San Diego may not be known for wintry weather and landscapes, but we’re making the most of the holidays by dressing up with lights and decorations in neighborhoods across the country! If you need to capture the Christmas spirit, we have a list of neighborhood exhibitions that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!
You can drive or walk past most places, but some also have interactive elements you can walk through.
For all events and ongoing attractions taking place in San Diego check this page.
EASTLAND
- Gingerbread House – Santee
This Santee house spreads the spirit of Christmas by covering itself with over 12,000 Christmas lights!
When: Every evening from dusk – 10pm until January 1st
Where: 9435 Saint Andrews Drive, Santee CA 92071
Over 30,000 lights are animated to music heard on 106.9 over 995 computer channels.
When: from now until January 1st. Sunday – Thursday 5:30pm – 10:00pm and Friday – Saturday 5:30pm – 11:00pm.
Where: 23542 Bassett Way, Ramona CA 92065
- Jingle Bell Hill – El Cajon
For decades, families have packed up the cars and driven their families through these streets filled with festive lights and holiday displays. 75 houses take part in the festival of lights and their spectacle that is not to be missed.
When: Every evening from 6pm to 9pm (10pm on weekends) until Christmas
Where: Pepper and Lindenwood Drives or Pepper and Rockview Drives.
- Starlight Circle – Santee
This small neighborhood in Santee was built in a circle and residents gather each year to fill their garden with twinkling lights for all to see.
When: Every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until Christmas
Where: West and East Glendon Circle in Santee, 92071
- Santa Claus Lane – Lemon Grove
This cul-de-sac turns into Santa Claus Lane with a light show every night
When: every evening from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. until Christmas
Where: 2618 Sheri Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
20+ homes that go on holiday BRIGHT for everyone with dancing lights and festive decor.
When: Every evening from December 5th to Christmas
Where: 10248 Paseo Palmas Drive, Lakeside, CA 92040
HEADQUARTERS SAN DIEGO
- Belardo Lights – Tierrasanta
A popular tradition started by homeowner Ranch Schmika that has grown into a neighborhood effort where everyone decks the halls (their yards) with stunning holiday displays and thousands of lights synced to music played to you on FM 106.1 can hear. More details can be found here.
When: Every evening from 6pm to 10pm until December 27th
Where: 5306 Belardo Drive, San Drive, San Diego, CA 92124
- Christmas Card Train – Rancho Penasquitos
With dozens of homes completely remodeled for the holidays with imaginative displays and more, it’s become a San Diego favorite.
When: Every evening from 5pm to 9pm until Christmas
Where: 9190 Oviedo St, San Diego, CA 92129
- Clairemont Christmas Park
Over 40 residents are taking part in this delightful neighborhood exhibit that is turning the Lana Drive and Jamar area near Abernathy Circle into its own ‘Christmas Park’.
When: Every evening from dusk to 10pm until Christmas
Where: Lana Drive and Jamar, San Diego, CA 92117
- Garrison Street Lights – Point Loma
This neighborhood near Sunset Cliff has festive, family-friendly holiday exhibits that will delight you.
When: Every evening from 5pm to 9pm until December 31st
Where: 3616 Garrison St., San Diego, CA 92106
- Fairway Village – Carmel Mountain Ranch
You will be dazzled by this community’s festive lights and festive displays.
When: Beginning December 16th, lights/displays will be on every evening from dusk – 10:30pm until January 1st
Where: Stoney Gate Place in San Diego, CA 92128
- Luminaria—Bankers Hill
Everything from trees, lampposts, courtyards and rooftops is covered in festive lights in this beautiful area.
When: Every evening until January 1st
Where: Along 30th Street and Fern Street from Juniper Street, Grape Street and Beech Street.
- Merry Days Court – Scripps Ranch
This neighborhood takes its light shows seriously and really gets into the holiday spirit with displays and activities.
When: Every evening from 5:30pm – 9:30pm until December 31st
Where: Merritage Court and Stonebridge Parkway, San Diego, CA 92131
- The Forward House – Bankers Hill
This late historic Victorian home is decked out in bright festive lights each year. It has also become known as “Griswold’s Christmas House”.
When: Every evening from 5pm to 10pm until December 31st
Where: 108 Ivy Street (off 1st Street), San Diego CA 92101
SOUTH BAY
- Christmas Circle – Chula Vista
For over 60 years, this district has delighted people with its festive Christmas lights on over 55 houses. It has almost a 5 star rating on Google
When: From December 10th to Christmas every evening from 5pm to 10pm
Where: Whitney Street and Mankato Street in Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Christmas in Candy Land – Chula Vista
You’ll want to get out of the car and stroll through the life-size candy land full of lollipops and gummy candies. Travel to Whoville to meet the mean Mr. Grinch and snap your Who Liday photos. Visit Santa’s Workshop and see the elves at work. Drop your wish list in Santa’s mailbox and experience the new Frozen display.
When: Most nights up to Christmas
Where: 1234 Napa Avenue, Chula Vista CA 91911
- Jackie & Jose’s Christmas House – Chula Vista
This wonderful couple opens their homes each evening from 6pm to 9pm for guests to enjoy the wall-to-wall display of Christmas trees, decorations and more – plus Christmas music and the magic of the pines! The couple encourages guests to bring clothing or food donations for San Diego’s homeless.
When: Every evening from 6pm to 9pm until January 6th (the home will be closed on Sat December 11th)
Where: 756 Nolan Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91910
NORTHLAND
- Candy Cane Lane—Poway
House after house on this street are covered in festive lights and festive decor.
When: Every evening from dusk – 10pm until Christmas
Where: Hickory Street, Poway, CA 92064
- Candy Cane Lane – San Marcos
An entire block gets into the Christmas spirit with candy cane themed lights and displays galore.
When: Most nights up to Christmas
Where: 1000 Crimson Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
Flamingos, penguins, animated window displays, dancing Santas and the Land of the Misfit toys are all featured in this magical Carlsbad home. More info HERE.
When: Every evening from 5pm to 10pm until December 31st
Where: 7607 Romeria Street, Carlsbad, CA 92009
- Christmas on Knob Hill – San Marcos
Visiting this incredible exhibition is a cherished holiday tradition for many. The homeowners love to spread the holiday cheer with lights and lots of decorations! Santa Claus will be there from 14th to 23rd December from 18:30 to 20:00. More details can be found HERE.
When: Every evening from 5pm to 9pm until December 30th
Where: 1639 Knob Hill Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
- Christmas / Disneyland House – Fallbrook
For over 25 years, the home’s owner, Mack, has expanded his incredible display of lights and miniature displays of his hometown, family and friends.
When: Most nights up to Christmas
Where: 2031 Reche Road, Fallbrook CA 92028
- Jingle Terrace Park – Vista
When: Every evening from 5:30pm – 9:00pm until December 23rd
Where: Brengle Terrace Park – 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista CA 92084
- Spence Family Lighthouse – Escondido
For over 10 years, this family has been putting on a light show in their home for all to see!
When: evenings until Christmas
Where: 1835 Sunny Slope Terrace, Escondido CA 92027
- The Griswolds House – Poway
The house got its name because of the sheer number of lights that are placed on their house each year to make everyone’s holiday bright and cheerful!
When: Every evening from 17:30 – 22:00 (weekends – 23:00) until January 1st
Where: 12631 Stoutwood Street, Poway, CA 92064
- Willow Walk Road – Ocean side
Tens of thousands of lights are incorporated into this amazing show that includes mega board arches and singing Christmas trees!
When: 6:30pm – 10:00pm every night until December 31st.
Where: 5279 Willow Walk Road, Oceanside, CA 92057