Richmond Christmas Lights 2025

Discover 20 verified christmas lights in Richmond and nearby areas.

Welcome to your guide for Richmond Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city and its surroundings come alive with festive cheer. Whether you're a local or visiting, Richmond Christmas lights offer a warm and inviting way to celebrate the season.

Among the beloved neighborhood favorites are the dazzling displays at Oregon Hill Christmas House and the vibrant lights at the House on Catherine Street. These spots showcase the community spirit and creativity that make Richmondโ€™s holiday lights special.

This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed events, including drive-through lights and walking trails. Explore the variety of light displays near Richmond and make the most of your holiday visit.

All Christmas Lights Around Richmond

Dazzling Holiday Lights

Berkeley, CA 5 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyLive Music

Santa Lights the Square featuring SF Boys Chorus

San Francisco, CA 10 mi from Richmond
$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysSanta VisitsConcerts

36th Annual Building Lighting Ceremony & Carnival

San Francisco, CA 10 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysSanta VisitsFamily Friendly

Fairmont San Francisco Gingerbread House

San Francisco, CA 10 mi from Richmond
$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsFestive Atmosphere

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

San Francisco, CA 11 mi from Richmond
$$

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...

Ice SkatingHoliday MarketFamily Friendly

South San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival

San Francisco, CA 11 mi from Richmond

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'....

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationCultural Events

Marin Art and Garden Center Winter Wonderland

Ross, CA 11 mi from Richmond
$$

Enchanting winter wonderland with outdoor ice skating.

Experience a magical Winter Wonderland at the Marin Art and Garden Center. This enchanting holiday event transforms the gardens into a festive spectacle, featuring an outdoor ice skating rink, cozy fire pits, and delightful activities for all ages. Enjoy seasonal...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyIce Skating

San Francisco City Hall Holiday Lighting

San Francisco, CA 11 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Light DisplaysFestive DecorationsHoliday Season

Let's Glow SF 2024

San Francisco, CA 11 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFree EventFamily Friendly

Winter Wonderland Lighting Ceremony

Palo Alto, CA 12 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysCommunity CelebrationFamily Friendly

Christmas at Temple Hill

Oakland, CA 12 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyFree Event

Entwined: Elder Mother

San Francisco, CA 13 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysInteractive DisplaysArt

Welcome Winter Night

San Francisco, CA 13 mi from Richmond
$$

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...

Family FriendlySanta VisitsFestive Food

Lightscape at San Francisco Botanical Garden

San Francisco, CA 13 mi from Richmond
$$

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....

Holiday Light DisplaysSeasonal ActivitiesWinter Activities

Light Up the Night

Pleasant Hill, CA 16 mi from Richmond
Free

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysSanta VisitsTree Lighting

Oakland Glowfari Lantern Festival

Oakland, CA 17 mi from Richmond
$$

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...

Holiday Light DisplaysFamily FriendlyInteractive Displays

Garden of D'Lights

Walnut Creek, CA 17 mi from Richmond
$$

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,...

Holiday Light DisplaysSeasonal ActivitiesFamily Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top Christmas light displays in and around Richmond?

Some of the top displays include the Oregon Hill Christmas House and the House on Catherine Street in Richmond, as well as the A Phifer Christmas display in nearby Henrico. These locations are known for their impressive and festive decorations that attract many visitors each year.

What is the difference between drive-through and walkable Christmas light options near Richmond?

Drive-through light shows, like the large synchronized display at Doswellโ€™s Meadow Event Park, allow you to enjoy lights from the comfort of your car, often with music synced to the displays. Walkable options, such as the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, offer a more immersive experience where you can stroll through decorated trails and gardens.

When do Richmond Christmas lights typically start each year?

Most Richmond Christmas lights and holiday displays begin lighting up in mid to late November and continue through early January, with many popular displays starting around Thanksgiving weekend.

Are there free Christmas light displays available in Richmond?

Yes, many neighborhood displays in Richmond and nearby areas are free to enjoy, including popular spots like Oregon Hill and various residential streets known for their festive decorations. These provide great options for casual viewing without any admission fees.

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