San Diego may not be known for picturesque snowy landscapes or wintery weather, 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
Where: 9435 Saint Andrews Drive, Santee CA 92071
- 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.
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 – 9:30pm through December 31
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 though 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 though December 27
Where:5306 Belardo Drive, San Drive, San Diego, CA 92124
- Christmas Card Lane – Ranch Penasquitos
Featuring dozens of homes that have been completely transformed for the holidays with imaginative displays and more.
When: Nightly from dusk to 10pm through Christmas
Where: 9190 Oviedo St, San Diego, CA 92129
- 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: 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 Victorian home is adorned each year with bright festive lights.
When: Nightly 5 – 10pm through Christmas
Where: 108 Ivy Street (at 1st Street), San Diego CA 92101
- Holiday Market at Petco Park - Downtown San Diego
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. Please note that there is an admission fee. More details HERE.
When: Nightly from 4 - 9:30pm through Christmas Eve
Where: Gallagher Square - 840 K 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.
When: Nightly 5 – 10pm 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
- Botanic Wonderland – Encinitas
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. Please note that there is an admission fee.
When: Nightly 5:30 – 9pm through December 30 (closed Dec. 24-35)
Where: 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
- 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
The city of Vista creates this annual DRIVE-THRU event at Brengle Terrace Park where guests can literally drive through a loop that features a canopy of lights and displays. The event is free but you are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped food items that will be donated to the San Diego Food Bank.
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
12631 Stoutwood Street, Poway, CA 92064
- Holidays in Your Car – Del Mar Fairgrounds
This twinkling event is back! Experience a separate holiday light display from the comfort and safety of your vehicle! Note: there is an admission fee for this event.
When: Nightly through December 31
Where: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA, 92014
HOLIDAY MUSIC
Just open the iHeartRadio App on your mobile device and choose from: Christmas Classics, R&B Christmas, Christmas Rock, Country Christmas, iHeartChristmas and just for kids, North Pole Radio! They are free & available 7/24 on the iHeartRadio App!
Direct links below.