During the holiday season, Southern California transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland through some spectacular light shows that add sparkle to an already magical season. From Orange County to the Inland Empire, festive displays illuminate neighborhoods, parks, harbors and other popular attractions.
Here’s a quick roundup of some of the region’s top holiday light experiences. Most of these require paid admission, so check times, dates and ticket information before you head out.
Orange County
- Winter Fest OC — Held at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, Winter Fest OC is billed as Southern California’s largest winter festival, with massive light displays, including a walk-through Christmas tree, a holiday tunnel of lights, and Santa’s village. Guests can enjoy ice tubing, carnival rides, and live entertainment alongside the dazzling decor. Open on select dates from Nov. 27 through Jan. 5.
- Dana Point Harbor Festival of Lights — Dana Point Harbor becomes a festive wonderland with millions of lights, themed displays, and an illuminated tunnel with its annual Festival of Lights. Families can stroll through the harbor, enjoy the holiday sculptures, and even spot Santa during scheduled appearances.
Los Angeles County
- Enchanted Forest of Lights – Descanso Gardens — Descanso Gardens transforms into a mesmerizing lighted forest with interactive displays. Visitors can walk through shimmering canopies, glowing tunnels, and illuminated oak trees while enjoying the serene ambiance of the gardens at night. Open now through Jan. 5, with special discount tickets available Dec. 2-3 and 9-10.
- Rodeo Nights Holiday Lights — Beverly Hills’ most famous shopping boulevard dazzles during the holidays with elegant light displays and oversized decorations. The iconic palm trees are wrapped in sparkling lights, and many storefronts join in the festive transformation. The festivities continue through Jan. 5, including attractions like the “Glowing Gardens” with giant tree and ornament sculptures at Beverly Cañon Gardens park; and “Lights on the Lily Pond” show at Beverly Gardens Park, with shows every 15 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
San Diego County
- Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden — This immersive holiday display, running on select dates through Jan. 5, takes visitors on a one-mile walk through stunning light art installations, including glowing tunnels, lit sculptures, and musical displays that transform the iconic San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. The lush gardens provide a serene backdrop to this magical experience.
- Holiday Market at Petco Park — Returning for its fourth year, the Holiday Market at Petco Park’s Gallagher Square is a ticketed event open on select dates from Dec. 5-27. Enjoy magical Christmas lighting displays, visit with Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters, and go shopping for the perfect stocking stuffers and handcrafted holiday gifts.
Inland Empire
- Mission Inn Festival of Lights — The Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights in downtown Riverside is a holiday centerpiece of the Inland Empire, with millions of holiday lights, breathtaking displays, Victorian-style decor, an ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, carnival rides and more, running now through Jan. 6. The blocks surrounding the downtown hotel are also transformed for the holidays, with lights, entertainment, vendors and more holiday decorations.
- WildLights at the Living Desert — WildLights is back on select nights through Dec. 30 at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. This year’s event features an enhanced light design with three million lights throughout the park, live nightly entertainment, Instagram-worthy festive photo ops and delectable wintertime treats.
