Austin Secures Top Spot as Most Festive U.S. City for 2025

Austin, Texas, has been named the most festive city in the United States for 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year at the top of the list compiled by Thumbtack. The home services platform based its ranking on an analysis of holiday light installation requests submitted by customers from October 2024 through 2025. This year’s results reflect a careful adjustment for population differences across various states and metropolitan areas.

Austin’s Holiday Traditions Shine Bright

Since first earning the title of America’s most festive city in 2022, Austin has continued to impress both residents and visitors with its vibrant holiday spirit. The city’s landscape is adorned with celebrated events such as Mozart’s Festival of Lights on Lake Austin and the enchanting Zilker Park Trail of Lights. Newer traditions, like the Longhorn Lights at the University of Texas at Austin, have further enhanced the city’s festive reputation.

For those seeking a taste of “old Austin,” the 37th Street Lights display offers a quirky and unique holiday experience, promising “the weirdest lights you will see this holiday season.” Other notable light shows around the city include Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas, The Light Park at Round Rock’s Dell Diamond, and The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which runs until November 30.

Texas Dominates the Festive Rankings

In addition to Austin, several other Texas cities have secured spots in the top ten. Dallas ranks second, while Houston and San Antonio follow closely behind at sixth and ninth, respectively. This strong showing underscores Texas’s reputation as a festive state. The report notes, “From Texas to Florida, the South is setting the standard for holiday spirit, and in true Texas fashion, bigger is definitely brighter.” The combination of mild winters and a robust sense of community contributes to this festive atmosphere.

The complete list of Thumbtack’s top ten most festive U.S. cities for 2025 is as follows:

• 1. Austin, Texas
• 2. Dallas, Texas
• 3. Seattle, Washington
• 4. Las Vegas, Nevada
• 5. Sacramento, California
• 6. Houston, Texas
• 7. San Francisco, California
• 8. Charlotte, North Carolina
• 9. San Antonio, Texas
• 10. Atlanta, Georgia

Austin’s continued dominance in holiday festivities not only highlights the city’s commitment to celebrating the season but also reflects the broader cultural vibrancy of Texas. As communities across the nation prepare for the holidays, Austin remains a shining example of festive spirit and joy.