11 Best Places to See Christmas Lights This Season in Southern California
11 Best Christmas Light Displays this Holiday Season in Southern California
It's a Small World holiday at Disneyland Anaheim
As a kid growing up in Southern California, we always had an amazing amount of options for viewing the Holiday lights and the best part.... many were free! There are some classics that I visited as a kid still going strong as well as some new attractions that are worth your time to check out. There are too many to list but I am sharing some of my all time favorites as well as some new ones I've experienced with my little girl.
Which ever ones you choose to go see, be sure to enjoy the moment, turn off the electronics and create some special memories and traditions with your children during this most magical time of the year.
From Los Angeles to the OC and in between here are a few of my top pics!
Upper Hastings Ranch: FREE Self guided tour of the neighborhood, walk or drive this over the top display by the homeowners of this traditional lighting display. Located in Pasadena North of Sierra Madre Blvd and east of Michilinda Ave.
Candy Cane Lane: FREE For over 60 years the homeowners in this 8 block area go ALL OUT! Starts the second week of December and runs through the end of the year. Located in Woodland Hills between Lubao and Oxnard St
Christmas Tree Lane: FREE Take a slow cruise in your car or get out and walk among the giants of this Altadena street. Every Christmas season for more than 80 years, the majestic Deodar cedars on the "Mile of Christmas Trees" are strung with 10,000 lights. Located in Altadena the official lighting ceremony happens December 8th on Santa Rosa Ave, between Woodbury Ave and Altadena Dr at 6pm.
LA Zoo Lights: Nightly from 6-10 from November 15- January 5th (Closed Nov 28, Dec 24, and Dec 25). visit with Santa and walk among the dazzling display of lights. Info here: http://www.lazoolights.org/
Enchanted Forest of Lights: La Canada Flintridge Descanso gardens November 17th through January 5th. Enjoy a one mile area of the gardens fully decked out with differently themed displays. Info and tickets here: https://www.descansogardens.org/programs-events/enchanted/
Disneyland: November 8th - Through January 6th. Enjoy Fireworks, live entertainment, festive food and holiday fun now thru January 8th. Park admission required. Info here: https://disneyland.disney.go.com
Knott's Berry Farm: Lights, shows and nightly snow are awaiting you at this yearly event (included with admission) Merry Farm November 22- January 5th. Park Admission required. Get more info here: https://www.knotts.com/merryfarm
Marina Del Rey Boat Tour: FREE In it's 55th year, over 70 boats get all blinged out on December 8th. Don't miss the firework kick off at 5:55 From 6-8 the parade of boat compete for best in their class. View at either Fisherman's Village or the Burton Chace Park Marina Del Rey. Info here: http://mdrboatparade.org/
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
9. Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train: November 29th- December 23rd. Aside from parking, it is FREE to enjoy all the lights, story time with Mrs. Claus and photo opps around the park during their annual holiday event. Additional activities are on a pay per use basis. See site for all the holiday fun: http://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/events/christmas-train/
10.Festival of Lights at the Mission: November 29th - January 6th FREE The beautiful Mission Inn located in Riverside is covered in 4.5 million twinkly lights during the annual Festival of Lights. This lighting spectacular runs for six-weeks beginning the day after Thanksgiving. More info here: http://www.missioninn.com/festival-en.html
11.Queen Mary's Christmas: November 29th - January st The ship is all decked out in holiday lights creating a family fun event you will look forward to each year. Info and tickets here: http://www.queenmary.com
12. Newport Beach Parade: December 19th - December 23rd at around 6:30 p.m. FREE In it's 110th year, you can watch this parade of about 100 vessels as they make their way along an expanded route this year. More info here: https://www.christmasboatparade.com/
LA Zoo Lights Photo Credit: LA Zoo
13. Capistrano Lights at the Mission Experience the Mission at Night featuring a nightly tree lighting and music program held from December 8, 2019 through January 6, 2020. Info HERE
14. FREE Snoopy House Holiday Display in Costa Mesa December 13 through December 22 The holiday display features scenes populated by "Peanuts" characters and is available for viewing from 5:30 to 9 p.m. nightly More info HERE
Okay so that was 14 but I could have added so many more! For info on several of the events listed above, check out my posts below! Have any places I didn't mention that you love to visit in the So Cal area? Would love if you shared them below in the comments! Happy and safe Holidays everyone!
