Drive-thru holiday light experiences will be available across California during the 2025 holiday season, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy festive displays from their vehicles. This tradition, which began with private home decorations, has grown into larger events at various locations throughout the state.
The Magic of Lights event at the Empire Polo Club in Indio runs from November 10 to December 31. The venue, also known for hosting the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, features LED-light displays including life-sized dinosaurs, a Monster Truck, and a giant Barbie figure. Admission begins at $25 per car.
In San Jose, Christmas in the Park—Drive-Thru Light Show is scheduled from November 28 to January 1 at History Park. The event includes creative displays and hundreds of decorated Christmas trees among historic homes and landmarks of Santa Clara Valley. Tickets are priced at $40 per vehicle.
Santa Cruz’s Sparky’s Holiday Lights Drive-Thru operates on weekends between November 28 and December 24 at the local fairgrounds. Visitors can see themed displays such as Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, tunnels of lights, and large Christmas trees. Admission starts at $20 per car.
Sacramento’s Fabulous Forties neighborhood will have its annual light displays from December 1 to 31 along streets between J Street and Folsom Boulevard.
Christmas in the Redwoods takes place December 4–21 along Sonoma Zipline Adventures’ route in Occidental. Attendees can view illuminated cottages and redwoods before visiting Union Hotel for refreshments and photo opportunities with Santa and Bigfoot.
Oxnard’s Christmas Tree Lane runs from December 14 to 26 along F & G Streets in Ventura County. The display includes Plaza Park with its pagoda and Ventura County’s tallest Christmas tree.
Los Gatos will host its Annual Fantasy of Lights Drive-Thru mid-December through early January by Vasona Lake in Santa Clara County. More than fifty animated LED-lit displays cover a route accompanied by a music soundtrack; admission starts at $30 per car.
Additionally, Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers the Hikari Festival of Lights from November 28 to December 26. Although not a drive-thru experience, visitors park their cars before boarding wagon rides through fields of lights that lead to festival activities including walk-through light installations, animal encounters, food vendors, and photos with Santa. Ticket prices range from $25–$35 for adults and $15–$25 for children; parking is $10 per car.
