Holiday lights 2023: The 19 best and brightest Bay Area displays
From local neighborhoods to parks, gardens and famous historic sites, Bay Area lights displays will shine this season.
Nothing beats seeing lights, lots and lots of lights, blazing and twinkling in the darkness of winter nights to get you in the holiday spirit.
That’s the allure of the Bay Area’s many holiday light displays. Parks, gardens, churches, and historic sites provide some examples. Others are organized by groups of neighbors and creative homeowners who transform their streets and front yards into winter wonderlands complete with theme-park-level light-and-music extravaganzas.
Here is a list of the best holiday displays, which is likely to grow in the coming weeks as we confirm details about some well-known venues or learn about exciting new displays that deserve to be highlighted. All events are free unless otherwise stated.
Deacon Dave’s world-famous display, Livermore
Prepare to be dazzled by at least 750,000 lights glowing around Deacon Dave Rezendes’ home. Rezendes, a deacon at St. Michael Parish in Livermore, has been putting on this show at his Casa del Pomba for the past 40 years. His spectacular has been featured on cable and international television; only the global COVID-19 pandemic could force Rezendes to cancel the show in 2020.
Details: Nightly from December 1 to January 1, with a 6:30 p.m. opening night procession on December 1. 352 Hillcrest Ave. in Livermore; http://casadelpomba.com.
Oakland Zoolights “Glowfari”
With gorgeous, detailed, larger-than-life animal lanterns arrayed around the zoo’s 525 acres, the Oakland Zoo hosts one of the Bay Area’s most unusual holiday displays. On a cold winter evening, visitors can stroll through the zoo and meet magnificent, glowing African elephants and giraffes, pass through a tropical rainforest, time travel back to the age of the dinosaurs, and meet mountain lions, wolves, polar bears, and other iconic North American wildlife.
Details: Open most nights from 5 to 9 p.m. until Jan. 28 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Day). Admission is $22-$26; visit www.oaklandzoo.org for more information.
Historic lights in Woodside
Visit Woodside’s century-old Filoli estate to experience classic holiday elegance. Inside the grand dining room and other elegantly appointed spaces, elaborately decorated trees radiate celebration. The 25 miles of twinkling lights arrayed around the extensive garden, as well as a 210-foot-long light tunnel, make Filoli especially magical during the holidays. On weekends, Santa will be available for selfies, and visitors can take a break from their tour to sip mulled wine or hot whiskey cider around fire pits on the Dining Room Terrace or the Woodland Terrace.
86 Caada Road, Woodside, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until January 7. On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, Filoli will be closed. Admission is $23-$43; visit https://filoli.org for more information.
Lights of Livermore
Tickets to taste some great Livermore wine and enjoy a one-hour trolley ride around Livermore to see the town’s biggest and brightest holiday displays are still available, though they may not last long. This includes a stop at Riesling Circle, where over two dozen homes have been lavishly decorated with lights. The trolley rides begin at Concannon Vineyard, where you can sample a flight of wines before boarding the trolley. There are also trolley rides for families every night, with no alcohol served.
Details: Rides are available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 8 through December 23. The price ranges from $33 to $73 per person. Livermore Wine Trolley, 4590 Tesla Road; https://www.livermorewinetrolley.com.
Bobby and Genee Holiday Lights, San Jose
Bobby and Genee Bimbi present a light and music spectacle on this cul-de-sac near Santa Theresa County Park, which has become a favorite destination for people in their neighborhood and beyond. Over 45,000 lights surround their front yard, and holiday scenes flash across the front of the house. Visitors can also hear their music on 99.5 FM and contribute to Toys for Tots.
Details: The show runs from 5 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 to 10 p.m. From Friday to Sunday, November 24 to December 31, at 259 Kaybe Court in San Jose; https://www.facebook.com/bobbyandgeneeholidaylights
Alex Dourov’s extravaganza, Livermore
This home show by the founder of the California Christmas Lights website features a mix of old-school decorations and high-tech light and sound effects, as well as a snow machine, a dancing 6-foot-tall “Joy” sign, and penguins around a campfire. Children are encouraged to call Santa, and guests can listen to music from the sidewalk or 107.9 FM from their car.
Details: From November 25 to December 29, 467 Knottingham Circle in Livermore; http://californiachristmaslights.com/
Crippsmas Place, Fremont
Residents of this north Fremont neighborhood have illuminated their front yards and raised larger-than-life plywood cutouts of favorite cartoon characters in a show of community solidarity and goodwill for six decades. They have also used their displays to raise funds for deserving causes. Visitors can donate this year to six local organizations as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make appearances on the evenings of December 10, 11, 17, 18, and 19, and the Mission Peak Chamber Singers will perform on the evening of December 17.
Details: 6 to 10 p.m. on Nicolet Avenue, Cripps Place, and surrounding streets in Fremont from December 9 to 31; www.crippsmasplace.org.
Lights in the Cacti in Walnut Creek
Visitors can meander along the paths of the 3.5-acre Ruth Bancroft Garden during the fifth annual “Garden of d’Lights,” where its world-famous collection of gorgeous cacti and other succulents and drought-tolerant plants are presented with fantastical and specially-programmed lasers and thousands of LED lights.
Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 24 to Jan. 6, at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m., at 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Admission ranges from $12 to $29 and must be purchased in advance at https://www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/garden-of-dlights.
Merry Merry-Go-Round
During the holidays, Berkeley’s famous Tilden Park carousel transforms into a winter wonderland, festooned with bright, colorful lights and graced by visits from Santa and his elves, as well as Olaf the Snowman.
From November 24 to January 7, the hours are 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends. Christmas Eve and Day are closed. Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park is located at the intersection of Central Park Drive and Lake Anza Road. Tickets are $4 each, and reservations are strongly advised; https://tildenmerrygoround.org.
Christmas on a Hill, Morgan Hill
Climb the hill at West Hills Community Church in Morgan Hill to see a synchronized musical light display and explore the dazzling light tunnels, decorated trees, and life-sized hand-painted displays. This is the show’s third year in this unique hillside setting, and everyone gets free hot chocolate.
Weekend hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. from December 9 to December 24, with a special Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. on December 24. West Hills Community Church is located at 16695 DeWitt Ave. in Morgan Hill and can be reached at https://www.westhills.org.
Christmas in the Park, San Jose
The popular San Jose tradition provides two opportunities to see lights and other festive displays. The popular walk-through takes place in Plaza de Cesar Chavez in the heart of downtown San José, with a 65-foot illuminated tree and a forest of pines decorated by San José schools, community groups, and businesses. At San Jose’s History Park, a separate drive-through light show is held.
The walk-through opens on November 24 in Plaza de Cesar Chavez and is open daily from noon to 11 p.m. at 1 Paseo de San Antonio. The History Park drive-through is open from November 29 to January 1 at 5 p.m. at 635 Phelan Ave. Tickets range from $30 to $35 per car, and reservations are strongly advised; www.christmasinthepark.com.
Los Gatos’ Fantasy of Lights
The Santa Clara County Parks Department’s 25th annual show at Vasona Lake County Park offers one of the Bay Area’s most popular drive-through holiday displays, with a 1.5-mile route taking families through a fantasyland of lights, animated figures, and a 90-foot twinkling tree.
6 to 10 p.m., December 5 to 30 (closed Christmas Day). The trailhead is located at 333 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos. Tickets ($39 for standard vehicles, $50 for oversized vehicles) must be purchased in advance online at https://parks.sccgov.org/fantasy-lights-2023).
Christmas Tree Lane, Alameda
This 85th year of this cooperative effort by more than 50 households. Local groups will perform, and children can drop off letters to Santa in a special mailbox that will deliver them to the North Pole. Santa will also visit with children on certain nights.
5 to 10 p.m. nightly from December 3 to 31, 3200 block of Thomson Avenue, between High Street and Fernside Boulevard, Alameda; www.facebook.com/christmastreelane.
Christmas Tree Lane, Palo Alto
Residents along this stretch of Fulton Street, off Embarcadero, will put on a show of old-fashioned charm, elegance, and history for the 82nd year, with front yards decorated with lights and glowing, larger-than-life cutouts of Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men.
Details: December 16 to 31, 5 to 11 p.m., 1700 and 1800 blocks of Fulton Street, Palo Alto; www.christmastreelane.org.
Widmer World, Pleasanton
The Widmer family of Pleasanton has presented a popular home display for more than 30 years, which includes a Big Tree of red and green lights, a giant “Peace on Earth” sign, and a tunnel of decorated trees, displays of popular cartoon characters, and elaborate arrangements of life-sized Santas, reindeer, and snowpeople.
Nightly from December 1 to January 1, weather permitting, 3671 Chelsea Court, Pleasanton; http://widmer-world.com
Foster Family Christmas, Redwood City
Steven Foster, known as the local “holiday guy,” performs a Halloween-to-Christmas display. As soon as he’s finished his elaborate Halloween display — a cross between “Haunted Mansion” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” — he starts putting up his North Pole-themed show, which seems to get bigger every year and always includes music, inflatable figures, and a “Letters to Santa” box.
Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. daily from November 24 to January 5, 411 Topaz St., Redwood City; https://www.instagram.com/fostersholidays/.
Winter Wonderland in Oakley
A 19-foot singing tree, the Grinch doing Grinch things, and Mickey and Minnie riding in Santa’s sleigh with the elves assisting with package distribution. These figures, along with more than 10,000 lights, are among the highlights of Michael Wright’s popular computer-controlled display. You can also listen to music on 93.3 FM while driving.
733 Solitude Drive, Oakley; 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 to Dec. 31; http://californiachristmaslights.com/
Friday “Nights of Lights,” Half Moon Bay
On Friday nights, the picturesque downtown of this coastal town transforms into a light festival, where visitors can stroll by decorated store windows and shop for gifts. A tree lighting ceremony is held on November 24, a lighted boat parade with Santa is held on December 1, an ugly sweater party is held on December 8, and a holiday movie night with “Elf” is held on December 15.
6 to 8 p.m. Fridays, November 24 to December 15, Main Street, Half Moon Bay; www.visithalfmoonbay.org.
Giant Santa in Newark
This Newark home, which competed on ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight,” has a 33-foot inflatable Santa, a 20-foot inflatable snowman, some very large candy canes, and singing Christmas trees. The music can be heard on 88.1 FM.
Details: Every night from 5 to 10 p.m. until Jan. 1 at 6716 Fountaine Ave., Newark; http://californiachristmaslights.com.
