Posted in Southern California
December 16, 2017
Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Seeing Southern California’s Magical Christmas Lights
We may not have any snow on the ground in SoCal right now, but we definitely have some festive destinations where you can take in the sights of some pretty epic holiday displays. Load up the car and pack your favorite holiday snacks, as we’re heading out on a Christmas lights road trip through Southern California.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate



Running through January 7, the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge is a dream-like setting where you can stroll through the garden at night for a captivating display of holiday lights. Tickets must be purchased in advance, so make sure to make a reservation for this fun holiday event by heading to their official website.

When you want to see beautiful holiday lights in a magical space without having to pay a single dime, Balboa Park is a marvelous destination to explore. Head out here after dark and take a look around — you'll find lights galore and plenty of holiday spirit in every corner of this treasured urban park. Did we mention this attraction is FREE?!


The 2017 Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a fun event the whole family will enjoy. Take a short train ride through this iconic SoCal park and you'll be treated to a night of delightful lights and beautiful Christmas displays. This holiday train runs through December 30th with train rides beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. each night.

For the 25th year in a row, Wildlights in Palm Desert has been bringing holiday cheer to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This festive display runs through December 24th from 6 to 9 p.m. on select days. Check the zoo website for schedules and admission details.

From the moment you pull into Old Town Temecula, you'll be in a Christmas wonderland with lights galore and festive displays along Main Street. Take a leisurely stroll through this storybook town that is guaranteed to make you feel like you've been dropped inside a magical holiday village.

You'll never even have to leave your car to take in this magnificent display of lights in SoCal. Located in Fontana at the Auto Club Speedway, The Magic of Lights is a 1.5-mile holiday extravaganza that you can experience from the comfort of your car along the speedway. Prices are by car only, so load up the whole family and enjoy this dazzling event that all ages will adore. For a glimpse of what you'll see, here's a video of Magic of Lights posted by Auto Club Speedway:
What do you think of this Christmas lights road trip in SoCal? It sure looks like a fun way to spend a weekend this December.
For more holiday fun in SoCal, check out these 7 spots in Southern California where you may find some snow later in the season.
Address: 9300 Cherry AveFontana, CA 92335
Address: 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
Address: 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Address: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011