These Are the Best Holiday Lights in the Bay Area
During the festive season, the San Francisco Bay Area becomes a wonderland of sparkling lights and vibrant decorations. From illuminated neighborhoods to grand light installations, these are some of the best holiday displays in the region.
1. Tom & Jerry’s Christmas Tree – San Francisco
Nestled in Noe Valley, this annual spectacle at 21st and Church features a gargantuan Christmas tree embellished with countless ornaments and a train circling its base. The owners’ dedication to this tradition makes it a heartwarming stop.
2. The Oakland ZooLights – Oakland
Transforming the zoo into an illuminated universe, ZooLights offers an array of colorful LED displays depicting animal scenes, a candy cane lane-themed adventure, and the magical festivity of twinkling lights throughout the grounds.
3. Deacon Dave’s House of the Dove – Livermore
A Livermore highlight where you’ll find over half a million lights turning a home into a breathtaking exhibit. With different themes each year and intricate designs, this is a holiday must-see that brings joy to visitors of all ages.
4. Union Street Fantasy of Lights – San Francisco
Union Street features Victorian houses and businesses elaborately decorated with festive lights and ornaments, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captures the holiday spirit in classic San Francisco style.
5. Christmas Tree Lane – Alameda
Alameda’s Thompson Avenue transforms into Christmas Tree Lane every December, where houses partake in decking out their homes with impressive light displays. It’s a community tradition that delights locals and visitors alike.
6. Widmer World – Pleasanton
In Pleasanton’s Widmer World, one finds an extravaganza of holiday decorations sprawling over an entire home and yard. This self-guided tour is filled with scenes from Santa’s workshop to winter wonderlands.
7. Fairmont San Francisco’s Giant Gingerbread House – San Francisco
Inside the Fairmont’s grand lobby sits an enormous gingerbread house made from edible treats, surrounded by a forest of twinkling trees—a sweet feast for the eyes!
8. Festival of Lights Parade – Los Altos
As dazzling floats adorned with thousands of lights parade through downtown Los Altos, spectators gather to witness this annual tradition that heralds in the holidays with cheer and brilliance.
9. Mountain View Cemetery Holiday Circle of Lights – Oakland
Historic Mountain View Cemetery presents its Holiday Circle of Lights, featuring stunning light sculptures that range from traditional holiday themes to tributes remembering loved ones.
10. Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru – Los Gatos
The Vasona Lake County Park hosts a drive-thru experience where visitors can enjoy animated displays and tunnels of light from the warmth of their vehicles—a delightful way to enjoy holiday scenes in comfort.
Each location brings its own unique flavor to holiday festivities, ensuring that wherever you go in the Bay Area during this magical season, you’re never far from a spectacular display of holiday cheer!