Neighborhoods in the Sacramento Area with the Best Holiday Light Displays

Nothing brings on the holiday spirit more than the twinkle of colorful lights. A jaunt around the neighborhood to see the displays is a family tradition. Whether strolling on foot or keeping to the warmth of a car, an evening outing to check out holiday lights is a great way to spread the Christmas cheer.

Most neighborhoods in the Sacramento region have some sort of holiday illumination, so basking in the glow isn’t hard to do. But some neighborhoods go over the top with thousands of lights, ornate scenes, and synchronized music. Some give out hot cocoa and candy canes, and Santa Claus himself is rumored to pay a visit from time to time.

So, if you’re hoping to spend an evening viewing exquisite holiday light displays, we’ve got the insider’s scoop on the best places to go. From Sacramento’s historic neighborhoods to the rural estates of Placer County, there are plenty of spots to choose from.

Fab 40s | East Sacramento

The upscale “Fabulous Forties” neighborhood in East Sacramento isn’t shy when it comes to holiday decorations. Each December, the historic homes between 40th Street to 49th, J Street to Folsom Boulevard erect elaborate displays with illuminated trees, themed displays, inflatables, and animated decorations. It’s a popular area come December, so to avoid traffic and crowds, consider coming just after dusk. Walking is also a good idea to avoid traffic jams, so bundle up and bring a thermos of cocoa to keep yourself cozy! Another option is to take a tour — there are carriage rides, hayrides, and tuk-tuks available — even the Sacramento Brew Bike.

Cozy up in one of these East Sacramento homes this before the year is over! 

Hillsford Court | Roseville

If you’re looking for holiday cheer in Roseville, Hillsford Court is THE place to be. Now in its 13th year, the multi-home display includes lights, music, video and animation. Each home has its own theme inspired by seasonal movies. Free cookies, candy canes and hot chocolate are provided to those on foot; or, you can drive through and tune into 93.3 FM to hear seasonal music. The show runs from 5–10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1.

Lights on Wallace | Woodland

Held nightly from 5–10 p.m. from Dec.15 through Jan. 4, this spectacular show in Woodland features a megatree (cone-shaped string lights in the shape of a Christmas tree), singing trees, and a drone show. They even have a jukebox-like website where you can select your own song. Find them at 876 Wallace Drive.

Barnstead Place | El Dorado Hills

Located in El Dorado Hills, this cul-de-sac is known for its annual holiday light show. Showtimes, which are coordinated to music, are every half an hour nightly from 5–9 p.m. through Dec. 26.

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Dovewood Court | Orangevale

Residents of Dovewood Court in Orangevale have been going all out for the holidays for nearly four decades! Interactive displays, illuminated scenes, and holiday music are just a few of the things you’ll find here. Perhaps best of all, the neighbors collect non-perishable food items to keep the shelves of area food banks full. Even Mariah Carey, the Queen of Christmas, gave the neighborhood a shoutout!

Pebble Creek Drive | Rocklin

For more than three decades, the residents of Pebble Creek Drive and Strand Road in Rocklin have been gussying up their homes for holiday revelers. Epic light displays, inflatables, and favorite characters from movies and television are just a few of the attractions.

Wilcox Christmas Lights | Davis

Located at 716 Marina Circle in Davis, this impressive holiday display, complete with a megatree, includes a live FM broadcast, so you can enjoy holiday music from your car. The display is held from 5–9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 28.

Holly Hills Lane | Cameron Park
Holly Hills Lane in Cameron Park turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays, with numerous houses participating in its annual display. In fact, it’s even a stop on the annual Cameron Park Santa Parade, to be held Dec. 19­­–21, where you can take pictures with Santa and sip hot cocoa.

Rockmont Lights | Natomas

On Java Court and Rockmont Circle in North Natomas, the neighbors pull out all the stops to create a dazzling light display! More than 100 homes participate, with massive displays complete with holiday characters, live music, and hot cocoa. Even Santa makes an appearance! The best part of all is that neighbors collect donations for local charities.

Darvel Court | Folsom

This award-winning multi-house neighborhood display has everything you’d want in a festive display: thousands of twinkling lights, inflatables, and themed exhibits. At the center are majestic 70-foot redwood trees draped in lights. Also featured is a collection of decorated Volkswagens! The lights are on from 5–10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31.

Pete’s Christmas Walk-Through | Lincoln

Located at 530 West Wise Road, Pete’s features more than two acres of illuminated pathways, including magical Christmas trees, cheery holiday characters, and of course — Santa! They also collect toys for their annual toy giveaway for families in need.

Candy Cane Lane | Elmhurst

This little pocket of cheer in and around the intersection of 53rd and S streets in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Sacramento is a good alternative to the chaos that is the Fab 40s. It’s best to view the lights on foot, as residents have erected illuminated archways over the sidewalks, making it an extra magical experience. Themed front-yard displays, hot cocoa and candy canes make it a great night out.

Five Mile Road | Placerville

Located just off Highway 50 in Placerville, this rustic country road is known for its impressive light displays. More specifically, the home at 2975 Five Mile Road is especially striking, with tens of thousands of lights, a giant Santa, and music synched to the light display.

Photo Courtesy of Imaginarium at Cal Expo

Organized Christmas Light Shows

Imaginarium

Northern California’s largest holiday light show takes place at Cal Expo, with more than 15 million lights, dazzling holiday displays, circus performers and family-friendly carnival rides. There’s also an ice-skating rink and interactive exhibits. Doors are open from 5–10 p.m. through Jan. 4. and tickets start at $16.

Theatre of Lights

This free, family-friendly event is held in Old Sacramento. It’s an engaging retelling of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. A synchronized light and audio show, plus a visit from Jack Frost and Santa himself, add to the allure.

Woodland Wonderland of Lights

Get in the holiday spirit in Woodland, which is offering a spectacular drive-through light show through Dec. 14. Held at the fairgrounds, the event features a 2-mile route with twinkling tunnels and festival holiday scenes, all from the comfort of your car.

Photo Courtesy of Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Wild Nights & Holiday Lights

Held at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, this annual event features thousands of bright holiday lights, sparkling ornaments, and illuminated animal figures. Local carolers will be singing holiday tunes and musicians will provide the music. In addition, the Folsom Valley Railway will be offering nighttime rides. The event will be held Dec. 11–14 and 18–22, and all proceeds will benefit the sanctuary.

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