Where The Find The Best Christmas Lights in the Bay Area

The day after Thanksgiving is like flipping a magical switch! Up goes the tree, Holiday tunes blare at full volume, and I’m shoveling down Peppermint Bark like it’s a competitive sport! One of the best parts of living in the Bay Area is watching everyone’s jaws drop as places transform into a festive wonderland for the holidays! To kick off the 12 Days of Christmas, here are 12 of my absolute faves!

1. Let's Glow SF

Let’s Glow SF, the country’s largest holiday projection event, is returning to downtown San Francisco for the 2024 holiday season. This FREE outdoor holiday projection arts festival has expanded this year to include seven locations featuring large-scale animated light installations by 13 artists from around the world and award-winning design studios, plus projections at Annie Alley in Yerba Buena and an art installation at The Crossing at East Cut. Let's Glow SF will run from December 6 to 15, 2024 with nightly shows from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, and will include Glow on Front: A Neon Block Party, a FREE all-ages block party on Front Street, the State’s first Entertainment Zone, on December 13, 2024. (Please note shows begin at 7 PM on the first evening of the event). #LetsGlowSF

2. Christmas Tree Lane

This cooperative effort, put on by more than 50 households, is in its 86th year. Local groups will perform, and kids can drop off letters to Santa in a specially designated mailbox that routes them to the North Pole. Santa also will stop by on certain nights to visit with kids. Details: 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly, Dec. 1 to 31. 3200 block of Thomson Avenue, between High Street and Fernside Boulevard, Alameda.

3. Tam Valley MegaTree. The Tam Valley MegaTree is up and running 5-10pm every night. The MegaTree is a 30 foot tall tree of 3000 individually controlled lights that dance to holiday music. You can safely enjoy the tree from your car by tuning into 96.1 FM. We are up and running 5-10 pm nightly with 8 different shows. 340 Jean Street, just off Shoreline 1/2 mile west of Tam Junction, Mill Valley.

4. Lights on Los Alondras

Lights on Los Alondras is back for 2024! Want to see us turn on the lights like Clark Griswold? Join us to start the Christmas season 11/29 at 6pm! If you can, please bring a new unwrapped toy or monetary donation to help make the holidays special and spread Christmas spirit to kids all over town (all donations go to the Foundation to help kids and stay in Novato). Display and toy drive will be open and collecting through 12/31 weather permitting.

5. Christmas in the Park

Experience the magic of Christmas in the Park like never before! Since 2020, our Drive-Thru Light Show in History Park San Jose has been bringing holiday joy to the community. Cruise through dazzling light tunnels, festive buildings, and giant candy canes all synced to your favorite holiday tunes. Don’t miss out! Drive Thru Opens Nov 21. Downtown Opens Nov 29!

6. Crippsmas Place

We will allow visitors to walk on the sidewalks or drive on the streets to see the decorations and lights. There WILL be candy canes handed out nightly from 12/7 to 12/28/2024!

7. VNA’s Gingy House 

VnA's Gingy House at 340 Shoveller Drive, Suisun City, is a seasonal holiday residential display. This whimsical house features 12,000 synchronized lights, and hand-made props. The display is the main fundraising event for VnA Creatives, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization bringing creative art projects into the community. The display is best experienced out of the car along side the public sidewalk. There is no cost to visit.

8. Widmer-World

We have been painting, cleaning and un-packing our treasured possessions and of course adding in some new surprises for the season.

9. Garden of D'Lights

Garden of D’Lights is a self-guided holiday light experience at the Ruth Bancroft Garden! See the Garden and plant collection transform into a dazzling waterwise wonderland illuminated with thousands of colorful lights, art installations, and lasers, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. 

10. Deacon Dave's House Of The Dove

Display Hours: (Opening November 30th, 2024) Sunday – Thursday 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm Friday & Saturday: 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm After Christmas until New Year’s night, the display will close at 9 p.m. at 352 Hillcrest Ave, Livermore.

11. Private Homes in San Francisco

Tom & Jerry’s House, 3650 21st St
Light Tunnel, Outer Sunset on 43rd & Riveria 
68 Castro
45 Upper Terrace
3600 21st St
Fairmont Hotel Gingerbread House

12. Holidays at Filoli

'Tis the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House decked in holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows. During the day, bask in the winter sunlight as it brings out the hues of splendid decor, enchanting Garden displays, and sets the tone for the perfect family photo. Indulge in daytime delights with warm drinks by a firepit or stop for a hearty lunch at the Quail Café. In the evening, enter a dazzling world of holiday cheer as immersive displays and historic, natural beauty bring magic to returning favorites and new experiences.

Do you have a favorite? Please leave a comment below.