The best spots to see holiday lights in Silicon Valley

As the holiday season approaches, South Bay and Silicon Valley transform into a twinkling wonderland, with spectacular light displays as far as the eye can see. Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, the festive cheer is contagious, with neighborhoods and public spaces glowing with intricate installations of colorful lights. From the whimsical displays in Christmas Tree Lane to the dazzling technology-driven shows in Silicon Valley, these spots have become seasonal highlights, drawing visitors from all over. So grab a cozy scarf, some friends or family, and prepare to embark on a luminous journey through the best spots to view holiday lights in the area – places where the magic of the season truly comes to life.

Los Altos, Veterans Community Plaza, Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Casa del Pomba - Deacon Dave's Christmas Display, Filoli Historic House & Garden, Christmas In The Park, Cripps Place, Widmer World, Christmas Tree Lane, Eucalyptus Avenue, Tom and Jerry’s House, Vasona Lake County Park

• Los Altos, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Downtown Los Altos lights up throughout the holiday season. Most notably, Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade celebrates the beginning of the Holiday Season in Downtown Los Altos since 1977. The theme “A Child’s Holiday Fantasy” comes to life with colorful floats, local high school marching bands and costumed characters -- all lit up with thousands of lights. And of course Santa and his reindeer! The parade is produced by the Los Altos Festival of Lights Association, a non-profit, all volunteer organization of community members. Funding is provided by community grants and donations from our generous spectators.

• Veterans Community Plaza in Los Altos, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Featuring tree lightning and menorah lighting ceremonies during the holiday season, Veterans Community Plaza in Los Altos is conveniently located in this charming downtown district.

• Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto is a lush oasis that transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season. As one of the best spots to see holiday lights in the South Bay, this historic 2.5-acre property enchants visitors with its beautifully decorated garden beds, pathways, and the historic home, all adorned with twinkling lights and festive decor. The annual holiday festivities at Gamble Garden invite families and friends to enjoy the magical atmosphere and to engage with the community in celebrating the season's charm.

• Casa del Pomba - Deacon Dave's Christmas Display in Livermore, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Casa del Pomba, also known as Deacon Dave's Christmas Display, is a spectacular holiday attraction located in Livermore, which, while not traditionally considered part of Silicon Valley, is within a reasonable driving distance for visitors from those areas. This enchanting display, curated by Deacon Dave Rezendes, features over half a million lights, creating a dazzling wonderland that draws visitors from all over the Bay Area. Recognized as one of the most elaborate private displays in Northern California, it's a must-see destination for those looking to experience one of the best and most heartfelt examples of holiday spirit.

• Filoli Historic House & Garden, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Filoli Historic House & Garden is one of the most enchanting destinations in the South Bay to experience holiday lights. This historical estate offers a magical Holiday Lights spectacle, with its grand architecture and vast gardens illuminated by countless twinkling lights and festive decorations. As a beloved tradition in Silicon Valley, visitors can stroll through the beautiful grounds, enjoying the dazzling displays that make the holiday season at Filoli a truly spectacular sight.

• Christmas In The Park in San Jose, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Christmas In The Park is a cherished annual tradition and one of the best spots to see holiday lights in South Bay and Silicon Valley. Located in the heart of downtown San Jose at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, it mesmerizes visitors with hundreds of twinkling trees, animated exhibits, and festive decorations. As a focal point of holiday celebrations, this free event draws crowds from all over the region looking to embrace the joyous spirit of the season amidst a dazzling display of lights and holiday cheer.

• Cripps Place in Fremont, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Cripps Place in Sunnyvale is a hidden gem come holiday season, attracting visitors from all over South Bay and Silicon Valley with its dazzling display of festive lights and decorations. Known colloquially as "Candy Cane Lane," residents of this charming neighborhood go all out, adorning their homes and yards with an array of glowing ornaments, creating a magical atmosphere that encapsulates the joy and wonder of the holidays. It's a community-driven spectacle that offers a perfect evening stroll or drive-through experience for families looking to bask in the seasonal glow.

• Widmer World in Pleasanton, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Widmer World in Pleasanton is a beloved holiday spectacle, well-known for its extravagant Christmas light displays. Each year, this private home becomes a winter wonderland, drawing visitors from all around to bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights and meticulously crafted scenes. It's a family-friendly destination and undeniably one of the best spots to see holiday lights in the region, offering a magical experience that captures the spirit of the season.

• Christmas Tree Lane in Palo Alto, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Christmas Tree Lane, also known as Fulton Street in Palo Alto, shines as one of the best spots to see holiday lights in the South Bay and Silicon Valley area. This charming neighborhood tradition, dating back to the 1940s, transforms the street into a dazzling display of festive lights and decorations, drawing visitors from all around to experience the holiday cheer. With its residents going all out to decorate their homes and front yards, Christmas Tree Lane provides a magical experience that embodies the joyful spirit of the season for families and holiday enthusiasts.

• Eucalyptus Avenue, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Eucalyptus Avenue in San Carlos, California transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, making it one of the best spots to see holiday lights in the South Bay and Silicon Valley area. This stretch of neighborhood homes, known as "Christmas Tree Lane," is adorned with spectacular light displays, intricate decorations, and festive cheer that attracts visitors from all around. It's a local tradition for many families to walk or drive down the avenue, soaking in the seasonal spirit amidst a dazzling array of colors and themes.

• Tom and Jerry’s House in San Francisco, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Tom and Jerry’s House is a beloved holiday spectacle located in the heart of San Francisco, enchanting visitors with its elaborate Christmas decorations and dazzling light displays. While not located within Silicon Valley proper, it's a popular destination for those willing to make the short trip to experience the joyous extravaganza put up by residents Tom Taylor and Jerry Goldstein. Each year, locals and tourists alike flock to the Noe Valley neighborhood to witness the House's festive transformation, solidifying it as a must-see for anyone embarking on a tour of the region's best holiday lights.

• Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos, United States

  
  explorelosaltos

  Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos is one of the premier destinations in South Bay and Silicon Valley for holiday lights. Visitors are treated to the annual Fantasy of Lights show, a dazzling drive-through event featuring an array of colorful light displays and animated installations that celebrate the festive season. This spectacular exhibition attracts families from all over the region looking to bask in the glow of holiday cheer.