Posted in Northern California Winter October 18, 2022 by

6 Christmas Light Displays In Northern California That Are Pure Magic

Nothing says happy holidays like twinkling lights and festive décor. Luckily, there are lots of Christmas lights in Northern California that are sure to make your season merry and bright. Wondering, “What’s the best Christmas light show near me?” Well, wonder no more. We scoured the state for the best Christmas light displays in Northern California, and we think you’ll be pleased.

1. Light Up The Night (Sacramento)
Imaginarium360/Facebook
This multi-cultural light festival celebrates the beauty of cold winter nights and holiday fun. Lanterns are multi-colored and lit from within, making this a vibrant and fun holiday tradition.
Facebook/Imaginarium360
Subjects include traditional Christmas characters...
Facebook/Imaginarium360
...as well as fun, beautiful scenes that will take your breath away.
Facebook/ Imaginarium360
You might even get a few giggles out of the creative lanterns, which sometimes can be huge. For more information, visit their website.
Global Winter Wonderland at Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA
2. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Festival of Lights (Fort Bragg)
Mendicino Coast Botanical Gardens/Facebook
These beautiful gardens are transformed for the winter into a magical holiday escape. Bundle up with lots of layers to suit the winter weather and take a stroll through the bright designs.
Facebook/ Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
And other displays are incredibly creative, like this lava stump.
Facebook/ Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
These winter gardens are unlike anything you've experienced.
Facebook/ Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Some are just downright cute! Visit their website for all the details to help plan your visit.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
3. The Village at Northstar (Truckee)
Northstar California Resort/Facebook
All of California's ski resorts are breathtaking, but Northstar takes the cake on having one of the most family-friendly, festive atmospheres.
Facebook/ Northstar California Resort
Northstar is also the host of Northern Lights, a yuletide festival that takes place every December.
Facebook/ Northstar California Resort
The evening is full of light-filled fun, including glow-in-the-dark face painting, balloon twisting, and games along with DJ's and live music on the Village Stage. The evening's fun culminates with a great fireworks show. For more information, visit the website.
5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161, USA
4. Winter Wonderland at Fairytale Town (Sacramento)
Fairy Tale Town
Each night at dusk throughout the holiday season, Fairytale Town, a beloved fantasy park in Northern California, is open late and lit up with a ton of festive Christmas Lights.
Fairytale Town/Facebook
The park really comes alive with the holiday spirit. For more information, visit the Fairytale Town website.
Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, CA 95822, USA
5. Placerville
Facebook/ City of Placerville
This small Northern California town has an amazing tree-lighting ceremony every year. What really makes this festive spot unique, however, is that local organizations, businesses, and schools decorate a small Christmas tree along Highway 50 for all travelers to enjoy.
Facebook/Placerville Downtown Association
It's fun because it shows how much community there is in this small town.
Facebook/Amy Bruni
People come out in droves to watch the lights turn on the big tree, as well. Check out Placerville's website for all the details.
Placerville, CA 95667, USA

6. Redding 

The city has an out-of-this-world parade that features trucks decorated with winter scenes and plenty of joy.

So, what do you think? Are these the best Christmas light displays in Northern California? Know of any other can’t-miss Christmas lights in Northern California? Tell us!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Christmas Light Displays In Northern California

November 12, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo

Are there any other Christmas events in Northern California?

The light displays mentioned above aren’t the only Christmas events in Northern California. There are plenty more, including the Polar Express Train Ride. The festive train ride is offered by the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento every holiday season, giving passengers the opportunity to live out the magical journey from the beloved movie. The fun begins at the passenger station, where passengers are entertained by Polar Express characters and served hot chocolate and a sweet treat. After boarding the train, passengers are swept away to the North Pole to meet Santa Clause, who gifts each passenger a silver sleigh bell.

Where else can I view Christmas lights in Northern California?

There are tons of places to view Christmas lights in Northern California, and one that shouldn’t be missed is the Theatre of Lights. Held at the Old Sacramento Waterfront, the free holiday lighting extravaganza is easily one of the best Christmas light displays in Northern California. The state-of-the-art sound and light show features nightly performances Thursday through Sunday, from Thanksgiving Eve – Christmas Eve (no show on Thanksgiving).

Which other displays are among the best Christmas light displays in Northern California?

Also among the best Christmas light displays in Northern California is the holiday festival at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland. During the Fairy Winterland festival, which is held every December, Children’s Fairyland is transformed into a “twinkling, enchanting realm of wonder.” Through songs, stories, arts, and crafts, the festival celebrates the winter holiday of several cultures, including Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Diwali, and the Chinese New Year.