Best Places to See Holiday Lights
What are the holidays without a little bling? There's nothing better than the wholesome festivity that is looking at holiday lights. 'Tis the season for twinkle, so we've compiled this handy guide to all the best holiday lights in the Bay. Stay festive, Bay Area.
San Francisco
(Powell + Market // Hyde + Beach)
Not "lights" technically, but still a cute holiday display that's very quintessential San Francisco. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the famed cable cars will be decked out in holiday decor and on display at Powell + Market St, as well as Hyde + Beach St for your enjoyment (and let's be real, your Instagram too).
(Peacock Meadow // Golden Gate Park)
Deemed a "whimsical wonderland of lights," you already know it's about to be a wholesome holiday outing. These magical trees of light will brighten Peacock Meadow from December 1 to March 12, making sure your entire winter is lit.
Castro Street House
(68 Castro St // The Castro)
This Castro District house is arguably the most festive home in all of SF and the photo says it all. We're stoked to see the decorations are back for another year, drawing attention and visits from folks near and far.
(333 Post St // Union Square)
Your best bet for getting the most bling for your buck is to head straight to the heart of SF. Visit one of the City's most popular tourist destinations and spend an evening gazing up at the thousands of lights (33,000 to be exact) adorned on the 83-foot tall tree.
(Downtown SF)
The U.S.'s largest holiday projection mapping event is taking over San Francisco with festive light shows projected on Downtown buildings nightly from December 2 to 11. Take a stroll and see if you can find them all.
(865 Market St // Yerba Buena)
This has to be seen, and Instagrammed, to be believed. The Westfield Centre on Market Street debuted this 50-foot, crystal beauty in 2016 and it looks as though it's here to stay for years to come. Plus, you can take care of your holiday shopping after you check it out!
EAST BAY
(Thompson Ave // Alameda)
Light displays on Alameda’s Christmas Tree Lane have been a neighborhood tradition since 1938, with each home displaying their own unique take on the season. The residents of at least 55 Thompson Avenue homes all contribute time and resources to make the holidays truly special for everyone - and this year, Santa's back! Stop by all holiday season.
(Oakland Zoo // Oakland)
Take a (socially-distanced) stroll through the zoo to find light installations larger than life, including elephants, tigers, butterflies, and even dinosaurs. Dozens of glowing lantern animals stand tall over the grounds, perfect for pictures or just staring in awe.
(1552 Bancroft Rd // Walnut Creek)
Nursery turned a field of glowing colors and twinkling lights! The Garden of D'Lights at Ruth Bancroft Nursery showcases 3.5 acres of cacti, succulents, and trees under beaming lights sure to make you feel like you're wandering through wonderland. Open November 25 through January 8 — grab advance tickets!
South Bay + Peninsula
(Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road // Los Gatos)
This delightful drive-through holiday lights display has been making spirits bright for 23 years now with its whimsical displays. Purchase advance tickets and enjoy the over 1.5 miles of lights nightly, from December 3 through 30, excluding Christmas day.
Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train
(Santa Cruz Boardwalk)
Hop on the Redwood Forest Stream Train and get transported through to wonderland. On select weekends and days in December, go for a ride on the train to Bear Mountain, then hop off and walk-through Winter Wonderland at Bret Harte Hall, then grab a cuppa hot cocoa and say hi to Santa.
(635 Phelan Ave // History Park, San Jose)
Let's spruce things up a bit! Keep it classic and grab a cup of hot chocolate before you embark to the park, then strap in for a night of socially-distanced fun. The San Jose staple has Christmas in the Park all dialed in for visitors to drive through and see the decorations from their cars. Open November 25 until December 31.
(1700-1800 Fulton St // Palo Alto)
This holiday season will be Christmas Tree Lane's 81st lighting. Yup, for 81 years this street has lit up visitors with Christmas cheer. You can drive through and enjoy the wondrous light display, hot cocoa or cider in hand. Open December 10 through 31st, 5pm - 11pm.
(1123 Coleman Ave // San Jose)
Live your Hallmark movie fantasy when Enchant, the world's largest Christmas light maze and village, stops at PayPal Park this year. The light maze includes over 4 million lights, while the Christmas village area offers holiday shopping, cozy dining options, ice skating, and more.
North Bay
(Sausalito Waterfront)
A Holiday tradition for adults and kids in Sausalito and across the Bay Area. In a typical year about 40 decorated boats compete for a variety of prizes. Head on over December 10 + 11 for the 35th annual boat parade.
(34 Devonshire Rd // Novato)
This Novato home is dressed to the nines both outside and inside. The themed rooms inside are amazing, but just stopping by to see the outdoor decor alone is worth the visit.
Written by Kate Horton and Janellah Zamora
** This article was originally published by Do The Bay. CLICK HERE to view the full article.