Joy to the weird — 37th Street Lights is back Friday, Dec. 13-Wednesday, Jan. 1.

The DIY neighborhood light display has dazzled pedestrians since the 1980s and is known for keeping the spirit of "Old Austin" alive. Homes on the strip are decked with out-of-the-ordinary holiday decorations and light displays that Clark Griswold could only aspire to achieve.

Attendees can also look forward to live music performances and quirky activities like hula hooping + a stuffed animal petting zoo. Here's everything you need to know before ooing and ahhing your way through the annual activation.

The neighborhood will light up from sunset until 10 p.m. each night through New Years Day, though some homes will keep their lights on later at night and into 2025.
West 37th Street is a living street, meaning no car traffic is allowed during the event. Organizers recommend entering 507 W. 37th St. into your GPS and finding street parking nearby, calling a rideshare, or using public transportation.
37th Street Lights is free to attend, but you can help keep the local tradition alive by bringing old holiday lights to donate or sending a Venmo to @thirtyseventhstreetlights.
Follow @37thstreetlights on Instagram for the most up-to-date programming, including a performance by Los Fandangueros de Austin at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Neighboring streets also join in on the fun — don't skip what organizers dubbed "the best house" on the corner of 35th and Cedar streets.
Pets on a leash are welcome to join — the "mayor" of 37th Street is actually a cat named Zapp.
Pro tip: City Editor Morgan likes bringing a to-go cup of hot cocoa to sip while she strolls, but you can also stop by one of these nearby restaurants and bars to whet your appetite.