AUSTIN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Through an 80‑foot Tunnel of Light: A Private Holiday Cruise on Lake Austin
A private, 45‑minute evening cruise from Oyster’s Landing Marina that threads boats through an LED Tunnel of Lights with unlimited hot cocoa and provided blankets—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Through an 80‑foot Tunnel of Light: A Private Holiday Cruise on Lake Austin.
Lake Austin Lights transforms a short stretch of water into a floating holiday pageant: private boats glide past 20‑foot 3D LED motifs, decorated lakefront homes and other festooned craft while passing through an 80‑foot LED Tunnel of Lights. The operator outfits guests with merino blankets, unlimited hot cocoa and holiday music for a cozy, theatrical 45‑minute outing from Oyster’s Landing Marina.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The 80‑foot Floating Tunnel of Lights
The marquee moment for every cruise is passage through a one‑of‑a‑kind 80‑foot LED Tunnel of Lights—an engineered corridor of color designed to be experienced from the water and framed by the boat’s bow.
3D LED Motifs and Decorated Lakefront Homes
Beyond the tunnel, the route is punctuated by 20‑foot floating 3D holiday motifs, decorated boats and illuminated lakefront houses that turn the shoreline into a sequence of staged vignettes.
Hot Cocoa, Blankets and Mozart’s Holiday Village
Onboard comforts include unlimited hot cocoa, bottled water and merino wool blankets; after the cruise guests can disembark to Mozart’s Holiday Village for seasonal food booths and shopping.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
Boarding is calm and organized: guests arrive at the marina, check in at the Lake Austin Lights booth, and are escorted to their private boat. The boat departs on time for a 45‑minute glide—sunset cruises extend to 1.5 hours—through lit displays while classic holiday music and warm beverages set a relaxed, festive mood before returning to Oyster’s Landing for disembarkation.
THE TUNNEL
The 80‑foot Floating Tunnel of Lights
The marquee moment for every cruise is passage through a one‑of‑a‑kind 80‑foot LED Tunnel of Lights—an engineered corridor of color designed to be experienced from the water and framed by the boat’s bow.
THE SCENERY
3D LED Motifs and Decorated Lakefront Homes
Beyond the tunnel, the route is punctuated by 20‑foot floating 3D holiday motifs, decorated boats and illuminated lakefront houses that turn the shoreline into a sequence of staged vignettes.
THE COMFORTS
Hot Cocoa, Blankets and Mozart’s Holiday Village
Onboard comforts include unlimited hot cocoa, bottled water and merino wool blankets; after the cruise guests can disembark to Mozart’s Holiday Village for seasonal food booths and shopping.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress in warm layers, bring hats, gloves and a scarf. Although merino blankets are provided, you may bring your own blanket. Bring a camera or smartphone, a portable charger, and cash or card for purchases at Mozart’s Holiday Village.
Check in at the Lake Austin Lights booth at Oyster’s Landing Marina, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to receive your wristband and complete boarding.
Standard cruises last approximately 45 minutes; sunset cruises run about 1.5 hours. Boarding typically begins 20 minutes prior to departure.
Service animals are allowed; pets are not permitted. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There are no restrooms on the boats—use marina facilities before boarding.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is Lake Austin Lights?
Lake Austin Lights is a festive, 45‑minute boat cruise experience featuring holiday light displays along the lake, including the Tunnel of Lights, 3D LED motifs and Mozart’s Coffee’s Festival of Lights.
How long does the boat cruise last?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes (sunset cruises run about 1.5 hours).
Where and when do I check in?
Check‑in is at Oyster’s Landing Marina, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX. Guests should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow for check‑in and boarding.
Is food or drink provided on the boat?
Unlimited hot cocoa and bottled water are provided onboard. Additional food items can be pre‑ordered for pickup or purchased at Mozart’s Holiday Village after the cruise.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed on the boats; purchased and pre‑ordered items are available through operator provisions and Mozart’s Holiday Village.
Are the boats heated?
The boats are not heated; however, merino wool blankets, unlimited hot cocoa and hand warmers are provided to keep guests comfortable.
Are restrooms available on board?
No. There are no restrooms on the boats—please use the marina facilities before boarding.
Can I bring my pet?
Only service animals are allowed on the boats; pets are not permitted during the event.
Can I book a private boat for my group?
Yes. Private boat rentals are available for groups of up to 15, 22 or 44 guests; contact the operator in advance to reserve a private cruise.