Best Christmas Neighborhoods in Orange County

Orange County, California is known for its festive holiday spirit, and there are several neighborhoods that go all out with Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. We have our favorite areas/streets, but I did some research and found a few more that we are hoping to check out in person this year.

Keep in mind that the popularity of neighborhoods for Christmas decorations can vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check local sources for the most current information. If you have a neighborhood or street that you think I should add, make sure to tell me in the comments below! Here are a few neighborhoods that we love and have been known for their impressive Christmas decorations:

Aliso Viejo

Lots of festive areas to see in the Glenwood Community, near Timberland and King Eider Lane.

Balboa Island

We love walking around the island at Christmas time. There are so many beautiful homes with amazing light displays. There is one particular home that faces the bay that does a full projection show with music, if you do a loop around the island, you are bound to see it. We can easily sit there watching for at least 15 minutes. Of course on certain nights in December you can also catch the famous Balboa Boat Parade, but do be prepared for high crowds on those nights and parking can be very difficult.

If you have time, make a reservation at “Once Upon a Christmas” to have a very special meeting with Santa (it is pricey, but a way better experience than your normal mall Santa). It is run by Once Upon an Island and their character interactions are always top notch! You can also stop by the Sherman Library & Gardens after leaving Balboa Island for the Night of 1000 Lights.

Brea

The Eagle Hills neighborhood in Brea is known for its upscale holiday decorations, with many homes going above and beyond to create a festive atmosphere. Birch Street is also fun to walk around at Christmas time.

Coto de Caza

This upscale area has some beautiful light displays. Specifically Gooseberry Court, but you must belong to community to enter or know someone that does. This exclusive community often features impressive holiday decorations, making it a pleasant place to drive through during the Christmas season.

Dana Point

While not a specific neighborhood, the Dana Point Harbor area features boat parades and holiday lights that make it a festive destination during the Christmas season. We love walking around the area and the famous “Merry Kiss Me” sign.

Fullerton

The Sparkleball display on North Yale Ave is a 2-block long neighborhood effort. The entire street is said to blink, whirl and flash with 450 sparkle balls.

Huntington Beach

The neighborhoods around the Bolsa Chica Wetlands are famous for their extravagant Christmas light displays. Some streets, such as “Twin Dolphin Drive,” have a tradition of decorating their homes with thousands of lights and decorations.

Ladera Ranch

Bramford Street, Shively Street, Shelton Court and Sutherland Drive are known for their Christmas light displays. Many residents participate, creating a stunning holiday experience.

Lake Forest

One of our favorite houses is located at 22981 Bequest Drive in Lake Forest. It has over 35,000 lights all controlled by computer and linked to music that you can play from your car by tuning to a radio station. Another favorite is the Nightmare before Christmas house located at 23932 Barton Street in Lake Forest. Saddleback Church in Lake Forest also does a large Christmas light display that is fun to walk through (video below is from 2021, I don’t know if they will do it again this year, so always make sure to call or go to their website before going to get updates).

Laguna Niguel

Nellie Gail Ranch is known for its upscale homes and often features impressive holiday decorations. You can drive around the hills and see lots of beautiful light displays.

Mission Viejo

There are lots of fun houses to see in Mission Viejo. Here is a link to the Mission Viejo “Holiday Lights Tour” from 2022, I’m sure they will update it each year once they announce the contest winners. Also, if you have time, stop by the Mission Viejo library, it usually has a sweet Christmas display and some nights you can even visit with Santa.

Rancho Santa Margarita

Specifically the “Candy Cane Lane Neighborhood” located off Melinda Road. This neighborhood has been known for its festive holiday lights and decorations. Also, at 16 Calle Liberation there are over 40,000 lights synced to music like Star Wars, Light of Christmas and other Disney favorites.

Tustin

Off of Pinebrook Street you can actually chat with the Grinch on Saturday’s & Sunday’s. Also, at 14431 Heights Dr. there is a village with a train that runs Friday-Sunday.

Yorba Linda

East Lake Village in Yorba Linda is known for its holiday lights and displays, attracting visitors looking for festive decorations.

To get the most accurate information about the best Christmas neighborhoods in Orange County, consider checking local community forums, event listings, and social media groups dedicated to sharing holiday displays. You can sometimes find YouTube videos with information on specific neighborhoods too.

Do you have a favorite street or neighborhood that should be added to the list? Let me know in the comments below! Looking for other Orange County posts, click HERE.