The 11 Best Neighborhoods to See Christmas Lights in San Diego
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
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.
Located at 5306 Belardo Drive, stop by from 5:30 PM to 10 PM through December 27 to see what new sights this year’s display has in store. You can also tune your radio to 106.1 FM for synchronized music.
The light display may be shut down on rainy days, so you may want to check the website here for updates if the weather is questionable.
Although it’s free to view the home’s holiday display, a donation to the Stein Education Center to help children with disabilities and their families is appreciated.
Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Penasquitos
When it comes to Christmas lights in San Diego, it’s hard to beat Christmas Card Lane at Oviedo Street and Black Mountain Road. 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 most homes to be lit up by the second week of December and continue nightly through Christmas Eve around 5 PM 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, the best plan is to park the car and take a stroll. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.
Christmas Park in Clairemont
View over 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, 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. Enjoy the lights along 30th 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 very cool holiday lights the whole month of December from 5:30 PM 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, expect amazing displays on this El Cajon street. Plan your visit now through New Year’s Day, between 5 PM and 10 PM.
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 past years. You’ll find the lights on every night in December from 5:30 to 10 PM.
Christmas Circle in Chula Vista
Now in its 67th year, the homes along Whitney Street and Mankato Circle proudly display their Christmas spirit. With more than 55 homes to see, this is a hot spot for holiday lights viewing in the South Bay.
Visit December 9 to 26 from 5 PM to 10 PM.
Fairway Village in Carmel Mountain Ranch
Tucked away in Carmel Mountain Ranch, over 80 homes along Stoney Gate Place in Fairway Village light up the night with dazzling holiday displays. Check it out nightly from December 1 to January 1 until 10:30 PM.
The neighborhood also has a block party the Saturday before Christmas, when residents share treats and holiday cheer—Santa himself has been known to stop by!
For the best experience, park along Shoal Creek Drive and enter from the west end of Stoney Gate Place.
Carlsbad Christmas House
For over three decades, the award-winning display at the Carlsbad Christmas House has spread holiday magic across the neighborhood with dancing Santas, swimming penguins, and real snow falling from the sky.
Kids can hunt for the Elf on the Shelf, spot the Grinch, and explore themed wonderlands like “Santa’s Gone Surfin'” and “The Island of Misfit Toys.”
Make your visit extra meaningful by bringing non-perishable food items for local families in need.
Runs nightly from 5 PM to 10 PM through December 26.
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 the show goes 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 enjoy some holiday fun!
We’ll see you out there!
