Bay Area Holiday Light Destinations

Tomorrow school’s out for the holidays and luckily there is a wealth of fun holiday events in the Bay Area to keep everyone entertained. Here are just a few that are on my list for next week. See the "Events" section of the site for times and locations.

1. Christmas in the Park, San Jose.
Hats off to the city of San Jose for putting together such a fun Christmas destination for the family. There are rides, a Christmas Village, and decorated trees. If you have time you can take in the Tech Museum first and then head over to Christmas in the Park after dark. Johhny Rockets and Il Fornaio make good pit-stops for food and warmth.

2. Fantasy of Lights, Vasona Park Los Gatos.
Vasona Park is decorated with large lighted displays with everything from Santa to dinosaurs. You can see it by train (Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad) or drive through for $12 a car. Expect very long lines!

3. Tilden Christmas Fantasy, Berkeley Hills. Nestled high in the Berkeley Hills in Tilden Park, Christmas Fantasy offers a holiday village, wonderful lights, and of course the carousel. Hot chocolate and other snacks are also available.

4. Oakland Zoo holiday lights, Oakland Hills.
Oakland Zoo puts on a nice holiday display and you can ride the steam engine through the lighted area. We usually make one trip to the East Bay for both Tilden and the Oakland Zoo.

5. Christmas Tree Lane, Palo Alto.
Christmas Tree Lane is a holiday tradition in Palo Alto. On its 69th year, these two blocks are lined with lit, matching Christmas trees. Rather than the usual Christmas bling, many of the houses on this street still sport the hand painted wooden decorations that have been a staple of Christmas Tree Lane for years. You can drive down the street but I think it is at its best when you stroll.