Even when it’s 70 degrees outside, Christmas in Southern California transforms our region into a winter wonderland with its many light displays. The lights turn this part of of our state into a festive holiday destination. If you want to experience all the December magic that the area has to offer, hop in the car and head out on this Christmas lights road trip that will take you to some of the best holiday lights in SoCal.

This map will show you a good route to enjoy a Christmas Lights Road Trip that will take you on a magical tour of the best holiday light displays in SoCal.
Google Maps
Carve out an entire weekend to experience them all, or just select the spots closest to you to enjoy the holiday lights in your neck of the woods.
1. The Hotel del Coronado - San Diego
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA
facebook/Hotel Del via instagram @beckylee3
Visiting the historic Hotel del Coronado during the holiday season is like stepping inside a magical snow globe. From the elegant Christmas lights outside to the festive holiday displays inside the lobby, this is one spot you'll want to spend some time wandering to take in the festive surroundings in each and every corner.
2. Balboa Park — San Diego
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
flickr/nathan rupert
Southern California's largest and most beautiful urban park is an epic place to see a magnificent display of holiday lights and decor. Stroll through the historic setting of Balboa Park and take in the stunning and festive surroundings that will get you into the holiday spirit in no time.
3. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights — Shelter Island to Coronado.
Shelter Island, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
flickr/tony webster
The annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is held in mid-December in the evenings, and it's endlessly beautiful and fun. You can see this festive display of lights for yourself along the parade route beginning at Shelter Island and ending in Coronado.

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4. Temecula Valley Wine Country - Temecula
Temecula Valley, Temecula, CA 92592, USA
facebook/temecula valley wine country
Temecula Valley wine country is always a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but magic is definitely in the air during the holiday season when the streets, local businesses, and wineries are decked out in Christmas lights. Pictured here: Villa di Calabro Winery and Olive Oil Co. Editor's Note: This winery has closed, but Christmas lights abound at other great locations in the area.
5. Festival of Lights at the historic Mission Inn — Riverside
3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
flickr/pyro spectaculars by souza
With more than five million holiday lights glittering and the world's largest mistletoe on display, this is one spectacular destination not to be missed. Located at the historic Mission Inn in downtown Riverside, the Festival of Lights is free and open to the public. It's a fantastic place to enjoy Christmas in Southern California.
6. Disneyland — Anaheim
Disneyland Drive, Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
flickr/harshlight
Everyone knows that Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, but did you know it's also the most epic place to see Christmas lights? Although it's a ticketed event and you have to pay for park admission, if you time your visit during the Christmas season, you'll be treated to the most magical Christmas lights you've ever seen. It truly is right out of a storybook!
7. LA Zoo Lights — Los Angeles
5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
LA Zoo Lights
A spectacular Christmas lights display can be experienced each holiday season at LA Zoo Lights located in Griffith Park. Stroll through the zoo at night while the animals are sleeping and enjoy the holiday displays and colorful twinkly lights throughout the property.
8. Robolights — Palm Springs
1077 E Granvia Valmonte, Palm Springs, CA 92262, USA
facebook/robolights
One of the most artistic Christmas lights displays you'll ever see, Robolights will completely enchant you with its wild, wacky, and enchanting light displays. From a giant Santa to magnificent and artistic holiday creatures of every kind, this is one display that completely stretches the imagination. Robolights runs in December and the beginning of January every year.

What a perfect way to embrace the magic of Christmas. Where are your favorite destinations in SoCal to see holiday lights and Christmas displays?

For another fun and festive way to experience the beauty of Christmas in Southern California, take a look at this festive holiday attraction in Southern California.

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Christmas in Southern California

Danielle Schwartz | October 17, 2022

What are the best winter day trips in Southern California?

Are you looking for something fun to do this season? Try one of the best winter day trips in Southern California! One great choice is a trip to the charming small town of Wrightwood, which becomes a little winter wonderland in the cold months. Wrightwood is a fun place to see snow in SoCal. Now there's a rarity! Enjoy skiing if you're seeking a thrill. There's a sweet village for you to explore while you're here, too. Another fabulous spot to enjoy the winter season is Big Bear Snow Play. It's especially ideal if you are heading out for a family adventure with the kids. Everyone will love tubing together.

Should I go hiking in winter in Southern California?

Absolutely, winter hiking in Southern California is a fantastic way to spend your time. We are lucky here that it's never too cold to enjoy the great outdoors. San Gorgonio Wilderness offers many stunning snow-covered trails. You'll feel like you're on a postcard. Another gorgeous winter hike is Mt. Wilson Trail in Arcadia Wilson Park. At an impressive 12.6 miles, it's a long trail, but it's definitely worth the trek to see the lovely vistas you get on this walk. Icehouse Canyon Trail in Cucamonga Wilderness is another beautiful place to go hiking. This trail is on Mt. Baldy, and the classic forest and mountain combination is breathtaking.

What are the best Christmas towns in Southern California?

When you want some Christmas spirit, we know where you should go to celebrate the season. The best Christmas towns in Southern California are the most fun places to enjoy the holidays. Coronado is fantastic all year round, but during the holidays, the charming neighborhoods get even more amazing. Keep an eye out for lovely lights throughout the area. Another Christmas town in Southern California that you should visit is Big Bear Lake. Its iconic location is a draw, of course, but you'll find that there's even more to love when you go exploring in the peaceful blanket of snow.

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