Just because it doesn’t snow in San Diego and the temperature rarely drops below 60 degrees, it doesn’t mean that we don’t know how to get into the holiday spirit! So when you are feeling those Christmas vibes, here’s where to go to see the best Christmas lights in San Diego!

There are many neighborhoods known for their stunning light displays that you’ll want to add to your holiday to-do list. Here’s our top 11 picks:

Belardo Lights in Tierrasanta

5306 Belardo Drive, San Diego

Started by a father who wanted to create a special holiday tradition for his two sons with autism, the computerized light display has only become more impressive each year.

Stop by from 5:30PM to 10PM through December 27 to see what new sights this year’s display has in store for viewers and don’t forget to tune your radio to 106.1 FM for synchronized music. Take note that the light display may be shut down on rainy days so you may want to check the website for updates if the weather is questionable. Remember to wear a mask and socially distance when out of your vehicle!

Although it’s free to view the home’s holiday display, a donation to the Stein Education Center to help with children with disabilities and their family is appreciated.

Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Penasquitos

Oviedo Street and Black Mountain Road, San Diego

When it comes to Christmas lights in San Diego, it’s hard to beat Christmas Card Lane! This must-see holiday hot spot in Rancho Penasquitos is the effort of about 200 families and features yards full of gigantic Christmas card cut-outs set against a backdrop of strings of bright lights.

Plan your visit for early December when all the lights are up and before the big holiday rush hits. Look for Santa and Mrs. Claus to make an appearance too!

Candy Cane Lane in Poway

Made up of three neighboring cul-de-sacs, Candy Cane Lane is an impressive array of festive lights and holiday cheer. While some residents have had their seasonal displays up since Thanksgiving, you can expect the majority of homes to be lit up by the second week of December and continue nightly through Christmas Eve around 5 to 10 PM.

Many of the residents do more than just light up their homes for your viewing pleasure. You can often find them mixing and mingling with guests and raising money for charities by selling holiday treats.

Since Candy Cane Lane is located on a dead-end street, it’s recommended that you park the car and take a stroll through this winter wonderland. If you decide to park and walk to view from the sidewalk, be sure to wear a mask, keep children from running around front lawns, and enjoy! Pro tip: weekdays are less busy than weekends.

Christmas Park in Clairemont

View more than 40 homes decorated with holiday lights along Lana Drive and Jamar Drive in Clairemont. The circular street, located off Mount Abernathy Avenue, started this holiday tradition in 1977 and will be lit up again this year from December 1 to 25.

Luminaria in South Park

While South Park has a charming vibe that makes it feel like a little town tucked into a big city every day of the year, they really embrace the small-town ambiance with their Luminaria theme during the holidays.

You’ll find tree-lined streets that sparkle under strings of lights through the new year. Enjoy the lights along 30th Street and  Fern Street through January 1.

Merry-tage Court in Scripps Ranch

The Scripps Ranch streets of Stonebridge Parkway and Merritage Court get creative with their lighting displays, including homes themed to pop culture hits like Star Wars and Cars.

View these magnificent holiday lights the entire month of December from 5:30 to 9:30 PM.

Jingle Bell Hill in El Cajon

From Pepper Drive to Soloman Avenue, you’ll find about 75 homes featuring an assortment of holiday themes. So many homes participate in the annual event that the area is better known as Jingle Bell Hill during the holiday season.

From comic book characters to nativity scenes, there’s something for everyone on this El Cajon street. Plan your visit from December 8 to 26 between 6 and 9PM weeknights and 6 and 10 PM Friday through Sunday.

Starlight Circle in Santee

Head to Santee to view 75 homes in all their holiday glory along Tomel Court. While you can drive through the neighborhood, you may find more magic if you get out and walk.

Some of the homeowners have been known to spread some extra Christmas cheer in the form of hot chocolate, kettle corn and other goodies in year’s past. You’ll find the lights on every day in December from 5:30 to 10 PM.

Christmas Circle in Chula Vista

For 60 years, the homes along Whitney Street and Mankato Circle have proudly displayed their Christmas spirit. With more than 55 homes to see, this is a hot spot for holiday lights viewing in the South Bay.

Visit Dec. 8-26 from 5-10 PM to cross this tradition off your holiday to-do list.

Fairway Village in Carmel Mountain Ranch

You’ll find around 100 homes participating in this holiday lights spectacular in Carmel Mountain Ranch along Stoney Gate Place. Plan your visit from December 15 to January 1 between 5:30 and 10:30 PM for the best views.

Carlsbad Christmas House

6646 Elegant Tern Place

Take a cruise up to Carlsbad to see this year’s addition of the iconic Escondido Canterbury Gardens Santa! This private home is transformed into a spectacular Christmas village.

To keep everyone safe, this year they have decided to offer a modified version of their drive-by display to avoid large crowds. You can visit nightly through December 27 from 5 to 10 PM. Please stay in your car to enjoy the eye-catching display. The lights will not be on if it is raining.

Knob Hill in San Marcos

We’re a sucker for a Christmas light display that has its own website! It hasn’t been updated for a while, but we know the show will go on! Visit this amazing display at 1639 Knob Hill Road in San Marcos.

Enjoy the Season!

Now that you know where to go for the best Christmas lights in San Diego—fill up the thermos with hot chocolate, pack the family in the car, and get out there for some holiday fun!

We’ll see you out there!