San Diego may not be known for wintery weather and landscapes, but we make the most of the holidays by getting festive with lights and decorations in neighborhoods all over the county! If you need to catch the Christmas spirit, we've got you covered with a list of neighborhood displays sure to bring you holiday cheer!
You'll be able to drive or stroll by or around most locations, but a few also have interactive elements that you can walk through.
For all of the events and ongoing attractions taking place in San Diego check this page.
EAST COUNTY
- Gingerbread House – Santee
This Santee home spreads holiday cheer by covering itself with over 12,000 holiday lights!
When: Nightly from dusk – 10pm though January 1
Where: 9435 Saint Andrews Drive, Santee CA 92071
- Happy Lights – Ramona
Over 30,000 lights are animated to music heard on 106.9 using 995 computer channels.
When: now through January 1. Sunday – Thursday 5:30-10pm and Friday – Saturday 5:30-11pm.
Where: 23542 Bassett Way, Ramona CA 92065
- Jingle Bell Hill – El Cajon
For decades families have packed up the car and driven their families through these streets filled with festive lights and holiday displays. 75 homes participate in the lighted festivities and its spectacle not to be missed.
When: Nightly from 6 – 9pm (10pm on weekends) through Christmas
Where: Pepper and Lindenwod Drives, or Pepper and Rockview Drives.
- Starlight Circle – Santee
This small neighborhood in Santee was built in a circle, and the residents get together every year to fill their yard with twinkling lights for all to see.
When: Nightly 5:30 – 10pm through Christmas
Where: West and East Glendon Circle in Santee, 92071
- Santa Claus Lane – Lemon Grove
This cul-de-sac turns into Santa Claus Lane each with a light show each evening
When: nightly 5:30 – 10pm through Christmas
Where: 2618 Sheri Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
- Tinsel Town – Lakeside
Over 20 homes that go ALL OUT to the holiday BRIGHT for all with dancing lights and holiday décor.
When: Every evening December 5 through Christmas
Where: 10248 Paseo Palmas Drive, Lakeside, CA 92040
CENTRAL SAN DIEGO
- Belardo Lights – Tierrasanta
A much-loved tradition started by homeowner Ranch Schmika that has tuned into a neighborhood effort where everyone decks the halls (their yards) with impressive holiday displays and thousands of lights which are synchronized to music that you can hear on FM 106.1. More details available HERE.
When: Nightly 6 – 10pm through December 27
Where: 5306 Belardo Drive, San Drive, San Diego, CA 92124
- Christmas Card Lane – Rancho Penasquitos
Featuring dozens of homes that have been completely transformed for the holidays with imaginative displays and more, it has become a San Diego favorite.
When: Nightly from 5 – 9pm through Christmas
Where: 9190 Oviedo St, San Diego, CA 92129
- Clairemont Christmas Park
Over 40 residents participate in this delightful neighborhood display that transforms the area of Lana Drive and Jamar, off Abernathy Circle into its own “Christmas Park.”
When: Nightly from dusk to 10pm through Christmas
Where: Lana Drive and Jamar, San Diego, CA 92117
- Garrison Street Lights – Point Loma
This neighborhood near Sunset Cliff provides a festive, family-friendly holiday displays that are sure to delight.
When: Nightly 5 – 9pm through December 31
Where: 3616 Garrison St., San Diego, CA 92106
- Fairway Village – Carmel Mountain Ranch
You’ll be dazzled by this community’s holiday lights that and festive displays.
When: Starting December 16, lights/displays will be on nightly from dusk – 10:30pm through January 1
Where: Stoney Gate Place in San Diego, CA 92128
- Luminaria – Bankers Hill
Everything from trees, lamp posts courtyards and roofs are covered in holiday lights in this lovely neighborhood.
When: Nightly each evening through January 1
Where: Along 30th Street and Fern Street from Juniper, Grape and Beech Streets.
- Merry-Tage Court – Scripps Ranch
This neighborhood takes their light displays seriously and they really get into the holiday spirit with displays and activities.
When: Nightly 5:30 – 9:30pm through December 31
Where: Merritage Court and Stonebridge Parkway, San Diego, CA 92131
- The Forward House – Banker’s Hill
This late historic, Victorian home is adorned each year with bright festive lights. It’s also become known as the “Griswold’s Christmas House.”
When: Nightly 5 – 10pm through December 31
Where: 108 Ivy Street (at 1st Street), San Diego CA 92101
SOUTH BAY
- Christmas Circle – Chula Vista
For over 60 years, this neighborhood has been delighting folks with its festive holiday light displays on 55+ homes. It has close to a 5-Star review on Google
When: Nightly 5 – 10pm from December 10 through Christmas
Where: Whitney and Mankato Streets in Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Christmas in Candy Land – Chula Vista
You’ll want to get out of the car for this one and stroll through the 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. Drop your wish list in Santa’s mailbox and experience their new “Frozen” display.
When: Most nights through Christmas
Where: 1234 Napa Avenue, Chula Vista CA 91911
- Jackie & Jose’s Christmas House – Chula Vista
This wonderful couple open their homes every night from 6-9pm for guests to marvel at the wall-to-wall display of Christmas trees, décor and so much more – plus holiday music and the spell of pine trees throughout! The couple encourage guests to bring clothing or food donations for the homeless in San Diego.
When: Nightly from 6 – 9pm through January 6 (the home will be closed on Sat. Dec 11)
Where: 756 Nolan Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910
NORTH COUNTY
- Candy Cane Lane – Poway
House after house on this street are covered in holiday lights and festive décor.
When: Nightly from dusk – 10pm through Christmas
Where: Hickory Street, Poway, CA 92064
- Candy Cane Lane – San Marcos
An entire block gets in the holiday spirit with candy cane themed lights and displays galore.
When: Most nights through Christmas
Where:1000 Crimson Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
- Carlsbad Christmas House
Flamingos, penguins, animated window displays, dancing Santa and the Land of Misfit Toys are all featured at this magical home in Carlsbad. More info HERE.
When: Nightly from 5 – 10pm through December 31
Where: 7607 Romeria Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009
- Christmas on Knob Hill – San Marcos
Visiting this incredible display is a cherished holiday tradition for many. The homeowners love to spread holiday happiness with lights and decoration aplenty! Santa will be on-site December 14-23 from 6:30 – 8pm.More details HERE.
When: Nightly 5 – 9pm through December 30
Where: 1639 Knob Hill Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
- Christmas / Disneyland House – Fallbrook
For over 25 years, the home’s owner Mack has been adding to his incredible display of lights and miniature displays of his home town, family, and friends.
When: Most nights through Christmas
Where: 2031 Reche Road, Fallbrook CA 92028
- Jingle Terrace Park – Vista
When: Nightly from 5:30 – 9pm through December 23
Where: Brengle Terrace Park – 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista CA 92084
- Spence Family Light House – Escondido
For over 10 years this family has been conducting at light show at their home for all to see!
When: Evenings through Christmas
Where: 1835 Sunny Slope Terrace, Escondido CA 92027
- The Griswolds House – Poway
The house got its name because of the sheer number of lights the pack on their house each year to help make everyone’s holiday bright and cheerful!
When: Nightly from 5:30 – 10pm (weekends - 11pm) through January 1
Where: 12631 Stoutwood Street, Poway, CA 92064
- Willow Walk Road – Oceanside
Tens of thousands of lights are integrated into this amazing show that includes mega board arches and singing Christmas trees!
When: 6:30 – 10pm nightly through December 31.
Where: 5279 Willow Walk Road, Oceanside, CA 92057
Light Displays at Parks and Businesses Throughout San Diego County
- Botanic Wonderland – Encinitas (per person fee)
Botanic Wonderland at San Diego Botanic Garden, has become a local favorite tradition. The nighttime festivities provide families and friends the opportunity to stroll through the garden to enjoy outdoor holiday lighting and activities in a safe and carefully organized setting. Open nightly 5:30 – 9pm through December 30 (closed Dec 24-25). Located at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024.
- Enchanted Village at Noah Homes (per person fee)
Guests at the Enchanted Village walk through acres of brilliantly lit trees, magical cottages, light tunnels, live entertainers, hundreds of giant candy canes, over a million lights, interactive displays, and other festive decorations. Santa will be at the Enchanted Village every night and would love to get a photo with you! All proceeds benefit Noah Homes, a nonprofit that provides housing and care to people with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism. Located at 12526 Campo Road, Spring Valley CA 91978. More details HERE.
- Holiday Market at Petco Park - Downtown San Diego (per person fee)
Along with festive food and shopping the Holiday Market has some incredible light displays (Candy Land, Winter Wonderland and Classic Christmas) for you to stroll through. The event is open nightly from 4-9:30pm at Gallagher Square at Petco Park on 840 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101. More details HERE.
- Jingle Terrace – Vista (Free)
The city of Vista creates this annual event where guests can literally walk through a loop that features a canopy of lights and displays. Amazing walk-through light show and display is free to the public and open the evenings of December 7-8 and 14-16 from 5-9pm. Located at the Moonlight Amphitheatre on 1250 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. More details HERE.
- Lights at the Lakes (per car fee)
Lights at the Lakes is a drive-through light show at Santee Lakes. The event features one mile drive of 100,000 lights in dazzling displays, over 25 larger than life displays and synchronized music that you can listen to on your car radio for the entire family to enjoy. The show is approximately 15-25 minutes long. Tickets must be purchased in advance. More details HERE.
- Northern Lights – Escondido (Free)
Northern Lights returns December 3rd - January 2nd starting at sunset daily! Enjoy this self-guided holiday lighting decor experience as the Center is transformed into fantasy of light. Stroll through a tunnel of twinkling lights, LED Christmas trees, and light shows. Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors Linden Root Dickinson Foundation Gale and Jay Stienon The Aeling Family. Located at the California Center for the Arts - 340 N. Escondido Blvd.