Across California, the holiday season brings a range of drive-thru light experiences that allow visitors to enjoy festive displays from their vehicles. These events, which began with private home decorations, have expanded into larger attractions throughout the state.
From November 10 to December 31, the Empire Polo Club in Indio hosts “Magic of Lights.” The venue, known for the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, features LED-light displays such as life-sized dinosaurs and a giant Barbie. Admission starts at $25 per car.
San Jose continues its tradition with the “Christmas in the Park—Drive-Thru Light Show” from November 28 to January 1. Located at History Park, visitors can view creative displays and hundreds of decorated Christmas trees among historic homes and landmarks. Admission is $40 per car.
In Santa Cruz, “Sparky’s Holiday Lights Drive-Thru” runs on weekends from November 28 to December 24. The half-mile route through the fairgrounds includes displays of Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, and illuminated tunnels. Admission begins at $20.
Sacramento’s East Sacramento neighborhood, known as the Fabulous Forties, offers a drive-through experience along streets shimmering with lights between December 1 and 31.
Sonoma County’s “Christmas in the Redwoods” takes place at Sonoma Zipline Adventures from December 4 to 21. Drivers can see decorated cottages and redwoods along Bohemian Corridor before visiting Union Hotel for hot cocoa and photos with Santa and Bigfoot.
Oxnard’s annual “Christmas Tree Lane” runs from December 14 to 26 along F & G Streets and includes a visit past Plaza Park’s pagoda and Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree.
The “Annual Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru” in Los Gatos occurs from mid-December to early January near Vasona Lake. The event features more than 50 animated LED displays across a 1.5-mile route accompanied by music via radio soundtrack. Admission starts at $30 per car.
For those interested in an alternative to driving themselves, Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers the “Hikari Festival of Lights” from November 28 to December 26. Visitors park their cars before boarding a wagon ride through fields of lights leading to festival activities including walk-through displays and petting zoo animals. Pricing ranges by age group with additional parking fees.
These events highlight California’s approach to holiday celebrations by providing safe options for families seeking seasonal entertainment while remaining in their vehicles or participating in guided rides.
