10+ Unmissable Christmas Light Displays in SoCal – 2023 🎄

We’re unveiling the 11 coolest spots in SoCal that are all decked out with the sparkliest Christmas lights.

From cozy neighborhoods shining with holiday vibes to mind-blowing displays, this guide is your ticket to a festive adventure that screams ‘let’s celebrate!’

Ready to light up your holidays?

Let’s roll through the most awesome Christmas spots in Southern California!

(Our favorites are number 2 and number 10)

Experience luxury and glamour with the dazzling holiday lights and decorations along the famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Take a walk down this iconic shopping street, adorned with festive lights that add a touch of magic to the upscale boutiques and designer stores.

Whether you’re window shopping or looking for the perfect holiday gifts, Rodeo Drive offers a unique and glamorous holiday experience.

Enjoy a taste of holiday extravagance on Rodeo Drive!

Celebrate the holiday season at Christmas Tree Lane, a festive tradition in Altadena that’s been going on for over 100 years!

This enchanting lane, adorned with beautiful deodar cedar trees wrapped in twinkling lights, creates a magical atmosphere.

Take a slow drive or walk along the street to enjoy the dazzling display of lights.

For the latest information on specific locations, opening times, and any special events, check local announcements or the official Christmas Tree Lane website.

Downtown Riverside comes alive with the annual Festival of Lights, a spectacular celebration of the holiday season.

4.5 million twinkly lights illuminate this place so it definitely ticks the box when it comes to ‘wow factor’.

There are also around 400 animated figures too!

Enjoy the illuminated streets, enjoy animated displays, and experience the festive atmosphere.

The Riverside Festival of Lights often features live entertainment, holiday activities, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Universal Studios Hollywood transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, featuring festive decorations, lights, and special entertainment throughout the park.

The main festive attractions are Grinchmas and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Grinchmas:

Experience the whimsical world of Grinchmas, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

The celebration includes character meet-and-greets, a tree lighting ceremony, and playful decorations.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:

This part of the park takes on a wintery theme at this time of year with festive garlands and lights and snowy roofs.

There’s also the ‘Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle’ show that happens in the evenings.

Here’s what it looks like…

You’ll also find christmas themed decorations around other parts of Universal Studios too.

Disneyland Park transforms with enchanting holiday lights, including the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle covered in festive decorations.

Enjoy holiday-themed attractions, seasonal parades, and the magical “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks show.

Disney California Adventure features the “Festival of Holidays” celebration with diverse cultural performances and delicious seasonal food offerings.

And don’t forget one of the best attractions, the Christmas Fantasy Parade, where Disney characters join Santa for a musical christmas parade.

Dana Point Harbor is covered with festive holiday lights, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors.

The harbor area, including shops and restaurants, often features decorative lighting during the holiday season.

Dana Point Harbor hosts an annual boat parade, where decorated boats cruise through the harbor in a stunning display of lights.

This year is the 48th annual Boat Parade of Lights and it will take place December 8 – 10 every day at 6:30pm.

The holiday lights are typically on in the evenings during the holiday season and this year they started on November 15th 2023.

If your neighborhood is lacking christmas lights come to this one instead!

Eagle Hills in Brea, California, is known for its community-driven holiday lights display during the Christmas season.

Residents of Eagle Hills traditionally decorate their homes with festive lights, decorations, and holiday-themed displays, creating a delightful experience for visitors.

This place can get pretty busy so be prepared for traffic.

Here’s a video of what you could expect…

Celebrated every year since 1949, except for 2020, this neighborhood really comes alive at Christmas time!

To get a feel for the place, have a look at the video below.

Discover Southern California’s largest winter festival at Winter Fest OC.

At this place you won’t just get festive lights though, there are tonnes of activities as well as food and drinks to keep you busy.

You can even play with snow and have a go at ice tubing on selected dates.

Here’s a video to give you an idea…

You can expect to see larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, countless candy canes and all your favorite holiday cheer!

If you love twinkling Christmas trees then this place will definitely fit the bill.

Remember to go after dark to make the most of it!

Just look how cool it looks in the video below.

Ok so this one might not be SoCal, but why not show some love to Norcal too?

Get ready for some festive fun at Christmas in the Park in Downtown San Jose!

The Plaza de Cesar Chavez lights up with tons of twinkling lights, cool decorations, and a lively holiday vibe.

Take a leisurely walk through the park to check out all the awesome Christmas trees and cool displays.

There’s usually live music, Santa making an appearance, and fun activities for the kiddos.

It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit with your friends and family.

For the latest info on dates, opening times, entrance fees, and what’s happening, be sure to check the event’s official website.

Don’t miss out on making some awesome holiday memories!

And that’s it!

You should definitely get your fix of festive lights from one of these places in California.