California Christmas

by Too Much

Before I came to the USA I thought I had seen Xmas lights, but there are certain neighbourhoods in the US where it is actually law to decorate every Xmas.

This is one such neighbourhood in Pasadena, California, there are streets and streets, each with a different theme, the City puts up the theme (eg. Santa, Reindeer etc.) and the householders decorate sometimes elaborately every year.

I took a trip round a few streets and have put some photos here to share with you. ... (more)

Pasadena Christmas
Wonder where the little old lady is?

Looks like hard work!

BIG Snowman

Yard full of lights

Jingle Bells

Front of House
Looking forward to the electric bill!

article published 12/20/2001

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to the person who said hastinsg ranch is in Sierra Madre, it is not. it is in Pasadena. I am now 63 yrs old and lived there many years; I miss doing the xmas lightups a lot, those were fun times. Now in Wa state, I miss Pasadena!!
— sunny, April 6, 2011

For those that are interested there some decked out light display in brea Orang County area. Off the 57 fwy. Neighborhood is called Eagle Rock. I been going there since i was a kid and its really nice. Ur able to drive in ur car as well. Some are selling hot chocolate and tacos. They usually have a santa giving out candy to kids. Its off birch and star flower St. Enjoy!
— Cris, December 23, 2010

I would reccomend Rancho Cucamonga on Sapphire St. I've been there twice this year alone with my family and my kids loved it. It's off the 210 freeway. It's so beautiful.
— Desiree, December 22, 2010

wher can i go see a light show i live in pomona i am willing to drive ca u email me back some nice places to take my family thank u
— jorge, December 21, 2010

Hastings Ranch in Sierra Madre has an awesome display
— kristine, December 19, 2010

My husband and I are looking for some amazing places to go see Christmas light displays. We have been to the Alta Loma location and to the Mission Inn Festival of Lights. We're looking for somewhere new. We're willing to drive... OC area and Chino?? I went to an area in Corona a long time ago. Does anyone know where that light display is?? Please email me... jessvasquez1018@yahoo.com
— Jessica, December 19, 2010

Christmas Light Displays
I am in the Banning/Beaumont area BUT I am willing to drive... I remember going to Chino Hills many years ago and we parked and walked for blocks and blocks to see lights. Does anyone know where to go and how to get there? Thanks so much in advance!!! :)
— Heavenbound, December 16, 2010

Thanks for the information about the Rancho Cucamonga display on Sapphire. I will be taking my girlfriend there this week .
— Brandon, December 15, 2010

Rancho Cucamonga/Alta Loma: very impressive display...210 fwy west, get off at Carnelian...lookup on mapquest...actual street is called Sapphire Street (north of 210 fwy west, just west of Carnelian)....lovely neighborhood, great displays...
— suzanne, December 11, 2010

does any one know how to get to the christmas lights in longbeach?
— Cris, December 10, 2010

need derections
live in riverside, not to far, whats the name and zip code to one of the streets where the lights will be at....email please... thank you
— matt, December 10, 2010

Please Help!!!
Sorry I forgot to say that I live in Ontario, California but I would be willing to drive to Los Angeles, Orange County, or anywhere not to far.
— Desiree Rose, December 9, 2010

Please Help!!!
Can anyone tell me where I can take my kids to see Christmas displays on the houses. I know there is somewhere where we can park and walk down the street, I went many years ago when I was a kid and loved it and I want to share the experience with my kids. Please help. If you would like you can email me directions. Thank you. desireemesta@yahoo.com
— Desiree Rose, December 9, 2010

i live on the border of orange county and la county. how can we get to the christmas lights in chino hills?
— beckie, December 4, 2010

Does anyone know where I can take my kids to see Christmas Street in or near the Ontario, CA area? I would really appreciate the help.
— Desiree, December 1, 2010

Jeff, does everyone on your street decorate? If so where can we find your street? Thanks.
— Desiree, November 28, 2010

KoldeChristmas
It's shaping up to be a wonderful holiday...

This year's light show is titled "Cartoon Christmas". It is filled with songs by Spongebob Squarepants, Disney characters, Looney Tunes, and other fun kid-inspired melodies.

For this year's show, we have put up about 35,000 lights. We changed our color scheme from red and white to red and green. The contrast of red and green is impressive. This also gets us ready for next year as we prepare to use red, white, and green lights

Merry Christmas to all and we hope that it is "shaping up to be a wonderful holiday" for you, too!
— Jeff, November 27, 2010

xmas lights in Chino and Alta Loma
Will the xmas lights still be on in Chino and Alta Loma the day after xmas?
— Cheryl, December 23, 2009

Desirre
The chino lights were beautiful. They start usually when dark. They should be up until NYE weekend
— Debbie, December 22, 2009

Happy hoildays everyone. I know it is late i the season but I wantto take my four kids out to see as many christmas lights as possible. Can anyone email me the good ones and how to get there from Fontana? rosspva@hotmail.com. Thank you and I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday.
— Amie, December 22, 2009

Every year I make a new theme for my Christmas light display and this year’s theme is Santa’s airfield. My display includes santa and many others flying in the air, Department 56 North Pole village which includes over 100 pieces, nativity scene, and more lights than you could ever imagine.

My address is: 4712 Via Del Rancho Yorba Linda, CA 92886

Thank you and Merry Christmas!!! Dennis
— Dennis, December 21, 2009

Does anyone know what is the time frame for the Chino light displays? Is it still going on? I would like to take my kids. Thanks.
— Desiree, December 20, 2009

Chino Christmas Lights Take the 60 freeway and exit Mountain ave.. Go south on mountain. Turn Left or east on Walnut. The lights are on the north side between Cypress and San Antonio.
— Teresa, December 19, 2009

does anyone know where the chino or temecula lights are and how to get there?
— jena, December 19, 2009

help
hi! i want to take my little brother and sister to see lights but dont know where to go can any one email me some adresses please.. thank you marissad5@yahoo.com
— marissa diaz, December 19, 2009

directions for Alta Loma lights
take 210fwy,exit on CARNELIAN go North, when you find THOROUGHBRED ST, make a left, go straight a few blocks and then you will find a main street where all the people is walking to the show,but you are gonna have to park somewhere on that street because if you try to go further there will be no parking....good luck, its really easy..
— robert, December 18, 2009

can someone post directions to the chino hills lights?? thank you
— Jess, December 18, 2009

Looking for lights
Is the Chino lights on this year. How would I get to the ones in alta loma from the 91/215 freeways?
— Nancy, December 15, 2009

LIGHTS IN Alta Loma
Just came home from the lights in Alta Loma, They are great and yes they are on. Have fun and enjoy.
— Charles, December 13, 2009

Are their lights this year in Alta Loma and Chino?
— Debbie, December 10, 2009

Are their lights this year in Alta Loma and Chino?
— Debbie Taylor, December 10, 2009

LA PALMA neighborhood
West on orangethorpe, left on walker, right on houston avenue and first right u take.
— Junior, December 5, 2009

oops! I forgot to mention it's in La Palma
— Lillie, December 4, 2009

I remember way back when saw block fulls of homes decorated up with Christmas lights. I remember I'm to head west on orangethorpe but forgot where to turn there after and what the name of the street is. Any one remember??? So, I can take my kids.
— Lillie, December 4, 2009

the day after thanksgiving
— Rocket, November 30, 2009

all these people leaving comments year after year and none knows when it starts the light event in cucamonga...what date?...uffff as soon as i find out i will post it for all to know....
— besame mucho, November 14, 2009

city and zip code
does anyone know the zip code there?
— manny, December 23, 2008

Christmas Lights
Does anyone know what time the lights start, and what time they finish daily..

Thank you.. please just email me, fitproericbrake@netzero.net
— Eric, December 22, 2008

We went to the Alta Loma lights last night, very impressive. Thank you for the good rec. They are letting people drive through and walk, but the line to drive through is pretty slow. If you do decide to park and walk like we did, you may need to bring a flashlight if you have trouble seeing at night, there are no sidewalks along the main road - it is an equestrian trail along the public street. Once you arrive to the christmas lights everyone walks in the street, there is no sidewalk.
— Cedra, December 21, 2008

Alta Loma Christmas Lights
I went to see the Alta Loma Christmas Lights today on Dec 20,2008 with my family and the lights were amazing along with the performers along the streets. It's a must see this season. Take the 60 Pomona fwy East to the 15 fwy Barstow North to the 210 fwy Pasadena West . Exit Carnelian Street turn Left, on 19th Street turn Right, on Sapphire Street turn Right. The Christmas Lights start on Throughbred to your Left. Have a Wonderful Holiday!
— momme2boyz, December 21, 2008

I went to the alta loma lights on 12/13 and the road was closed with asign that said no light's??? Does anyone know if they are on now????
— j m moreno, December 20, 2008

The lights in Alta Loma: From the 210 fwy exit Carnelian and go North, left on Banyan, right on Sapphire, and left on Thoroughbred. If you type these intersections into yahoo maps you'll see the map. It gets incredibly crowded and you can't drive though when this happens, they make you walk through the streets instead!
— Lauren, December 19, 2008

Alta Loma
Hi There...how do you get to the alta loma lights??

Thank you
— Monica, December 18, 2008

Chino Christmas Lights
Take the 60 freeway and exit Mountain ave.. Go south on mountain. Turn Left or east on Walnut. The lights are on the north side between Cypress and San Antonio.

With that being said, the lights are quickly going away. The person that had the main attraction moved away as well as many of the other families who embrace the Christmas Light tour tradition. In my opinion, the Alta Loma Lights are much better, but if you live close then it might be worth the trip.
— aaron, December 15, 2008

We would but since you did not include your email then how can we email them to you, if we don't know your email?
— Toomuch, December 14, 2008

Please email me
Can someone please email.me the directions to take my children to go see the chino lights please.
— Kristy, December 14, 2008

Christmas lights
Can any body e-mail me the chino christmas light show address. my e-mail al_92571@yahoo.com
— Alfred, December 13, 2008

chino christmas lights
i would like directions to chino to take my little girls to see christmas lights tonight, if anyone can please email me back at princess_tyna20@yahoo.com THANK U!!!
— tyna, December 13, 2008

Merry Christmas!
I live in Corona and heard their were some great lights somewhere in Ontario. Or are they the ones in Chino Hills? Could someone send me the addresses? Thanks!
— Joellen, December 13, 2008

Chino Christmas Lights
I am new to CA from CO and heard about the Christmas lights in Chino Hills...my fiance' is blind, but his guide dog and I are not..we would like to know how to get there from Monrovia and where to park to walk...I get lost easily..thank you and Merry Christmas...Debra
— Debra, December 12, 2008

Christmas lights
I would like for anyone to email me the directions for the Christmas lights neighborhoods so I can be able to take my son, he would really like that, my email is anagarcia102805@yahoo.com Thanks!
— Ana, December 11, 2008

Chino-Rancho cucamonga
I would also love to take my son the see lights in either City. If anyone could email me the directions it would be much appreciated. I am coming from Hesperia off the 15 south! Thanks! merry christmas:)
— KRis, December 11, 2008

Chino Lights???
I too would love directions to the lights. I've been as a kid but now want to take my niece tonight. I live in Ontario, Cali... Thanks!!!
— Dustyfaye, December 10, 2008

I've been wanting to take my 2 girls to see the lights in Chino for a few years now and can't seem to locate them. Can someone please email me directions coming from Riverside. Thank you... sarah.fleeman@city-body.com
— Sarah, December 10, 2008

Christmas Lights in Chino
I also need directions to the houses of Christmas lights in chino. I hear they have 4 blocks of wonderful lights.

Thank you.
— Jennifer, December 6, 2008

Lights
I thank so much for info i was looking everywhere online to get the directions to the christmas lights in chino and this was the only place i found my answer. Thanks
— Daisy, December 29, 2007

Direction
Can someone email me the adresses of this light places. I have been searching for it and I want to take my kids there. Sbertillo@gmail.com
— sonny, December 20, 2007

christmas displays
can anyone send me addresses to christmas house displays in the oc or la area?
— gils, December 16, 2007

Glad i found this sight
I am very glad that I found this sight as I have been trying to remember where these houses were. It is good to see people helping people this is what Christmas is about, thanks for the directions Merry Christmas to all.
— Bill Eagleman, December 14, 2007

Can anyone give me direction on how to get there from the Corona area please.. I went when i was 6 and i want to take my four year old.. thanks nicole
— Nicole, December 12, 2007

Christmas Lights
Anyone know where me and my family can go to view the lights on houses? Only drive around and look at lights. Anywhere in Orange County near Mission Viejo or even going North. Please email me joannvil99@yahoo.com
— Joann, December 11, 2007

Xmas Lights in Orange County
I know of 2 great neighborhoods with lights. There is one on Bolsa Chica in Westminster I believe. It's on Bolsa Chica just North of Westminster ave. Also there is one in La Palma. It's on Walker and North of La Palma Ave. I am curious to know if there are any other ones in OC?
— jerry, December 10, 2007

help please!!!!!!!!
i need directions to the christmas lights in chino,ca
— cynthia, December 7, 2007

Chino Lights
When do the residents turn on the Holiday lights in Chino @ San Antonio
— kathy, November 23, 2007

Chino Lights

Walnut & San Antoino 60 East, Exit Mountain Ave (right) (Left) on Walnut The horse and carriage loading zone is on the corner. The street are fairly packed so I would suggest the walk or horses. Have Fun!
— Julio Arias Jr, December 17, 2006

!!!help!!!!!!!
do anybody know where to go see the lights in chino?i need directions.
— louie, December 10, 2006

Cerritos
Does anybody remember the neighborhood in Cerritos off South Street that used to decorated?
— Chris, November 4, 2006

I cannot find an address or street name/location of the Chino lights. Can anyone help me?
— tina, December 15, 2005

If you follow this link, there is an 8 page list of houses/streets decorated in Orange County.

http://www.ocregister.com/local/holiday/lights_2003.shtml

We went to the Brea location at Sunflower Street & Lambert Road last night and it was fantastic, over 200 homes done above and beyond. There was even a brass band playing carols and Santa was there handing out See's peppermints to everyone. You can either park & walk or drive through the neighborhoods. We drove and it took over an hour to see all the streets. I highly recommend checking out this location!
— Valerie, December 21, 2003

The chino lights are the best around here that I know of the direction that one person gave are right. I was just over there about 10 min ago lol. You can even get off at euclid and head south then right on walnut you have a better chance of gettn parking coming from that way.
— jack, December 21, 2003

I visited the Chino neighborhood tonight, walked around with my family for maybe an hour. For those still interested in locating it, take the 60 freeway to Chino (between the 71 freeway and I-15), exit at Mountain Ave, go south, turn left at the first light (Walnut Ave), then left at the light at San Antonio. Just find a place to park (this may take a while) and follow the crowds and the lights. :)
— Debi, December 20, 2003

brass qunitet
sorry my email is KingGalla@aol.com, thanks for your help
— sorry, December 16, 2003

Well decorated neighborhoods
Hello, my name is Brian Gallagher, I'm getting together with a few friends of mine to go out and play christmas carols (we're a brass quintet), and we're looking for neighborhoods that are well decorated, any help would be great thatnk you.

-Brian Gallagher
— Brian Gallagher, December 16, 2003

Please Help!
Sorry! My email is: PinkyPrincezz@msn.com
— Kristina, December 15, 2003

Please Help Me If You Can!
Hi everyone! Well, to make a long story short, I'm 17 years old and live in Riverside, California. During Christmas in past years, my father took my family and I to see blocks of lights in Chino, California. Well, he passed away last March and I have no idea where this place is now. Is there anyone who could help me? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank-you, God bless, and Merry Christmas!
— Kristina, December 15, 2003

LOOKING FOR MORE LIGHTS
Sorry I forgot to add my email address to the last POST ... Vikingfamily99@msn.com
— Dawn, December 8, 2003

LOOKING 4 MORE LIGHTS
I live in Artesia which is in between Long Beach and Orange County and I have 3 children and we love to spend family evenings out during the holidays admiring the lights if anyone has any suggestions of where we can see LOTS OF LIGHTS. I would appreciate it if you could email me. Thank You So Much.
— Dawn, December 8, 2003

Lov to find X-mas lights in Orange Count
I would love it if someone knows of some great neighborhoods with Christmas lights this year in Orange County (City of Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Villa Park area. I wanted to take my son and some of his friends.

Thank you very much
— Krista, November 22, 2003

Where?
Where is this place located. Does anyone know.I'm not looking for xmas tree lane but for the blocks of lights. I have visitors that would love to see them.
— mimi, December 23, 2002

My email is Juarez-1@msn.com please my kids are waiting.
— michelle, December 19, 2002

Children are waiting
I have two kids that would totally enjoy seeing blocks of christmas lights. DOes anyone know of any i am located near long beach, ca please email me. thank you
— Michelle, December 19, 2002

Hi there,

In the City of Chino there are a few blocks of houses decorated. If you want more info please email me. Thanks Superjudie_1@yahoo.com

Judie
— Judie, December 10, 2002

I am looking for more neighborhoods with Christmas lights. If you know of more that would be fun to see, please email me! Thanks, Naomi
— naomi, December 9, 2002

Christmas Fun!
I agree with you about the Christmas decorating thing here in the USA, people sometimes go overboard with it, but you know what? It makes Christmas time a colourful-bright-beautiful season,I love to see the lights and my kids also enjoy it lots too.
— Estrella Rode M., December 22, 2001

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