It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and these festive neighborhoods will prove it.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, or Kwanzaa, there is joy in strolling a nearby block or hopping in the car where you can blast holiday tunes. You can even explore holiday lights in some of these neighborhoods via a boat.
We compiled a list of 10 Southern California destinations known for their lit holiday hoods!
Naples Island
It wouldn’t be Southern California without some beachside holiday cheer and displays. Visitors can start their stroll at the marine or Mothers’ Beach for the best expedition. The neighborhoods surrounding Naples Island take the holidays to heart with some breathtaking Christmas light decorations that will guide Santa Claus in the dark night skies. Long Beach also puts on a beautiful Christmas tree lighting display and offers holiday light tours on a double-decker Big Red Bus that rides passengers around the best decorated private homes, the famous floating Christmas trees in Alamitos Bay, and near a Ferris Wheel. If you’re planning a more romantic festive date, Gondola Getaway Inc. provides gondola rides paired with a cup of hot chocolate for you and your sweetie.
Where: Holiday Light Tours pick up is at Marni’s OC 620 Pacific Coast Hwy, Seal Beach.
When: The Holiday Light tours are scheduled at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday through Dec. 19, with the final night on Dec. 23. For tickets and reservations, call 562-852-9888 or email events@bigredbus.com. To book a Gondola ride, visit gondolagetawayinc.com.
Festive participants circle Alamitos Bay and navigate its canals on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at the 75th anniversary of the Naples Islands Christmas boat parade in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Venice Canals
We’d be remiss, not to mention the other beautiful neighborhood nestled just steps away from Venice Beach. There is something so charming about shimmering lights over the neighborhood’s wooden framed bridges. Inspired by Venice, Italy, these man-made canals are a cozy display of Christmas lights where residents light up their homes and even some small boats that transform the area into a holiday paradise. It’s perfect for a nice winter stroll by the water. Don’t miss the Venice Canals Christmas Boat Parade on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4:30 p.m. The annual tradition since the ’80s is a community celebration that showcases some of the city’s best-decorated boats.
Where: Right off 25th St., Venice Beach.
When: Now through Dec. 29.
Symphony Street
While caroling may not be as prominent as it once was, there are still ways to enjoy those holiday jingles alongside some Christmas lights. This Orange County neighborhood allows visitors to drive-thru and tune into 89.1 FM for Christmas music. Keep up with the Lights on Symphony St Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Where: 1816 N Symphony St., Anaheim.
When: 5-10 p.m. now through Jan 1.
Upper Hastings Ranch Holiday LightUp
Organized by the Upper Hastings Ranch Association (UHRA) for more than 70 years, the neighborhood often drizzles its lawns with faux snow and decked-out decorations with no shortage of Christmas lights, attracting families from near and far to experience the festivities. The organizers’ Facebook page includes videos of live bands and community shows that have occurred in past celebrations.
Where: Hastings Ranch Drive and Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena.
When: 6-11 p.m. Dec. 6 through Dec. 31.
The Harbeck family of Pasadena emerged champions in season 10, episode 3 of “The Great Christmas Light Fight” on ABC. The light display at their Upper Hastings Ranch home is a highlight in the area’s 70th-anniversary Neighborhood Light Up event. Photo: Courtesy ABC
Thoroughbred and Jennet Streets Holiday Lights
The annual holiday tradition features over 125,000 lights, holiday figurines and decorations that bring people to the Inland Empire neighborhood every year. The city of Rancho Cucamonga restricts pedestrian access at this event to ensure safety and crowd control and passed a resolution to make it drive-thru only.
Where: Thoroughbred, Sapphire and Jennett Streets, Rancho Cucamonga.
When: 5-11 p.m. Dec. 6 through Dec. 24.
Houses on Thoroughbred Street in Rancho Cucamonga glow in the darkness Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Lights on Display in Sherman Oaks
Curated by Sherman Oaks resident Mike Ziemkowski, Lights on Display returns with an impressive showcase of holiday magic. This display features a combination of computer-controlled lighting, DMX-driven intelligent lights, and synchronized animatronic characters—all set to a festive playlist. Perfect for all ages, this free experience delights visitors Wednesday through Sunday, weather permitting, from November 29 to New Year’s Day.
Where: 3901 Longview Valley Rd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
When: Wednesdays-Sundays, beginning Nov. 29 through Jan. 1.
Holiday Road
Hosted at the picturesque King Gillette Ranch, the fifth annual Holiday Road transforms Calabasas into a holiday wonderland. Featuring over 1 million Christmas lights, a mile-long walking trail with over 20 immersive scenes, live Santa, carolers, and festive bars, it’s a must-see event for holiday enthusiasts. New highlights this year include cutting-edge projection mapping, innovative light technology, and exclusive Maker’s Mark and Minus One Nine Six Vodka Seltzer activations.
Where: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
When: 5-10 p.m., Nov. 29 through Dec. 28.
Holiday Road will return to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas as an immersive walk-thru experience Dec. 3-31. (Photo courtesy of Holiday Road)
Sparkle DTLA at The Bloc
Celebrate the season in a vibrant display of lights at Sparkle DTLA, where 18 million hues illuminate the night in sync with festive music. Located at The Bloc, this event features one of the city’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday displays, making it a unique experience for all ages. The nightly light show starts at 5 p.m. and runs through December 31.
Where: 700 W 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
When: 5-10 p.m., nightly through Dec. 31.
123 Farm Christmas Nights
Bring the holiday spirit to life at 123 Farm Christmas Nights, where twinkling lights meet festive fun in a charming Christmas Village setting. Stroll the farm while savoring seasonal foods and drinks, surrounded by holiday displays perfect for a family outing.
Where: 10600 Highland Springs Ave., Beaumont, CA 92223
When: 5-10 p.m., Tuesdays-Sundays through Dec. 23.
Christmas Tree Lane
Experience a mile of magic on Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, where towering cedar trees are adorned with twinkling lights and festive music fills the air. Beginning December 7 at 6 p.m., this annual tradition transforms Santa Rosa Avenue into a glowing wonderland, perfect for a stroll or a drive.
Where: Santa Rosa Ave., between Altadena Dr. & Woodbury Rd., Altadena, CA 91003
When: Nightly starting Dec. 7.
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