Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in San Francisco

Holiday lights in San Francisco make the already beautiful City by the Bay shine extra bright in December. From the North Bay to the South Bay and everything in between, festive holiday light displays around the Bay Area sparkle beautifully and are worth checking out. From 80-foot Christmas trees to whimsically lit gardens and over-the-top Christmas décor, the Bay Area is bursting with holiday spirit. 

Whether families don matching pajamas and sip on hot chocolate from the comfort of their warm cars or explore Bay Area neighborhoods on foot, parents and little ones alike are sure to marvel at the bright lights, colorful characters, and, in some cases—synchronized holiday light shows. Christmas and holiday lights in San Francisco are plentiful. From neighborhoods to hotels, families are spoiled with holiday lights in San Francisco. 

For more holiday activities in the Bay Area, check out our Christmas Activities Holiday Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Kids. It includes the top places to see Santa in San Francisco, a list of Polar Express train rides and Christmas trains in the Bay Area, and much more! 

Best Neighborhood Holiday Lights in San Francisco 

 
Admire all the holiday lights in downtown SF at Union Square. Photo courtesy of the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink.

1. Downtown — San Francisco 

With over 30,000 twinkling lights and over 1,000 ornaments, Union Square's Christmas tree stands 83 feet tall, while the nearby Menorah is an impressive 25 feet and 15 feet wide. With Union Square's holiday ice skating rink, holiday music, and plenty of shops with bright and festive storefront windows, downtown is the perfect place to explore the holiday lights in San Francisco this Christmas season.

Don't miss Macy's wreath display or the windows on Stockton and O'Farrell Streets, which offer playful holiday décor and host cute puppies and kittens available for adoption through the San Francisco SPCA. 

2. Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf — San Francisco 

Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf are fantastic spots to witness sparkly Christmas light displays this winter. The star of the show is the 60-foot Christmas tree, but the storefronts and festive decorations throughout the area are sure to put families in the holiday spirit. Plus, families can wander down to Ghiradelli Square, where they'll find more holiday lights in San Francisco, including outdoor Christmas movies and plenty of sweet treats.

3. Golden Gate Park — San Francisco 

Part of Illuminate San Francisco, the Winter Lights display in Golden Gate Park is one display the entire family will surely enjoy. Check out Uncle John's tree at McLaren Lodge on Stanyon Street. First lit on December 7th, the Monterey Cypress stands 100 feet tall and adorns over 800 lights.

Then, head down to JFK Promenade and check out the gorgeous whimsical light installation of bright trees and bushes in Peacock Meadow. The Entwined light display will brighten the park until March 2024. You also don't want to miss seeing "Uncle John's Tree" magically lit up in front of McLaren Lodge. There's an annual tree lighting ceremony for this famous and giant Monterey cypress tree in Golden Gate Park. 

4. 68 Castro Street — San Francisco 

A drive or walk to 68 Castro Street is well worth it during the holiday season. Every inch of this beautiful house is decked out in lights and festive decor. A daytime visit is an excellent opportunity to see the small details involved in this Christmas masterpiece, but in the evening — wow, this house shines. 

5. Castro — San Francisco 

Just a half mile south of the magic of the 68 Castro Street house, families will find the Rainbow Christmas tree in the Castro neighborhood at 18th & Castro. Self-explanatory, this Christmas tree is beautifully colorful. Representing all six colors of the rainbow, this tree is truly special. 

6. 45 Upper Terrace — San Francisco 

This is another house that takes holiday lights in San Francisco to the next level at Christmastime. Find this storybook house right near Buena Vista Park. It's also a short walk from the always-free Randall Museum, so if you're walking around the city, you could easily add this stop to your itinerary. 

7. South San Francisco — San Francisco 

Parkway Estates in South San Francisco showcases some of the best neighborhood holiday lights in the city. Centered on Chestnut Avenue, a slow drive features fun and festive décor. Families can also park their cars and stroll the sidewalks to get a better look.

8. San Francisco Fire Stations — San Francisco 

Some of the San Francisco fire stations go all out with holiday lights as they compete in an annual firehouse decorating contest. Besides holiday lights, some stations even bring in snow from the Sierras. 

Expect to see the San Francisco fire stations lit up in all their holiday glory on Friday, December 22, when the contest takes place. The stations will remain decorated throughout the end of December. Check out this interactive map on where to find participating San Francisco fire stations. 

Best Hotel Holiday Lights in San Francisco

San Francisco hotels go all out for the holiday season. From life-size gingerbread houses to trees that'll make your jaw drop, a wander in winter through the city's top accommodations is likely a day your family will never forget. 

9. The Fairmont San Francisco — San Francisco 

A visit to the Fairmont atop Nob Hill is a real treat. The lobby hosts a life-sized edible Gingerbread House and a beautifully decorated floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree. For the grown-ups, the Moet Lobby Champagne Bar lets parents sip bubbles while soaking up the Fairmont's festive vibes.

10. The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square — San Francisco 

Inside the brightly decorated lobby of the Westin St. Francis sits a sugar castle created by Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Francois Houdre. For the first time this year, the attraction features an augmented reality feature. Instead of simply admiring this masterpiece from the outside, families can scan the QR code and see what's inside the castle. Reminiscent of a French Chateau, the castle has 20 towers and 30 rooms. 

RELATED: Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in San Francisco 

 
See the gorgeous Christmas tree at the Palace Hotel. Photo by Nicole Findlay for Mommy Poppins.

11. The Palace Hotel — San Francisco 

The Christmas tree in the Palace Hotel's Garden Court offers the perfect photo opportunity for festive family snaps. There are plenty of wreaths and smaller trees, but the highlight for kids is the North Pole Post Office. A big red mailbox, printed fill-in-the-blank letters for Santa, and pens await little ones in the lobby. 

Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in North Bay/Marin

12. Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Village — Napa 

Looking for a little extra holiday magic this year? This winter wonderland in Napa might be just the trick. When driving out to kid-friendly wineries in Napa, make a pit stop at the Meritage Resort and Spa and take a twirl on their ice-skating rink.

The space is festively complete with twinkly lights, holiday music, and views of a gorgeous Christmas tree. There's faux snow, ice igloos, a chance to meet Santa, a food truck, festive cocktails and mocktails, and rink-side firepits to make s'mores after a spin on the ice. 

13. Tam Valley MegaTree — Marin

At 30 feet tall, the lights on this tree (off of Shoreline Avenue at 340 Jean Street) shine every night from 5pm to 10pm. Tune to 96.1 FM on the radio and watch the lights synchronize to the beat of holiday music. The show changes nightly, so feel free to come back time and time again through New Year's Day. 

14. The Mickey Mouse House — Fairfield

A contender on the ABC TV show "Great Christmas Light Fight" (2021), families can tune in to 88.3 FM to listen to holiday music alongside the light display. Possibly one of the best light shows in the Bay Area, this tribute to Disneyland at Magical Holiday Moments is worth driving to 2132 Calder Place in Fairfield. 

Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in the East Bay

15. Fourth Street — Berkeley

The bright lights of Fourth Street in Berkeley are a joy to see. Stretching for three blocks, lucky visitors can experience the beauty until the New Year. On December 16, Fourth Street will host a drive-through holiday parade where costumed characters will line the sidewalks and wave at passersby. Rumor has it that the Grinch will even make an appearance! 

16. Christmas Tree Lane — Alameda

The 3200 block of Thompson Avenue in Alameda is such a special place. Park on Thompson Avenue (or as close as possible) and walk up the block on one side and back on the other. There are plenty of Christmas lights and even a mailbox with direct access to the North Pole. Keep your eyes peeled for a hula-dancing Santa and fan-favorite characters from Star Wars and Paw Patrol.

The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees will also perform on Friday, December 15, at 6pm. Lights will be on until New Year's Eve. 

RELATED: Top Places to See Santa in San Francisco 

 
Picardy Drive photo by V. Smoothe via Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

17. Picardy Drive — Oakland

Located between Seminary and 55th Avenue, Picardy Drive is a holiday sight to see. A wonderful example of a neighborhood coming together, the result is a true gift to all that visit. Enjoy the twinkly lights on the storybook-style homes while sipping hot chocolate and marveling at the sparkly lights of the holiday season. 

18. Widmer World — Pleasanton 

This unique Christmas lights display at 3671 Chelsea Court in Pleasanton is super fun. Every year, there is a scavenger hunt within the lights display. This year, families can hunt for "twelve things of Scooby Doo." Print the scavenger list before you go!

Lights are on display from 6pm to 9pm until December 31. Guests are encouraged to park cars and walk around the display. But please stay on designated pathways and refrain from touching items in the display. 

19. Tunnels of Joy — Brentwood

Experience the festive spirit every day throughout the Christmas season, commencing on December 1, from 5-9pm on La Costa Drive and nearby streets in Brentwood. Tunnels of Joy welcomes visitors with a delightful array of illuminated tunnels, creating a magical ambiance. 

In addition to the enchanting light displays, enjoy a variety of attractions such as food trucks, characters, and  performances. Stay updated on the nightly festivities by checking out the Tunnels of Joy Facebook page for detailed information and highlights of each evening's events. 

Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights on the Peninsula 

20. Eucalyptus Ave Holiday Lights — San Carlos

For one of the best holiday lights displays in the Bay Area, head to the 1900 block of Eucalyptus Avenue, also known as Christmas Tree Lane. The street oozes Christmas spirit. To get the full effect, park a few blocks away and stroll the sidewalk to soak up the magical atmosphere. Christmas Tree Lane is likely to become a new holiday family tradition to return to year after year.     

21. 1260 Ranier Avenue — Pacifica

This house in Pacifica has a whopping 35,000 LED lights, which sync to tunes on 90.1 FM, but there are also small speakers in the front yard. The show includes 20 songs, which rotate nightly. The lights shine until 10pm every Monday through Thursday and until 10:30pm every Friday through Sunday. Cruise by slowly or park nearby and walk past for a better look. Either way, families are sure to be impressed. 

Best Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in the South Bay

22. Fantasy of Lights — Los Gatos 

From December 2 to 30, 2023, families can explore the 1.5-mile light display while listening to holiday music from the comfort of their car. Expect to spot Santa shooting hoops, penguins, and even an erupting volcano in a Dinosaur den. There are over 50 displays to entertain visitors. The cost is $30 per regular-size vehicle, and tickets must be pre-paid online.

23. Christmas Tree Lane — Palo Alto 

Starting December 16 through December 31, Fulton Street (between Embarcadero Ave. and Seale Rd.) transforms into Christmas Tree Lane in December. The street has a long history of helping visitors jump into the holiday spirit. With festive holiday light displays since the 1940s, families can walk or drive through the display. Expect to spot carolers, vintage décor, and plenty of sparkly lights. 

24. Lamore Dr. — San Jose 

Tune the car radio to 89.1 FM while witnessing the color and sparkle of 1419 Lamore Drive. There are shows scheduled every 15 minutes. Spectacularly over-the-top decorations will make the entire car smile. Best enjoyed with a hot cup of cocoa! The first show, 12 Days of Christmas, starts at 6pm, followed by Christmas in Sarajevo at 6:30pm. The shows alternate until 9pm.   

25. Christmas in the Park — San Jose 

Christmas in the Park is a longtime tradition for many Bay Area families. The popular holiday event is a spectacular holiday lights drive-thru display through Holiday Park. Set to holiday music, the ride costs $30-$35 per car. All vehicles enter on 10th Street and turn right onto Phelan Avenue.

After the drive-through experience, head over to the walk-through event two miles away in Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. Here, families will find nightly entertainment, holiday-themed treats, plenty of holiday lights, and a 65-foot Christmas tree. 

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