The Best Christmas Lights in Southern California

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Holiday traditions are one of the things I look forward to each and every year. One of our favorite Christmas family traditions is viewing holiday lights in our area. There are quite a few fabulous places to see Christmas lights displays in Southern California. Some of these we have experienced first hand, some of these are still on our list of places to visit. Here is our list of the best places in Southern California to see Christmas lights.

Illuminate Silverlakes– If you’re seeking family holiday fun or a festive night out with friends, you’re invited to an evening at ILLUMINATE SILVERLAKES in nearby Norco, CA. A new family-friendly world of delightful nighttime holiday enchantment featuring live entertainment, dining, holiday shopping, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more. Now – December 30, 2022, from 6 pm to 10 pm. It’s a festive Christmas party every night! Save 50% off this weekend (12/1-12/4)! Use code CYBER. Save 40% all other days by using code MONDAY. Or for VIP TICKETS:

$30 Adult VIP Ticket – versus listed $80 (a whopping savings of $50!)

Use Promo Code: CAROL

$20 Child VIP Ticket (ages 4 – 11) – versus listed $45 (an incredible savings of $25!)

Use Promo Code: CANDYCANE

The exclusive VIP ticket offer for your readers/followers/viewers includes the following:

· Exclusive VIP main entrance entry area
· Complimentary and colorful holiday light necklace per person
· S’mores kit per person (enough for two large s’mores)
· Choice of Soup of the Day or Macaroni and Cheese
· Unlimited Hot Chocolate Bar (only in the VIP tent)
· VIP Tent with lounge furniture, including a patio overlooking the sites of the Illumination Trail with a cozy fire-pit for the roasting of a S’mores.
· Dedicated live entertainment within the VIP Tent

Click HERE to get your tickets

Lightscape at the LA Arboretum– Lightscape is an internationally acclaimed extravaganza of light, art and music that transforms the Arboretum into an illuminated night experience! Wander along stunning new installations on an expanded trail that includes the magnificent Winter Cathedral. Lightscape is a truly memorable, family-friendly walking event that is perfect for holiday entertainment and gatherings. Free parking off-site is available with free shuttle service (handicap accessible) to and from the Arboretum at the Colorado Street entrance to Lot #6 at the Santa Anita Racetrack. There is NO free parking available at the Arboretum and residential street parking in the area is strictly prohibited. For tickets and information go here; discount tickets here.

L.A. Zoo Lights: A Wild Wonderland of Lights– The Wild Wonderland of lights is a brand-new spin on holiday lights in Griffith Park, L.A. zoo lights sets the Zoo’s environment aglow with fantastical displays, among them thousands upon thousands of LED lights, flurries of illuminated snowflakes, stunning 3-D animated project ions and glittering light tunnels. Of course you are in a zoo so a menagerie of animal characters is a must. You will see lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) Go here for more information and discount tickets are here.

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills– Twinkle lights and ribbons don the trees, while holiday displays decorate the shop windows. You’ll find poinsettias planted in the center divider, and the famous Pretty Woman hotel, The Regent Beverly Wilshire, is bejeweled with lights and interior decorations. Make a day trip of it and stop in for Afternoon Tea at the Regent and enjoy this notable area for all it has to offer. More info here.

Griffith Park, Los Feliz– While the large Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival has been replaced with the LA County Zoo Lights, you may still want to hop aboard the mile-long track of the Griffith Park Train Rides for the Holiday Light Festival Train Ride. Magical scenes and tens of thousands of lights will captivate you and your family and set the mood for a wonderful Holiday season. More info here.

photo credit: Californiathroughmylens.com

The Grove, Los Angeles– 100′ Tall Christmas tree, a magical snowfall, Santa’s Cottage, and holiday entertainment. This is a great area to spend an morning, afternoon, or evening shopping for Christmas and take in a wonderful area. More info here.

Winterlit Celebration, Santa Monica– Elaborate light displays of Christmas trees, jutting icebergs, and icicles serve as the background for strolling carolers, a visit from Santa Claus and even a snowfall on opening day. You can also stop for a while to enjoy the festive ice skating rink! More info here.

Downtown Santa Monica Wniterlit Festival

Descanso Gardens: Enchanted Forest of Light– Enjoy a one mile area of the gardens fully decked out with differently themed displays. This area is beautiful with or without lights. For details and tickets go here. Discounts found here.

Theme Park: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, Sea World, Legoland– Each theme park provides their own stunning light display, and Christmas enchantment. Take one in or enjoy them all! Info on Universal, Knotts (discount here), Disneyland, SeaWorld, and Legoland.

Newport Beach Christmas Boat– For the 109th year, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is decorating vessels to parade around a 14-mile circuit in the Newport Harbor. You can see the parade for free during each of the five nights, but there are also reserved seats and dining packages available for purchase, as well as holiday lights cruises. It’s such a fun, unique way to see lights. For more information go here, or for discount cruise prices to enjoy the parade by boat go here.

Festival of Lights: Mission Inn Riverside, Ca– Riverside’s stunningly beautiful Mission Inn is bathed in 4.5 million twinkly lights during the annual Festival of Lights. The free six-week-long holiday tradition begins the day after Thanksgiving with a “switch-on” ceremony. Throughout its run, you’ll find horse-drawn carriage rides and more than 400 animated figures. It’s quite a spectacle and gives the feel of Christmas. See here for more info.

Irvine Park Railroad: Aside from parking, it is FREE to enjoy all the lights, story time with Mrs. Claus and photo opps around the park during their annual holiday event. (railroad tickets have sold out quickly this season, but the area is incredible to go out and enjoy). Go here for more info.

Coronado San Diego: Located a bridge away from downtown San Diego, Coronado is a magical seaside getaway during the winter months with mild temperatures, glistening beaches and a nostalgic setting to enjoy a stocking full of holiday festivities for visitors of all ages. During the holiday season, the “Crown City” is transformed into a winter wonderland, from twinkling Christmas tree-lined streets and the Hotel del Coronado’s delightful ice Skating by the Sea to Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s enchanting marina with Santa gondoliers and boats adorned with colorful holiday lights. See here for more info.