Starting in late November, California begins to shimmer with twinkling lights—on boats bobbing in bays, along cityscapes, and blooming in botanical gardens. Some coastal light displays hit their peak during holiday boat parades in December, but California’s waterfront areas tend to twinkle throughout much of November and December—and some attractions around the state dazzle well into January. Here are two dozen displays that will light up your season.
Nov. 24–Jan. 31: Illuminate SF Festival of Light, San Francisco
For holiday lights superfans, it’s hard to beat this citywide event of light-art installations that runs through the end of January. More than 60 works stretch from the Castro to Yerba Buena—or focus on the 11 new pieces along the Light Art Trail.
Nov. 9–Dec. 31: Tree Lights at Citadel Outlets, Los Angeles
Citadel Outlets, located just outside downtown Los Angeles, is famous for its enormous tree. This year, the tree lighting kicked off with a concert by rising indie-pop star Spencer Sutherland on Nov. 9. Subsequent nights typically feature light shows and “snow flurries” every hour from 5 to 8 p.m.
Nov. 13–Jan. 12: Dana Point Holidays at the Harbor, Dana Point
The Orange County town of Dana Point is awash with 700,000 lights during the holiday season, and this year’s theme is “Candyland.” Come from Dec. 13–15 for the Boat Parade of Lights, or visit on other nights for live music, menorah lightings, Boat Ride with Santa (Dec. 7–8), or Harbor Lights Cruises (Dec. 6–7, 20–21).
Nov. 14–Jan. 5: Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills always brings a little star power to its holiday lights—an elaborate display that typically stretches three blocks from Wilshire Blvd. to Santa Monica Blvd. Opening night festivities will feature live performances and a fireworks display.
Nov. 22–Jan. 5: Redding Garden of Lights, Redding
At Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 10 acres of the McConnell Botanical Gardens are lined with illuminated pathways and dotted with wildlife- and nature-themed displays, as well as fun features such as glowing swings. Stop along the route for the hot cocoa stands and firepits for s’mores. Or, take your experience to the next level by booking one of the private igloos, which comfortably seat up to eight and include an evening of wood-fired pizzas, s’more kits, drinks, and goodies. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.
Nov. 15–Jan. 5: Lightscape, San Diego
Stroll through 1 million lights along the mile-long path at Encinitas’ 37-acre San Diego Botanic Garden. The walkways lead through tunnels of light, lanterns, and illuminated California poppies.
Nov. 23–Jan. 6: Festival of Lights at Mission Inn, Riverside
Each year, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in downtown Riverside celebrates the season with sprawling displays featuring more than four million lights. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the dazzling display, but it’s tempting to stay. Choose from bundled packages that include dining credits, holiday goodies from the onsite bakery, and even carolers singing outside your door.
Nov. 16–Jan. 12: Holidays at Filoli, Woodside
Explore this 1917 country estate on the San Francisco Peninsula, where the 54,000-square-foot house is decorated with 14 Christmas trees and the 16-acre garden shimmers with 20 miles’ worth of lights. Check out the lineup of other holiday festivities that include drinks by the firepits, holiday teas, or tours inside the estate.
Nov. 26–Dec. 30: WildLights at The Living Desert, Palm Desert
On select nights, this Greater Palm Springs desert park lights up with more than one million holiday lights, including a tunnel of lights, a new 30-foot tree, and life-size “lanterns” depicting giraffes, cheetahs, and other animals. Don’t miss the decorated G-scale model trains displayed on more than 3,300 feet of track.
Nov. 29–Dec. 22: Festival of Lights at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Fort Bragg
By day, Fort Bragg’s colorful preserve of flowers, shrubs, and birds needs no embellishment, but it seriously sparkles on weekend evenings during the holidays when pathways are lined with displays and twinkling lights. Sip hot cocoa and cider, enjoy the music, and sample locally made sweets.
Nov. 29–Dec. 24: Holiday Plaza, San Luis Obispo
Explore the twinkling winter wonderland in Downtown San Luis Obispo: This time of year, Mission Plaza has a carousel, menorah lightings, a Santa’s House, and a musical light show. Come on Dec. 6 for downtown’s annual Holiday Parade featuring more than 80 decorated floats, classic cars, marching bands, and dancers. Find more cheer and lights around San Luis Obispo County at spots such as Nature Nights at San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (runs Friday and Saturday evenings, Nov. 27–Dec. 28).
Nov. 27–Dec. 24: Theatre of Lights, Sacramento
This time of year, Downtown Sacramento offers a few holiday diversions. Skate the seasonal ice rink at Ali Youssefi Square (Nov. 6–Jan. 20) then stick around through the evening to see the projection-mapped light show against Old Sacramento’s 150-year-old building exteriors (Dec. 23–24). While you’re in Sacramento, also check out the historic residential neighborhood known as the Fabulous Forties which is known for its light displays (take the leisurely Sac Brew Bike Holiday Lights Tour, where you pedal a bike through the neighborhood and stop for a snack).
Nov. 29–Dec. 23: Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Trains, Santa Cruz
Ride through the streets of Santa Cruz on a vintage excursion railroad, festooned with thousands of lights. (check for specific dates). The Hanukkah edition of the train chugs out on Dec. 2, and the Redwood Forest Steam Train hosts Holiday Tree Walk excursions featuring hot-cocoa fueled rides to Bear Mountain. The New Year’s Train runs from Dec. 26–31.
Nov. 30: Geyserville Tractor Parade, Geyserville
This Sonoma County town with deep agricultural roots throws a holiday celebration that boasts some serious farm flair: Illuminated tractors head through downtown, with Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting fans by the town Christmas tree.
Nov. 30: Downtown San Rafael Parade of Lights & Winterwonderland , San Rafael
A big tree lighting plus two parades provide the key moments of the holiday festivities that have been running for four decades in this Marin County town. Come during the day on Nov. 30 for a holiday marketplace and kids’ activities before the evening car parade. From Nov. 30–Jan. 6, join in on the Elf Hunt in downtown (winners are awarded gift baskets worth from $100 to $300 each); see the menorah lighting on Dec. 29 and then on Dec. 7,watch the Lighted Boat Parade.
Nov. 18–Dec. 30: Holidays by the Bay, San Diego
Soak up the holiday cheer along San Diego’s Embarcadero for much of the month via Santa sightings, menorah lightings, and the Parade of Lights on Dec. 8 and 15. Or take Flagship Cruises’ Holiday Nights on the Bay dinner cruise on every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night during December.
Dec.3–Dec. 25: Christmas Tree Lane, Fresno
Drive this two-mile stretch of Fresno’s Fig Garden neighborhood, which has been decorated almost every year since 1920. Dec. 3 and 11 are walk-thru only nights..
Dec. 7: Calistoga’s 27th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade
Watch 50 illuminated tractors and other decked-out vehicles cruise down Lincoln Avenue in Napa Valley’s Calistoga then check out the Holiday Village and Christmas Faire (running Dec. 6–27 in nearby Pioneer Park).
Dec. 7: Annual Lighted Boat Parade, Stockton
See festooned boats and yachts sail along downtown Stockton’s waterfront during this nearly 40-year-old tradition. Watch from perches along the north shore—like behind the marina and Banner Island Ballpark—or from the south shore near Weber Point and the waterfront warehouse.
Dec. 7: Festival of Lights Parade, Palm Springs
The acclaimed annual parade through downtown Palm Springs features light-bedazzled floats, cars, equestrians, and occasional celebrities.
Dec. 14: Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, Marina del Rey
Walk, bike, or paddle along the waterfront of this L.A. County town to see decorated boats docked at Fisherman’s Village, Burton W. Chace Park, and the Marina Promenade on Admiralty Way. Enjoy evening lights throughout December at Burton Chace Park from 4 p.m.–10 p.m.
Dec. 14–15: Huntington Harbour Boat Parade, Huntington Beach
Orange County’s Huntington Beach launched this boat parade in the 1960s with just 12 vessels, and today there are more than 75. Public viewing areas are along the beaches in the Huntington Harbor—or enter your own boat for the best view.
Dec. 14–15: WinterFest Sausalito, Sausalito
Sausalito’s annual light-fest features dozens of yachts and boats on the water, along with a colorful fireworks finale in the sky. Watch the show (6–7:15 p.m.) on Dec. 14 from the waterfront, then stay through Dec. 15 for a 5K fun run.
Dec. 8: Santa Barbara Holiday Parade of Lights, Santa Barbara
Check out this elegant parade from Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf: It kicks off with fireworks and ends as judges award prizes in five categories. Check out more holiday activities in the Central Coast town, like the ZooLights at the Santa Barbara Zoo (Nov. 13–Jan. 12).
Dec. 18–22: Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Newport Beach
This legendary boat parade in Newport Beach dates back to the early 1900s, and today runs for five nights. Watch it from various spots along the route, such as Lido Isle or Balboa Island, or book a spot on one of the ships that’s actually in the parade. Another option: Take an evening cruise on select nights from Dec. 6–Jan. 1 and glide past more lit boats and homes.
Dec. 13–14: Ventura Harbor Village Holiday Parade of Lights, Ventura
Illuminated boats take two laps around Ventura Harbor on Friday and Saturday evenings (6:30 p.m.) at this annual parade in Ventura, all embracing this year’s theme of Hula Holidays. Come during the afternoon of the 16th for kiddie rides and carnival games followed by faux snowfall and LED-emblazoned performers at 5:30 p.m. Stay after the parade for 8 p.m. fireworks, weather permitting.
Dec. 14: Night of Lights, Mammoth Lakes
This annual tradition at Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes always takes place a few nights before the Winter Solstice. Ride the free Village Gondola to Canyon Lodge to make the most of the dark skies, plus enjoy a winter lights show (including fireworks and a torchlight parade), accompanied by live music and snowmobile rides.
Jan. 18–Feb. 16: Napa Lighted Art Festival
Too busy during the month of December? Come to Napa Valley after the New Year for this free, open-air, lighted art walk created by local and international artists at 16 locations in and around Downtown Napa. These unique installations typically include light art, 3D video mapping projections, and lighted sculptures.
