Experience the magic of the holiday season in San Bernardino, CA, where a delightful array of events awaits locals and visitors alike. Revel in the dazzling brilliance of the Festival of Lights at the historic Mission Inn, a spectacular display that mesmerizes with millions of twinkling lights and intricate installations.
Stroll along Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena beneath a canopy of illuminated cedar trees, or soak in the festive cheer at Christmas on Euclid, where nostalgic horse-drawn carriages and citrus-themed decorations take center stage. Discover the joyous spirit of San Bernardino this Christmas!
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The Top Christmas Events in San Bernardino
See these and even more events listed below!San Bernardino Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lane
What to Expect:
Century-old deodar cedar trees adorned with lights
Description:
Towering deodar cedar trees, planted over a century ago, line Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, creating a breathtaking canopy of lights. This venerable tradition began in 1920, making it one of the oldest large-scale outdoor Christmas lighting spectacles in the world. Visitors can drive or walk beneath the illuminated giants, which stretch for nearly a mile. The lane's unique charm lies in its community spirit, with residents working together to maintain this beloved custom. You'll spot vintage decorations alongside modern displays, reflecting the event's rich history. The scent of cedar mingles with the crisp winter air, enhancing the sensory experience.
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Nearby Events
Festival of Lights (Riverside)
What to Expect:
Millions of twinkling lights transform the historic Mission Inn
Description:
Millions of twinkling lights transform the historic Mission Inn into a dazzling spectacle during the Festival of Lights. This beloved Riverside tradition dates back to 1992 and has grown into one of the nation's largest holiday light collections. Visitors can embark on guided tours to learn about the inn's storied past while marveling at the intricate light displays. The event showcases the architectural beauty of the Mission Inn, a National Historic Landmark built in 1876. As you stroll through the illuminated courtyards, you'll encounter animated figurines, towering Christmas trees, and elaborate themed installations that captivate the imagination.
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Christmas on Euclid (Ontario)
What to Expect:
Mile-long holiday celebration on historic Euclid Avenue
Description:
Euclid Avenue bursts with holiday cheer during Christmas on Euclid, a mile-long celebration in the heart of Ontario. This cherished event transforms the historic thoroughfare into a bustling hub of seasonal activities. Visitors can hop aboard horse-drawn carriages for a nostalgic ride down the tree-lined street. The avenue's median, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1800s, serves as a picturesque backdrop for the festivities. Local artisans showcase their crafts, while food vendors offer regional specialties. The event pays homage to Ontario's agricultural roots with citrus-themed decorations, a nod to the area's once-thriving citrus industry.
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Snow Days (Rancho Cucamonga)
What to Expect:
Artificial snow transforms SoCal into a winter playground
Description:
Snow Days brings a touch of winter wonder to sunny Southern California, transforming local parks into frosty playgrounds. This unique event defies the region's warm climate, offering visitors a rare chance to frolic in snow without leaving the area. Children and adults alike can build snowmen, engage in friendly snowball fights, or try their hand at sledding down gentle slopes. The artificial snow is specially formulated to withstand higher temperatures, a testament to modern technology's ability to create unlikely experiences. Snow Days pays homage to the region's diverse landscape, where one can theoretically surf and ski on the same day.
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Holiday Light Parade (Yucaipa)
What to Expect:
Illuminated floats and performers wind through downtown streets
Description:
The Holiday Light Parade illuminates the night as dazzling floats and costumed performers wind their way through downtown streets. This dynamic procession features an array of creative light displays, from whimsical cartoon characters to elegant holiday scenes. Local marching bands fill the air with festive tunes, adding a lively soundtrack to the visual spectacle. Visitors can secure a spot along the parade route to witness the pageantry up close. The event showcases the community's artistic talent and ingenuity, with many floats designed and built by local organizations. This parade has its roots in the area's citrus festivals of the early 20th century, evolving into a beloved holiday tradition.
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Skating Under the Stars (Redlands)
What to Expect:
Open-air ice skating rink with panoramic mountain views
Description:
Skating Under the Stars offers a unique winter experience with its open-air ice rink set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. This seasonal attraction brings the charm of alpine skating to Southern California, allowing visitors to glide across the ice while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Twinkling lights strung overhead create a starry canopy, enhancing the magical atmosphere as night falls. You can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa after your skating session. The rink's location pays tribute to the region's diverse geography, where desert, mountains, and urban areas converge within a short distance.
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Santa’s North Pole Village (Fontana)
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's workshop with live reindeer
Description:
Santa's North Pole Village transports visitors to a whimsical recreation of Santa's legendary workshop. This immersive experience features live reindeer, adding an authentic touch to the Arctic-inspired setting. Children can participate in toy-making workshops, learning traditional crafting techniques from Santa's skilled elves. The village's design draws inspiration from Scandinavian architecture, with colorful wooden buildings and intricate snow-like decorations. Visitors can explore Santa's mail room, where they'll discover letters from children around the world. This attraction celebrates the multicultural nature of the holiday season, incorporating traditions from various winter festivals into its themed areas.
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Holiday Craft Faire (Big Bear Lake)
What to Expect:
Showcases handmade goods from local artisans in a historic setting
Description:
The Holiday Craft Faire showcases the talents of local artisans in a charming historic setting. Held in a beautifully preserved Victorian-era building, this event combines shopping with a glimpse into the area's architectural past. Visitors can browse an eclectic array of handcrafted goods, from intricate jewelry to hand-poured candles and unique home decor. Many artisans demonstrate their crafts on-site, offering insights into their creative processes. The faire celebrates the region's diverse cultural heritage, featuring crafts that reflect the area's Native American, Spanish, and pioneer influences. As you explore the stalls, the aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, tempting you with seasonal treats.
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Holiday Market (Temecula)
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market with international flair
Description:
The Holiday Market brings a touch of European charm to Southern California with its outdoor stalls and international flair. This vibrant marketplace features vendors offering goods from around the world, creating a global shopping experience. Visitors can sample traditional German bratwurst, sip on mulled wine, or indulge in French pastries as they browse. The market's layout is inspired by classic European Christmas markets, with wooden chalets and twinkling lights creating a cozy atmosphere. You'll find unique gifts ranging from hand-blown glass ornaments to artisanal chocolates. This event celebrates the region's cultural diversity, showcasing holiday traditions from various countries represented in the local community.
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Winter Wonderland (Lake Arrowhead)
What to Expect:
Interactive snow play area and holiday-themed carnival rides
Description:
Winter Wonderland transforms a local park into a frosty playground complete with holiday-themed carnival rides. This unique attraction combines the thrill of amusement park attractions with the joy of playing in snow, all in a warm climate. Visitors can build snowmen in the interactive snow play area or challenge friends to a game of ice bowling. The carnival rides are adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a merry atmosphere. This event pays homage to Southern California's entertainment industry roots, with some rides designed to resemble movie sets. You'll spot costumed characters roaming the grounds, ready to pose for photos and spread holiday cheer.
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Holiday Boat Parade (Lake Arrowhead)
What to Expect:
Illuminated boats cruise along inland waterways
Description:
The Holiday Boat Parade brings a nautical twist to seasonal celebrations as illuminated vessels cruise along inland waterways. This unique spectacle features boats of all sizes decked out in dazzling light displays and creative decorations. Spectators line the shores to watch the procession, which reflects brilliantly off the calm water surface. Participants compete for prizes in various categories, spurring friendly competition and innovative designs. You can enjoy the parade from waterfront restaurants or public viewing areas. This event has its origins in the early 20th century when the region's lakes and rivers played a crucial role in local commerce and recreation, evolving into a beloved holiday tradition that celebrates the area's aquatic heritage.