Guide to Bay Area Christmas Light Shows

By Staff Writers Abigaile Lei, Finn McCarthy, Saesha Prabhakar

Every year, families spend hours putting up lights and holiday decorations for passersby to enjoy, a tradition that has solidified its place in many Christmas routines. These colorful displays aren’t just confined to the living room — they’re anticipated public celebrations where friends and family can get together and celebrate the start of the holiday festivities. By bringing communities together through shared joy and creativity, these light shows mark the unofficial start of the Christmas season.

 

Crippsmas Place 

Spanning six streets in a neighborhood near Centerville Middle School, Crippsmas Place brings the holiday season to life with more than 300 painted plywood displays, dazzling light shows, and festive decorations that draw thousands of visitors each year. Spanning from the first Saturday of December through the 31st, Crippsmas Place features painted plywood cutouts of popular characters placed on the lawns of neighbors and homeowners for passerby to enjoy. In addition to its sparkling lights and visual displays, the event features special guests such as The Crystal Children’s Choir, The Mission Peak Chamber Singers, and the Alta Performing Arts group, who sang Christmas carols for attendees to enjoy. “The motivation for this [event] is community, charity, and childhood joy,” Organizer Kate Amon said. “It brings the community together, and it definitely makes the children and the inner child of each of us happy.” 

 

 

 

 

Emmanuel’s Christmas Village 

Sitting on 43344 Arkwood St., a simple house in Fremont brings an entire neighborhood to life with dazzling, colorful light displays and festive decorations from December 2 to January 1, 2026. Decorated with light-up snowmen, nutcrackers, dogs, train displays, and a large gingerbread house, Emmanuel’s Christmas Village has a unique and impressive display. In addition to its awe-inspiring decor, the village includes a fake snow machine and an interactive scavenger hunt, creating a fully immersive experience. Moreover, with the multiple photo spots, including a miniature sled and a backdrop adorned with leaves and warm lights, visitors are sure to capture memories that will be cherished in the years to come. The fun character decorations, artificial snow, photo opportunities, and beautiful lights make Emmanuel’s Christmas Village an exciting outing that is perfect for families.  

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Commons 

As the sun set on the night of November 29, cars full of eager families filled the parking lot of Pacific Commons to celebrate the center’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting. The event boasted a slew of festivities, including face painting, balloon animals, a photo booth, and a train ride around the parking lot. The celebration began with a recital from the Warwick Wizards choir, featuring even the Grinch himself. As the last notes of “Up on the Housetop” faded into the night, Santa Claus and his helpers made their anticipated appearance. With a countdown from the audience, the Christmas tree at the center lit up into a red and golden spectacle. Long lines snaked around the plaza as families eagerly lined up to take photos with Santa Claus under the glimmering lights. “The smile on every kid’s face just warms my heart,” Event Coordinator Mel Speeds said.

 

 

 

 

 

San Carlos Night of Holiday Lights 

The bustling downtown area of San Carlos came alive with decorative ornaments and Christmas decorations for the 15th annual Night of Holiday Lights on December 5. Small business vendors lined the streets, selling everything from hot sauce to handmade soap. Local children’s choirs and troupes kick-started the festivities, followed by a ballet performance by the Peninsula Lively Arts. The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees and the Stevie Wonder Tribute then took the stage before faux snow drifted over the crowd under the colorful lights, garnering the excitement of young children. From there, Bay Area-based band The Love Handles serenaded attendees into the night.  “Night of Lights has definitely grown with [San Carlos], so there were a ton of people here tonight enjoying themselves, which is awesome,” Vendor and Director of the Academy of American Dance Julia Ball-Dugan said. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Jose DOCA Holiday Lights 

With a dazzling golden entry arch and more than 2,000 handcrafted lantern displays, the San Jose Holiday Lights display is one to remember. Hosted daily from November 21 to January 4, 2026 at 4:30-10:30 p.m., the five-acre display features more than 40 photo-worthy lights. The exhibit is divided into six themed zones, some paying homage to California and the Hispanic community of San Jose with wildflower and Dia de los Muertos lantern displays. Inflatables of various plants, animals, and walk-through tunnels filled the exhibits, each one glowing brighter than the last. Vendors and sponsors set up booths throughout the park, selling concessions and keepsakes to guests, both young and old. A flashy carousel welcomed children on board, filling the otherwise quiet air with music and laughter.