10 Best 2023 Christmas Decorations in Bay Area
1. Eucalyptus Ave, San Carlos
Days open: December 2nd through December 25th
Admission: Free
Every year, the residents of Eucalyptus Ave in San Carlos come together to put up a month long display of festive cheer for Christmas.
Weekdays are less crowded and it is easier to find parking. The Eucalyptus Ave will be one-way to accommodate holiday traffic. Take your time and enjoy this stunning display of lights as the neighborhood transforms this year.
Overflow parking is available from Friday through Sunday, every weekend in December at Arroyo School located at 1710 Arroyo Avenue.
2. Christmas in the Park, San Jose
Days open: November 24th through January 1st, Friday and Saturday 12pm – 11pm, Sunday to Thursday 12pm – 10pm
Admission: Free for downtown walk, $25 for the drive-thru
Don’t miss this annual festive San Jose tradition where Plaza De Cesar Chavez transforms into a holiday wonderland with several exhibits, lights, an enchanted forest of Christmas trees decorated by San Jose schools, communities and various businesses.
3. Christmas Tree Lane, Alameda
Days open: December 3rd through Dec 31st, 5pm – 10pm
Admission: Free
This block in Alameda, 3200 block of Thompson Ave is a nice street to take a stroll on to see Christmas lights. Kids can even drop off their letters to the Santa in a mailbox.
4. Oakland Temple Hill – Days of Christmas
Days open: November 24th – December 31st, dusk – 9pm
Admission: Most events are free of charge. Some require tickets.
Temple Hill lights up for the Christmas season and there are several performances and concerts that you can attend as well from November 24th to December 23rd.
There are also Nativity and Lights tours happening. Free guided tours happen from dusk until 8.30pm which you can find out more about at the visitor center.
5. Tunnels of Joy, Brentwood
Days open: December 1st through December 26th, 5pm to 9pm
Admission: Free
Tunnels of Joy is a must-visit because it is an effort to support families affected by pediatric cancer. This year it is in support of Jeremiah Jones who is battling a rare type of bone cancer. You can visit for free but please don’t forget to donate.
There are also several performances throughout December as well as food trucks. You can check for the list of performances and food truck dates here.
6. Willow Glen, San Jose
Days open: Open now and it will mostly be up until Christmas, 7pm – 11pm
Admission: Free
You have to visit this 5-star Yelp rated Christmas Holiday Lights Decor in Willow Glen.
In this area, each street has a theme so it is like a holiday lights treasure hunt for those visiting. Willow Street and Lincoln Ave are some of the main attractions. Do not miss the giant reindeer on Glen Eyrie Avenue which has been a 20 year tradition now!
You can even get a Pedicab ride which is such a fun way to experience the lights in this neighborhood. They cost about $30 per person and children under 5 can ride for free.
7. Fantasy of Lights – Drive-thru, Los Gatos
Days open: December 5th through December 30th (closed on December 25th), 6pm – 10pm
Admission: Requires pre-paid tickets. $30 for regular vehicles
Want to see some festive lights but don’t want to leave the warmth and comfort of your vehicle? Enjoy driving through this 25 year old Holiday tradition filled with Dinosaur Den, Santa shooting hoops, pirate canons etc.
This place is located at Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos.
You can buy prepaid tickets here.
8. Enchant, San Jose
Days open: November 24th – December 31st, 5.30pm
Admission: $38 per adult. See different packages here.
This is a complete immersive adventure with something to offer for everyone. There are also several vendors, crafters and many boutiques for some holiday shopping along with an ice skating rink!
Our family really loved it but it is one of the pricier options compared to others in this list.
9. Union Square’s Winter Wander-Land, San Francisco
Days open: December 15th through December 24th, Monday to Wednesday 12pm – 7pm, Thursday to Sunday – 10am – 9pm
Admission: Free
There are a lot of things going on here with each of them being open during different dates. The Union Square Ice Rink tickets cost about $20 and tickets can be purchased online.
Do not miss the Macy’s Great Tree with 43000 lights!! The 10 day Winter Walk is the highlight of the place with ornament trails, marketplaces, food trucks, festive decor and drink gardens.
You can check all the events that happen in the Union Square here.
10. Christmas Tree Lane, Palo Alto
Days open: December 16th through December 31st, 5pm – 11pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy taking a stroll along 1700-1800 Fulton Street, Palo Alto as the festive lights are up for the 82nd annual holiday tradition! You can enter from both Embarcadero Road or Seale Avenue.
Hope you enjoyed this list of 10 Best 2023 Christmas Decorations in the Bay Area. Leave your comments below and subscribe for more such Bay Area, California, US and beyond the US travel posts on this blog. If you know other places for Christmas decor, please share. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
