The enchanting Harry Potter light display, a beloved tradition in Southwest Austin’s Circle C Ranch neighborhood, is drawing to a close this season. After years of bringing magic to the community, the final curtain is set to fall on this spellbinding exhibit. For nearly a decade, the display has transformed a quiet suburban corner into a bustling hub of whimsy and wonder.
A Magical Journey Comes to an End
What began as a modest porch decoration has blossomed into a sprawling, intricate display that captivates hundreds of visitors each night. Joel Pace, the creative force behind Diagon Alley ATX and self-proclaimed “proprietor of the castle,” has dedicated countless hours to this labor of love. Alongside his family, Pace has decided to retire the project, concluding a magical era for the neighborhood.
A full-time lawyer with a passion for crafting and construction, Pace poured his weekends into creating the display. Some elements, like a scaled-down replica of the Hogwarts Express, took up to five months to design and build. Over the years, the project evolved into a full-fledged production that combined his skills as a former engineering student with his love for storytelling.
“We’ve had a great time with it,” Pace shared. “I will always have wonderful, fond memories. I hope there are kids who grow up remembering that crazy old man who built a castle in his yard.”
How It All Began
The magic began in 2016 when Pace’s wife, Amanda, suggested adding floating candles to their porch to mimic the Great Hall from the Harry Potter series. It was a simple gesture for their son, Grant, a fan of the franchise. In 2017, Amanda faced a battle with cancer and asked Pace to decorate the house for Halloween to lift her spirits. The result was a transformed front yard, and the tradition of Diagon Alley ATX was born.
In 2018, with Amanda in recovery, the family went all out. They added immersive recreations of Diagon Alley, complete with storefronts, a dragon-topped Gringotts Bank, and numerous props. The display became an interactive experience for visitors, turning their driveway into a portal to the wizarding world.
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 saw the walkthrough replaced with a larger, street-viewable Hogwarts Castle. The following Christmas, the Paces introduced a light show, adding yet another layer of magic to the display. Over the years, the exhibit grew to feature 15,000 lights, two computers, and countless handcrafted props, from the Ford Anglia stuck in a tree to a glowing stag in the yard.
A Display with Heart
What started as a personal project soon became a community phenomenon. In 2019, Diagon Alley ATX began raising funds for charities like Variety – The Children’s Charity of Texas, Foster Angels of Central Texas, and the ZACH Theatre. The fundraising efforts added a deeper purpose to the display.
“We’ve changed it from something that’s just fun to something meaningful,” Pace said.
Visitors have been touched by the display’s creativity and its charitable impact. Jana Williams, who visited with her daughter Lilly, praised the initiative: “What a cool thing to do for your community and share with everybody.”
The Final Curtain
As the Paces prepare to host their final season, they reflect on the friendships and connections made over the years. “Thank you to everybody for being so kind, appreciative, and patient with us,” Pace said. “It’s been a fun ride.”
The display will remain open through January 1, featuring themed special events. On select nights, the Leaky Cauldron window will serve Harry Potter-inspired treats, including Butterbeer cupcakes and mochi donuts, in exchange for donations. These events have drawn crowds of over 1,000 people, showcasing the enduring appeal of the magical tradition.
Artistic Displays and Local Impact
Artistic initiatives like Diagon Alley ATX do more than enchant visitors—they invigorate local businesses and foster community pride. Displays of this magnitude attract significant foot traffic, boosting neighborhood shops, cafes, and other establishments. For example, an Austin personal injury attorney could benefit from increased visibility as visitors explore the area, further highlighting how such events create opportunities for connection and growth.
The Paces’ dedication to creativity and community will leave a lasting legacy in Circle C Ranch, proving that magic isn’t confined to books and movies—it lives in the hearts of those who share it.
