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we would go again.
Luckily, the weather was perfect for our evening cruise, but you may want to check the forecast before booking.
I also recommend sitting at the front of the boat for better photos and videos.
The cruise took us past the festivities in the Christmas village at Mozarts Festival of Lights in Austin, Texas. The floating igloos reminded me of giant snow globes.
Photo by Janecze Wright, Fort Hood Public Affairs
Have patience when it comes to parking. Free overflow parking is available at the Oyster Landing parking lots across the street from Mozarts, but it can be crowded and depending on when you go, you may have to wait for a spot.
Evenings are the best time to see all the lights, and various time slots can be booked online.
Call the company at the number listed on their website to inquire about a military discount.
Visit austinrentalboats.com/lake-austin-lights for more information.