The Best Places to See Christmas Lights Across the County

It's the time of year when we trade in ho-hum for lots of ho-ho-ho, when Christmas bling gets rolled out across rooftops and lawns, when – on some streets – too much is never enough. If you're looking for merry and bright, these holiday light displays are sure to put some jingle in your bells.

From smaller displays that deserve attention to blocks that have become known for their holiday tradition to local attractions that are seasonal favorites, it's getting to look a lot like Christmas out there.  Here are 12 places to take in the magic of the holidays:

Starlight Circle, take Tomel Court off of N. Magnolia Avenue to W. Glendon Circle, Santee. The folks in Santee go big when they deck the halls each year and transform their neighborhood into "Starlight Circle." Bright lights, colorful displays, Nativity scenes and Santa's reindeer are just part of the elaborate decorations lighting up the streets.  7 to 10 p.m. through Dec. 26.

Holiday Hill, 8065 Stadler St., La Mesa. Several homes on Stadler Street participate in the annual Holiday Hill display, featuring lights, decorations, icicles, animated displays, music and candy cane giveaways. Holiday Hill may not be the biggest display, but it's got a lot of heart, attention to detail and entertainment value. From dusk to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 1 – or longer – according to homeowner Nick Wagner. 

Bob's Christmas Wonderland, 7171 Cornell Ave., La Mesa.  In the past, Bob's Christmas Wonderland has featured over-the-top animated decorations, trains and even a mini drive-in theater. Bob offers hot cocoa, cider and popcorn and, in return, asks visitors to donate a canned food item for his Salvation Army holiday food drive. Not a bad deal.

Jingle Bell Hill, Solomon Avenue and Pageen Place, El Cajon. This is one neighborhood that reportedly really understands the true meaning of Christmas – lights, lights and more lights. A holiday tradition for more than two decades, Jingle Bell Hill attracts thousands of visitors each year. From 6 to 9 p.m. weekdays, and 6 to 10 p.m. weekends through New Year's Day.

Mount Helix Patch local editor Eric Yates reports the neighborhood on off Sweetwater Springs Boulevard has been turned into a winter wonderland.  No hours available, but like most areas homeowners turn on their lights at sundown.

Christmas lights can also be enjoyed on Meadowbrook Drive off Jamacha Road in Lemon Grove. According to SanDiego.com, festivities include occasional visits from Santa and his missus. From dusk to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan.  1.

Christmas Circle, Whitney Street and Mankato Street, Chula Vista. A scaled-down version of the grand "Candy Cane Lane" of past years, Christmas Circle has also gained a name for its beautiful displays and abundant lights. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 26.

"The Griswold's," 12631 Stoutwood Street off Twin Peaks Road and Deerwood Street, Poway. According to several online sources, including SanDiegoTravelTips.com, this Poway home has taken decorating for Christmas to the extreme, earning it the nickname "The Griswold's" after the Chevy Chase comedy "Christmas Vacation." See for yourself from 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 4.

Christmas Card Lane, Oviedo Street, just off Black Mountain Road, Rancho Penasquitos. Apparently, the people of Rancho Penasquitos know a thing or two about happy holidays. Over the years, Christmas Card Lane has grown to include some 200 families, lighting up the area surrounding Oviedo Street and turning it into a twinkling Christmas paradise. From dusk to 10 p.m. nightly through the end of the month.

Local attractions:

The annual Garden of Lights at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas features more than 100,000 twinkling lights, a poinsettia garden stocked with several varieties of the Christmas plant, live music, wagon rides, a nutcracker display, children's activities and crafts, and visits with Santa. There's hot mulled wine for the grown-ups, cocoa for the kids and marshmallow roasting for everyone.

Garden of Lights is open from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $12 general admission, $8 seniors age 60 and older, military and students, $4 children ages 3-12. Children 2 and younger are free. Tickets for members are $6.

San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. (760) 436-3036.

At the Del Mar Fairgrounds, view the lights from the comfort of your car at the 15th Annual Holiday of Lights. This seasonal tradition is the largest lighted holiday display in the county, featuring festive music and 400 sparkling and animated displays set up on a 1.5 mile route around the racetrack. It takes visitors 15 to 20 minutes to complete one trip and see all the lights. Themed displays include Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, the San Diego County Fair, Treasures by the Lake, the Del Mar Racetrack, the Twelve Days of Christmas and Elves at Play.

Holiday of Lights is open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Jan. 2. It is closed Dec. 13. Admission is $14 per car with up to five people; $19 per vehicle with six or more people; $49 per bus. Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are not allowed.

Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. (858) 755-1161 or (858) 793-5555 for 24-hour recorded information.

Illuminated with 100,000 glittering white lights, the Hotel Del Coronado becomes a holiday wonderland each night at dusk. In the lobby, the Del's 30-foot Christmas tree hold 15,000 lights, 2,000 ornaments and hundreds of decorations celebrating the resort's holiday theme, "The Sweetest Season."  On display through Jan. 2.

Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. (619) 522-8490.