Starting in late November, California will feature a variety of holiday light displays across the state, with some continuing into January and February. Waterfront areas and botanical gardens are among the locations that will host these events.
In San Francisco, the Illuminate SF Festival of Light will run from November 24 to January 31, featuring over 60 light-art installations throughout the city. The festival includes new pieces along the Light Art Trail.
Los Angeles’ Citadel Outlets will begin its Tree Lights event on November 8, highlighted by musical performances and what is described as the world’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree. Nightly shows will include light displays and artificial snow flurries from 5 to 8 p.m.
Dana Point in Orange County will display 700,000 lights during its holiday season, themed “Carol of the Boats.” The Boat Parade of Lights is scheduled for December 12–14. Other activities include live music, menorah lightings, and boat rides with Santa.
Beverly Hills will hold its Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration on November 13. The display covers three blocks and includes live performances and fireworks on opening night.
San Diego’s USS Midway Museum will be decorated with 750,000 lights from November 28 to December 30 as part of the Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration.
Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park will host Redding Garden of Lights from November 21 to January 4. The event features illuminated pathways through McConnell Botanical Gardens and options such as private igloos for groups.
The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas presents Lightscape from November 14 to January 4, where visitors can walk a mile-long path illuminated by one million lights.
Riverside’s Mission Inn Hotel & Spa celebrates the season with more than four million lights from November 22 to January 6. Packages are available for guests that include dining credits and holiday treats.
Filoli estate in Woodside offers Holidays at Filoli from November 22 to January 11. The house features decorated trees and gardens lit by extensive lighting displays. Additional festivities include firepit drinks and holiday teas.
The Living Desert in Palm Desert hosts WildLights on select nights between November 25 and December 30. More than one million lights decorate the park alongside animal-themed lanterns and model trains.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg holds its Festival of Lights on weekends from November 28 to December 21. Pathways are lined with lights while visitors can enjoy hot beverages and local sweets.
San Luis Obispo’s Holiday Plaza runs from November 28 to December 24 at Mission Plaza, featuring a carousel, menorah lightings, Santa’s House, and a musical light show. The annual Holiday Parade occurs on December 5.
Sacramento offers Theatre of Lights between November 27 and December 24 with projection-mapped shows against historic buildings. Visitors can also tour residential neighborhoods known for their displays or join bike tours through decorated streets.
Long Beach continues its Trees in the Bay tradition from November 27 to January 1, where wooden trees wrapped in lights are placed in local waters. Additional parades occur throughout December.
Santa Cruz operates Holiday Lights Trains on select nights between November 29 and December 23, including Hanukkah-themed rides and excursions into Bear Mountain forest areas.
Geyserville hosts an illuminated tractor parade on November 29 while San Rafael features two parades during its Winterwonderland event on November 30. Downtown activities include markets and menorah lightings through early January.
San Diego’s Embarcadero presents Holidays by the Bay between November 18 and December 30 with Santa sightings, menorah lightings, dinner cruises, and boat parades mid-December.
Fresno’s Christmas Tree Lane event has been suspended for the year; it has previously featured drive-through displays since the early twentieth century.
Other events across California include Calistoga’s Lighted Tractor Parade (December 6), Stockton’s Annual Lighted Boat Parade (December 6), Palm Springs’ Festival of Lights Parade (December 6), Marina del Rey’s Holiday Boat Parade (December13), Huntington Harbour Boat Parade (December13–14), Sausalito’s WinterFest (December13–14), Santa Barbara’s Holiday Parade of Lights (December14), Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (December17–21), Ventura Harbor Village Holiday Parade of Lights (December12–13), Mammoth Lakes’ Night of Lights (December13), and Napa Valley’s Lighted Art Festival running after New Year from January17 to February15.
