Top San Diego Neighborhoods for Holiday Lights and Décor

Enlarge Photo

From Clark Griswald's Grand Illumination to Danny DeVito's "visible from space" house in Deck the Halls, daring homes decorated in Christmas lights are deeply entrenched as a hallmark of American holiday tradition. Holiday light displays are fun for the whole family, and when entire neighborhoods get infused with the Christmas spirit- truly amazing sights of electric lights abound.

While just cruising around searching for lights can be fun, your outing will be more efficient if you actually know where you're going. Weather you're venturing out to admire the craftsmanship, get some good ideas or see how your house stacks up- these are the best San Diego neighborhoods for stunning holiday lights and holiday decorations.

Best of the north
Christmas on Knob Hill, San Marcos
Christmas on Knob Hill is one of the largest residential light displays in San Diego County. With hundreds of lighted characters, over 80,000 Christmas lights and thousands of feet of electrical wiring, Christmas on Knob Hill has established itself as one of the county's premiere residential light displays. You can bring your Christmas list to read to Santa or you can drop it off at the mailbox anytime. Santa makes a special two-week appearance before Christmas every night from 6-8pm, just not on Wednesdays; that's when Santa bowls.
1639 Knob Hill, San Marcos
off Nordahl Rd. between Tam O'Shanter Dr. and Augusta Dr.

Christmas Card Lane, Rancho Penasquitos
Starting with 15 families in 1985, over 20 years later Christmas Card Lane now boasts over 200. Visitors are asked to park and walk around to ease traffic congestion. Local groups sell hot chocolate and baked goods as local school bands play Christmas carols. You can even rent a horse drawn carriage for your tour.

Oviedo Street - off Black Mtn. Rd. includes Twin Trails, Carmel Mtn. Rd.,Ellingham St., Renato St., Oviedo St., Twin Trails Dr., Barrymore St., Totherham Ave., Talca Ave., Talca Ct., Allenbrook Way, Davenport Ave., Amber Sky Ln.

Best of the south
Chula Vista's Candy Cane Lane
Just seven miles south of downtown and seven miles north of TJ, Chula Vista's Candy Cane lane is regarded as one of the best lit neighborhoods in Southern California. Just take the 5 south, exit east on E and make a right on 4th, look for the traffic cops trying to keep the light hunters moving. Be patient, this is one of those few situations when getting stuck in slow traffic is a good thing.

Not to be outdone, Chula Vista's Christmas Circle is definitely worth a look, since you're down here anyways.
Whitney St./Mankato. Circle between First and Second Ave. off H St. & 1st Ave.

New Chula's trying to get in on the action with the Home for the Holidays contest December 20th. Take the new South Bay Express way to this relatively young and spirited neighborhood.
Off Otay Lakes Rd., Eastlake Pkwy & Wueste Rd.

Best of the east
Bob's Christmas Wonderland, La Mesa
Bob's Christmas Wonderland in La Mesa is a single residence with the heart of an entire neighborhood. Visitors are welcomed with artisan detailed decorations including trains, many automated, moving pieces as well as a miniature drive-in theater playing "Disney's Magical Christmas." Hot chocolate, apple cider and fresh popcorn are available and all Bob asks for in return is for visitors to bring one canned food item each to be donated to the Salvation Army.
7171 Cornell Ave., La Mesa

Jingle Bell Hill, El Cajon
Jingle Bell Hill, also known as Pepper Drive Lights is a quaint neighborhood in El Cajon that really gets into the spirit of the holiday. After hitting up Bob's, meander through these streets and see a whole neighborhood in action.
Solomon Ave./Pageen Pl. and surrounding area.
Off 67 and Bradley

Best of the west
Coronado in general is one of the top tier Christmas light hunting grounds. The view of Downtown dressed in red and green is reason enough to cross the bridge. There are a lot of big homes on this side of the bay with tons of spirited inhabitants. Many homes are decorated to the hilt with each one trying to out do the next. Keeping up with the Jones' is definitely a spectator sport.

Best of the middle
Clairemont sheds its reputation for mediocrity around the holidays and stands proud with over 40 homes decorated to the nines on a circular drive.
Lana Dr. & Jamar - off Mt. Abernathy Ave.

If you happen be near Poway, take a mini Christmas Vacation and stop by 12631 Stoutwood St. Off Twin Peaks Rd. & Deerwood St. It's nicknamed "The Griswolds."