Everyone is getting into the holiday spirit, which means exploring numerous neighborhoods in San Diego and searching for the best Christmas Lights. The holidays are the perfect time to find stunning light displays that give you that extra boost of holiday spirit during the season. While San Diego doesn’t drop to the colder temperatures, these light displays will make you feel the holiday warm and fuzzy everywhere you go.
These are our must-see holiday lights throughout San Diego.
Belardo Lights
- Address: 5306 Belardo Dr, San Diego
The Belardo Lights is a computerized light display that is so impressive your child will never want to leave. The display was created by a father who wanted a special holiday treat for his two sons with autism. From 5:30 pm to 10 pm until December 27, the Belardo Lights shine bright for all to see.
Tune your radio to 106.1 FM for music that synchronizes with the lights. The light show is free to view, but they also have a donation bin for the Stein Education Center. Check their website for more hours and their schedule.
Christmas Card Lane
- Address: Oviedo Street and Black Mountain Road, San Diego
Rancho Penasquitos works with 200 families and yards to feature a giant Christmas card cut-out against a backdrop filled with lights. Early December is the best time to check the lights out since you can beat the holiday rush, and you might get lucky with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Old Town Holiday Lights Trolley
Address: 4010 Twiggs St, San Diego
Instead of driving around and searching for lights, try the trolley to take you. You’ll see all the best lights throughout San Diego in one evening. While roaming, the elf conductor will give you holiday facts and traditions with lights from Old Town, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, and more. The tour is 75 minutes and runs from December 3 to 24, then back again from the 26 through the 30.
Candy Cane Lane in Poway
- Address: Poway Candy Cane Lane
Candy Cane Lane is a cul-de-sac filled with festive lights and cheer for all to enjoy. Most homes are ready to go by the second week of December and will stay light through Christmas Eve from 5 pm to 10 pm. Most houses also raise money for charities and sell holiday treats while mingling with guests. The area is blocked off from cars; park on a side street and walk around the area. Weekdays are the best to view since it’s less busy.
Luminaria
- Address: 30th Street and Fern Street in South Park
During the holidays, this small town turns their streets into Luminaria. Through the New Year, trees will be filled with twinkling lights and bright houses. Make your way down 30th Street and Fern Street to see all the beauty.
Christmas Park in Clairemont
- Address: Mount Abernath Ave, Clairemont
Over 40 homes in Clairemont along Lana Drive and Jamar Drive will be decorated for everyone to enjoy. The tradition in Clairemont began in 1977 and is still holding strong today. You can view all the lights from December 1 to December 25.
Merry-tage Court
- Address: Scripps Ranch in Stonebridge Parkway and Meritage Court
Scripps Ranch loves to be creative with its holiday decoration and leaves everyone wondering about its masterpieces. The lighting display usually has pop-culture themes like Star Wars and Cars that children will love. The lights are up the entire month of December from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Jingle Bell Hill
- Address: Pepper Drive and Soloman Ave, El Cajon
Seventy-five homes in El Cajon feature an assortment of incredible holiday lights, and the annual event is now called Jingle Bell Hill. There are various themes, from comic book characters to nativity scenes. The light show begins December 8 and goes through the 26 from 6 to 9 pm.
Christmas Circle
- Address: Whitney Street and Mankato Circle, Chula Vista
Chula Vista has a 60-year tradition where residents proudly display their Christmas lights. Over 55 homes partake in the event from December 8 through the 26. You can view the lights anywhere from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Starlight Circle
Address: Tomel Court, Santee
Seventy-five homes shine bright in Tomel Court during the holidays, where viewers can drive or walk through the neighborhood for extra holiday cheer. Homeowners are known to be out and about with hot cocoa, kettle corn, and other goodies that all can enjoy. The light display will be up all December from 5:30 pm to 10 pm.
Fairway Village
- Address: Stoney Gate Place, Carmel Mountain Ranch
Your family will be amazed at Carmel Mountain Ranch, with over 100 homes participating in holiday lights. The spectacular area is filled with holiday wonder from December 15 to January 1 between 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Christmas House
- Address: 6646 Elegant Tern Pl, Carlsbad
Take a look at the stunning Christmas Village in Carlsbad. The private home creates a winter wonderland anyone can walk or drive by to enjoy the Christmas season. The lights will not be on if it’s raining, though, so keep that in mind.
Knob Hill
- Address: 1639 Knob Hill Rd, San Marcos
Knob Hill offers an incredible light display for the season that will leave the kids breathless. You won’t know where to look at this stunning display that is perfect for the holiday season.
Coronado Christmas Lights
- Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado has a stunning light display during the holidays. Their beachfront lawn is turning into a winter wonderland with decorated trees, snowy surprises, and more.
Jungle Bells San Diego Zoo
- Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego
In the evening, the San Diego Zoo transforms its zoo into a wonderland of lights. The celebration is called Jungle Bells and features sparkling lights, seasonal decorations, holiday music, and more. A zoo ticket must be purchased to view the lights.
Seaport Village
- Address: Seaport Village, San Diego
Seaport Village is beautifully decorated during the holiday season and is a must-stop in San Diego. The trolley will take you to this light show, but you can also go alone and wander around the beautiful displays.
Enchanted Village
- Address: 12526 Campo Rd, Spring Valley
Noah’s Homes hold an annual Enchanted Village where visitors can view over 500,00 lights, interactive displays, and more. Cars will start at Steele Canyon High School and wind through the area under lights and candy cane tunnels. All proceeds from the event go to Noah’s Home, a non-profit housing for adults with disabilities. The event starts December 18 from 5 to 8 pm, costing $65 per car.
San Diego is filled with incredible lights that everyone will enjoy. While some events are free, others will go to a great cause during the holiday season.