The holiday season in Northern California is a magical time. One of the best ways to experience that magic is by taking a tour of the spectacular Christmas light displays in the region. From the cozy neighborhoods to citywide light extravaganzas, these seven Christmas light displays in Northern California are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. So, if you’ve been searching for, “Christmas lights near me,” we’ve got you covered.
1. 35th Annual Trucker's Christmas Parade in Eureka
Redwood Acres Raceway, 3750 Harris St, Eureka, CA 95503, USA
This annual tradition of Christmas lights in Eureka, California will continue on Dec. 9 with a truck parade around Eureka. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds. If you'd like to enter your truck, there's still time.
2. Redding Garden of Lights
Turtle Bay Exploration Park, 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA 96001, USA
Walk through 10 acres of light displays at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding. These are some of the best Christmas lights in Northern California! Follow the paths that wind through the botanical garden and see the beautiful displays surrounded by the curated gardens. Tickets are now on sale for this fun family-friendly event of Christmas lights in Redding, California.
The 2023 Redding Lighted Christmas Parade takes place on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Anyone can attend this free parade in downtown Redding! This long-running Redding tradition is brings the community together and gets everyone in the Christmas spirit. It's one of the best Christmas light displays in Northern California.
Nevada City is a lovely town anytime of year, but at Christmas this historic mountain town really shines! Nevada City's Victorian Christmas is a multi-day event in December. The downtown turns into a walkable street fair, and every shop is covered in lights and Christmas decor. It really is a sight to see all the Christmas lights in Nevada City, California! The event takes place this year on Dec. 3, 10, and 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Sundays), and Dec. 6 and 13 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Wednesdays).
Looking for Christmas lights in Stockton, CA? Tickets are now on sale for Imaginarium at Cal-Expo in Sacramento. Opening on Nov. 17 and running through Jan. 7, Imaginarium is a dazzling display of lights. With more than 5 million lights, this is the largest holiday light festival in Sacramento. Spend an evening exploring the various light displays.
Placerville, which used to be called Hangtown during the Gold Rush era, is hosting the Hangtown Christmas Parade on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Watch the Christmas floats go down Main Street, and take a walk through the old town to see all the beautiful decorations and Christmas lights in Placerville, CA.
7. 42nd Annual Lighted Boat Parade in Stockton
Stockton Downtown Marina, 445 W Weber Ave ste 128-b, Stockton, CA 95203, USA
This unique parade in Stockton showcases creative light displays on boats that sail through the Stockton Deep Water Channel. The parade takes place on Dec. 2 starting at 5 p.m. Boats will begin up river to Windmill Cove and make their way past downtown Stockton Marina and Weber Point around 6:30 p.m., and end at Light 39. The parade can be viewed from anywhere on the waterfront.
No matter where you live in Northern California, there are probably stunning Christmas light displays within a short drive of your home. Whether you prefer the charm of a local neighborhood or the grandeur of citywide displays, these Christmas light displays in Northern California will have you feeling very festive. So, grab your loved ones, bundle up, and set out to experience the magic of Northern California’s holiday lights.
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