Here is a list of all the best Christmas lights in all of Your Foothill Community! We rounded up our favorite Christmas light destinations in Claremont, La Verne, Glendora, San Dimas, Covina, Azusa, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga and more! This is the perfect time to jump in the car and see some old fashioned Christmas lights. Click on each link for more details about the best Christmas Lights in Your Foothill Community!
Santa’s Speedway at the speedway in Irwindale | This drive-thru experience is one of a kind- you get to drive on the track itself! But you’re only traveling 5mph and the kids have their heads poking out of the sunroof! The centerpiece of the display is the world’s largest lit Christmas tree and it’s impressive, but what we loved most was the themes throughout- the RV campers are especially charming! And the snowfall at the end just before greeting Santa & Mrs. Claus was a wonderful surprise. They have bathrooms and a snack bar available, and be sure to use it because you’ll be in your car for about an hour.
Christmas in Color in San Dimas at Raging Waters | This drive-thru only experience is extra exciting for kids who love to drive with their head hanging out of the window! The millions of lights dance in time with the music and there’s excitement around every turn. Pro tip: get the Groupon first, then book your tickets to save 20%!
Lightscape at the Arboretum in Arcadia | This event has all of the lights and excitement of a drive-thru experience packed into a walking tour. You get more time to experience the light shows (and to get the perfect selfies of course). Plus enjoy the nature trails and botanic gardens that are lit up at night- unlike anything you’ve seen before. At the end of the tour snacks and refreshments are available. We highly recommend this tour!
LA Zoo Lights at Griffith Park | LA Zoo Lights has really outdone itself this year! Plan to stay for a 90 minute walking tour and you won’t regret it. There are light-up animal displays, interactive light tunnels, perfect selfie spots, sound reactive lights, and a 200 foot tunnel of dancing lights. Plus all the great refreshments and restrooms you’re used to at the zoo!
Luminaria Nights at the California Botanic Garden in Claremont | A low key, old-fashioned light show, this classic holiday event sells out each year. Enter the botanic garden and feel welcomed by the warm glow of the luminaria lighting the path: real candles inside of white paper bags! It’s ethereal, romantic, and is reminiscent of days gone by. Meander down the path and enjoy live music along the way, as well as hot cider, wine, beer, sodas and cookies. Plan to spend about 60-90 minutes and walk around 1 mile with some slight hills. If your kids are overwhelmed by the big light shows this would be a refreshing change. Don’t forget to dress warmly!
Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge | The name really says it all- this event is just enchanting. The garden itself is breathtaking, and they hire professional artists to create displays of light that both highlight and enrich the surroundings themselves. Plan to walk about 1 mile on the garden paths, and spend even more time exploring some of the kid- friendly installations. Sold out before Christmas but tickets are available until January 9th.
Christmas Nights at 123 Farm | This is a little bit of a road trip from the Foothill Community but WORTH the trouble x100! Check out the 1 million lights scattered around this lavender farm and ancient oak grove. Could anything be more beautiful?! They also have Santa on site, horse drawn carriage tours, smore’s kits & fire pits, plus tons of other festive food & drink. You know where I’ll be!
Biscuit the Gingerbread Man’s Holiday Adventure in Chino Hills | A quick and easy one to visit, this light show has more than just lights! It’s a gingerbread maze complete with experiences- even smells! Once you find your way out of the maze, you enter a winter wonderland and have a chance to meet Santa too. In just 15 minutes you can see it all, but you’re welcome to stay longer if you want.
If your holiday budget is already busted, we rounded up the best neighborhood spots to see fantastic light shows for free! Comment below if you know of some that we haven’t found yet!
Free Neighborhood Holiday Light Spots:
- Flamingo St in Glendora just off E Palm Dr & Kregmont Dr
- Thoroughbred in Rancho Cucamonga; Sapphire St & Thoroughbred St
- Downtown Upland Gazebo; E 9th St & N 2nd Ave
- Pirate Ship House in Rancho Cucamonga; Hellman Ave just north of Wilson Ave
- Hastings ranch; Sierra Madre Blvd & Michillinda Ave
- Christmas tree lane Altadena; Santa Rosa Ave & Calaveras St
- Maryknoll in Monrovia; Maryknoll Circle & N Mountain Ave
- Valmont drive in Monrovia; Valmont Dr & Norumbega Dr
- Alta Vista in Monrovia; N Alta Vista Dr & W Hillcrest Blvd
- Oakcliff Rd in Monrovia; Oakcliff Rd & E Greystone Ave
