Looking for the most magical places to celebrate the holiday season? The Bay Area absolutely comes alive this time of year—with charming neighborhood displays, glowing light shows, winter markets, and family traditions old and new. Whether you’re staying local in the South Bay or looking to venture out for something unforgettable, here are some of the best holiday light experiences to enjoy.

🌟 Must-See Holiday Light Destinations

🎄 Willow Glen Holiday Lights – San Jose

One of the most beloved and iconic displays in the South Bay, the Willow Glen neighborhood transforms into a storybook holiday scene each year. Each street adopts its own theme and the towering, tree-lined blocks twinkle with lights, ornaments, and creative front-yard displays.

✨ Why go:

• Completely free to walk or drive through

• Perfect for families, date nights, and visitors

• Each street offers its own unique holiday theme

Insider Tip: Go earlier in the evening or on weeknights to avoid crowds—weekends can get busy!

🦒 Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo

A magical illuminated lantern safari featuring enormous glowing animal sculptures, immersive light tunnels, and a gondola ride that overlooks the bay. It’s stunning and absolutely worth the trip.

✨ Insider Tip: Tickets must be booked online in advance—this event sells out quickly, especially weekends and holiday weeks.

🎅 Christmas in the Park – Downtown San Jose

A beloved Bay Area tradition featuring holiday displays, decorated community trees, food vendors, rides, and nightly entertainment. A great spot for photos and a festive night out.

🚙 Drive-Thru Favorites

• Fantasy of Lights — Vasona Lake Park, Los Gatos
  • A South Bay classic and one of the most popular holiday light traditions, Fantasy of Lights transforms Vasona Lake Park into a sparkling winter wonderland. Visitors drive through more than a mile of dazzling animated light displays set to holiday music—an unforgettable experience for families, visitors, and locals alike. This event has become a beloved annual tradition for Los Gatos residents, and it’s one of the many reasons people fall in love with the community: small-town charm, stunning parks, and festive celebrations that bring neighbors together. Tickets must be purchased in advance and sell out quickly, especially for prime weekend dates, so be sure to book early.

• Christmas in the Park Drive-Thru Experience – San Jose

  • Perfect for rainy nights, warm car cocoa, and little ones in pajamas.

🎄 South Bay Holiday Events 2025

Family Events

• San Jose Holiday Lights at Discovery Meadow — Nov 21

• Four Seasons Palo Alto Après Village — Nov 21

• Christmas in the Park, Plaza de Cesar Chavez — Nov 21

• The Tech Interactive Polar Play Days — Nov 22

• San Jose Downtown Ice — Nov 25

• Gilroy Gardens North Pole Nights — Nov 28

• Santana Row Snow Showers & Spirit of the Row — Dec 2

• Legoland Discovery Center Holiday Bricktacular — Dec 4

• Santa Clara Holiday Tree Lighting, Central Park — Dec 5

• The Tech Interactive Laser Holiday Magic — Dec 6

• Downtown Campbell Carol of Lights — Dec 6

• Children’s Discovery Museum Menorahs & Miracles — Dec 7

• History San Jose Children’s Heritage Holiday — Dec 14

• Santa Run Silicon Valley — Dec 14

🎁 Festivals & Markets

• Lynbrook High School Craft Faire — Nov 22

• German International School Holiday Market — Dec 13

• Kiwanis Los Gatos Holiday Market — Dec 13–14

🎅 Meet Santa

• Bass Pro Shop (Almaden) — open now

• Stanford Mall — open now

• Valley Fair — Nov 21

• Christmas in the Park — Nov 29

• Santana Row — Dec 2 (select dates)

🎭 Theater

• Merry-Achi Christmas — Nov 28

• Cool Yule Jazz — Dec 2

• The New Ballet San Jose presents The Nutcracker — Dec 13+ (look for My First Nutcracker for young children)

✨ Parades

• Los Altos Festival of Lights — Nov 30

• Los Gatos — Dec 6

• Gilroy — Dec 6

• Morgan Hill — Dec 6

🍷 Other Holiday Fun

• Morgan Hill Wine Trolley — Holiday Lights Tour

• Downtown Willow Glen Bubbly Walk — Dec 6

Wrap-Up

Whether you’re planning a cozy family outing, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply looking to soak up the magic of the season, the Bay Area has something special waiting for you. Don’t forget to check event dates and reserve tickets early—especially for Glowfari and drive-through shows.

Wishing you a warm, bright, and joyful holiday season! 🎁✨