‘Tis The Season To See Lights

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…with candy canes and silver lanes that glow…” – one of my favorite Christmas song that just gives the Christmasy vibe. 

California does not have snow besides the mountains, but that does not mean California is short of Christmas spirit. In fact, there are so many sparkling lights around around L.A. to go check out that will give you the Christmas spirit.

I have been to some and some are still pending, but once the kids are on break, this may not be a bad idea to check them out. 

Also, do make sure with kids, they are bundled up in warm clothes and layers as lot of this events are in the evening and since the weather has been cold, last thing you want is getting them sick.

Here are some of the places:

1. Snoopy House – Costa Mesa

If you remember Peanut, Charlie Brown and Snoopy then this is his house which you should visit. The Snoopy House has been a tradition since 1966 and has an estimated of 15,000 visitors annually. The event features free train rides, free cider, free photos with Santa, live performances on the community stage and an opportunity to purchase holiday treats from local organizations.

As the name suggests it, it is for sure an enchanted place. The place is decked up with beautiful lights each with different themes like the Japanese tea garden, a rose garden of lights, Symphony of Oaks and many more. It takes around an hour to view the whole place. There are a lot of good photos you can take as a family. We all enjoyed it a lot. Tickets do sell out fast so make sure to get it beforehand.

3. LA Zoo Lights – Los Angeles

Named as one of the ’10 best zoo lights’, this is by far one of the popular places to go with kids as they get to see all the nocturnal animals. The zoo is transformed into a magical winter jungle with a disco ball forest, whimsical 3-D animations, a glowing “Northern Lights” featuring animal constellations that come to life and more. They even have real reindeer! 

4. The Grove – Los Angeles 

It is one of the most lively places, where you see people and feel the festive spirit. The have one of the biggest Christmas tree and their water fountain show is set to holiday tunes. The biggest excitement for kids is snowfall which happens at 7pm and 8 pm every night and you do not want to miss that. They also have Santa’s Workshop where kids can take pictures with Santa Claus. The kids enjoyed seeing the lights and the snowfall. 

5. The Mission Inn – Riverside

The Mission Inn is a must to go to if you have not yet. It is one of the nation’s largest holiday lights on display and it is currently in its 27th year.  The castle like hotel is said to have a record breaking of 5 million lights with 400 animated figures! There is a long waiting line to get in and lot of walking, so dress up warm and make sure kids are well fed. ( My kids got tired and cranky from the walking). The theme this is year is winter wonderland. They have the North Pole which takes you to Santa’s Elves playing in the snow, the world’s largest mistletoe, Santa’s Workshop, Elves filling Santa’s sled full of Toys and life-size Gingerbread House!

6. The Living Desert’s Wildlights – Palm Springs

Palm Springs is quite a drive so maybe you can make a 2-day trip of it. Their desert zoo has thousands of twinkling lights, dazzling displays, shows, Holiday Express train, live music, games, activities for kids and many more. People come from far and near to see the Wildlights.  Yes, there was lot of walking, but kids got really excited to see animals and some were roaming around on the mountains in their natural habitat. We even got to pet some animals.

7. Newport Beach Boat Parade – Newport Beach

Boats are and have always been a fancy to watch. This is the 111th year of the boat parade.  You will get to see beautifully decorated boats, yachts, kayaks and canoes sail along the harbor. This parade is hosted by Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. On the opening night, they have games, face painting and other activities for kids and lot of restaurants near the harbor to dine at. Kids and me really enjoyed the fireworks and boat parade. If you plan on visiting, make sure you get their early as parking and traffic gets packed. The first and last day they also do fireworks. They also have Grand Marshals perform. Go online to check their schedule for each day.

8. Brea Eagle Hills Christmas Lights – Brea

This is one of my favorite places to take the kids every year as it is close by to me, but also every year the houses have new decoration. The houses are beautifully decorated and have a Christmas theme/story to tell. You can either drive through the area or get down and walk to the different houses.  There are also other neighborhood with lights like Woodland Hills, Alta Dena Christmas Tree Lane, South Torrance and San Marino. Here is the link for more information https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-decorated-neighborhoods-for-the-holidays/ .

9. Candy Cane Lane – El Segundo

The El Segundo neighborhood has been lighting up since 1949. The houses are said to have over the top decoration of lights. You will have to park your car and walk a few blocks. At the end of the block, you can meet Santa Claus and take pictures with him. The line for Santa Claus does get long so be sure to come early. 

These are few places that are must to see in this Christmas season. If you know of any places that have been missed, do share them with us! Happy Holidays to you and your family!