Posted in Northern California Road Trips, Winter October 14, 2022 by

The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Northern Calfornia That’s Nothing Short Of Magical

Road trips during the holidays are the best! Seeing how different parts of the state celebrate the season warms our hearts and reminds us of the strong sense of community you’ll find here in Northern California. In that same spirit, we’ve put together a road trip to take you to some of our favorite holiday destinations. So load up the car, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and enjoy spotting some of the best holiday lights in Northern California on this Christmas road trip. Let’s go!

Who's ready to explore some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in Northern California? Simply click the photo below for the customizable Google Map.
Google Maps
1. El Dorado Hills
Facebook/ El Dorado Hills Town Center
El Dorado Hills is a vibrant community that sure knows how to do Christmas right. Not only are the decorations and lights spectacular, but it's also a convenient place to enjoy some holiday shopping at the local boutiques. The children's bookstore here is amazing! Come see why we can't get enough of this Northern California Christmas town.
El Dorado Hills, CA, USA
2. Loomis
Facebook/ Loomis Community Post
The annual Loomis Basin Holiday Home Tour is a great tradition and the lights definitely do not disappoint. On this tour, you'll visit six lovely country homes all beautifully decorated for the holidays. Keep an eye on the official website for all the details about this year's festivities, as well as some of the best Northern California Christmas lights.
Loomis, CA, USA
3. Grass Valley
Downtown Grass Valley
Every year, Grass Valley outdoes itself at the Cornish Christmas Celebration. Not only is this rural community decorated from top to bottom but it also features a ton of people strolling around in character. From a tree lighting ceremony to all kinds of seasonal festivities, this is one celebration of Christmas lights in Northern California you won't want to miss out on.
4. Auburn
Yelp/Rob L.
For over 30 years, Old Town Country Christmas in Auburn has delighted locals and visitors alike. The shops, people, and lights are sure to delight everyone on your Christmas list. We think these are definitely some of the downright best Christmas lights in Northern California there are, so be sure to check it out!
Auburn, CA, USA
5. Nevada City
Nevada City Chamber of Commerce
Nevada City is another Christmas town in Northern California that loves to go all-out. They put on quite a show with Victorian Christmas decorations, which feature hilly streets outlined with twinkling white lights and authentic gas lamps.
Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
6. Truckee
Tahoe Agent Group
In Truckee, the twinkling white lights contrast beautifully against the snow-lined streets. This beautiful Christmas town is the icing on the cake for the holiday lights road trip in Northern California.
Truckee, CA 96161, USA

Road trips are a time-honored tradition when it comes to spending quality time with loved ones, and what better way to celebrate the holiday season than traveling the beautiful winter landscapes of Northern California with those you love best? What other Christmas lights in Northern California should be added to this list? Do you plan on a Christmas road trip this season? Feel free to tell us in the comments; we’d love to hear from you! You can also share some of your favorite seasonal destinations throughout Northern California with us by filling out a nomination form.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas lights in Northern California

October 26, 2021
Beth C.

What are the best winter hikes in Northern California?

California may be known for its beautiful summer weather, but that doesn't mean winter is any less magical. In fact, if you travel to Northern California during the wintertime, you can look forward to experiencing some downright enchanting outdoor spaces. Some of the best winter hikes in Northern California include the Lost Coast Trail in Ferndale, Arcata Community Forest Loop, Feather Falls Loop Trail in Oroville, Mt. Diablo in Clayton, Tall Trees Grove Trail in Orick, Hidden Beach and False Klamath Rock in Klamath, Ladybird Johnson Grove Trail in Orick, Manzanita Lake Loop in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Stagecoach Trail in Auburn, and the South Fork American River Trail in Coloma. The South Fork American River Trail is actually a 25-mile trek, which makes it great to shorten into smaller day hikes. Camping is frowned upon in this area, so be sure to plan ahead so that you don't have to. Have you ever experienced any of these beautiful winter hikes in Northern California?