UT Austin Rings in the Holidays with New ‘Longhorn Lights’ Tradition

The eyes, and now lights, of Texas are upon you this holiday season.

On a chilly Wednesday evening, on Nov. 29, hundreds of members of the UT and Austin community, including BEVO himself, looked on as a dazzling display of burnt orange and white lit up the 24 heritage oak trees along Guadalupe Street on campus. To the backdrop of some familiar songs, courtesy of the Longhorn Band, Austinites and Longhorn Nation ushered in the holiday season with a new tradition on the Forty Acres - Longhorn Lights.

At the launch event, attendees enjoyed a West Mall full of Longhorn spirit - with musical performances, BEVO, Texas Cheer & Pom, Hook 'Em and cookies from alumni-founded Tiff's Treats. President Jay Hartzell welcomed and led the crowd in a countdown to pull a giant lever (built by UT's carpentry shop) to turn on the Longhorn Lights.

"Our University is proud to support and engage with Austin and our extended community in many ways," Hartzell said leading up to the event. "This new magical display will connect individuals and families to our campus, and we hope this is the start of a joyful, entertaining tradition. Beyond the value for our community, this is also especially important for the health and well-being of our students as we give them a reason and place to take a break from studying for finals."

For the remainder of the year, burnt orange and white lights will adorn the oak trees on Guadalupe between 21st and 24th streets, each dancing along in synchronization to some of our favorite tunes, including the "The Eyes of Texas," "Wabash Cannonball," "Texas Fight," "March Grandioso," "Deep in the Heart of Texas" and "The Yellow Rose of Texas." There is even a giant photo-worthy Bevo statue covered in burnt orange lights between 24th Street and the West Mall.

The lights are free for all to enjoy nightly, 5-10 p.m. through Jan. 1.