Top Christmas Light Locations 2020 California

California has a history and a tradition of presenting the best charms and festivities during the holiday times. But this is a different year. COVID-19 and it’s various lockdowns have changed everything. California like the rest of the world is prepared to fit the festivities to the new normal. As a blogger/traveler l have been experiencing this change and am here to help you find venues to enjoy your holidays within the new normal.

The villages, historic towns, natural serenity, the snowy caps are the main sources of attraction during the festive season. I have created a list of some of the best places you can visit during this pandemic, such that you get to enjoy it without compromising on your safety. This list is based on past year visits mixed with the latest events and news.

With any event or location you must check current COVID-19 pre-cautions and the events planned for this year in the places you choose to go to. I have provided links to relevant websites that provide the latest COVID-19 updates.

Mendocino (North Coast)

Mendocino is a simple village that celebrates Christmas simply. The shops and cafes in the village are all unique in one way or the other, most of them displaying the local art and heritage. There are several places you can visit in the vicinity of this village. The redwoods are an amazing sight. You can go on a sightseeing visit to this area on the Skunk Train. You can catch that train from Fort Bragg which is only 15 minutes drive away from the village. Another great place to visit from the village is the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. It is in the north of the village. This garden is all lit up on weekends and more so during the festive season. You can enjoy the play of music and lights in a serene natural environment here. Go here to view location information.

San Luis Obispo (Central Coast)

The downtown area of San Luis Obispo is lighted up and bustling with merry during the festive season. Everything in the town is lit up; the shops, cafes, boutiques, the roadsides, the blocks, etc. Everyone in the town contributes to creating the “Light up Downtown”. This is therefore the best place for a family trip during the holidays. One of the main attractions in the close neighborhood of downtown is the famous Madonna Inn. Its gusto and the glamorous Christmas décor have made it a famous place. People especially come to get photos at this place.

Nevada City (Gold Country)

Nevada is a hilly town with narrow streets that are all glowing during the festival. What makes this town a picture-perfect holiday destination is the brass bands, Carolers in period dress, and bagpipers that fill the well-decorated streets of the town. The tall pines, glowing gas lamps, the Victorian-style carriage ride, the roasted chestnuts, historic buildings decorated with white lights all add up to a fairy-tale-like experience. You would not want to go anywhere else after you visit this place. This is the reason why The Christmas Card was shot in this place. Now, if you drive a 10-minute ride to the Grass Valley nearby, you can enjoy the jugglers, musicians, and traditional cloggers. The valley celebrates the festivals in a Cornish way. The people commemorate on this occasion their historical ties with western England. View the city’s Christmas festivities here.

Mammoth Lakes (High Sierra)

Christmas is best to celebrate in a snow-filled environment. If you wish to enjoy the snow in winter, then head to Mammoth Mountain. You can enjoy snowboarding, skiing off world-class skiing tract, and many other snow sports here. Once you are satisfied with this adventure, you can enjoy the classic carols in the karaoke events down in the Village at Mammoth. It is a typical Christmas celebration here with Santa Claus for kids and over the top fireworks for you. You can be a part of the annual torchlight parade here. This parade is managed by the Canyon Lodge authorities and is taken out during the Night of Lights. Please check this website before you go (due to COVID-19).

Windsor (San Francisco Bay Area)

The celebrations in the town of Windsor are the epitome of team spirit and community effort. The main festive vibes are on during the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove which is marked by a celebration spirit at every spot in the town. All the residents, students, and business organizations come together to make the festival a success. The Tree Grove event is held every year at the Windsor Town Green. The walkways in the town are decorated with well-lit and decorated trees that count up to a total of 200. This beautiful Sonoma County town is situated Sixty-five miles north of San Francisco- a distance worth traveling. The musical event and the beautiful lighting of the town would be a happy companion to a great shopping feat that you can have in addition to holiday celebrations.