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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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Christmas Light Displays in San Diego

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 2023!

BANKERS HILL

Luminaria: 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

The Forward House in Bankers Hill: 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.

CARLSBAD

The Carlsbad Christmas House 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.

2329 Snead Dr. Lights, lights, 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.

6646 Elegant Tern Place Lights On 2022 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!

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH

 Fairway Village: east and west sides of Stoney Gate Pl. 80 homes decorated in “Holiday Magic”. Dec. 10-Jan.1, 5:30-10:30 pm.

 

CHULA VISTA

Christmas Circle Circle between First and Second Ave. off H St. & 1st Ave. 62nd year of decorating 55+ homes. Dec. 10-26, 5-10 pm.  Whitney St./Mankato

Chula Vista Christmas Circle Lights

Chula Vista Christmas Circle Lights

 

Jackie & Jose’s Christmas House: 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.

 All she is asking is for clothing or food donations for the homeless but I encouraged her to also put out a separate donation box to help fund her electrical bill and future Christmas purchases that she will most definitely put back into the home! Address: 756 Nolan Ave. Chula Vista, CA

A Christmas in Candy Land: 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

Visit Kuma Bonais Nursery in El Cajon, the only full service bonsai nursery in San Diego County!

 

CLAIREMONT

Clairemont Christmas Park Off Mt. Abernathy Ave. Circular street. 40+ homes decorated. Dec. 1-24. Lana Dr. & Jamar

CORONADO

 Hotel del Coronado. 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

DOWNTOWN

XMAS Bar: XMAS Bar has pop ups in Cleveland and St. Petersburg Florida but this is their first San Diego venture. They have plans to do even more fun decorating throughout the entire restaurant so all of the space is utilized.
This is a great place for hosting company holiday parties or family get togethers. They will be doing fun Christmas themed events (a festive drag show, some local singers) throughout the season! 401 G Street

EL CAJON

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.

ENCINITAS

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

ESCONDIDO

Center for the Arts– 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025 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.

Eureka Lights: Synchronized lights that are broadcast on 89.9 FM, over 14,000 lights and a Christmas show being broadcast every night from 5-10:30 pm until 12/31. 3160 Crane Ave. Escondido, CA 92027 Harmony Grove Village–  Starting Point: Trail Ridge Dr, Escondido, CA 92029 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!

Spence Family Light House-  1835 Sunny Slope Terrace 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.

 

FALLBROOK

2031 Reche Rd. Fallbrook- Christmas/Disneyland House: 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!

Horse Creek Ranch: 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. Friesian Way & Old Palomino Way

HILLCREST

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.

 

LAKESIDE

 10248 Paseo Palmas Dr. 20+ houses nicknamed “Tinsel Town.” Dec. 5-25, 5:30-9 pm.

LEMON GROVE/LOMITA

 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

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights.  Boats decorated in holiday lights circle Oceanside Harbor.  760-722-5751. www.oceansideyc.net

POINT LOMA

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

POWAY

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.

PARADISE HILLS

 2160 Reo Dr. 14th year of decorating. Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 7pm-midnight.

RAMONA

 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.

RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS

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.

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SAN MARCOS

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!

SANTEE

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.

SCRIPPS RANCH

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)

SERRA MESA

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

TIERRASANTA

5306 Belardo Dr. 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

VISTA

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!

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14 Reviews

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    boy this love is so freaking scary i got chills right now

    January 20, 2017

  • Anonymous
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    @Anonymous, oh i guess this one is in San Marcos! sorry!

    December 17, 2018

  • Anonymous
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    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
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    The house in IB is missing its on Coronado Ave.

    December 8, 2019

  • Anonymous
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    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
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    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
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    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
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    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
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    Best lights in Vista and surrounding area

    December 11, 2020

  • Anon
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    I went to the Burnham st in Clairemont. It was not on.

    December 17, 2020

  • Santa C.
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    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
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    Santa 🎅🏻 and Mrs Claus 🤶 will be at Merritage Court on Friday night 12/10/21

    December 6, 2021

  • Meghan
    Rating Overall Rating Difficulty Finding

    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
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    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

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