The Unmistakably Austin 37th Street Lights

photo courtesy of Allen Y Chen

Have you ever wanted to see a massive display of Christmas light pageantry that astounds and draws thousands of people each night as the holidays progress? If so, then the Christmas lights of 37th street is one of Austin's many special traditions for you. This is assuredly not baby-Jesus-and-nativity style Christmas decoration... but much more wild and trippy light art.

We gave you a sneak peek of a few of the lights earlier, and can now provide a little more history on this mecca of light: For a little over twenty years, those who live on 37th street have gone above and beyond the usual Christmas tree light decorating. The initial impetus for this lighting enthusiasm was Jamie Lipman who has been decorating his house with lights since the seventies. Each year, he decorated a little bit more, and then neighbors got into it as well. Even though there is no committee or centralized planning in the neighborhood for the lights, and everyone does as they wish, they all make this the most lit street in Austin.

Tips for visiting:
1) The utmost and strongest encouragement we can give you is to walk, not drive. You will miss many details of the Christmas light art if you see it from a distance. And don't just walk through quickly. Stroll leisurely and check out the details of the decoration instead of hurriedly trying to take it all in. The longer you look, the more you will see in each yard.

2) Since you will be walking the block, we suggest you come in on 38th street and find parking off of one of the side streets. There are other lights in the area, and this way you can check them out too.

3) Jamie's house is one of the more noticable houses. Don't miss thoroughly enjoying this one. You can go in and explore his backyard which is incredibly decorated. He is the master of finding unusual things to light up. We can't imagine how long it must take him to decorate each year, nor how many circuit breakers it takes to power everything.

4) Don't litter while you're enjoying the lights. It makes baby Jesus cry.

37th street lights
37th street, in the first few blocks East of Guadelupe
Nighttime, now through New Yearsish time