December 21st brings the winter solstice; the longest night of the year. This occasion in the seasonal cycle is likely why twinkling lights are such a beloved part of winter celebrations around the world. Whether or not you observe a religious or cultural holiday during this time, everyone can delight in the simple joy and magic that lights bring to these long, dark evenings.
The East Bay has some incredible spots to see them. Here are some of our favorites:
Holiday Circle of Lights, Mountain View Cemetery, December 1-January 1
Mountain View Cemetery continues its tradition with its annual holiday light display. Lights are arranged around the welcoming fountain, beautifully reflected in the water. The seasonal array continues with whimsical characters, and much more. It’s a perfect place for all ages to spend an evening and entry is free.
Christmas Tree Lane, Thompson Avenue, Alameda, December 1-31
A neighborhood effort, the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue in Alameda is a holiday tradition in its 86th year. Every home on the block puts up a light display, with the evergreen trees in the median illuminated too. You’ll probably see several generations appreciating the sight and reminiscing on previous years. Santa may appear from time to time and also has a mailbox on standby!
LDS Temple on the Hill, Oakland, November 29-December 31
The beautiful light display that the church puts up every year is only one of many seasonal attractions — there will also be a Festival of Trees, musical performances and sing-alongs. You can enjoy it all for free (but will need tickets for some events) and can see the full schedule online, or just stop by at your convenience to take in the scene.
Lights on Fourth Street, Berkeley, November 4-January 1
Lights are far from the only attraction on Fourth Street in Berkeley — there will also be puppet shows, caroling, live music, and a number of workshops (like fused glass ornaments) and a hot cocoa bar. Snap a photo with Santa and Mrs Claus and drop off a new or gently used coat to benefit B.O.S.S. The lights bring people back year after year to walk along the shops, enjoy a good meal and purchase a holiday gift or two.
Carousel, and Steam Train at Tilden Park, Berkeley, weekends, December 6-January 5
There’s nothing like an antique merry-go-round (Tilden Park’s was built in 1911) and the vintage steam train, all decked out for the holidays. Bundle up and prepare for crowds for this magical holiday treat for the whole family to enjoy.
Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo, November 20-January 26
A magical lantern festival featuring hundreds of larger-than-life glowing animal lanterns. Visitors can explore themed displays, including a float down Africa's Nile River, farm visit, hike up the highest peaks, and even a dinosaur exhibit. The experience ends with a train ride through an Avian Odyssey, showcasing feathered friends from parrots to puffins all supporting the zoo's conservation effort.
Picardy Drive in Oakland
Since the Great Depression, a string of homes on Picardy Drive (locally known as Christmas Lane) have celebrated their connection and the neighborhood by linking their homes together with a chain of holiday lights. It’s a tradition so established and ingrained that a documentary was made about it. Neighbors will keep the chain lit until early January.
Fairy Winterland at Children’s Fairyland, Oakland, December 14-30
A magical daytime holiday event that transforms the park into a winter wonderland. This festive celebration features Black Santa, holiday performances, Christmas trees, candle making, and storytelling. Visitors can enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cider, festive music from around the world, and a visit from the Snow Queen.
Sundar Shadi Holiday Display, El Cerrito, December 15-26
This handmade, folk-art Christmas scene is a beloved local tradition that celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. This creation features a life-sized, hand-crafted depiction of Bethlehem, complete with three wise men, camels, sheep, and various other figures. The display is set up on a hillside lot at 7501 Moeser Lane and is illuminated each night from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM during the holiday season. It's a beautiful and unique way to celebrate the season, and it's been a cherished part of the community since 1949.
Widmer World in Pleasanton, December 1-31
It’s a bit of a drive, but if you want to see what it looks like when an individual family goes all-out for the holiday season, then you’ll have to make time for Widmer World. The Widmer family started scaling up their holiday decorations in 1980 and have been adding to the displays ever since. Moving to LED lights in 2000 gave them the ability to really turn it on. Today, their entire property (just under one acre) gets fully lit for the season.
During this season of long chilly nights, it’s always fun to take a cheery tour in the dark - it just might be magical! Do you have an especially festive neighborhood to share? Let us know.
