Here is the 2019 list of San Diego neighborhoods that "get lit" for the holidays with loads of lights, and festive displays. Visiting these neighborhoods is a fun, FREE way to catch the holiday spirit.
Grab a jacket, a thermos of hot cocoa, then pack up the family and listen to one of our holiday stations on the iHeartRadio App before you head to these San Diego neighborhoods.
Locations are listed in alphabetical order.
BANKERS HILL: Ivy Street and 1st Avenue
Built in 1905, the historic Forward House has a 22-year tradition of getting decked out for the holidays. It's detailed construction showcases flying reindeer, icicles galore and the jolly man himself! The lights will be on each evening through New Year's Eve.
CARLSBAD: 7607 Romeria Street AND 6646 Elegant Tern Place
The "Carlsbad Christmas House" on Romeria Street is illuminated with animals that dance with Santa and the land of misfit toys.
The home at Elegant Tern Place features multiple illuminated displays, AND a Santa Claus mailbox (open through 12/23) that the residents actually respond too, plus festive holiday refreshments.
CARMEL MOUNTAIN: Fairway Village
Almost the entire street is lined (almost 100 homes), house after house, with thousands of colorful twinkling Christmas lights and displays each evening through January 1st from dusk to 10:30pm. It is considered one of the best neighborhood light displays in the county.
CHULA VISTA: Whitney Street and Mankato Street
Known as "Christmas Circle," homes along these streets will be lit up through December from dusk to 10pm each night.
CLAIREMONT: Lana Drive & Jamar Drive
The area is know as "Clairemont Christmas Park" and you'll find plenty of glowing lights and festive decor in this neighborhood.
EL CAJON: Pepper Drive
For decades the homes along Pepper Drive have made the area glow with their holiday light displays. Taking a long, slow drive along this street is a family tradition for many in the east county.
LAKESIDE: Paseo Palmas Drive
Homes along this street are decked out with a Tinsel Town theme and the lights are strung from house to house on evenings in December from 5-10pm. You may also see the Grinch on Saturday (12/21) at 8pm and Sunday (12/22) at 7pm.
LEMON GROVE: Sheri Lane
Lemon Grove's "Santa Claus Lane" can actually be found on Sheri Lane where a variety of light displays are featured throughout December.
POWAY: Candy Cane Lane (including Hickory Court, Hickory Street, Butterwood Court, and Rockrose Court)
Look for a myriad of light displays, giant inflatables on houses along all of the streets.
RANCHO BERNARDO: Tristania Place
The houses that line this cul-de-sac are dressed in lights including giants frames that spell "Hope," "Joy," and "Noel".
RANCHO PENASQUITOS: Oviedo St. off Black Mountain Rd.
The are is known as "Christmas Card Lane" and it features lit displays with Christmas and cartoon themes evenings from dusk until about 10pm
SAN MARCOS: Knob Hill Road
Christmas on Knob Hill began in 1988 and is now one of the largest Christmas light displays in San Diego county! Don't miss the home of who the locals have dubbed "Mr. Christmas." For the past 30 years Bill Gilfillen has spent three months decorating his home with over 100,000 lights. Visitors have come from as far as Australia and Japan to behold the stunning splendor.
SANTEE: Tomel Ct. off Magnolia Ave.
It's known as "Starlight Circle" or "Sunburst Circle," with residents in the area creating their own light themed and display schedules. As a rule, the lights are on evenings from 5:30-10pm.
SCRIPPS RANCH: Stonebridge Pkwy and Merritage Ct
Residents of this area know refer to the streets at "Merry-Tage Court" during the holiday season when bright light holiday displays are visible on December evenings from dusk until 10pm.
TIERRASANTA: 5306 Belardo Drive
This home's display is a labor of love for Randy and Brandon Schimka who light it up every evening from 6-10pm (weather permitting). This home is a must-see tradition that started in 2006 as a way for the Schimka family to give their two autistic sons, their very own light show for the holidays.
Channel 10 created this awesome Google map to help you navigate to many of the holiday lights locations.
By JA