Tis the season folks.  December in Southern California sometimes isn’t as wintery as some need to make it feel like the holidays.  There will always be plenty of decorations and events to get you in the holiday spirit.  Here are five holiday light displays around the area to get you in the groove.

Capistrano Lights at the San Juan Capistrano Mission

This is a paid walk through event at the Mission and features lights, holiday decor, carolers and crafts for kids.  It runs 02DEC – 30DEC and it’s highly recommended to get your tickets online due to high demand.  You can read up on the history of the San Juan Capistrano Mission in my previous post here.

Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light

You can find Descanso Gardens close to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl.   They put on an annual light show that includes a hanging light installation, 3-D geometric sculptures and glowing meadow grass.  The show runs through 07JAN rain or shine.  This is another paid walk through event and you have to get tickets online

Lightscape San Diego at the San Diego Botanical Garden

For the folks hanging out down the San Diego way, check out the impressive display happening at the botanical garden.  The display is happening Wednesday through Sundays until 01JAN.  They have glowing musical installations, a sprawling meadow of fiber optic flowers, a “Winter Cathedral” and a colored laser light display.  This is a paid walk through with timed entry tickets.  They offer military discounts, but also note that you have to pay for parking.

Mission Inn Festival of Lights

The city of Riverside knows how to celebrate the season and you simply can’t miss the display at the Mission Inn.  The inn covers a full city block and is covered with lights and moving figures on all sides.  This is a free walk through and the lights come on at dusk every night through 31DEC.  If you want to see the elaborate show inside the inn, reserve tickets for the last tour of the day (so you see the lights when you’re done), reserve a hotel room (kinda pricey) or treat yourself to a drink or a meal at one of the inn’s restaurants.

Christmas Tree Lane

Back again in the Pasadena area, this is in the city of Altadena.  This neighborhood has been doing holiday lights for 103 years and aren’t letting up.  This is a free drive through show for about a mile.  It runs nightly from 09DEC through 07JAN.  Lights turn on at 5:30 and go off at midnight.

This is just a quick sample of things to see during this festive season.  Also be sure to check out musical performances at the Disney Concert Hall, Christmas at the Grove, the various light shows at the waterfront in San Diego, Orange County and Marina del Rey.  There’s a lot to see and do.  Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday season.

Until next time,

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back.