There’s nothing like holiday lights to bring on the magic, and the Bay Area always shows up this time of year. Twinkling neighborhoods, walk-through light shows, and family-friendly displays make it easy to find a little sparkle wherever you go.
Imagine cruising through tunnels of lights, hopping on a holiday train, wandering through a snowy wonderland, or joining friends at a menorah lighting ceremony. Add hot chocolate, sweet treats, music, and Santa photo ops, and you’ve got the perfect festive outing.
You’ll also find neighborhoods that really lean into the season—homes glowing with everything from classic charm to full LED extravaganzas. These are my top recommendations if you’re ready to get out, explore, and enjoy the spirit of the season.
Don’t forget to take a peek at my Best Christmas Tree Farms post and my Events page for even more holiday ideas.
Santa Claus is coming to town — and he’s making multiple Bay Area stops! Grab your reservation at the Great Mall or Santana Row before they fill up.
Fairmont San Francisco Christmas Gingerbread House
Every year, the Fairmont San Francisco transforms its Nob Hill lobby into a true holiday showstopper. A towering Christmas tree and a life-sized Gingerbread House—built with hundreds of real gingerbread bricks and pounds of See’s Candies—create a festive scene that’s impossible to resist. You can even book a private dining experience inside the Gingerbread House for up to eight guests for something truly unforgettable.
If you’re looking to start a new tradition, the Fairmont’s Holiday Tea is a beautiful way to celebrate the season. Laurel Court sets the stage with elegant décor, loose-leaf teas, warm scones, classic tea sandwiches, and decadent pastries. Gather your family and friends for this unforgettable experience—reserve your table now on OpenTable.
- Address: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
- Date: Starts November 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Price: Free to enjoy the lobby displays. Holiday Tea ranges from $130.80 to $202.80 per person. Special holiday buffets offered on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Begin a delightful new holiday tradition with Holidays at Filoli! Explore the historic House dressed in its festive best, then wander the winter garden glowing with twinkling lights and joyful seasonal décor.
- Gilded Guide Tour: Go behind the scenes with a guided look at Filoli’s curatorial offices, historic bedrooms, and the family library. Learn how the House transforms for the holidays, and enjoy sparkling wine with a sweet treat to take home.
- Thistlewyck: New for 2025, Thistlewyck is a whimsical holiday village tucked under the redwoods. Explore fairy houses, visit the Elf Emporium and North Pole Post Office, and watch miniature trains wind through festive woodland scenes—an enchanting daytime addition to Filoli’s holiday experience.
- Holiday Lights at Filoli: Under the redwoods and around the historic house, Filoli lights up with festive charm. Wander through sparkling garden paths, admire twinkling trees and glowing installations, and soak in the magical, immersive atmosphere of this season-long light display.
- Ballroom Signature Lounge: Step back in time as a guest of the Bourn and Roth families. Sip Chandon sparkling wine to live piano music in Filoli’s grand Ballroom—an elegant way to begin or end your visit.
- Private Fire Pit Experiences: Gather with loved ones around a cozy private fire pit. Enjoy mulled wine or hot cider while taking in the magic of Filoli’s illuminated holiday gardens.
- Holiday Teas: Relax inside the Garden House for Filoli’s Holiday Tea, featuring delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, exquisite patisseries, and fine tea or champagne—all in a serene, nature-filled setting.
On select dates, Santa makes special appearances in the Woodland Garden Court—perfect for a festive photo op on his golden throne. Be sure to reserve early, as space is limited.th Santa on his festive golden throne. Complete your visit with a delightful hot drink and a holiday treat!
To secure your magical moment, reserve your spot in advance on the Filoli website, as spaces are limited.
- Address: 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA
- Date: November 22, 2025 – January 11, 2026 from 10am – 9pm
- Price: Adults $39–$45, Children (5–18) $29–$35; members receive 20% off
The Four Seasons Silicon Valley transforms its outdoor terrace into a charming alpine escape during the holiday season. At Après Village, you can settle into a private chalet trimmed with evergreens and twinkling lights, sip festive cocktails or mulled wine, and enjoy an alpine-inspired prix-fixe menu featuring seasonal favorites. It’s a cozy winter retreat perfect for a special date night, a holiday celebration, or a fun evening out with family and friends.
Warm up by the fire, indulge in decadent desserts, or simply soak in the magical atmosphere as the terrace glows under the night sky. With beautiful décor, thoughtful touches, and signature Four Seasons hospitality, Après Village brings a taste of a European winter village right to Silicon Valley.
Address: 2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto, CA
Dates: Daily from November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026, 4:30–9:30 PM
Price: Prix-fixe menu starts at $95 per person; chalet reservations available for an additional fee.
Christmas Tree Lane has been a beloved Palo Alto tradition for decades, but details for this year's festivities are yet to be confirmed. Typically, this enchanting event features carolers, vintage lawn displays, and thousands of sparkling holiday lights, creating a magical experience for both pedestrians and drivers. Be sure to check back soon for updates on whether this year’s event will light up the season once again!
- Address: 1700 – 1800 Fulton Street, Palo Alto, CA
- Date: CHECK BACK SOON FOR UPDATES
- Price: Free
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
A cherished annual tradition in Los Altos, the parade features local school marching bands, an array of floats including the Teddy Bear, Mother Goose, and Ferris Wheel, alongside dancing elves, and, of course, Santa Claus. If you can’t make it in person this year, you can still watch the parade via livestream.
- Address: Downtown Los Altos, Los Altos, CA
- Date: November 30, 2025 @ 6pm
- Price: Free
Celebrate the season in Downtown Los Gatos with Magical Memories Holiday! Enjoy complimentary hop-on, hop-off trolley rides through town and visits with Santa at Old Town. Open to all — no reservations required.
- Address: Downtown Los Gatos, Los Gatos, CA
- Date: Trolley Rides – December 6 (4–8 PM), December 7 (1–5 PM), December 12 (5–8 PM), December 13 (1–5 PM), December 14 (1–5 PM); Santa Visits – December 12 (4–7 PM), December 13 (1–6 PM), December 14 (12–5 PM)
- Price: Complimentary (Donations welcome)
Willow Glen Holiday Trolley Rides
Looking for a light-display outing with a twist? The Willow Glen Holiday Trolley Rides offer a 30-minute guided ride through one of San Jose’s most charming holiday-decorated neighborhoods. Departing from downtown Willow Glen (Lincoln Ave) each evening from December 7 to 18, the old-fashioned trolley seats 32 and winds through tree-lined streets lit up for the season. Be sure to dress warmly, arrive early, and book ahead — this neighborhood tradition fills up fast.
- Address: 1245 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125
- Date: December 7 through December 18
- Price: Adults $40 (+ fees) and children ages 2-12 $20 (+ fees). Children under 2 ride free (must sit on a lap)
Celebrating 27 years, Fantasy of Lights is a beloved South Bay tradition. Choose a drive-thru or walk-thru experience and enjoy more than 50 animated displays—think erupting volcanoes, playful penguins, pirate cannons, and a dazzling 90-foot tree. Tune in to holiday music as you drive, or take a festive stroll with family and friends. Food trucks, drinks, and photo ops add to the fun. Tickets for both experiences must be purchased online in advance.
- Address: Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, CA
- Date: Walk-thru on December 6–7, 2025 (4:00 PM-9:00 PM); Drive-thru from December 9-30, 2025 (closed December 25)
- Price: Walk-thru tickets: Adults $17, Youth (4-12) $8, Children (0-3) Free; Drive-thru vehicle pricing: Regular vehicle (up to 12) $30, Large vehicle (13-20) $50, Oversized vehicle (21+) $100
Explore the unique holiday decorations while enjoying all that Santana Row has to offer this holiday season:
- Photo with the Nutcracker & Mouse King - November 28 & December 21 | Santana Row Park
Capture a whimsical holiday photo with the iconic Nutcracker and Mouse King. - Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt - December 1–23 | Santana Row Shops
Search for hidden elves across the Row’s boutiques and earn sweet prizes. - Spirit of the Row - Tuesdays, December 2, 9 & 16 | Santana Row Park
Enjoy live music, local performers, and magic snow showers. - Snow Showers on The Row - Every Tuesday & Saturday in December | 6–8 PM | Park Valencia
Experience a winter wonderland as snow falls over The Row. - Photos with Santa Claus - Tuesdays, December 2, 9 & 16 | 6–8 PM | Oak Tree Lounge
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and snap a festive holiday photo. - Santa Paws - Saturday, December 6 | 10 AM–2 PM | Park Valencia
Bring your pets for photos with Santa. $10 donation benefits the Humane Society Silicon Valley.
For more information, see the Santana Row Holiday Events or contact the Santana Row Concierge at 408-551-4611.
- Address: 377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
- Date: November 28, 2025 – December 23, 2025
- Price: Free
San Jose’s most beloved holiday tradition returns bigger and brighter than ever! This year’s Christmas in the Park features three festive experiences for every kind of holiday lover — from the classic Downtown Park Experience filled with sparkling lights and community-decorated trees, to magical Santa Visits in the heart of the plaza, and the dazzling Blinky’s Drive-Thru Light Show for those who want to enjoy the magic from the comfort of their car.
- Downtown Park Experience & Santa Visits
- Address: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113
- Date: Open November 29 to January 1
- Price: Free admission (donations accepted)
- Blinky’s Drive-Thru Light Show:
- Address: Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Gate F
- Date: November 21 – 23 & November 28 – December 31
- Price: Tickets start at around $25+ per vehicle
Dave's Christmas Lights Benefiting Make-a-Wish
For almost 20 years, this Willow Glen house at 1851 Cherry Ave has been displaying Christmas Lights to raise money to support sick children. You're invited to see the Christmas display, and leave a tax-deductible donation at one of the curbside bins or online at Make-a-Wish Foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Claus usually make an appearance!
Plan to make a night of it! Willow Glen is known for its holiday light displays and Christmas trees so take some time to tour this San Jose neighborhood.
- Address: 1851 Cherry Ave, San Jose, CA
- Date: Daily from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm starting December 1st. Check their Facebook page for special visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Price: Free
Roaring Camp Railroads Holiday Lights Trains
If you’re looking for holiday magic with a nostalgic twist, Roaring Camp Railroads offers some of the season’s most enchanting train adventures.
Holiday Tree Walk (Roaring Camp Railroads — Felton): Climb aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train for a 75-minute roundtrip ride through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Meet Santa, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy cozy holiday activities in the festive town center.
- Address: 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA
- Date: November 28-30, December 6-7, 13-14, 20-23
- Price: Adults $58.25 | Children $38.11
Holiday Lights Train (Santa Cruz Beach Train — Boardwalk): Departing from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this magical ride features train cars decked out in thousands of colorful lights. Enjoy visits from Santa, hot-spiced cider, live music, and a cheerful holiday sing-along as you roll through Santa Cruz neighborhoods.
- Address: Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
- Date: November 28-29, December 6-7, 13-23 (departures around 5:00 PM & 6:30 PM)
- Price: Adults $58.25 | Children $38.11 for Standard Class; Adults $74.15 | Children $48.71 for First Class
Chanukah Train: Celebrate a festive Chanukah tradition aboard a special holiday train through Santa Cruz. Enjoy Chanukah stories, dreidel games, and kosher treats by Chabad by the Sea. A Menorah lighting takes place 15 minutes before departure.
- Address: Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
- Date: December 11, Menorah Lighting at 4:45 pm; 5:00 pm Train Departure
- Price: $47.65 adult, $34.93 child
New Year's Train: Ring in the New Year aboard vintage train cars glowing with dazzling holiday lights. Enjoy a fun evening ride through Santa Cruz with live DJ music and light-up hula-hoop performers to set the celebratory mood.
- Address: Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
- Date: December 26 – December 31
- Price: Adults $58.25 | Children $38.11 for Standard Class; Adults $74.15 | Children $48.71 for First Class
Enjoy a magical drive-through journey of more than half a mile of illuminated holiday displays at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. From towering Christmas trees and glowing tunnels to Santa, reindeer, and whimsical lighted scenes, you can take in all the sparkle from the warmth of your car while tuning in to festive holiday music.
On Friday & Saturday, December 5–6, 2025, the Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair runs from noon to 9 PM, filling three buildings with handmade crafts, unique gifts, antiques, toys, and more. Fair admission includes a walk-through of Sparky’s Holiday Lights starting at 5:30 PM each evening.
- Address: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave Watsonville, CA 95076
- Date: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from November 28 to December 24, with bonus nights December 22–24!
- Price: $20 per vehicle (online advance) / $25 at gate; RVs & buses $40 online
Step into a sparkling winter wonderland as Gilroy Gardens transforms into a festive holiday village filled with twinkling lights, cheerful elves, and seasonal treats. Cross Candy Cane Lane Bridge into North Pole Village to explore whimsical displays, stroll through the dazzling 100-foot North Pole Light Tunnel, and send a letter from the North Pole Post Office. Kids can visit Santa’s Workshop for photos, and families can enjoy live shows, holiday music, and even ice skating under the stars.
- Address: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy CA
- Date: Select dates November 28 - December 31, 2025
- Price: Single-day admission $45–$65
