Unapologetically extravagant, this family home in Novato is a holiday miracle with 140,000 lights adorning the outside. Guests are treated to five decorated spaces inside the house as well, including a train room that shows off an impressive miniature winter wonderland scene.

It’s hard to go wrong with this Disney-themed holiday display in San Rafael. The Mize family stared collecting Disney memorabilia since the 1970s and proudly display it each year amid their holiday decorations. A must for any Disney enthusiast.  

Don’t let the fact that this light display is in the Mountain View Cemetery deter you. The elaborate setup is at the front fountain, where glowing trees, trains, reindeer, skating figures, and scenes from Santa’s workshop light up the night.

Illuminated palm trees in the foreground of this East Bay temple make for a holiday light display that is worth the trek to Oakland. Bonus: There’s a spectacular view of the twinkling San Francisco skyline from this elevated spot in the Lincoln Highlands. 

Jump on a motorized cable car to get whisked around the city to see decked-out sights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the Embarcadero, and Pier 39. This 80-minute tour is the perfect way to show off San Francisco during its holiday finest. Ideal for family and friends visiting from out of town.

For those of you who prefer a more stark and modern take on holiday lights, look no further than the Embarcadero Center towers in San Francisco. The four brutalist high-rises get dolled up each year with pristine, minimalist lights.

As one of the city’s iconic hotels, the Fairmont in Nob Hill has decades of experience under its belt with spreading holiday cheer to all who visit. There’s an impressive decorated floor-to-ceiling tree in the lobby, but the star of the show is the life-sized gingerbread house that has holiday lights dripping from the eaves, and fills the entire room with a delicious aroma. (Psst: Please don’t eat the house.)

There is nothing more classically San Francisco during the holidays than joining the maddening downtown crowds, and admiring Macy’s sky high Christmas tree in Union Square that brightens up the night with 43,000 LED lights.

A few feet away is the Macy’s building that doesn’t skimp when it comes to holiday decorations, with all its windows and exterior ablaze with lights.

Take a break from your holiday shopping to admire the city’s most Instagramed Christmas tree. Hanging upside down from the domed skylight, this tree is made out of thousands of tiny crystals. Talk about holiday bling.

Almost every home in this storybook house adorned neighborhood participates in its annual tradition of going all out for the holidays. In this East Oakland neighborhood on Picardy Drive, located between Seminary and 55th Avenue, you’ll find twinkling lights, adorned facades, and merriment galore.

The tradition goes back more than 90 years. According to SFGate, “The hundred or so residents of Picardy Drive in East Oakland fought back the gloom Saturday by illuminating their street with an unbroken string of lights, in a holiday tradition that dates back to the first Great Depression.”

Night Bloom returns this holiday season at the Conservatory of Flowers, a light and sound spectacle highlighting its mammoth plant collection and its iconic Victorian facade.

Located at the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park, this holiday tradition will celebrate its 89th year this holiday season.

This festive neighborhood block in Alameda features homes that go the distance when it comes to decorating for the holidays. Each house has its own holiday theme, and if you are lucky you might spot Santa strolling around.  

A longtime San Francisco tradition, this house in Dolores Heights is hard to miss with its giant illuminated Christmas tree, oversized toys decorating the exterior, and the owners’ huge stockings hung over the garage with care.

The twinkling animal light displays throughout the park will bring a smile to visitors both young and old. Catch a ride on one of the lit-up gondolas that soar through the night and provides an uninterrupted view of the Oakland Hills. For a grand finale, make sure to stay for the laser light show.

This spot allows you to fully immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by driving through the Los Gatos park with miles of light displays while listening to holiday tunes. Most nights are dedicated to driving through, but a few evenings are reserved for walking if you prefer to see the lights up close.