Here’s where to see Christmas lights in the Bay Area (2025).
Wreaths, gingerbread houses, garlands, nutcrackers, Santa, reindeer, and Christmas trees wrapped in strings of Christmas lights all make me think of the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday decorations and Christmas lights can be found everywhere in the Bay Area, from Los Gatos to San Francisco. And there’s no better time like the present (no pun intended) to visit!
Whether you drive around various neighborhoods to see decked-out houses (and lawns), attend a holiday event, or take a whimsical ride through a fantasy wonderland, there’s sure to be a holiday attraction that will put you into the spirit of the season.
Here are five places to see Christmas lights in the Bay Area this holiday season.
Christmas In The Park in downtown San Jose is one of the largest, free, family-friendly places to see Christmas lights in the Bay Area. The event is situated in Plaza de César Chávez, a two(ish)-acre park that transforms each year into one of the most enchanting areas to see winter wonderland decorations and Christmas lights.
More than half a million Bay Area residents flock yearly to this festive attraction, which features over 40 animated displays and several hundred individually decorated Christmas trees (sponsored by various local businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations).
Christmas In The Park offers evening entertainment on the community stage, visits from Santa, and food vendors selling decadent holiday treats like the crowd-favorite Snowman Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a floating snowman. You could easily spend a few hours taking everything in, from the rides (each with a separate nominal fee) to the 50-foot Christmas tree, so tall and brightly decorated that you can spot it blocks away from the park.
General Info
ADDRESS: 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose (Parking Info)
COST: FREE
Christmas In The Park Travel Tips:
🎄 Bundle up and bring an umbrella! Christmas In The Park is an outdoor-only event and winter days and nights in San Jose can be cold and rainy.
🎄 Go multiple times. I went two days in a row, and it was still impossible to see everything, so making several trips is encouraged.
🎄 Make a date or family night of it. Head downtown a couple hours beforehand for lunch or an early dinner (here’s our guide to restaurants in downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Square Market).
Fantasy Of Lights
6-10 p.m. nightly, runs through January 5 (closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day)

Vasona Park in Los Gatos kicks off its 27th year of festivities with an impressive 1.5-mile scenic drive thru route, featuring a dazzling holiday light show. To add to the fun, tune into the special station on your car radio to hear joyful music as you drive around, viewing more than 50 seasonal exhibits and a 90-foot sparkling tree to ignite a magical evening experience. To get to the entrance of Fantasy of Lights, follow posted signage and look for public safety workers directing traffic as you approach the park. Once you pass the ticket entrance and show your prepaid admission (here’s where to get tickets), follow the line of cars in front of you slowly so you can absorb every image (have a passenger take the photos if you’re the driver).
General Info
ADDRESS: 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos
COST: $32.34 Per Regular Vehicle
Fantasy Of Lights Travel Tips:
🎄 Tickets are only sold in advance and are generally not available for same-day purchase. Since it is a scheduled event, it’s important to arrive 30 minutes prior to your admission time.
🎄 Bring snacks and activities if attending with little ones. The drive-through line can take a while (plus you’re in the car throughout your visit), so bring something to munch on and an activity to keep everyone preoccupied.
Willow Glen

If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in the Bay Area for Christmas lights, head to Willow Glen. The residents are so festive that this neighborhood (south of downtown San Jose) feels like a holiday tradition reminiscent of ABC’s hit show, The Great Christmas Light Fight.
Here’s what you’ll see: Disney, Peanuts, Looney Tunes holiday decor; over-the-top holiday lights hanging from anything and everything; blow-up Santas on rooftops; sidewalks lined with PVC pipes shaped like arches with hundreds of glittering lights entwined. A show-stopper on one block is the herd of lit-up reindeer, beginning with Rudolph and ending with a dazzling sleigh that spans over a few houses. Another house features everything related to Hanukkah (blue illuminated lights, signs, menorahs, and stars of David). You may even be lucky enough to spot Santa if you’re out driving around on a Friday or Saturday evening!
Read Next: Here’s How To Spend Christmas In Willow Glen, San Jose
General Info
ADDRESS: Glen Brook Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
COST: FREE
Holidays At Filoli
runs through January 11, closed Christmas Eve and Day

Filoli Historic House & Garden comes to light during the holiday season, where the Woodside mansion’s already-impressive year-round landscape is magnificently upgraded into a winter garden decked out with enthralling holiday lights. Meanwhile, inside is equally beautiful with carefully curated colors and decorations. Advance tickets for all holiday events at Filoli are recommended.
Editor’s Note: In addition to the night garden, you’ll also find a light tunnel, warming seasonal drinks (like mulled wine and apple cider), and public fire pits at Woodland Court.
General Info
ADDRESS: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062
COST: $45+ Per Person
Roaring Camp Holiday Lights Train
December 17-23, December 26-31
Heading to the coast is a year-round event in California. While you’re in Santa Cruz soaking up the sun, why not climb aboard Roaring Camp’s Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train? The seasonal adventure places riders on its train cars, brightly lit with thousands of lights, for a one-hour escapade through the city streets of Santa Cruz. For those who can’t make it before Christmas, the train becomes the New Year’s Holiday Lights Train from December 26-31, where a live DJ and hula hoopers help ring in the new year.
General Info
ADDRESS: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
COST: $49.95 Per Person
Holiday Lights Train Travel Tips:
🎄 Trains run rain or shine, and there are no refunds.
🎄 The train arrives and departs at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, in front of the Merry Go Round on The Boardwalk. Parking can be found in a lot across the street for a flat fee, or on various city streets with hourly meters.

What are your favorite places to see Christmas lights in the Bay Area? Let us know down in the comments below. As always, we love learning about your favorite spots!
You’ve been a big help to me. I’ve been looking for new things to do near San Jose this holiday season. Thank you!