Where to See Some of the Best Christmas Light Displays in Orange County

Christmas Lights in Orange County

Spectacular Christmas light display with over 48,000 lights (and counting). Every year the family adds to their display to keep it as unique as possible with their homemade decorations. Most of the Christmas decorations are homemade, from the 8’ candy canes, the giant snowflakes, the oversized gift boxes the shooting stars, “JOY” sign and many more! Facebook Page: Christmas Lights In Orange County  Where: 1431 North Shaffer St., Orange

Nellie Gail Ranch

Nellie Gail is a special community with a long history of holiday decorating. Many of the homes on Nellie Gail Road and surrounding streets do elaborate displays that light up the neighborhood. Free. Nellie Gail Road, Laguna Hills

Eagle Hills

This local community is a great place to drive through and enjoy the holiday lighting where more than 100 homes participate in the lighting displays. Throughout the month of December, locals are encouraged to walk or drive through the community to enjoy the lights, live music, decorations and live nativity scenes. 

Where: E. Lambert Road and Sunflower St., Brea
When: December 1-December 31 2018
Free

 

Eagle Hills Christmas Lights from Paul Abbamonto on Vimeo.

110th Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade & Ring of Lights

As the 110th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade moves its way through the Newport Harbor this December, the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Committee, with the leadership of The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, will continue with its parade route starting and ending point at Tip of Lido Isle. The parade will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. each night from December 19 – 23.

Parade participants will start from the east end of Lido Island following the celebrated route, with the first public viewing destination at the new 10.5-acre Marina Park. The community park offers 177 parking spaces, nautical-themed playground, picnic area and sailing center, and is also the largest public viewing area along the parade route, creating an optimal location to gather and enjoy the festivities.

Residents and visitors will have optimal viewing of the beautifully decorated yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes sail in the parade from the Dine & Watch waterfront and Dine & Walk dining options within walking distance of the many public viewing spots.

Where: Newport Sea Base, 1931 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach
When: December 19-23 2018. The parade will begin nightly from the Tip of Lido Isle from 6:30 p.m. and end approximately at 9 p.m.

Zimmerman Christmas Lights in Balboa Island

Address: 327 Sapphire Avenue, Balboa Island (Orange County) CA 92662

Official Website – http://www.zimchristmas.com/

This award-winning house, located on Balboa Island in the middle of the Newport Harbor, is viewed by thousands of visitors who came by car, by foot, and by boat! No wonder so many people stop to gaze at the lighted wonderland. There is animated action galore. While Christmas carols play in the background, snow drifts from the rooftop dispensed from a manufactured snow machine. On the rooftop, Santa waves from a chopper with rotating blades and a gingerbread man jumps on a lighted trampoline. Lighted wheels rotate on a choo-choo train; a tin soldier drums his drums; a snowman tips his hat; a gyrating Santa Claus dances; and even an illuminated Hula Dancer’ wiggles back and forth! The house is anchored on one side by an eye-stopping 25 foot green blinking Christmas tree. On the other side the eight foot wide chimney is draped in a carpet of red lights inter-mixed with white lights that vertically spell Balboa Island. Blinking candy canes, stockings, bells, and snowflakes all add to the fun. Winning the admiration and gratitude of all who visit, the house has earned two prestigious awards: 1st Place Lights and Animation from the Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce (the sponsors of the Boat Parade), and the Best Animation award from the Balboa Island Association. The house and its owner have also been featured in a PBS television special. What makes it all so amazing, owner Greg Zimmerman does all of the work himself, and makes many of the lighted decorations as a year round hobby. He’s always alert to searching for new light ideas and creations while on far flung vacations.

Lake Forest Christmas Lights

Christmas display that blinks to music you listen to in the warmth of your car. You’ll see singing Rudolphs and Stars, Santas and snowmen dancing, and 20′ tall trees and more! Free

Where: 22981 Belquest Dr., Lake Forest
When: 12/1 – 12/31, Sunday – Monday 5:30pm to 10pm, Friday – Saturday 5:30pm – 11pm

Fountain Valley 56,000 Lights Christmas House

With 65,542 programmable LED lights, broadcasting on 91.3 FM. There are 40 songs in the mix all sync’d up to the lights. Free

Where: Stanislaus St. & Apache River Ave, Fountain Valley
When: Until January 1, 2019, Dusk-11 p.m.

Snoopy House Holiday Display

The holiday display features scenes populated by “Peanuts” characters and is available for viewing from 5:30 to 9 p.m. nightly from Dec. 14 through Dec. 23 in front of Costa Mesa City Hall located at 77 Fair Drive. Opening night will be Dec. 14 with a formal presentation beginning at 5 p.m. Santa will make special visits to the event from 7 to 9 p.m. from opening night, Dec. 14, through Dec. 23. Children and their families will have opportunities to receive free photos with Santa. Free

Where: 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
When: Dec 14-Dec 23 2018 5:30p.m. – 9p.m.

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NOTABLE DISPLAYS BEYOND ORANGE COUNTY

Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descano Gardens

“Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens. Enchanted is a rain or shine event. Tickets have timed entry and must be purchased in advance. ”

Where: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
When: Enchanted: Forest of Light runs daily from 5:30 to 10 p.m., November 18 – January 6. Closed on December 24th (Christmas Eve), and December 25 (Christmas Day).
Tickets: Enchanted: Forest of Light Tickets: $30 General Admission – TICKETS

“The Christmas Lights Tour Of Candy Cane Lane” (In Los Angeles)

Candy Cane Lane has been a tradition in Woodland Hills since 1952 and the residents have tried to outdo each other with their light displays each year. Santa has been seen posing for photos with children and some of Santa’s elves have been seen roaming. Take open-air vehicles for a 75-minute cruise covering the entirety of Los Angeles’ most well-decorated holiday neighborhood.

• All tours depart in festive, open-air vehicles to compliment photo taking.
• One large coffee or large hot cocoa included with each ticket.
• Parking is available inside main lot as well as on street. Limited availability within bakery lot, please allow yourself some extra time to find parking.
• Duration: 75 Minutes (approximately)
• Tickets: Adults: $49, Children: $39
• Departure Times:6:00 PM, 7:15 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:45PM*, (9:45PM only available on weekends)
• Departure Location: Shirin Bakery (19505 Ventura Blvd.)
• Parking: Limited parking available inside main bakery lot. Nearby street parking also available, please allow yourself some extra time to find parking before departing.

The post Where to See Some of the Best Christmas Light Displays in Orange County appeared first on Orange Coast Magazine.

Source: OrangeCoast.com