Where to Find Holiday Magic: A Guide to Festive Lights and Events

Written by Cloud B. at Belmont Library 

Every holiday season, we look forward to seeing beautiful lights and festive decorations. From grand city displays to cozy neighborhood streets, there are countless opportunities to witness the dazzling beauty of Christmas tree lightings and holiday decorations. San Mateo County Libraries also has a great line-up of holiday events for the whole family!

From creating your own winter wreath, to decorating ornaments and creating holiday cards and stockings, we have many fun programs happening throughout December. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, we also have an online meditation to help you find the spirit of joy and cheer.

Holiday Lights 

Eucalyptus Ave, opens a new window in San Carlos is one of the best places in the Bay Area to see holiday lights and decorations. This street is sometimes affectionately called “Christmas Tree Lane” and lights are usually on between 5:00-10:00 PM from December 1-25. It can get very crowded, so it's best to park a few blocks away and walk over.

Night of Holiday Lights, opens a new window takes place on Laurel Street in San Carlos on Friday, December 6, from 5:00-8:30 PM. At 6:30 PM, the lights will be turned on and "snow" will be released! There will be live music and many children's activities, including choo-choo trains and carousel rides.

Foster City, opens a new window will have their tree lighting ceremony at the Leo J. Ryan Park Amphitheater on Wednesday, December 4, at 5:00 PM, with the official ceremony beginning at 6:00 PM. Kids get a chance to meet a "Special Visitor" in a red suit and take home arts and crafts.

Let's Glow SF, opens a new window will run from December 6 to 15 with nightly shows from 5:30-10:00 PM. It will include a free all-ages block party on Front Street, California's first Entertainment Zone, on December 13, 2024. (Please Note: Shows begin at 7:00 PM on the first evening of the event.)

Golden Gate Park's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, opens a new window will take place on Thursday, December 5, from 4:00-8:00 PM. The tree lighting also kicks off the beginning of Entwined, opens a new window, an immersive light experience that was designed specifically for Peacock Meadow by San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken in 2020. This year will feature Elder Mother: a monumental shade-bearing tree that moves in the wind. The 30 ft metal sculpted tree carries a 25 ft canopy offering a place for park-goers to gather day and night with ever-changing illumination and color.

Bundle up and make this holiday season extra bright by checking out these dazzling light displays all around our community!