Home Christmas Activities Twinkle, Twinkle! Sparkling Bay Area Light Displays by TaLeiza Calloway-AppletonDecember 21, 2021 Search more like this holiday lightsmusicholiday seasonchristmas treeboat paradedisneyeco friendlyenchanted forestfire pitfun driveguided tourhistoric househockeyhot cider Advertisement Trending Now Viral & Trending Dad Gets Shamed for Using a Leash with 5-Year-Old Quintuplets News Chrissy Teigen Announces She’s Pregnant Almost 2 Years after Losing Jack Viral & Trending This Guy’s Going Very Viral for Nailing the Amazingly Terrible Things About Summer Viral & Trending Michigan Restaurant Closes Early Due to ‘Rude’ Tourists Mistreating Staff Celeb & Entertainment ‘Virgin River’ Season 5 Has Already Started Filming Advertisement If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Nothing kicks off the holiday season better than the twinkle of festive lights while strolling through your neighborhood or driving under giant candy canes in the park. Just add a frothy cup of cocoa and the smiles on your little one’s face will sparkle with cheer. Oh, and speaking of festive lights in the neighborhood, this year we’re all about using the Nextdoor app’s Cheer Map which literally lights up a map that displays the most festive homes in the neighborhood. If your house is all decked out for the holidays, you can drop a pin (which looks just like a Christmas lightbulb) right on the map so locals can drive by and check it out. More info: Nextdoor app’s Cheer Map San Francisco Firefly Lights Illuminate SF Festival of LightsKicking off its 9th year, this urban lights festival offers 44 eco-friendly displays that are all accessible by public transportation within San Francisco's 49 square miles. Pick from 17 neighborhoods to explore and take the free guided tour to learn more about the artists that have brought these installations to life. Nov. 25-Jan. 1.More info: https://illuminatesf.com San Francisco Recreation and Park Department Visit "Entwined" in Golden Gate ParkThe illuminating art installation "Entwined" will return to Golden Gate Park transforming Peacock Meadow into an enchanted forest of otherworldly shapes and ever-changing light. Created by San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken, the display help commemorate Golden Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary. Dec. 2-Feb. 1. More info: sanfranciscoparksalliance.org View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michael Victor • San Francisco (@the415guy) Other Houses & Streets in San Francisco to Visit68 Castro Street (shown above)Rainbow Christmas tree at 18th & Castro in the Castro District1960 10th Avenue1929 7th Avenue363 Wawona Street515 Crestlake Drive488 Gallert Drive East Bay Ruth Bancroft Garden Garden of D'LightsExperience the Ruth Bancroft Garden in a whole new way at this year’s Garden of d’Lights. With more lights and more lasers, this year’s Garden of d’Lights is set to be better than ever. Guests of all ages are in for a holiday treat as they stroll through the Garden’s 3.5 acres of mature cacti, succulents and trees that are transformed into magical colorful botanical sculptures by thousands of lights. Fri.-Sun. Nov. 19-Jan. 2. More info: www.ruthbancroftgarden.org View this post on Instagram A post shared by Derrick Whitacre (@dwhit1981) Temple Hill - OaklandCome and enjoy a wonderful night of peace and Christmas enchantment at Temple Hill. The Oakland Temple Christmas Lights will shine every evening from dusk to 9:00p.m., Nov. 26-Dec. 31, 2020. This activity practices social distancing, and we invite all families and individuals to come to witness the wonder of Christmas.4766 Lincoln Ave.Oakland, CAOnline: templehill.org/christmasCrippsmas Place - FremontThe 80+ homes of Crippsmas Place are on Cripps Place, Asquith Place, Nicolet Court, Wellington Place, Perkins Street, and the stretch of Nicolet Avenue between Gibraltar Drive and Perkins Street in Fremont. They are open for 2021 from Dec. 11-31, 6-10 p.m. and will allow visitors to walk AND drive through this year. Don’t forget to get your free candy cane!Online: crippsmasplace.org Oakland Zoo Glowfari at Oakland ZooWalk through a mile-long journey and be dazzled by hundreds of larger-than-life animals lit up by lanterns in this unforgettable holiday lights display! Ride the gondola to the Land of Bugs, hop on the Express Train through Winter Wonderland and finish the evening with a visit to Santa! November 12-24, 26-30, 2021 | December 1-23, 26-31, 2021 | January 1-2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30, 2022Event detailsChristmas Tree Lane - AlamedaChristmas spirit comes to life on this lively, lit-up block in Alameda that has the whole package: beautiful lights, friendly neighbors and people strolling galore—and it's been going on since 1938! While Santa won’t be making an appearance this year, Christmas Tree Lane will continue to bring cheer Dec. 4-31. Masks are required. More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net Mountain View Cemetery Holiday Circle of LightsEditor's Note: The Holiday Circle of Lights is cancelled for 2021 but they hope to host it in 2022. Don't let the fact this display is in a cemetery spook you, though it will take your breath away in a good way! Thousands of lights adorn the main buildings at Mountain View Cemetery. The colorful light shows have included a train full of toys, a giant nutcracker and a beautiful arch of lights. More info: mountainviewcemetery.org Other Houses & Streets in the East Bay to VisitThese houses are known for their amazing decorations so be sure to check them out!Livermore:467 Knottingham CircleBrentwood: Tunnels of Joy—La Costa Drive and nearby houses are expected to be illuminated this year. This display is a fundraiser for a child with cancer. More info. Newark: 6716 Fontaine Ave. Hercules: 145 Onxy CourtSuisun City: VnA's Gingy House, 340 Shoveller Drive, @vnasgingyhouseConcord: 219 Rock Oak Rd.Union City: 32247 Valiant WayFairfiled: Disney-inspired musical house: 2132 Calder Place Peninsula/South Bay CuriOdyssey IlluminOdyssey Winter Light ExperienceThis dazzling exhibit with its lit up floors, walls and ceilings will electrify little imaginations! Colorful lanterns will light the way as kids dance among a laser light show, wander under an illuminated canopy and create refractive rainbows with a wand. Thu-Sun., November 9-January 5.Event details istock Holiday Lights Drive-Through at the Santa Cruz County FairgroundsPicture a 1/2 mile drive through the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds enjoying spectacular lighted Holiday displays featuring giant Christmas trees twinkling with lights – Santa – reindeer – snowmen – lighted tunnels and more. New this year is a special two-night holiday lights walk-thru. Enjoy the fun weekends Dec. 4 through Dec. 26. Event details. Oona Cooperhill Drive Through Christmas in the ParkGet ready to check out all the holiday lights and decked-out trees at this fun drive-through event at Lake Cunningham Park. Not to be missed, this year's Christmas in the Park features over 200,000 lights! Nov. 26-Jan. 9. Event details. Fantasy of Lights Drive-ThruBe sure to buy your ticket in advance (required) and enjoy your slow cruise through 1.5 miles of twinkling lights. Dinosaurs, pirate ships and all sorts of animals join Santa and his crew in the many light displays. Dec. 7-30 (except Dec. 25), 6-10 p.m. More info: tinybeans.go-vip.net Ruth Ann Groves Holidays at FiloliGrab your masks and make a reservation to experience Woodside's Filoli Historic House and Gardens all lit up for the holiday season. Take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of the winter garden adorned with lights and colorful decor or cozy up to a fire pit under twinkling lights. Filoli is open daily from Nov. 20-Jan 2 with daytime and evening hours. More info: filoli.org. In December, you can get tickets for Santa Saturdays and take a selfie with the big man himself. Dec. 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19. Emerald Hills Golfland—San Jose Looking for an activity to go with your holiday lights this year? No problem. Emerald Hills Golfland gets even more festive with Christmas lights and running Christmas music at the end of November/early December. There are two courses but we like the course that's closer to Blossom Hill Rd. as you can hear the music better.976 Blossom Hill Rd.San Jose, CAOnline: golfland.com/sanjose View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mattos Orchard Lights (@mattosorchardlights) Mattos Orchard Lights - San JoseMattos Orchard Lights span over 30,000 Square feet of apricot trees. The display includes over 90,000 LED lights, which includes a 20-foot mega tree with a full light show, over 100 blow molds, and 9 inflatables. Lights are on from 5-10 p.m. Thanksgiving night through Jan. 2.1545 Stone Creek Dr San Jose, CAOnline: facebook.com iStock 4454 Moran Dr. - San JoseYou'll love this San Jose house that has over 1,000 RGB lights that are all programmed by computer and synchronized to music. Be sure to sing along! 4454 Moran Dr. San Jose, CA Dave's Christmas House Dave's Christmas House Benefiting Make-a-WishFor many years this Willow Glen house has been decked out in thousands of lights, all in the name of helping children who are battling illness. Swing by to visit and leave a donation to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation. The San Jose neighborhood of Willow Glen is well known for its lights displays and Christmas trees. San Jose, CADates: Now-Dec. 25, 6 p.m.Cost: FreeOnline: facebook.com Helen Y. via yelp Christmas Tree Lane - Palo AltoChristmas Tree Lane (or Fulton Street in the off-season) has been putting visitors in the Christmas spirit with their holiday lights display since the 1940s. This year they celebrate their 80th year! For the two weeks leading up to Christmas you can drive or walk through this display to see carolers, vintage lawn displays and lights, lights and more lights.Fulton Street between Embarcadero Ave. and Seale Rd.Palo Alto, CADates: 2021 Dates haven’t been released, 5-11 p.m.Cost: FreeMore info: christmastreelane.org Kate Loweth Lamore Drive in San JoseWe love this house for the epic amount of lights in its display (they even extend over the street!). There’s also two different light shows that happen every 15 minutes. Stay on the lookout for the penguins playing hockey with candy canes!1419 Lamore Dr. in San JoseMore info: californiachristmaslights.com View this post on Instagram A post shared by Santana Row (@santanarow) Other Houses & Streets in the South Bay/Peninsula to VisitSan Carlos: 1900 Eucalyptus Ave.San Jose: Santana RowSanta Clara:Cathedral of Faith—They have a live show on weekends from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 1-27 except on Christmas. More info. Campbell: 750 Harriet Ave. Tune your car radio to 92.9 for the music to go along with the show. More info.Los Altos: Estate Drive at Grant Road Marin Holidays in SausalitoIt's no secret that the best time to visit Sausalito is during the holiday season. Anchored by the famed Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks (returning for 2021), Sausalito is also the perfect venue from which to view the Lighted City Skyline and the Bay Lights installation on the Bay Bridge which is easier to see in the winter courtesy of earlier nightfall. Joyce Z. via yelp Rombeiro HouseNot only is this house decorated to the nines on the outside, but they also welcome visitors inside to see all the rooms decked out in different Christmas themes—trains, angels, candy canes and more. How many Santas can you spot? You may even get to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the end of your tour! 34 Devonshire Dr.Novato, CAWhen: 6-10 p.m. daily, Dates coming soon.Cost: FreeOnline: Rombeiro Christmas House Tam Valley MegaTreeThis tree performs a lovely musical show every night and is a great spot to visit this holiday season. A 30-foot tree of lights with over 3000 individually controlled LED lights, synchronized to your favorite holiday music via 96.1 FM on your radio. Operating daily after Thanksgiving from 5-10 p.m. through New Years Day.340 Jean St.Mill Valley, CAOnline: facebook.com —TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton & Kate Loweth featured photo by iStock RELATED STORIES Festive Activities for Your Holiday Bucket List Chop Chop! The Best U-Cut Tree Farms 2021 Holiday Bucket List Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Copy (Opens in new window) Search more like this holiday lightsmusicholiday seasonchristmas treeboat paradedisneyeco friendlyenchanted forestfire pitfun driveguided tourhistoric househockeyhot cider Welcome to our Tinybeans family! Be sure to check your email for new activities, recipes and parenting hacks – and to see if you’ve won! Do you have a dog or cat? Select YES below and click submit to start receiving FREE pet ideas and inspiration, news about new pet products, exclusive offers and limited-time promotions. Yes, I have a pet! Submit GET READY FOR SUMMER! Enter to Win a $250 Gift Card! Enter your email and zip code below for a chance to win a Mastercard Gift Card. 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