Best Holiday Lights in the East Bay Area

The East Bay comes alive every holiday season with dazzling light displays, festive decorations, and neighborhood traditions that bring cheer to families, friends, and visitors from across the region. From Pleasanton to Oakland, Livermore to Alameda, the East Bay is home to some of the most spectacular holiday light experiences you’ll find anywhere in California. Whether you’re looking for drive-by displays, interactive attractions, or neighborhood strolls full of twinkling lights, the East Bay has something for everyone this holiday season.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best holiday lights in the East Bay, featuring homes, gardens, and community displays that are not to be missed.

Pleasanton Holiday Lights

Pleasanton, located in the heart of the Tri-Valley, is renowned for its holiday spirit and vibrant light displays. Families flock to Pleasanton neighborhoods every December to witness some of the East Bay’s most memorable holiday experiences.

Widmer World - Pleasanton

Location: 3671 Chelsea Ct, Pleasanton
Dates: December 1 – 31 | Hours: 6 PM – 9 PM

Widmer World is one of the East Bay’s most iconic Christmas light displays, celebrating 25 years of holiday magic. Run by Bob and Susan Widmer, this Pleasanton home dazzles visitors with faux snow, synchronized Christmas music, giant light displays, and festive inflatables. Each year, the display grows more elaborate, attracting families from across the East Bay who want to experience this seasonal wonder. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

Candy Cane Lane - Pleasanton

Location: 4150 Walnut Dr, Pleasanton
Dates: December 7 – 25 | Hours: 5:30 PM – 10 PM

Candy Cane Lane has been a cherished East Bay holiday tradition for over 60 years. More than 25 houses participate, featuring whimsical lights, decorations, and neighborhood creativity. Opening night coincides with the Hometown Holiday Celebration on December 6th, making it the perfect first stop for anyone exploring holiday lights in Pleasanton.

Corner Orchard - Pleasanton

Location: 3108 Chardonnay Dr, Pleasanton
Dates: November 10 – December 26 | Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Corner Orchard is another East Bay gem, famous for its enchanting displays and magical holiday characters. Families can tune into 91.3 FM to hear synchronized music while walking or driving past the sparkling lights. The display has become a must-see for Pleasanton residents and visitors alike, making it one of the standout destinations for holiday lights in the East Bay.

5926 Via Del Cielo - Pleasanton

Location: 5926 Via Del Cielo, Pleasanton
Dates: December 1 – 28 | Hours: 5 PM – 11:30 PM

This Pleasanton home features over 40 handmade wooden Disney characters, crafted by the homeowner’s family. The lights and festive designs create a whimsical East Bay holiday experience, attracting crowds from across the region. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and enjoy the creativity and holiday cheer.

Livermore Holiday Lights

The East Bay’s Livermore area also shines brightly during the holiday season, with a variety of interactive and visually stunning displays.

Deacon' Daves - Livermore

Location: 352 Hillcrest Ave, Livermore
Dates: November 29 – January 1 | Hours: Fri & Sat 6 PM – 10 PM, Sun – Thurs 6 PM – 9 PM

Deacon’ Daves is celebrating its 40th year of holiday magic in Livermore. Featuring over 600,000 lights and a Storybook Christmas theme, this display is a favorite in the East Bay. The display changes each year, incorporating new themes, music, and holiday surprises, making it a must-see for families exploring East Bay holiday lights.

Dourov Christmas Light Display & Snow Machine - Livermore

Location: 467 Knottingham Cir, Livermore
Dates: November 28 – December 27 | Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM

Dourov’s Livermore display is famous for its interactive elements, including a snow machine, synchronized lights, and a Santa phone. Visitors can walk around the property, pressing buttons to trigger special effects. This interactive display sets it apart as one of the East Bay’s most engaging holiday experiences.

Montrose House of Dogs - Livermore

Location: 3648 Montrose Pl, Livermore
Dates: November 28 – December 27 | Hours: 5:30 PM – 10 PM

Montrose House of Dogs features over 55 illuminated dog figures and a few “imposter” decorations, creating a unique and playful East Bay holiday display. What began as a joke on neighbors has turned into one of Livermore’s most beloved holiday attractions.

Walnut Creek & Concord Holiday Lights

The East Bay’s central region, including Walnut Creek and Concord, offers beautiful displays that combine tradition and innovation.

Garden of D’Lights - Walnut Creek

Location: Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek
Dates: November 21 – January 11 | Hours: 5:30 PM – 8 PM

Garden of D’Lights is a self-guided East Bay light experience at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. Thousands of lights, art installations, and lasers illuminate the waterwise gardens, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and visitors seeking holiday magic in the East Bay.

The Griswold House - Concord

Location: 1728 Elmhurst Ln, Concord
Dates: November 28 – December 25 | Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM

Inspired by the classic film Christmas Vacation, The Griswold House boasts over 75,000 lights, eleven reindeer, and six outdoor Christmas trees. Owner Dave Peacock has created a magical East Bay holiday tradition that draws crowds from across the region, perfect for capturing memorable family photos.

San Ramon Holiday Lights

San Ramon adds to the East Bay’s holiday brilliance with spectacular displays that combine technology and creativity.

Fairbanks’ Family Christmas Display - San Ramon

Location: 15 Molina Ct, San Ramon
Dates: November 26 – December 31 | Hours: 5:30 PM – 10 PM

Celebrating its 38th year, the Fairbanks display features over 30,000 pixels and nearly 300,000 light channels. Santa, reindeer, and an 18-foot tall Frosty the Snowman are among the highlights. Visitors can enjoy this East Bay spectacle from their cars while tuning into 100.7 FM for synchronized music.

Woodside Holiday Lights

Filoli Gardens - Woodside

Location: 86 Canada Rd, Woodside
Dates: November 22 – January 11 | Hours: 10 AM – 3:30 PM & 4 PM – 9 PM

Filoli Gardens’ Holidays at Filoli transforms the landscape into an illuminated East Bay wonderland. With holiday wreaths, Santa days, live tablescaping, and private firepit experiences, Filoli offers a sophisticated yet family-friendly East Bay holiday experience.

Alameda Holiday Lights

Christmas Tree Lane - Alameda 

Location: 3200 Block of Thompson Ave, Alameda
Dates: December 1 – 31 | Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM

Christmas Tree Lane has been a community tradition in the East Bay since 1938. Visitors can walk or drive along the block to enjoy elaborate decorations and lights.

Lighted Yacht Parade - Alameda 

Location: Alameda Side of the Estuary
Date: December 6 | Time: 5:30 PM

The Lighted Yacht Parade is a unique East Bay holiday experience, with illuminated boats parading along the water. Sailboats, powerboats, and rowing shells are adorned with lights, creating a spectacular festive scene for viewers on the Alameda shoreline.

Oakland Holiday Lights

Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo - Oakland

Location: Oakland Zoo
Dates: November 7 – January 25 | Hours: 4:30 PM – 9 PM

Glowfari is a lantern festival in Oakland that transforms the zoo into an East Bay holiday paradise. Visitors experience themed areas such as the Nile River, farmyard animals, alpine peaks, and even dinosaurs along the California trail. Glowfari offers one of the East Bay’s most immersive holiday light experiences.

Picardy Drive - Oakland

Location: Picardy Drive between Seminary & 55th Ave, Oakland
Dates: Throughout December

The neighborhood around Mills College in Oakland turns Picardy Drive into a festive East Bay destination, with residents decorating their homes in Christmas lights, creating a picture-perfect holiday street.

Brentwood Holiday Lights

Tunnels of Joy – Brentwood

Location: La Costa Drive, Brentwood
Dates: November 30 – December 25 | Hours: 5 PM – 9 PM

Tunnels of Joy is a heartwarming East Bay tradition in Brentwood. Visitors stroll through streets lined with lights, live music, and food vendors, enjoying family-friendly holiday activities while supporting local families affected by childhood cancer.

Tips for Visiting East Bay Holiday Lights

Visiting holiday lights in the East Bay can be an enchanting experience if you plan ahead:

• Go early or on weekdays to avoid crowds.

• Bring a camera to capture festive memories.

• Dress warmly for chilly East Bay nights.

• Check each display’s website or social media for any updates on hours or closures.

• Consider interactive displays for a more immersive experience, especially for children.

The East Bay truly shines during the holiday season, with displays ranging from neighborhood traditions to professionally curated attractions. Whether you’re in Pleasanton, Livermore, Concord, San Ramon, Oakland, Alameda, or Brentwood, there is a holiday light display in the East Bay perfect for every family and visitor.

Don’t forget to share your East Bay holiday adventures on social media! Tag your photos with @connectcahomes, and we’ll follow along to celebrate the magic of the East Bay this holiday season.