Discover 22 verified christmas lights in Oakland and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Oakland Christmas lights and holiday displays. If you're looking for festive ways to enjoy the season, you'll find plenty of options to explore right here in Oakland.
Some beloved neighborhood favorites include the enchanting light displays along Picardy Drive and the magical Christmas at Temple Hill, where holiday lights brighten the evenings. These displays are a cherished part of the season near Oakland.
Whether you prefer drive-through lights, walking trails, or strolling through neighborhood displays, this guide covers free displays, ticketed events, and everything in between. Discover the holiday lights and make the most of your visit this year.
Peaceful Christmas atmosphere with light displays and free performances.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Temple Hill's 'Days of Christmas' event. Visitors can immerse themselves in a peaceful and beautiful Christmas atmosphere, illuminated by stunning light displays. The event features a variety of free, family-friendly performances, including...
Sparkling holiday lights and festive entertainment.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Fourth Street's Dazzling Holiday Lights event. Stroll through three blocks of sparkling lights, enjoy complimentary hot beverages and cookies, and be entertained by live music and captivating magic shows. Encounter whimsical costumed...
Christmas Village and Lantern Parade
Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the Solano Christmas Village. This festive event features a spectacular Christmas Lantern Parade, bringing a dazzling display of light and color to the community. The opening and lighting ceremony officially kicks off the...
Annual Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony
Get ready for the enchanting Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony, a beloved event that officially kicks off the holiday season. This magical occasion transforms the area into a festive spectacle, perfect for families and individuals looking to embrace the spirit of...
Annual building lighting ceremony and carnival
Celebrate the official start of the holiday season at the 36th Annual Building Lighting Ceremony & Carnival. This family-friendly event features a carnival with games, face painting, and a special appearance by Santa and his elves. The night culminates with...
Filipino parol lanterns and Bayanihan spirit celebration
Discover the magic of the 23rd Annual South San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival on December 13, 2025. This vibrant event celebrates the Filipino symbol of hope, the parol, with stunning lantern displays, community workshops, and a festive 'Taste of Christmas'....
Outdoor ice skating in Union Square
Experience the magic of the holiday season at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, San Francisco's premier outdoor skating destination. Glide under the stars surrounded by festive lights and iconic city views. This beloved tradition offers hour-long sessions...
Life-sized Gingerbread House display
Step into a winter wonderland at the Fairmont San Francisco, where their iconic life-sized Gingerbread House takes center stage. This colossal creation, built with real gingerbread and adorned with pounds of candy, is a must-see holiday spectacle. For an extra...
Illuminated animal lanterns and themed zones.
Step into a world of enchantment at Oakland Zoo's Glowfari, a spectacular lantern festival. This family-friendly event features hundreds of new, larger-than-life animal lanterns that illuminate the zoo with stories of wildlife and conservation. Explore themed zones, including a captivating...
City Hall illuminated by over 220 LED lights nightly.
San Francisco City Hall transforms into a dazzling spectacle each evening at sunset, illuminated by over 220 advanced LED lights. This breathtaking display highlights the building's grand architecture with a warm, white glow, often enhanced with special schemes for holidays...
Country's largest holiday projection arts festival
Let's Glow SF returns to downtown San Francisco as the nation's largest holiday projection event. This free festival transforms 8 locations with large-scale animated light installations by 16 international artists. Experience nightly shows from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, including...
Santa lights up the square with a chorus performance.
Join the enchanting Santa Lights the Square event at Ghirardelli Square for the annual holiday lighting ceremony. Be captivated by a special performance from the San Francisco Boys Chorus as Santa himself illuminates the square, officially kicking off the festive...
Annual holiday celebration with tree lighting and Santa.
Experience the enchantment of Downtown San Leandro's 28th Annual 'It's a Wonderful Night' holiday celebration. This beloved family-friendly event features a magical tree lighting ceremony, delightful holiday performances, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, and charming holiday train rides. Explore a...
Community-wide business holiday decorating contest
San Leandro businesses are invited to illuminate the holiday season in the 'Light Up San Leandro' decorating contest. Participants will showcase their creativity with festive lights and themes, vying for a $1,000 prize. The community can vote for their favorite...
Monumental, wind-animated tree with interactive lights
Discover Entwined: Elder Mother, an enchanting art installation in Golden Gate Park's Peacock Meadow. This monumental, wind-animated tree sculpture offers a captivating display of light and color, inviting visitors to interact with its ever-changing illumination. Explore a unique blend of...
Live reindeer viewing and holiday crafts
Experience a magical winter evening at the California Academy of Sciences' Welcome Winter Night. This family-friendly event features live reindeer, festive cookie decorating, enchanting magic shows, and late-night access to the museum's captivating exhibits. It's the perfect opportunity to create...
Mile-long illuminated trail with light and music
Step into a world of enchantment at Lightscape, an immersive light and music experience transforming the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Wander a mile-long trail illuminated by over a million twinkling lights, showcasing dramatic colors, otherworldly sculptures, and captivating water features....
Annual holiday tree lighting and winter wonderland event
Experience the magic of the season at San Pablo's annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland event. Join the community for an evening filled with festive cheer, including arts and crafts, hot chocolate, and a special opportunity to meet Santa...
Festive Christmas Village with light displays
Get ready for the enchanting 3Crosses Christmas Village, a beloved holiday tradition returning for Winter 2025! This magical destination promises a festive atmosphere filled with dazzling light displays, animated decorations, and a charming village setting. It's the perfect place to...
Annual Christmas tree lighting and Santa visit.
Join the City of Pleasant Hill for their annual 'Light Up the Night' winter holiday festival. This cherished event transforms Crescent Drive into a festive wonderland with crafts, activities, and delightful treats. The highlight is the magical Christmas tree lighting...
Interactive science of light installations
Step into a world of wonder at IlluminOdyssey, an immersive and interactive light experience. This captivating exhibit transforms CuriOdyssey's Redwood Hall into a glowing forest, inviting visitors to explore the science of light through playful, hands-on installations. Discover the magic...
Illuminated waterwise wonderland of desert flora
Discover the enchanting Garden of D'Lights, a self-guided holiday light experience at The Ruth Bancroft Garden. Wander through three acres of illuminated cacti, succulents, and unique plants, transformed into a dazzling waterwise wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, art installations,...
See the location of all christmas lights around Oakland and nearby areas
Open Map →Popular displays include the Christmas lights along Picardy Drive and the Christmas at Temple Hill display. These are well-known for their festive atmosphere and are a favorite among locals and visitors.
Oakland offers both drive-through and walkable options. Some neighborhoods feature drive-through light displays, while others are best enjoyed on foot, such as Temple Hill and Picardy Drive.
Most Christmas lights in Oakland begin in late November and run through early January. Displays like Temple Hill and Picardy Drive usually turn on their lights by Thanksgiving weekend.
Yes, many Christmas light displays in Oakland are free to view, including those in residential neighborhoods and at Temple Hill. Some special events may require tickets, but most are open to the public at no cost.