Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that any of these fun places we may visit, we are a guest at. Please treat both businesses and trails with the utmost respect. We here at Hidden San Diego follow the 'Leave no Trace' mantra, meaning whatever you bring with you comes back with you. If you see trash on a trail, please do your part to help remove it. Remember, we are not picking up trash from another person but instead cleaning up for Mother Nature. Happy adventures!
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San Diego pops OFF with Christmas lights every year! I thought I would share a list of the best spots to enjoy this celebration throughout the city! Here are our top picks of Christmas Light Displays in San Diego for 2024!
Trees, lamp posts, roofs and courtyards all decorated with lights. Along 30th St. and Fern St. from Juniper to Grape to Beech. Nov.27-Jan 1st Address: 3029 Elm St, San Diego, CA 92102
Experience the sight and sounds of the season at 108 Ivy St. (1st & Ivy). Built in 1905 for Mayor John Forward Sr, adorned with lights every season since 1998. 5-10 pm. Address: 108 Ivy St, San Diego, CA 92101
Walk up to see the animated window display, swimming penguins, surfing Santa, Snoopy skating and three snow machines. Food drive donations accepted. Dec. 4-31, 5-9 pm. 7607 Romeria St.
Llights, lights, Santa arrives by hot air balloon, nativity scene, animated elves and Santa village light display. Walk up to see a Christmas scene in the garage. Dec. 5-31, 5:30-9 pm. Address: 2329 Snead Dr
Lights December 2 – Jan 1st, 5:30-10PM. Free Santa’s Mailbox, Santa writes you back. Free community party Dec. 17th with Santa, Cocoa, cotton candy, crafts, music and fun! Address: 6646 Elegant Tern Place
East and west sides of Stoney Gate Pl. 80 homes decorated in “Holiday Magic”. Dec. 10-Jan.1, 5:30-10:30 pm. Address: 13990 Stoney Gate Pl, San Diego, CA 92128
Circle between First and Second Ave. off H St. & 1st Ave. 62nd year of decorating 55+ homes. Dec. 10-26, 5-10 pm. Address: Whitney St./Mankato
Chula Vista Christmas Circle Lights
Owners Jackie and Jose have opened their doors every night from 6pm-9pm until Jan. 6th for people to marvel at the holiday transformation they’ve created on their home. Every room on the bottom floor is decked out from head to toe with decorations. And we are talking about highly detailed decorations. There is Christmas music playing and smells of pine trees wafting throughout the house. I just find it near impossible to not walk around with a huge smile on your face.
Walk through their life size Candy Land filled with lollipops & gumdrops. Travel to Whoville to meet the mean one, Mr. Grinch and take your Who-Liday photos. Stop by Santa’s Workshop and see the Elves hard at work. Don’t forget to write your Christmas wish letter to Santa and drop it in Santa’s mailbox, all while sipping on a hot cup of cocoa. Frozen is their newly added display for 2021. Address: 1234 Napa Ave. 91911
Off Mt. Abernathy Ave. Circular street. 40+ homes decorated. Dec. 1-24. Lana Dr. & Jamar
Hotel del Coronado Celebrate the magic of the holidays as America’s beachfront legend transforms into a winter wonderland of ice and lights, sparkles and snowflakes. With its magnificent outdoor ice skating rink and DELights, The Del is celebrating all things shiny and bright.
Join friends and family for lavish feasts, Victorian teas, festive parties and holiday traditions. 1500 Orange Ave. 619-522-8490. www.hoteldel.com
Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Dr. Lights). Solomon Ave./Pegeen Pl. and surrounding area. Off 67 & Bradley. Dec. 7-26, Mon-Th, 6-9 pm, Fri-Sun, 6-10 pm.
11456 Pegeen Pl. “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, complete with Jack, Sally, Zero, the Mayor & Oogie Boogie. Santa may make a surprise visit. Dec. 5-Jan. 1, Mon-Th, 6-9 pm and Fri-Sun, 6-10 pm.
1838 El Pico Dr. Off Hacienda Dr. 53rd year decorating the 20-ft. star that’s 100 ft. up. Nov. 29-Dec. 31. Also see a 55-ft. train. Dec. 8-31, dusk-10 pm.
9777 Valley Ranch Rd. Cul-de-sac of lights programmed to 89.1 FM/87.9 FM. Giant dazzling trees, twinkling stars and a Winter Wonderland of computerized light and music shows. Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 5-10:30 pm.
Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden: This is a magical, whimsical wonderland that will make you feel as though you’ve entered a fairytale. They really went above and beyond with this and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys holiday festivities!
Best part is that it’s in the most beautiful botanical garden San Diego has so you’re amongst this majestic, lush forest as you glide through the pathways. Nov. 17-Jan. 1st. Purchase Tickets
Northern Lights display. Beginning November 30th, their 12-acre campus will be transformed into a spectacle of light, hope, and joy after sunset each evening. Guests are invited to wander along our walkways, taking in the holiday sights and sounds.
The young and young-at-heart will enjoy tunnels of twinkling lights, giant LED Christmas trees, and blow-up figurines of favorite holiday characters. Marvel as lights move to music in a display curated by local Escondido family The Peace’s featured on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. On view daily from 4:30 – 9:00 PM. This self-guided holiday experience is completely FREE and open to all. Address: 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
Harmony Grove Village This neighborhood is also known for their elaborate Halloween decorations. This is not just one block that is brimming with decorations, but block after block after block! Address Starting Point: Trail Ridge Dr, Escondido, CA 92029
The Spence Family has been creating a holiday light show at their home in Escondido since 2010. Over the years it has evolved and grown. Bring your family and friends to enjoy the show each holiday season from 5pm until 10pm. Address: 1835 Sunny Slope Terrace
Owner, Mack, has been adding to this magnificent display for over 25 years! Be prepared to enter a wonderland of lights and minature displays inspired by his hometown, friends and family! Address: 2031 Reche Rd. Fallbrook
Horse Creek Ranch is a newly developed community off the 15 and 76 that has 800+ homes. The majority of our community participated HEAVILY in Christmas lighting. Address: Friesian Way & Old Palomino Way
Inside Out Holiday Oasis Experience: After an AMAZING Alice in Wonderland setup for Halloween, they have now gone all out for the holidays! Head to toe décor, faux snow paired with holiday-inspired bites and drinks, this adult-only experience will definitely leave an imprint on your memory.
This setup runs through January 1st. RSVPing is strongly recommended for dining, although walk-ins are welcome! Check out our reel on the event here.
10248 Paseo Palmas Dr. 20+ houses nicknamed “Tinsel Town.” Dec. 5-25, 5:30-9 pm.
Barbarella Restrarant: Christmas-loving foodies absolutely must add this restaurant to your list of places to visit this holiday season.
They go alllll out on the decorations both indoors and out. It’s so cozy and romantic. The food is incredible as well, sourced locally as often as possible and with the freshest ingredients.
Not to mention it’s one block from La Jolla Shores! So much perfection in one restaurant! Address: 2171 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
2618 Sheri Lane. Cul-de-sac turns into Santa Claus Lane. Light show at 6:30 pm and every 30 minutes on 89.9 FM. Dec. 1-31, 5:30-9:30 pm.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. Boats decorated in holiday lights circle Oceanside Harbor. 760-722-5751. www.oceansideyc.net
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Over 100 vessels. Begins on Quivira Basin. Dec. 10, starts at 7 pm. 858-488-0501. www.mbyc.org
Candy Cane Lane: All off Twin Peaks Rd. & Silverset St. named “Candy Cane Courts.” Entire cul-de-sacs are lit up. Dec. 10-24, 6-9 pm. Hickory Ct./Hickory St., 12659 Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct.
2160 Reo Dr. 14th year of decorating. Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 7pm-midnight.
23542 Bassett Way. “Happy Lights Ramona” with 30,000+ lights animated to music on 106.9 FM using 996 computer channels to control the lights. Nov. 24-Jan. 1; Sun-Th, 5:30-10 pm; and Fri & Sat, 5:30-11 pm.
Christmas Card Lane: Off Black Mountain Rd. “Christmas Card Lane.” Also enter off Twin Trails Dr. & Carmel Mountain Rd. Dec. 9-31, dusk-10 pm. Oviedo St.
1849 Rees Rd. San Marcos- This is one of the most amazing Christmas trees I have ever seen! The family rents a crane each year to light up their humungous tree!
Starlight Circle/Sunburst Santee. Tomel Court, off Magnolia. Many homes lit up with Christmas light displays. Dec. 1-26, dusk-10 pm.
Photo by Carol Hainlin
9325 Pebble Beach Dr. Displays on house and yard set to music. Dec. 1-31, dusk-10 pm.
9435 Saint Andrews Dr. Santee’s gingerbread house with over 12,000 lights. Nov. 28-Jan. 1, dusk-10pm.
Merry-tage Court: Nicknamed “Merry-tage Court”, entire street lit up with fun themes. Dec. 1-31, 5:30-9:30 pm. Stonebridge Parkway and Merritage Ct.
Merry-tage Court (Scripps Ranch)
It’s only one home, but if you live or are in the area, definitely worth stopping by. The home is BRIMMING with lights and neat decorations! 2002 Ainsley Rd. San Diego, CA 92123
Off Via Valarta at Via Playa De Cortes. 100,000 lights and decorations all sequenced and animated to music at 106.1 FM. Nov. 26-Dec. 26, 6-10 pm. www.belardolights.com Address: 5306 Belardo Dr.
Jingle Terrace Park: November 26 – December 23, 2021 – Nightly from 5:30 pm to 9 pm The City’s annual drive-thru Christmas light event features holiday-themed light displays along the driving loop in Brengle Terrace Park. Visitors will be captivated by the displays of holiday lights depicting many of Vista’s special and unique amenities. Address: Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive
Bring a Food Donation in Support of the San Diego Food Bank
Cross streets of Edgehill & Foothill dr.: Marvel at their front house bursting with lights and decorations!
Anonymous
boy this love is so freaking scary i got chills right now
January 20, 2017
Anonymous
@Anonymous, oh i guess this one is in San Marcos! sorry!
December 17, 2018
Anonymous
You guys are missing out on a really great house in Carlsbad 3920 Rockfoeld Court 92010 it is a house synchronize with music and lights and plays about 12 different songs definitely not to be missed!! you guys are missing out on a really great house in Carlsbad 3920 Rockfield Court 92010 it is a house synchronize with music and lights and plays about 12 different songs definitely not to be missed!!!! Also the peace family light show in Escondido is another great one synchronized with music and lights!
December 7, 2019
Anonymous
The house in IB is missing its on Coronado Ave.
December 8, 2019
Anonymous
South Park is labeled under Bankers Hill, oops!! I’d also suggest checking out Burlingame while you are in the neighborhood. Lights lining the palm trees and lots of lovely historic homes all lit up starting just a block East of 30th and one block north of Juniper
December 13, 2019
Anonymous
The San Diego Botanic Garden is listed in Oceanside. As the “details” state, it’s in Encinitas, not O’side. It’s beautiful.
December 17, 2019
Jocelyn
Facebook post by DB Lights dated Nov 13 2019: “Hello Everyone, it with great sadness I must report that DB Lights will no longer have lightshows in San Diego. We have moved to Kansas. The show will be live in Kansas and a new person has moved into the house in Santee,CA. I ask that you please be respectful to the new tenant and not bother them. We at DB Lights appreciate everything San Diego has done for us. In our 8 seasons in San Diego we raised over $10000 for Cancer Reasearch, 223 lbs of food for the the santee food bank and 306 lbs of toys for Santee Santas. None of it would have been possible without your support. Dont forget there are amazing lightshows still in San Diego. Belardo Lights in Tierrasanta and Starlight Circle are my favorite. Thanks for 8 amazing seasons and from my family to yours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
December 3, 2020
ELIZABETH G GALA
6646 Elegant Tern Place Carlsbad (North County Coastal) this year the party is on the 19th and has turned into a Covid safe drive thru! 5-9PM on the 19th.
December 9, 2020
Jerry Warneke
Best lights in Vista and surrounding area
December 11, 2020
Anon
I went to the Burnham st in Clairemont. It was not on.
December 17, 2020
Santa C.
Thank you! Such festive holiday displays all over the county! To all who share their holiday cheer, “Bravo!! It is greatly appreciated! We love you!!” Best holiday wishes to everyone!!
December 20, 2020
Greg Bowles
Santa 🎅🏻 and Mrs Claus 🤶 will be at Merritage Court on Friday night 12/10/21
December 6, 2021
Meghan
You can remove the house listed in Oceanside at Peacock. This house is near where we live and we drove by tonight and there’s not really anything there. I’d suggest removing it.
December 6, 2021
Craig Phillip
A young woman in La Mesa wrote a song about a warm weather California Christmas called, “Christmas Lights Through Car Windows.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1T9W6MMv5g
November 26, 2022