Best FREE Places to See Christmas Lights and displays in Southern California

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UPDATED 12/8/2022

Okay, after my last article about Christmas lights in Southern California I had a ton of text messages, DMs, Facebook messages, etc. asking which one is my favorite. That is a hard questions because it is so subjective. What I might like, you might think is so lame, and vice versa. And honestly I only share things I enjoy, want to visit myself, or have heard good things about.

People were also shocked by the pricing of some of these activities… which with a family of 6, I TOTALLY understand and commiserate. I am always bothered when kids are so expensive because it makes things so hard to go to with a large family; and family group deals are always for groups of 4. I think the average family has 3 kids so that is not that helpful, am I right?! Rant over, and hopefully some of these companies read this and help big families out a bit.

Anyway, back to the topic on hand— based on the feedback of my last Christmas post, I decided to share some of my favorite places to go that are amazing, and Christmassy, and best of all FREE! I love going to free places to see the lights and displays in Southern California. Below are FREE places that bring the Christmas season to life.

FREE PLACES TO SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Mission Inn– USA Today recently voted The Festival of Lights as “The Best Public Holiday Lights Display in the Nation.” This is a must do for our family every year. It starts with fireworks and a bang the day after Thanksgiving, runs for 6 weeks and ends January 6. There are vendors and extras you can pay for, but to walk around and enjoy the fantastic light display is free. There is paid parking in garages near the Mission Inn Hotel, or you can find free parking on the street. 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 *2021 UPDATE no vendors and less lights this year

Bass Pro Shop– Another family favorite and yearly Christmas tradition. Yes, you can get an amazing Santa picture… know to get your appointment spot early, in fact this year they are scheduling it out 6 days in advance; new policy. But, besides Santa, the whole place is turned into a Christmas wonderland. Toys, games, gifts, crafts, large fish tank, I mean we have spent literal hours wandering the store after taking our yearly photo. They open mid November so you can get in before the crowds if that’s not your thing. Plus, they provide a free photo, and you can opt to buy extra packages!!!

The Grove– This might be one of the most beautiful outdoor malls/shopping centers I’ve ever been to. Throw in the amazing decor, gigantic Christmas tree, flying Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ workshop, and fantastic location in Los Angeles and it makes for a picture perfect Christmas location. Plan to do some of your holiday shopping, eat at the classic L.A. farmer’s market next to it, or watch a movie at the theater and make a day of it. This whole area is absolutely amazing!

Hotel Coronado– Disclaimer, I have never been. But, I am not kidding when I say it has been on my list of places to go to for about 5 years. The area looks simply stupendous. They have it completely decked out for the holidays and even have an outdoor, beach-facing, skating rink (that you would have to pay for). I cannot wait to head here soon to check it all out and walk around the hotel myself.

Irvine Park– You pay for parking but the park, lights, story time with Mrs. Claus, and photo ops are all FREE. I love Irvine Regional Park and think it’s an amazing place to spend a day with your family. There are rental bikes to take around, paddle boats, hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing lake/ponds, I mean it’s fantastic! If you haven’t checked this area out, you are missing out. Train tickets sell out fast, so get them early.

Logan’s Candy– Logan’s Candy Store in Ontario, Ca is 80 years old and is the epitome of everything a candy shop should be. It brings out the classic feel and smell and taste of Christmas. And though you will probably have to fight the crowds you will be able to witness how they make their delicious candy canes. And while the demonstrations are free, you can pay a small fee to bend your own hot candy cane. And I will attest to the fact that a hot candy cane from Logan’s is far superior to any store bought one. Read in detail about it here.

Dana Point– The Christmas lights around Dana Point Harbor are extraordinary. I love walking by the water as the lights reflect off of it. We enjoyed the lights and tried to watch the boat parade but were ill prepared for the crowds. Yowza! Go early for a spot and be prepared to be sardined in. It is a unique opportunity though and I am glad we experienced it.

Seaport Village– Holidays by the bay is a family friendly destination. With live music, holiday decor, stilt walkers, carolers, etc. There are different holiday events happening most days. Check it out here.

Newport Beach Parade– Runs from December 18-22nd. After experiencing the Dana Point Boat Parade, I would like to check this one out too. But, this time go early, go with chairs and maybe a picnic to camp out to prepare for what I am sure will be crowds. It really is such a unique way to see the lights in a very Southern California way.

Snoopy House Holiday Display– The Snoopy Holiday House Light Display in Costa Mesa is something I have just heard about this year. This runs from Dec 16 until December 23rd (runs from 530-9 pm nightly) and looks awesome. And though I have just heard of this, it has apparently going on since 1966 and attracts about 15,000 visitors annually. You can find the event in front of Costa Mesa City Hall located at 77 Fair Drive and it has snow, Santa, and so much more. You can read more about it here.

Live Oak Christmas Tree Farm– Entrance to this beautiful farm is free! And they have put on quite the light display. With tons of lights, tunnels, photo ops and more, you can spend a chilly night under the stars with the scent of pine needles enshrouding you. It’s quite magical. They also have many outdoor fire pits, and tables to sit at and enjoy an outdoor movie. Extras you can participate in include: Santa train to visit Santa (worth it!), covered outdoor ice skating rink (cheapest I’ve seen in the area), plus food, drinks, s’more kits, and activities!

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Neighborhood Lights are always a blast. And I always appreciate the people who go all out so that we can enjoy and make memories as a family. Some of the best neighborhoods to check out lights are:

Thoroughbred Rancho Cucamonga– Imagine a whole neighborhood of Clark Griswald houses. This is it! It has grown so much that they now only let you walk the neighborhood during the week the first week of December. After that and on weekends it is drive through only. Google Maps “Thoroughbred Street”, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701

Corona– The Inland Empire “Candy Cane Lane” is found in Corona California. The lights continue onto Gingerbread Lane too. Good, classic, fun neighborhood lights. Makes for an easy, stress free, holiday light night. West Mission and Pueblo Road, Corona, CA 92881

Bainbridge Circle- Murrieta has a great Christmas light reputation. This one is unique because the cul-de-sac transforms itself into musical extraordinaire. All the neighbors though decorated differently but create a uniform synchronized light display. Sounds super super cool for a night drive. Bainbridge Cir, Murrieta CA 92563

Candy Cane Lane– The eastern block of Acacia Avenue is announced by a Candy Cane Lane sign, marking a tradition of more than 60 years. The houses are decorated with trains, Santa and his reindeer, blow up decorations, etc. The lights are on by 6pm and Santa usually sits down in his sleigh at about 7pm. This is probably the place I have heard the most about that is free in Los Angeles to see a fantastic light display. The street itself is closed to cars, making for a delightful, one-block family stroll, and parking is available throughout the rest of the (well decorated) neighborhood. The last night of the official display is usually December 23, keeping the street more private for the actual holiday. Locate at the 1200 block of Acacia Ave. in El Segundo, CA 90245 (Ginger Bread Lane is on Pueblo)

Christmas Tree Lane– You can walk or take a slow drive of this neighborhood. I have heard nothing but great things about this area and hope to take a look one of these days. Every Christmas season for more than 80 years, the majestic Deodar cedars on the “Mile of Christmas Trees” are strung with 10,000 lights. Located in Altadena between Woodbury Ave and Altadena Dr at 6pm.

Chino Lights– I grew up going to these and though it’s died down a little over the years it’s definitely still got it! Walk or drive and enjoy the many neighborhoods participating in lighting it up during Christmas. Located at Cypress and San Antonio and Walnut in Chino CA (S. of the 60 frwy)

Candy Cane Lane (different one)- Runs through New Years Day. At least 50 participating housed most years. Cathedral City Located: Minerva Rd

There are so so so many places, I know I am leaving some out. Please leave me your favorite FREE place to enjoy Christmas, so I can add them in.

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Other mentions:

Irvine Spectrum

Balboa Park San Diego

Oak Glen Village

Big Bear Village

*Please comment below with your ideas