We may not have any snow on the ground in SoCal right now, but we definitely have some festive destinations where you can take in the sights of some pretty epic holiday displays. Load up the car and pack your favorite holiday snacks, as we’re heading out on a Christmas lights road trip to see some of the best holiday lights near Southern California.

If you'd like to embark on a weekend road trip that's filled with dazzling lights, charming Christmas displays, and loads of holiday fun, be sure to click on the link of this interactive map and head out on your very own holiday road trip filled with the magical sights and sounds of the season.
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1. Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light
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Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, USA
Facebook/Descanso Gardens
Running November 20 through January 8 the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light in La Cañada Flintridge is a dream-like setting where you can stroll through the garden at night for a captivating display of holiday lights. Tickets must be purchased in advance, so make sure to make a reservation for this fun holiday event by heading to their official website.
2. Balboa Park - San Diego
Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
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When you want to see beautiful holiday lights in a magical space without having to pay a single dime, Balboa Park is a marvelous destination to explore. Head out here after dark and take a look around - you'll find lights galore and plenty of holiday spirit in every corner of this treasured urban park. Did we mention this attraction is FREE?!

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3. Griffith Park Holiday Light Festival
Griffith Park & Southern Railroad, 4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Griffith Park Train Rides/Facebook
The Holiday Light Festival Train Ride at Griffith Park is a fun event the whole family will enjoy. Take a short train ride through this iconic SoCal park and you'll be treated to a night of delightful lights and beautiful Christmas displays. This holiday train runs from the end of November through the first week of January. Stop by its website for start and stop times to jump on the train.
4. Wildlights - The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260, USA
facebook/the living desert
For over 25 years, Wildlights in Palm Desert has been bringing holiday cheer to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This festive display runs from November 22 until December 30 (excluding December 25) from 6 to 9 pm on select days. Check the zoo website for schedules and admission details.
5. Old Town Temecula
Temecula, CA, USA
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From the moment you pull into Old Town Temecula, you'll be in a Christmas wonderland with lights galore and festive displays along Main Street. Take a leisurely stroll through this storybook town that is guaranteed to make you feel like you've been dropped inside a magical holiday village.
6. Magic of Lights
Auto Club Speedway, 9300 Cherry Ave Fontana, CA 92335
Youtube/auto club speedway
You'll never even have to leave your car to take in this magnificent display of lights in SoCal. Located in Fontana at the Auto Club Speedway, The Magic of Lights is a 1.5-mile holiday extravaganza that you can experience from the comfort of your car along the speedway. Prices are by car only, so load up the whole family and enjoy this dazzling event that all ages will adore. For a glimpse of what you'll see, here's a video of Magic of Lights posted by Auto Club Speedway:

What do you think of this Christmas lights road trip in SoCal? It sure looks like a fun way to spend a weekend this December. Are there any holiday lights near you you’d like to share with the rest of us? Leave a comment and share the best light show you’ve found.

For more holiday fun in SoCal, check out these 7 spots in Southern California where you may find some snow later in the season. Happy Holidays!

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More to Explore

More Holiday Lights Near Southern California

Chris Muras | October 12, 2022

Where can I see lights in Southern California?

Since we’ve featured a few of the best holiday lights in SoCal what other Christmas light shows are worth checking out in the area? While there are countless displays to choose from, here are a couple more that are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

The Mission Inn in Riverside is decked out with over 3 million lights during their Mission Inn Festival of Lights, making it one of the largest displays in Southern California. There is also a nightly light show set to holiday music that makes for an enchanting evening. Another great option is the annual Pageant of Lights at Newport Beach. For over 50 years the Christmas Boat Parade has featured boats decorated with over a million lights cruising through Newport Harbor.

What is the most Christmassy town in California?

Christmas in SoCal is not one you usually think of when picturing the typical "white Christmas" but that doesn’t mean there aren’t cities in California that get their fair share of snow for the holidays. One such town is Big Bear Lake, a small town in Southern California that actually does celebrate a white Christmas with an average yearly snowfall of 52.7 inches of snow. While it is hard to say if this is the most "Christmassy" town in California they do have a wonderful city-wide Christmas tree lighting ceremony each year. This magnificent tree in all its festive glory is truly a sight to see.

Where are the best drive-thru holiday lights in SoCal?

One of the best things about living in Southern California is that there are Christmas light displays to enjoy all around the region. While many people head to Los Angeles to see the famous lights on display at the Grove, there are also a number of other great places to get into the holiday spirit.

In Anaheim, Disneyland puts on an incredible holiday show each year, complete with fireworks and holiday music. For those looking for something a little more low-key, there are lots of drive-thru holiday lights in SoCal in neighborhoods big and small. Check out this holiday drive in Fontana, California for an amazing light display.

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