These are the best holiday light displays in the Bay Area to kick-start your holiday spirit.
The lure is the world’s largest Christmas light maze, but there’s so much more at this wonderland of holiday spirit at PayPal Park. The mind-blowing attraction also boasts larger-than-life light sculptures, an ice skating trail, live entertainment, Santa’s Landing, Enchant Village and seasonal food and beverages. 11/22-12/29
On select dates, Oakland Zoo lights up with hundreds of animal-themed lanterns that tell the ongoing stories of wildlife and the zoo's commitment to conservation. 11/8-1/26
For two months, Filoli shines bright with thousands of festive holiday lights throughout the garden. Other offerings include a variety of elegant tea services in Filoli’s Garden House and multiple meet-and-greets with Santa. 11/16-1/12
CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, SAN JOSE
Plaza de Cesar Chavez in History Park San Jose is transformed into a two-acre winter wonderland, with light tunnels and giant candy canes covered in thousands of twinkling lights, all synced to beloved holiday tunes. 11/21-12/31
THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO GINGERBREAD HOUSE
The Fairmont San Francisco’s annual Gingerbread House display is crafted from hundreds of real gingerbread bricks baked by the hotel’s pastry team and covered head-to-toe with pounds of See’s Candies and glittering lights. Amp up the festivities by booking a holiday tea or private dinner inside of the house. 11/23-1/1
ILLUMINATE SF FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Meander through the bright lights of the city during Illuminate, an annual light art festival featuring dozens of glowing public art installations. The festival features site-specific artworks by acclaimed artists from all over the world. 11/29-1/31
For the 86th year in a row, this entire street (3200 block of Thomson Ave. between High St. and Fernside Blvd.) goes all out with elaborate holiday displays. Whether walking or driving through, it’s impossible not to feel the holiday spirit at Christmas Tree Lane. 12/1-31
CIVIC CENTER TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Celebrate the season with Civic Center’s tree lighting ceremony. Mayor London Breed will preside over the official tree lighting, and other offerings include live performances, a visit from Santa, snow flurries, toy giveaways for kids, seasonal drinks and festive bites. 12/4
Let’s Glow is the country’s largest projection event, and the SF iteration features large-scale animated light installations from 13 international artists and award-winning design studios. Mark your calendars for the Dec. 6 Countdown to Glow public kickoff and the De. 13 Glow on the Front: A Neon Block Party. 12/6-15
GRACE CATHEDRAL WORLD TREE OF HOPE
Grace Cathedral’s World Tree of Hope is lighting up once again in partnership with Rainbow World Fund. This is the largest origami tree in the world, standing over 23 feet tall and decorated with thousands of origami cranes and stars, each inscribed with wishes for the future. 12/9-1/3
Photography by: GETTY IMAGES
