Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in California
A visit to the San Diego Botanic Garden, located about 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego in Encinitas, offers a magical holiday experience amidst its lush landscapes. The garden’s “Garden of Lights” event transforms its winding paths and towering bamboo groves into a winter wonderland of glowing lanterns and twinkling displays. Strolling the well-lit trails, visitors encounter artistic light sculptures themed around local flora and fauna, creating a uniquely Californian holiday ambiance. The mild coastal climate makes evening visits pleasant, allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant colors without the chill that often accompanies winter festivities elsewhere.
In Northern California, the Napa Valley’s Oxbow Public Market in Napa, roughly an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, hosts a festive scene that blends culinary delights with dazzling holiday lights. The market’s exterior and surrounding streets glow with intricate light installations that reflect off the nearby Napa River. After admiring the lights, visitors can explore artisanal shops and sample seasonal treats, making this an immersive sensory experience. The combination of gourmet food and sophisticated light art sets Oxbow apart from more traditional holiday events, especially in the crisp evenings of late November through December.
The city of Pasadena, situated about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, showcases a classic holiday spectacle along its historic Colorado Boulevard. The annual Tournament of Roses Parade route is lined with elaborate light displays during the holiday season, and the city’s shopping districts, like Old Pasadena, feature Victorian-style street lamps wrapped in ribbons and glowing garlands. Visitors can walk the charming streets, admiring both the historic architecture and festive illumination. Pasadena’s blend of small-town charm and urban sophistication creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that shines brightest in the early evening hours.
Farther inland, the town of Truckee in the Sierra Nevada, about 30 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe, offers a cozy mountain holiday lights experience framed by snow-covered pines. The downtown area is known for its quaint shops and restaurants festooned with colorful lights, while nearby Donner Memorial State Park hosts occasional evening light displays reflecting local history. The crisp mountain air and frequent snowfall add a picturesque backdrop, making evenings here feel like stepping into a winter storybook. Visitors often find the combination of alpine scenery and festive lights especially enchanting during clear, cold nights.
San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront lights up in a spectacular fashion during the holiday season, centered around the iconic Ferry Building. Located just a few blocks from the Bay Bridge, this historic marketplace is surrounded by miles of sparkling string lights draped along piers and palm trees. The holiday light displays here are complemented by views of the illuminated Bay Bridge, whose light show pulses rhythmically after dark. Walking along the waterfront, visitors can enjoy the festive energy of the city paired with serene bay vistas, especially compelling on crisp winter evenings when the air is clear and the reflections in the water are most vivid.
In the Central Coast region near Santa Barbara, the Lotusland estate in Montecito, about 90 minutes south of downtown Santa Barbara, offers a distinctive holiday lighting experience grounded in botanical artistry. Known for its extraordinary gardens featuring rare plants from around the globe, Lotusland occasionally decorates its grounds with subtle, elegant lighting that highlights the sculptural cacti and whimsical garden designs. The estate’s Mediterranean climate ensures mild evenings perfect for twilight visits, lending a refined, contemplative mood to holiday celebrations that contrasts with more commercialized displays.
Heading north along the rugged Pacific coast, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg, approximately 150 miles north of San Francisco, provide an enchanting setting for holiday lights with the ocean as a dramatic backdrop. The garden’s “Lighting the Garden” event bathes its diverse collection of rhododendrons, conifers, and native plants in gentle illumination. Visitors can wander the coastal bluff trails under a canopy of festive lights, often with the sound of crashing waves nearby. The gardens’ unique blend of coastal ecology and seasonal sparkle makes this a must-see destination for those who appreciate the intersection of nature and holiday cheer.
In the heart of Orange County, about an hour’s drive south of Los Angeles, the Mission San Juan Capistrano stands out as a historic site with deeply rooted holiday traditions. During the season, the mission’s adobe walls and gardens are adorned with strings of white lights that highlight the Spanish colonial architecture and lush courtyard. Evening tours often include candlelit paths and soft music, creating a serene atmosphere that invites reflection on both regional history and seasonal celebration. The mission’s peaceful ambiance and cultural significance offer a distinctive holiday lights experience that contrasts with the commercial energy of nearby urban centers.
East of the San Francisco Bay Area, the city of Walnut Creek in Contra Costa County presents a lively downtown holiday lighting spectacle centered around its Civic Park. About 25 miles east of San Francisco, the park hosts artfully arranged light displays that reflect the community’s creative spirit. Strolling through the park and nearby Broadway Plaza, visitors find a festive mood amplified by nearby restaurants and shops decorated for the season. Walnut Creek’s blend of suburban charm and cultural vibrancy shines in the early evenings when the lights come on and families gather to celebrate.
In the high desert town of Palm Springs, roughly two hours east of Los Angeles, the holiday lights scene takes on a mid-century modern twist. The Palm Springs Art Museum and the surrounding downtown area glow with colorful installations that complement the city’s iconic desert-modern architecture. The warm winter evenings here invite long strolls among the lit-up palm trees and outdoor art pieces, offering a sophisticated holiday atmosphere quite unlike traditional snowy scenes. Palm Springs’ blend of art, architecture, and festive illumination provides a bright spot for visitors seeking sunny warmth without sacrificing holiday cheer.
Finally, the historic Gold Rush town of Columbia, situated about 40 miles east of Modesto in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offers a unique step back in time with its holiday light traditions. The Columbia State Historic Park transforms into a Victorian-era winter village, with gas lamps and building facades glowing with period-appropriate lighting. Visitors can explore the charming streets lined with antique shops and saloons, soaking in the old-time ambiance enhanced by the soft glow of lanterns and string lights. The town’s authentic preservation and authentic holiday spirit make for an evocative experience, particularly on crisp winter nights when the lights seem to flicker against a starry sky.