✨The Best Holiday Light Displays in San Diego: 10 Dazzling Spots to Brighten Your Season
By Ashley Tatum | Global Luxury Real Estate & Design | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
✨ Let There Be Light!
From botanical wonderlands to neighborhoods so bright that even Santa makes an appearance, San Diego knows how to shine.
Bundle up the kids, grab some cocoa, and prepare to be dazzled. These twinkling destinations light up gardens, bayfronts, and entire communities — proving that holiday magic shines just as bright under palm trees.
Once you’ve picked your Christmas tree, wrapped your gifts, and marked your calendar for San Diego’s top holiday events, add these must-see light displays to your list for a glowing, memory-filled night with family and friends.
1. Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden (Encinitas)
Wander through a 1-mile glowing pathway surrounded by illuminated trees, themed gardens, and whimsical light tunnels. Kids can write letters to Santa, explore the magical treehouse, and sing along with carolers.
🍴 Make it a night: Enjoy dinner from local food trucks before strolling the gardens.
📅 Dates: Nov. 18–20, 23, 25–27; Dec. 1–4, 8–11, 14–23, 26–31; Jan. 1 | 5–9 p.m.
📍 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas | sdbg.org
👟 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — some walkways are uneven dirt paths.
2. Lights at the Lakes (Santee)
Drive through over 35 synchronized light displays set to holiday music on your car radio. Every visit feels brand new, with shimmering tunnels and creative light scenes.
📅 Dates: Fri.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 24 | 6–8:30 p.m.
📍 Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9120 Carlton Oaks Dr. | santeelakes.com
💰 Tickets: $30 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers).
3. Starlight Circle (Santee)
Since the 1980s, this east county neighborhood has been a beacon of holiday cheer. Over 75 homes deck out in themed displays — from Santa’s workshops to winter wonderlands. Some driveways even sell hot cocoa, kettle corn, and tamales.
📅 Dates: Dec. 1–31 | 5:30–10 p.m.
📍 West & East Glendon Circle, Santee | Facebook
💵 Tip: Bring cash for snacks and treats.
4. Christmas Card Lane (Rancho Peñasquitos)
This iconic neighborhood transforms into a living gallery of larger-than-life Christmas cards glowing with lights and family messages. You can walk or drive through — either way, it’s pure nostalgia and joy.
📅 Dates: Dec. 1–31 | 6–9 p.m.
📍 Oviedo St. & Black Mountain Rd., San Diego | Instagram
5. Candy Cane Lane (Poway)
One of the most beloved holiday neighborhoods in North County, Candy Cane Lane delivers twinkling lights, giant inflatables, and joyful decor. Park and walk for the best experience, or cruise slowly through the glowing streets.
📅 Dates: Dec. 1–Jan. 1 | 5–10 p.m.
📍 Twin Peaks Rd. & Silverset St., Poway | Facebook
6. Fairway Village (Carmel Mountain Ranch)
Nearly 100 homes join forces to create this community-wide display of sparkle and song. Enjoy carolers, hot cocoa, cookies, and even holiday movies projected on garage doors!
📅 Dates: Dec. 1–Jan. 1 | Dusk–10:30 p.m.
📍 Fairway Village & Stoney Gate Pl., Carmel Mountain | fairwayvillagenews.com
🎅 Don’t miss: The annual block party (Dec. 17) — open to all with music, performances, and Santa’s firetruck appearance.
7. Carlsbad Christmas House (Carlsbad)
For an old-fashioned, family-friendly experience, visit this charming home where kids can write letters to Santa — and get one back! The home is adorned with endless twinkling lights, decor, and free nightly treats for children.
📅 Dates: Dec. 5–31 | 5–9 p.m.
📍 7607 Romero St., Carlsbad | Instagram
8. Snow N Glow Holiday Festival (Del Mar Fairgrounds)
Experience over one million LED lights and immersive light tunnels at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Families can rent private igloos, roast s’mores by firepits, go snow tubing, or simply enjoy the light show magic.
📅 Dates: Dec. 8–Jan. 1 | 4–9 p.m.
📍 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar | snownglow.com
🎟️ Tip: Timed entry tickets are required — book early!
9. 52nd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
A San Diego holiday tradition! More than 80 boats, shimmering in themed decor, sail the bay from Shelter Island to Coronado. This year’s theme, fantaSEA, brings mermaids, sea creatures, and sparkle to the water.
📅 Dates: Dec. 11 & 18 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 San Diego Bay | sdparadeoflights.org
🌟 Best Views: Embarcadero, Seaport Village, or Ferry Landing in Coronado.
10. Enchanted Village (Spring Valley)
Step into a glowing wonderland of over 200,000 lights across 8 acres. Enjoy magical cottages, carolers, candy canes, and interactive displays — all benefitting Noah Homes, which provides housing for adults with developmental disabilities.
📅 Dates: Dec. 16–22 | 5–8 p.m.
📍 Noah Homes, 12440 Campo Rd., Spring Valley | enchantedvillage.org
🎅 Bonus: Santa appears nightly! Discounted early bird tickets available before Nov. 27.
💫 The Season of Light, Love & Local Magic
Whether you’re strolling through twinkling gardens, cruising glowing streets, or watching fireworks over the bay, San Diego knows how to make the holidays shine.
These experiences remind us why we love calling this city home — where winter nights are filled with lights, laughter, and a touch of coastal magic.
📩 Happy Holidays from my family to yours.
If this season inspires you to find a new home for next year’s celebrations, I’d love to help you find your perfect place — from glowing neighborhoods to ocean-view retreats.
—
Ashley Tatum
Global Luxury Real Estate & Interior Design
Coldwell Banker | Del Mar, CA
🌐 AshleyTatumRealEstate.com
📸 @ashleytatumrealestate
✨ Born & Raised in San Diego | Local Expertise, Global Reach