The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes holiday lights. Below are some great places to soak up the holiday vibes and lights.

Lightscape at SF Botanical Garden
An immersive, one-mile trail of lights with sculptures and music
November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
5:15PM-8:15PM
1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA
More information

Holidays at Filoli
The estate in Woodside transforms into a winter wonderland, with daytime tours and a nighttime “Holiday Lights” experience
November 22, 2025 to January 11, 2026
10:00AM- 5:00PM (day), 6:30PM-10:00pm (night)
Filoli Estate & Gardens, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA
More information

Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru
Features animated displays and holiday music.
December 9, 2025 to December 30, 2025
6:00PM-10:00PM
Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos, CA 95032
More info

Blinky’s Illuminated Holiday
A drive-thru light show with synchronized music
November 28 to December 31, 2025
5:00PM-9:00PM (Monday–Thursday), 5PM–10PM (Friday–Sunday)
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Santa Clara, CA
More information

Glowfari at Oakland Zoo
Hundreds of glowing animal lanterns are on display
November 20, 2024 to January 26, 2025
4:30PM-9:00PM
9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605
More information

Illuminate SF™ Light Art Installations
Free light-art installations across the city. Shines a light on San Francisco’s ever-expanding light art scene and celebrates the city’s culture of creativity and innovation.
More information

Holiday Light Spectacular (Marin County Fairgrounds)
A large-scale light display sponsored by the county’s Cultural Services department. Thousands of sparkling holiday lights, photo-ops, vintage fire-truck display, etc.
November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026
4:00PM-9:00PM
Marin County Fairgrounds, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA
More information

More Helpful Articles

Celebrating the Year of the Snake in the Bay Area!

Happy Lunar New Year! This week marked the beginning of the year of the snake, and the Bay Area is ready to celebrate.  While you wait for the world-renowned SF Chinatown parade - recently named one of the top 10 parades in the world - on Saturday, February 15, here...

read more

Keeping the Bay Area in bloom with the SF Flower Markets!

With colder temperatures, high winds, and possible precipitation, the Bay Area winter is well underway this week. It is reported that some parts of the North Bay and Inner Peninsula regions could drop below 40 degrees this weekend, and possible rains Saturday evening...

read more

A 2025 Bay Area Bucket List!

Happy new year! As we say goodbye to 2024 and embrace the exciting promise of the new year, it is time to start planning for all the incredible events that make living here so special. From world-class festivals to neighborhood gatherings, there is something for...

read more