The holiday season just might be the most magical time of the year in Southern California. And do you know what that means? Christmas lights! There is no shortage of places to see holiday lights in SoCal and our list has you covered. Celebrate the season in the most festive way possible with a visit to some of the best Christmas lights in Southern California. To get into the spirit of the season, here are 10 of the best displays of Christmas lights in Southern California. Visit one, a few, or all of them – and wrap yourself in the Christmas spirit.

1. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
yelp/daria b
For several days every December, Newport Beach glows with the holiday spirit during the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. This annual event is free and can be viewed at nearby outlook points or restaurants along the harbor in Newport Beach. It's among the best Christmas events in Southern California, making it an easy addition to your holiday bucket list. Stop by the official website of Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade for days, hours, and more information.
2. Christmas Tree Lane -- Altadena
Altadena, CA, USA
yelp/karol f.
There's nothing like a drive through this section of Altadena where Christmas magic comes to life in the towering trees of the neighborhood. Approximately three blocks long, this festive lane in San Gabriel Valley is a treasured holiday event in Southern California that's not to be missed.
3. December Nights -- San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA, USA
yelp/alan b.
An annual tradition in Balboa Park, December Nights lights up the entire park with a holiday extravaganza of lights that will get you in the spirit in no time. Bring an appetite, too, because food trucks will be on hand, and there will even be festive entertainment. Purchase tickets for December Nights on the official website of Balboa Park.
4. Wakefield Winter Wonderland - Santa Clarita
Wakefield Winter Wonderland, Wakefield Ct, Santa Clarita, CA 91350, USA
yelp/may grace a.
For a residential tour of Christmas lights in Southern California, nothing beats the beautifully decorated homes along Wakefield Court in Santa Clarita. Each and every display is unique and festive and quite the sight to see. You can tour the lights by car or on foot off Copperhill Drive via Courtland Way. Check out the Wakefield Winter Wonderland Facebook page for all the details.
5. Historic Mission Inn Festival of Lights -- Riverside
3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
Mission Inn
One of the best Christmas light displays in Southern California for more than two decades, this historic hotel in Riverside goes all out with a holiday light display that is unlike anything you've ever seen. With 4.5 million lights illuminating the Historic Mission Inn, this festival of lights is pure magic. Get all of the details on the official website of the Mission Inn.
6. Downtown LA Walking Tour
Facebook/LA Walking Tours
Downtown Los Angeles Walking Tours will take you on a magical stroll of the city all aglow in holiday lights. Tours are two hours long and include stops at some of the most famous and well-known buildings in Los Angeles to see them all dressed up for the season. Stop by the official website of LA Walking Tours for more information and to book a tour.
7. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
San Diego Bay, California, USA
wikimedia commons
This dazzling display of holiday lights illuminates San Diego Bay every December. Boats will be decked out in their best holiday lights as they float along the bay in this annual holiday festival that's been delighting onlookers for more than five decades. Looking for the "best Christmas lights near me?" You've found 'em. Find more information on the official website of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
8. Disneyland -- Anaheim
Disneyland Park, 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
flickr/harshlight
When we talk about the best Christmas light displays in Southern California, we can't leave out Disneyland. It's the most magical destination in SoCal - no matter when you visit, but wait until you see it drenched in Christmas lights. Head over to the official website of Disneyland for a full list of the holiday activities and Christmas light displays.
9. Wild Lights Living Desert -- Palm Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, USA
The Living Desert/Facebook
This glowing holiday attraction in Palm Desert is mesmerizing. From glowing animal lanterns to decorated paths in festive holiday colors, you will see all sorts of sights that are a feast for the eyes. Don't forget your camera for your magical journey through more than a million lights. Check out the official website of The Living Desert for days, hours, and more information.
10. LA Zoo Lights -- Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
facebook/LA Zoo Lights
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden turns into a winter wonderland of Christmas lights throughout the holiday season at this spectacular annual event. Stroll through a 200-foot tunnel of lights; meet shimmering lighted animals, and create one-of-a-kind Christmas memories. It's one of the most treasured Christmas events in Southern California, and you don't want to miss it. Plan your visit by stopping by the official website of the Los Angeles Zoo.

Doesn’t this make you want to make a cup of cocoa and get bundled up for a stroll to see one of the best displays of Christmas lights in Southern California? We love hearing about everyone’s unique holiday traditions, so let us know in the Facebook comments where you like to go to get into the spirit of the season in Southern California. While you’re planning all your things to see and do this holiday season, why not also consider a visit to one of these charming Christmas towns in Southern California?  They’re sure to be filled with all the Christmas magic of the season!

And if you need a quick recap of the list above, here it is:

Best Christmas Lights in Southern California

  1. Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

  2. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena

  3. December Nights in San Diego

  4. Wakefield Winter Wonderland in Santa Clarita

  5. Historic Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside

  6. Downtown LA Walking Tour

  7. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

  8. Disneyland in Anaheim

  9. Wild Lights Living Desert in Palm Desert

  10. LA Zoo Lights in Los Angeles

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More to Explore

Best Christmas Light Displays In Southern California

Beth Price-Williams | November 12, 2021

What is one of the best Christmas light displays in Southern California?

You certainly won’t have any difficulty finding Christmas lights in Southern California. The state, after all, transforms into a gorgeous wonderland of lights and Christmas cheer once the holiday season rolls around. One of the most unique and, hands down, best Christmas light displays in Southern California is Santa’s Speedway Christmas Lights Holiday drive-thru in Irwindale. The two-mile drive-thru light display boasts thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. Make the experience even more festive by playing holiday tunes as you make the trek around the NASCAR racetrack. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Where can I find a Christmas light show near me?

We’re fortunate to have so many Christmas lights in Southern California to get us in the holiday spirit. If you prefer to remain cozy in your car, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Christmas in Color in San Dimas. The drive-thru Christmas light display boasts millions of shimmering lights. Carve out half an hour for your drive through the magical display that features light tunnels, glittering snowmen, colorful Christmas trees, and other festive decorations. You might even be lucky enough to stop by when Santa’s visiting. Timed tickets are required, and tickets typically sell out very quickly.

Are there any Christmas events in Southern California?

You’ll find a ton of Christmas events in Southern California – from drive-thru Christmas light displays to Santa visiting neighborhoods. If you’ve got the time, you might even want to visit Southern California towns that celebrate Christmas in the most magical way. Bring your Christmas list along, for example, for a stroll down Main Street in Wrightwood. The darling town goes all out with twinkling lights and decorations during the Christmas season. You’ll likely feel as though you’ve been transported straight to the North Pole when you visit Skyforest, and Solvang will treat you to an old-fashioned European Christmas.

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