Discover 27 verified christmas lights in Carlsbad and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Carlsbad Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city lights up with festive cheer each winter. Whether you're a local or visiting, this is the place to find the best spots to enjoy sparkling holiday lights and seasonal decorations.
Carlsbad offers beloved neighborhood favorites and signature displays like the dazzling light shows at LEGOLAND® California Resort and the festive tree lighting at the Omni La Costa Resort. These highlights capture the spirit of the season near Carlsbad.
You'll find a mix of free neighborhood displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, and walking trails to explore. Discover these light displays and make the most of your holiday visit to Carlsbad.
Spectacular Christmas Tree Wonderlights display
The Forum Carlsbad presents a breathtaking Christmas Tree Wonderlights event, transforming the venue into a festive wonderland. Visitors can immerse themselves in a spectacular display of holiday lights, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for families and individuals looking to embrace...
LEGO-themed holiday celebration with characters and fireworks
Experience the most wonderful time of the year at LEGOLAND California Resort's 'Holidays at LEGOLAND' event. Families can immerse themselves in a world of LEGO-themed holiday cheer, meet beloved characters like LEGO Santa, and enjoy festive shows and activities. Don't...
Historic ranch illuminated for the holidays with Santa visits.
Step into a classic holiday wonderland at Holiday at the Rancho. Explore Leo Carrillo Ranch aglow with festive lights and decorations, accompanied by the sounds of holiday music. The event features a tree lighting ceremony, cookie decorating, crafts, a playful...
Museum grounds illuminated for holiday cheer
Step into a world of enchantment at Holiday Lights 2025, where the Antique Gas & Steam Museum transforms into a dazzling spectacle. This signature magical night promises an abundance of sparkle and cheer, perfect for the entire family. Immerse yourselves...
Annual tree lighting with Santa, live music, and snowfall.
Join the 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer. This festive event features Santa's arrival, a live performance by Woodie and The Longboards, and the magical lighting of the Christmas tree....
North County's original Winter Wonderland with igloo dining.
Step into North County's original Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Resort. This magical event features twinkling lights, festive treats, and seasonal drinks on the Lakeside Lawn. Kids will delight in the Frozen Fun Zone with the Lakehouse Express train, s'mores, and...
Mile-long illuminated trail with international artist installations.
Step into a world of enchantment at San Diego Botanic Garden's Lightscape, a mile-long illuminated trail that transforms the garden into a dazzling spectacle. Explore vibrant new installations by international artists alongside returning favorites, all set to lively music. Enjoy...
Festive winter wonderland experience
Prepare for a magical 'Winter Wonderland' experience brought to you by Lovely Leaps. This event promises a delightful escape into the holiday spirit with enchanting decorations and festive activities. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories and embrace the...
Millions of lights along a coastal holiday trail
Coastal Christmas transforms the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a dazzling seaside winter wonderland. Millions of lights illuminate a festive holiday trail, offering a magical experience for all. Enjoy activities like Glice skating, photos with Santa, a Holiday Wine Walk, and...
Professional Santa photos by the sea
Experience the magic of the holidays at North Pole By The Sea in Del Mar Village. Families can capture professional photos with Santa Claus, write letters to him, and enjoy festive giveaways. Roaming holiday characters and carolers add to the...
Real snow play area and visits from Santa Claus.
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Winter Wonderland Festival in Escondido! This free, community event transforms downtown into a winter paradise with real snow for playing, festive crafts, and visits with Santa Claus. Browse a vibrant holiday market...
Historic winery transformed with holiday lights
Step into a winter wonderland at Bernardo Winery's 'Holiday Nights.' This enchanting event transforms the historic grounds into a magical spectacle of dazzling lights and festive cheer. Wander through the charming artist village, browse unique holiday gifts, and savor delicious...
Expedition of light through animal-themed holiday displays.
Discover a magical holiday expedition at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Wild Holidays. This event transforms the park into a glowing wonderland with dazzling light displays, festive entertainment, and unique animal-themed decorations. Visitors can enjoy live music, storytelling, and...
Neighborhood-wide elaborate Christmas light displays
Discover the magic of Christmas Card Lane, a beloved San Diego tradition where an entire neighborhood goes all out with festive holiday decorations. Residents transform their homes into dazzling displays of light, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for all to...
Beachside holiday celebration with over a million twinkling lights
Step into the season at Winter Wonder, Belmont Park's dazzling holiday celebration. Over one million twinkling lights transform the park into a festive wonderland. Enjoy classic holiday movie trivia, dance to DJ-spun Jingle Jams, and indulge in exclusive seasonal treats....
The Nutcracker themed Christmas trees supporting affordable housing.
Step into a magical world at Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley's Christmas Tree Lane, themed 'The Nutcracker – A Whimsical Journey Through Clara’s Dream.' Guests will be enchanted by exquisitely decorated trees inspired by iconic scenes from the classic ballet,...
Two-night holiday festival with free giveaways and family activities.
Experience the magic of the holidays at VSSN's Winter Wonder-Lane, a two-night celebration in Temecula. Enjoy free meals, games, toy giveaways, and festive car displays. This event brings joy and community support to veterans and their families.
One Million Lights Meet Ocean Delights
SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a magical winter wonderland for its annual Christmas Celebration. Visitors can immerse themselves in a dazzling display of over one million lights, enjoy festive shows like the all-new 'Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas,' and meet beloved...
Dazzling holiday light displays illuminating the harbor
Dana Point Harbor transforms into a winter wonderland with the 'Happy Harbor Days' event. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive spirit with dazzling holiday light displays illuminating the harbor from mid-November through early January. This beloved annual tradition features...
Spectacular holiday light displays and a 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights.
Dana Point Harbor transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual 'Holidays at the Harbor' celebration. Visitors can marvel at over 700,000 LED lights creating dazzling displays throughout the harbor. The highlight is the 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights,...
Holiday boat parade cruise with festive decorations and music.
Embark on a magical evening cruise for Dana Point Harbor's 50th Annual Boat Parade of Lights, themed 'Golden Jubilee – Carol of the Boats.' This festive event offers a unique perspective to witness the dazzling spectacle of decorated boats and...
Historic Mission illuminated with festive holiday lights
Step into a magical holiday experience at Capistrano Lights: Mission in Lights. This unique event transforms the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano into a dazzling spectacle of light and sound. Enjoy festive programming, including carolers and Santa visits, alongside stunning...
A neighborhood transformed into a dazzling holiday light display.
Discover the enchanting Starlight Circle neighborhood light display in Santee, California. Residents transform their homes into a festive wonderland with dazzling holiday lights. This beloved, community-coordinated event offers a magical experience for all ages. Visitors can drive or walk through...
Magical tree lighting with Santa and festive family activities.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event offers a delightful evening for the whole family, featuring a special meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, a charming petting zoo,...
Zoo transformed into a holiday wonderland with lights and entertainment
Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells celebration. This annual event transforms the zoo into a festive spectacle with dazzling light displays, captivating live entertainment, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. Families can enjoy...
San Diego's largest free holiday festival in Balboa Park.
Balboa Park December Nights returns in 2025 as San Diego's premier free holiday festival. This beloved event transforms the park into a festive wonderland with dazzling lights, captivating music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Attendees can explore a variety of...
Over a million lights on a historic aircraft carrier flight deck.
Step aboard the USS Midway Museum for the Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration, a dazzling event featuring over a million lights that transform the flight deck into a magical winter wonderland. Families can enjoy festive performances, interactive games, and a...
See the location of all christmas lights around Carlsbad and nearby areas
Open Map →Top displays include the extensive light shows at LEGOLAND® California Resort and the festive tree lighting events at the Omni La Costa Resort. Additionally, several beloved neighborhood displays offer charming holiday lights throughout Carlsbad.
Yes, Carlsbad offers both drive-through lights, such as those at larger resorts or special events, and walkable light displays in neighborhoods and public spaces, allowing visitors to choose their preferred way to enjoy the holiday lights.
Holiday lights in Carlsbad generally begin appearing in mid-November, with major events like tree lightings and light shows kicking off the season around that time and continuing through December.
Yes, many neighborhood displays and public areas offer free holiday lights for visitors to enjoy, alongside ticketed events at resorts and theme parks.