Holiday Christmas Light Displays & Tree Lighting Ceremonies in Los Angeles & Southern California Updated for 2011

Southern California is full of beautiful holiday light displays. Check out some of the best SoCal has to offer!


For light displays within the Santa Clarita Valley, click here. For a Google map of the Holiday Lights in SCV, click here.


Thomas Guide coordinates may follow the listing, referring to the Los Angeles County Guide, unless otherwise noted.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY:

COMMUNITY LIGHT DISPLAYS & CELEBRATIONS,
LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Griffith Park, Los Feliz -
CANCELLED FOR 2011
Follow the one-mile stretch of Crystal Springs Drive beginning at the Open Archway and ending at the Los Angeles Zoo parking area. Enjoy the DWP's Annual Light Festival featuring Los Angeles landmarks. Dress warmly and walk, or stay cozy in your car. If you like to contribute, festival employees located at the entrance to the festival are on hand to collect unwrapped Christmas gifts.

Exit Golden State Fwy (5) at Los Feliz and head west. Turn right on Crystal Springs Drive and proceed to the entrance of the Light Festival. (594/C2)
MAP IT!

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills
Twinkle lights and red ribbons adorn the trees, lavish holiday displays decorate the shop windows, poinsettias are planted in the center divider, and the infamous Pretty Woman hotel, The Regent Beverly Wilshire, is bejeweled with lights and interior decorations. Make a day of it and stop in for Afternoon Tea at the Regent. The hotel has a Holiday Desk available to answer questions concerning their festivities. Plan ahead for next year's Nutcracker Tea, as reservations are sold out one year in advance, or the Christmas Carol Luncheon, when the hotel brings snow to the property for the kids. (632/F2)
MAP IT!

Westlake Village Inn, Westlake Village
800-535-9978
Thousands of twinkle lights bring holiday cheer to this charming European-style inn, set on seventeen acres in Westlake Village. Christmas trees and poinsettias are scattered throughout the property, creating a winter wonderland. Take advantage of one of their winter overnight specials and catch live entertainment every Friday and Saturday evening in Bogie's Night Club & Bar. Or, just stop in for dinner at Le Cafe European Bistro. (557/D5)
MAP IT!

Winterlit Celebration, Santa Monica
310-394-1049
Elaborate light displays of Christmas trees, jutting icebergs, and icicles serve as the background for strolling carolers, a visit from Santa Claus and even a snowfall on opening day.
MAP IT!

NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHT DISPLAYS, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Pasadena
Call the Pasadena Chamber (626-795-9311) before venturing out.

Christmas Tree Lane, Altadena
From the 210, take the Arroyo Blvd. Exit toward Windsor Avenue. Turn left onto N. Arroyo Blvd. N. Arroyo Blvd. becomes Windsor Ave. Turn right onto W. Woodbury Rd. Turn left onto Santa Rosa Ave, which is Christmas Tree Lane. (535/J6)

Turn off your headlights and drive through three very long blocks of large trees sweeping over the street, highly decorated with colored lights. I've been told this is very worth the drive.

Christmas Tree Lane ends at Altadena Dr. Take a right on Altadena Dr. and turn right on Allen Avenue. Proceed to Mendocino Lane, turn left.
MAP IT!

Balian House, Altadena
Home to the famous ice cream manufacturer, this estate sits on 3.5 acres and is decorated with 10,000 colored lights and numerous holiday depictions. Although there were rumors in 2010 that this home was dark, we have received on-the-ground confirmation that the homeowners are setting up the lights this week! (December 7, 2011)


Take N. Allen Ave SOUTH until it stops at E. California Blvd. Turn left on E. California Blvd. to S. San Gabriel Blvd. Turn right on S. San Gabriel Blvd. to W. Huntington Dr. Turn right on W. Huntington Drive. and continue to St. Albans Road. Turn right on Saint Albans Road, which is Christmas Tree Lane. (536/C6)
MAP IT!

Christmas Tree Lane, San Marino
This is the sister street to Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena. Said to be even more spectacular than the Altadena display of lights, this street is backlit with estate homes, whose homeowners have gone all out for the holidays. Meander the streets of San Marino and enjoy the sites, then continue on to Old Pasadena for a respite. There you will find a cup of hot cocoa or a full meal nestled amidst the season's decorations. (596/B1)

Return to W. Huntington Dr. and turn left. Turn left again on S. San Gabriel Blvd. Turn left on E. California Blvd. Turn right on S. Fair Oaks Ave. and continue into Old Pasadena.
MAP IT!

Christmas Tree Lane, Long Beach
Daisy Avenue between Willow Street & Pacific Coast Highway
562-570-4450
From Mid-December. Celebrating Daisy Avenues 23 lighted and decorated Christmas trees. Musical entertainment is featured on weekends.
MAP IT!

Canals of Naples, Long Beach
562-433-9595
Cruise the enchanting canals of Naples in an authentic gondola while viewing the intricately decorated homes along the waterfront. This attraction begins to book in July for the holidays. Book a night at the romantic Seal Beach Inn or aboard the Queen Mary for a quiet retreat. (826/B3)
MAP IT!

Block-long Light Tunnel, Reseda
The tunnels straddle the sidewalk on both sides of the street and extend almost the entire block. Please Park on Valerio near the school and enjoy the walk through the tunnels.
MAP IT!

Candy Cane Lane, Woodland Hills
Lubao Avenue and Oxnard Street
818-347-4737
An eight-square-block area becomes a celebration of lights and figures. The 5 south to the 405 south to the 101 west, exit Winetka, make a right and then an immediate right onto Martha Street. Come during the week, as weekends are very busy. Most amazing, elaborate displays you've ever seen. (560/E1-2)
MAP IT!


TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Queen Mary Tree Lighting Ceremony, Long Beach
562-435-3511
This is a great opportunity to board an elegant ocean liner. In celebration of the season, visitors may board with just a canned food donation. Musical performances, a holiday sing-a-long and refreshments will take place on the Sun Deck.
MAP IT!


ORANGE COUNTY:

COMMUNITY LIGHT DISPLAYS & CELEBRATIONS
ORANGE COUNTY

Old Towne Orange
714-538-3581
Considered the antique capitol of Southern California, this little town is an absolute delight to the eye at Christmas. Adorned with holiday ribbons, wreaths and twinkling lights, the shopkeepers have directed their attention to exquisite displays in their shop windows. Christmas carolers can be found strolling the streets until a few days before Christmas. For a great holiday light display of private homes, follow Cambridge St. from the Plaza.
MAP IT!

Disneyland Resort
714-781-4565 (Recorded Information) or 714-781-7290
The Disneyland Resort is traditionally sprinkled with extra pixie dust during the holidays to become a winter wonderland, "The Merriest Place on Earth." The diverse offerings at the parks include the "Believe-in Holiday Magic" fireworks show with falling snow, a Christmas fantasy parade, the ever-popular Electrical Parade (a procession of nearly a half million twinkling lights), thousands of dazzling decorations and lights throughout the Resort. "It's a Small World" has been transformed into an enchanting Christmas atmosphere. With over 300,000 glittery lights decorating the exterior, 300 animated "Children of the World" sing favorite Christmas songs.
MAP IT!

Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
714-220-5200
Magically transformed for the holidays into "Knott's Merry Farm," brimming with the season's brightest shopping, dining and entertainment.
MAP IT!

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Dana Point
949-240-2000
With over 35,000 red lights on a 50-foot Noble Fir, you can't miss this Christmas tree as you approach the property. There are more than 300,000 lights spread around the estate and two nutcrackers stand in the lobby to greet visitors as they enter. At the bottom of the grand staircase, you'll find a seven foot tall Gingerbread House, complete with cuckoo clock. (971/F5 Orange County)
MAP IT!

Cruise of Lights, Huntington Beach
714-840-7542
Forty-five minute narrated boat cruises glide past the homes along Huntington Harbor. Boats, docks and homes twinkle in stunning light displays as they vie to win trophies.
MAP IT!


TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES
ORANGE COUNTY

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Costa Mesa
714-435-2000
Santa arrives during the lighting of a live 90-foot Christmas tree at one of Orange County's oldest holiday traditions. Town Center Park, next to The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
MAP IT!

Sand Sculpture Dedication & Tree Lighting Ceremony
949-234-3200
Holiday carolers, freshly baked holiday cookies, warm cider and hot cocoa. St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach
MAP IT!

Tree Lighting Ceremony, Anaheim
714-772-1381
Anaheim White House will light a huge Christmas tree in their front yard and a special four-course dinner will follow. Santa, Rudolph and Frosty will be there, along with other holiday characters to spread the holiday cheer.
MAP IT!

Fashion Island's Holiday Entertainment & Tree Lighting
949-721-2000
Fashion Island's majestic Christmas tree is lit with over 17,000 lights and ornaments. This renowned event will be accompanied by Santa's arrival and a song and dance spectacular. Then enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season as traditional carolers stroll the center. Fashion Island, Newport Beach in Bloomingdale's Courtyard
MAP IT!

Annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Processional, City of Orange
714-639-6840
Sing along with 350-voice choir and 40-piece orchestra as they head into the Plaza for the reading of the story of Christmas as well as the lighting of the city's Christmas tree. Photos with Santa will be available for a nominal fee. Plaza Area in Old Towne Orange
MAP IT!


RIVERSIDE COUNTY:

COMMUNITY LIGHT DISPLAYS & CELEBRATIONS
RIVERSIDE COUNTY

The Mission Inn, Riverside
800-843-7755
This historic hotel holds an annual Festival of Lights with over 2,000,000 lights and 250 full-size animated characters on display. Dickens carolers stroll through the lobby Sunday thru Thursday and carriage rides are available encircling the inn. Walk off an incredible dining experience by exploring the many passageways and courtyards of this amazing landmark. Coordinate your visit with the spectacular Festival of Trees A little too far for you to drive? As part of the festivities, they offer a variety of room packages. (685/H4 Riverside County)
MAP IT!

Wildlights, Palm Desert
760-346-5694
Illuminated animal sculptures light up the night at the Living Desert. A model train exhibit, visit from Santa Claus, and live entertainment round out the fun.
MAP IT!


SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY:

TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

Christmas in the Village - Tree Lighting Ceremony, Big Bear
909-866-4607
Santa and Mrs. Claus are present for an evening of caroling, the tree lighting ceremony and entertainment.
MAP IT!


SANTA BARBARA COUNTY:

COMMUNITY LIGHT DISPLAYS & CELEBRATIONS
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

Solvang
800-468-6765
Visit this little European village decked out with thousands of Christmas lights and holiday ribbons, tucked between the mountains. Spend the afternoon browsing through specialty and antique shops, enjoy world-class wine tasting and sample spectacular Danish pastries. From mid-November until Christmas, the town celebrates Winterfest with pageantry and special events.
MAP IT!

Santa Barbara
805-965-0353
For an unusual twist to holiday sightseeing, take the Old Town Santa Barbara Trolley of Lights Tour. You'll ride down State Street and pass private homes, aglow with Christmas lights. This 90-minute tour is offered until a few days prior to Christmas. Call for reservations.
MAP IT!


VENTURA COUNTY:

NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHT DISPLAYS
VENTURA COUNTY

Oxnard's Christmas Tree Lane
800-269-6273
Located in the Oxnard Historical District, which runs on "F" and "G" Streets, from 5th to First Streets.
MAP IT!

Channel Islands Harbor
805-385-7545
Ride aboard the Channel Islands Harbor Water Taxi to view the bright lights and holiday decorations of the residents in Channel Islands Harbor.
MAP IT!


TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES
VENTURA COUNTY

Tree Lighting, Oxnard
800-269-6273
Plaza Park
MAP IT!