Best Christmas Light Shows Northern California 2025: Top 50 Dazzling Displays to Experience
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 11) Christmas Light Displays
- 3 12) SC Christmas Tree Lane
- 4 13) Santa’s Lights
- 5 14) Lights of Hope
- 6 15) Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
- 7 16) Lights on California
- 8 17) Corbin’s Christmas Lights Display
- 9 18) Christmas Lights at Dovewood Ct.
- 10 19) Christmas Lights In Orange County
Find the Best Accommodations
Visitors like you rated these hotels, guesthouses and apartments as ‘superb’ or ‘exceptional’. No reservation fees.
11) Christmas Light Displays
You can find Christmas Light Displays in Chino, Southern California. This spot is known for its neighborhood decorations, with homes putting up lights for visitors to see each year. The display area draws people who enjoy walking or driving through to look at glowing houses and front yards.
You do not have to pay an entrance fee to visit the area. Parking is usually along the streets, and you might need to walk a short way to enjoy all the decorations. Busy evenings often mean more visitors, especially close to Christmas.
There are no official food stands or ticket booths, so it is best to bring your own snacks or drinks. Some houses turn on music or set up moving lights, making the visit more interesting. Bring a camera and dress warm, as you may be outside for a while.
Rating: 4.8 (30 reviews)
Location: 6698 Fillmore St, Chino, CA 91710
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | Dusk-9 PM | 6698 Fillmore St, Chino | Free | Hotels in Chino | N/A |
12) SC Christmas Tree Lane
SC Christmas Tree Lane is a well-known neighborhood holiday light display in San Carlos. Each December, houses along Eucalyptus Avenue are decorated with colorful lights and festive decorations. The tradition has been active for many years, drawing families from across the Bay Area.
You can walk or drive through the area to see the lights. Local residents often take part by adding new displays each season. The event does not require a ticket, and there is no set closing time, but visits are best enjoyed after sundown.
Street parking can be limited, especially on weekends. Try to visit on a weekday or earlier in the evening for a quieter experience. There are no food stands or activities on the street, but downtown San Carlos is nearby for dining.
Rating: 4.7 (373 reviews)
Location: 1999-1901 Eucalyptus Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early December–late December | Sundown to 10 pm | 1999-1901 Eucalyptus Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070 | Free | Hotels near San Carlos – Booking.com | Not available |
13) Santa’s Lights
At Santa’s Lights in Rancho Cordova, you can enjoy professional outdoor holiday lighting displays created by a local team. The service delivers custom-designed lights for homes and businesses, including installation, maintenance, and safe removal after the season. Your display will use energy-efficient LED lights and can be tailored for holidays, events, or year-round use.
You do not need to worry about setup or storage. Their crew schedules all installations and removals, plus offers free seasonal maintenance if any bulbs go out. You also get support and design help so the lighting fits your preferences and property layout.
Santa’s Lights serves several counties around Sacramento and works with both residential and commercial properties. Many local customers recommend the service for being prompt, professional, and keeping their displays working all season.
Rating: 4.9 (245 reviews)
Location: 11440 Sunrise Gold Cir #19, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Contact: (916) 365-4842
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday season (call for specifics) | 8am-6pm daily | 11440 Sunrise Gold Cir #19, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 | From $799 | Hotels near Rancho Cordova on Booking.com | https://www.santaslightssacramento.com/ |
14) Lights of Hope
Lights of Hope takes place each December near Oroville. This event is free to enter and offers a walk-through Christmas light display outdoors. You do not need tickets for the light walk, and walk-ups are welcome.
You will find family-friendly attractions like a custom-built sledding hill and several giant inflatables. Sledding costs $12 per person and is open to ages 3 and up. Inflatables are available for children ages 0 to 17 for the same price.
A skating rink with synthetic ice is also open, charging $6 for a 20-minute session. Skate rental is included with the admission, with a range of sizes to fit most children and adults. Santa Claus appears nightly from 6 to 8 PM, and photos with Santa are included for free.
Food and drinks are sold onsite. You can also rent a private fire pit booth for 7 to 10 people, which comes with s’mores kits and blankets. The event is organized by local volunteers and is designed to welcome families from the surrounding community.
Rating: 4.9 (137 reviews)
Location: 3556 Oro Bangor Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966
Contact: (530) 324-5355
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 4–8, Dec 11–23 | Sun–Thu: 6–9 PM, Fri–Sat: 6–9:30 PM | 3556 Oro Bangor Hwy, Oroville, CA 95966 | Light walk: Free; Sledding: $12; Inflatables: $12; Skating: $6 | Nearby Hotels – Booking.com | lightsofhopeoroville.com |
15) Farley’s Christmas Wonderland
At Farley’s Christmas Wonderland in Santa Cruz, you can walk through festive displays set up in a residential neighborhood. This display is different from typical drive-by shows—here, you actually get out and explore. The atmosphere is cozy with several Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, and even an elf village.
Children often enjoy the fairy grotto, which features waterfalls and fairies that can be seen on special nights. Sometimes, there’s even artificial snow. Inside the log cabin, you can sit by a fireplace or relax in rocking chairs.
You’ll find a miniature village, a fairy garden, and a special house that attracts younger visitors. The site is open from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year’s Day, but it closes if rain is expected. Crowds are smaller at the start of the season and larger as Christmas approaches.
Parking is easiest at the end of the Boardwalk or near the Rivermouth on East Cliff. Donations help support the maintenance and display each year.
Rating: 4.9 (59 reviews)
Location: 108 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Contact: (831) 818-9399
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving weekend–New Year’s Day | 5:30pm–8:30pm (NYE) 5:30pm–8pm (New Year’s) Closed on rainy nights | 108 Seaview Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 | Donation | Santa Cruz Dream Inn | farleys-christmas-wonderland.com |
16) Lights on California
If you are looking for a neighborhood Christmas light display in San Jose, Lights on California is one to consider. This annual event features a home covered in bright, colorful lights. Families come to see moving decorations, twinkling characters, and festive music.
Parking is on nearby streets. The area can get busy at night, especially close to Christmas. It is best to walk and view the lights from the sidewalk.
There are no admission charges. You can enjoy the show for free. Check the Facebook page for updates and possible schedule changes.
Rating: 5 (13 reviews)
Location: 948 California Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to stay nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | Sunset–10pm | 948 California Ave, San Jose, CA 95125 | Free | Hotels in San Jose | https://www.facebook.com/LightsOnCalifornia |
17) Corbin’s Christmas Lights Display
You can visit Corbin’s Christmas Lights Display just outside Visalia. This holiday attraction is located at a private residence and known for its bright, colorful lights. It’s a seasonal event that draws families from the area.
Display setups usually start in late November and run through December. You drive through, so there is no need to park or get out of your car. Photographs are allowed from your vehicle.
The location is easy to reach by car. There are several hotels in Visalia where you can stay if you are visiting from out of town. The event is often updated on its social media page, so check online for the newest display times.
Rating: 4.9 (63 reviews)
Location: 13684 Ave 260, Visalia, CA 93292
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late Nov–Dec | Evenings | 13684 Ave 260, Visalia, CA 93292 | Free | Visalia Hotels | Visit Website |
18) Christmas Lights at Dovewood Ct.
If you are looking for a neighborhood street packed with Christmas decorations, Dovewood Court in Orangevale delivers. Each December, homeowners along the court team up to create detailed light displays. The result is a short street where almost every house puts on its own festive show.
You can drive slowly through the street to view the lights from your car, or park nearby and walk along the sidewalks. Some displays include animated decorations, inflatables, and themed scenes. The area tends to get crowded in the evenings, especially later in December.
There is no entrance fee to see the lights. Visitors often stop here as part of an evening holiday drive, and kids especially enjoy seeing the different designs. You can find updates and more details on their social media page.
Rating: 4.7 (263 reviews)
Location: Dovewood Ct, Orangevale, CA 95662
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | Evenings | Dovewood Ct, Orangevale, CA | Free | Hotels near Orangevale on Booking.com | Visit Website |
19) Christmas Lights In Orange County
You can find a wide range of Christmas light displays across Orange County. Locals and visitors contribute to a public list, helping you discover over 300 homes and locations decorated for the season. The collection is managed by an Orange County resident who enjoys sharing holiday light displays with families.
Displays are found in different neighborhoods throughout the county. Each year, new locations are added, so you have fresh options to explore with your family. The displays vary in size and style, from simple lawn decorations to houses filled with thousands of lights.
You can visit the official website to view the complete directory of participating locations. The website is updated each season, making it easy to plan your holiday outing. If you know about other decorated houses, there is an option to submit them for inclusion.
Rating: 4.8 (306 reviews)
Location: 1431 N Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92867
Website: Visit Website
| Dates | Times | Location Address | Cost | Where to Stay Nearby | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2025 | Dusk to 10:00 pm* | 1431 N Shaffer St, Orange, CA 92867 | Free | Ayres Hotel Orange – booking.com | christmaslightsinorangecounty.com |
*Check website for updated hours and display dates.
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.
