Students don't have to put up their own lights to get in the holiday spirit this season, as the University of Texas at Austin prepares for its 3rd annual Longhorn Lights installation. Visitors to the South Mall — or "the six-pack" — will see it decked out in lights starting Thursday, November 18.
The lights in UT's classic colors, orange and white, will be on every night from 5-10 pm. This year, they're "framing" UT's famous Tower, which is under construction as the masonry, windows, and other features are restored. The university announced the renovations in 2024; they also include new gilding, updated lighting, and refurbishing the clockface and carillon bells.
“Longhorn Lights brings the spirit of the holidays right to the Forty Acres,” said UT President Jim Davis in a press release. “The South Mall — the heart of campus — is the perfect setting for this beautiful display.”
That's not all for holiday happenings at UT and its affiliated organizations. Texas Performing Arts will screen holiday movies at Bass Concert Hall, including a showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on December 16 with a Q&A with the film's star, Chevy Chase. Plus, the lights will be synchronized with music by the Longhorn Band after football games with Arkansas on November 22 and November 29.
The Longhorn Lights are free to see and open to the public. Visitors who are driving in to see them can park for free on some streets, in nearby metered spaces, or at the nearby Brazos Garage.
