Every year since 1992, Alex Dourov has joined a rare class of Bay Area enthusiasts who create bright, brilliant and over-the-top displays of holidays lights at their homes or in their neighborhoods.
Dourov still plans to go over-the-top this year at his Livermore home. He wants to give his East Bay community something to be cheerful about at the end of an otherwise grim 2020, overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We not only want to bring back a sense of normalcy, but to ramp it up a bit,” says Dourov, who is modifying his show to promote outdoor safety in line with Alameda County public health guidelines. “There are so many concessions we’ve all had to make the past eight months.”
His sentiment is widely shared. The founder of the popular California Christmas Lights website, Dourov says owners of the vast majority of the 350 homes listed on his site have said they are sticking with the decorating traditions beloved by their families, their neighbors and, in some cases, their entire towns.
The properties, neighborhoods, parks, gardens and public spaces showcased here plan to go forward with their popular annual displays — with coronavirus safety concerns, of course, in mind. Visitors will be reminded to wear masks, when necessary, and maintain social distance. The grand Filoli estate in Woodside has extended its hours so guests can space out the timing of their visits, while other locations, such as San Jose’s Christmas in the Park, pivot to drive-through events.
“People need something cool to see this year,” says J.R. Mattos, who is engineering Christmas in the Park’s move from its longtime walk-through display downtown to a mile-long car route through spacious History Park.
“The synchronized pixel light show will be the biggest expansion to Christmas in the Park in 40 years,” Mattos says. “We’re basically doubling the size of Christmas in the Park.”
Mattos is wearing both public and private hats as an illumination impresario this season. As in years past, Mattos and his family will transform their San Jose apricot orchard into a winter wonderland that is expected to be so grand, it will be featured on the ABC reality TV show, “The Great Christmas Light Fight.”
Sadly, not every homeowner or public venue wanted to go through with a light show during the pandemic. Notably, Deacon Dave Rezendes announced he was cancelling his Casa del Pomba, or “House of the Dove,” display at his Livermore home, which has been a Bay Area tradition for more than 35 years. Bob Widmer also decided to cancel the “Widmer World” display at his Pleasanton home, where crowds were invited to walk around his property, including into his back yard.
But more than 70 homes in a north Fremont neighborhood will go forward with their annual “Crippsmas Place” display — on lanes and cul de sacs, including Cripps Place, hence the name — which also raises funds for local nonprofits. Resident Kate Amon, the president of their Crippsmas Place organization, says organizers have been working with police and city officials on making safety modifications, which include forgoing carolers, candy-cane handouts and a crowd-mingling Santa.
Dourov will block off his driveway to prevent crowds from congregating there, and he’s reworked his display so guests can’t push buttons to move certain figures or get dusted with faux snow. But from the sidewalk or their cars, visitors can still see signs blazing with “Noel” and “Peace on Earth” and twinkling figures of candy canes, nutcrackers and reindeer in his front yard.
Dourov is on several national Facebook groups for enthusiasts who like to share tips on how to build intricate displays. This year, they’re also discussing ways to keep their displays safe. But Dourov said the overall sentiment remains: “Everyone says they are doing more and offering bigger shows to give people something to look forward to.”
As of press time, this sampling of 13 Bay Area homes, neighborhoods and venues have announced they are offering dazzling light displays this season. Unless otherwise indicated, you can visit most of these nightly, after sundown and at no cost.
1) Alex Dourov’s Knottingham Circle extravaganza
The show by the founder of California Christmas Lights offers a mix of old-school decorations that he’s accumulated over the past 28 years and high-tech light-and-sound effects that he continues to update. Guests can listen to music from the sidewalk or on 107.9 FM from their car.
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 28 through the end of the year at 467 Knottingham Circle in Livermore; http://californiachristmaslights.com.
2) Mattos Orchard Lights
More than 90,000 LED lights will cover 30,000-square-feet of apricot trees in the Mattos family’s San Jose orchard. The winter wonderland theme continues with a display of falling snow, Santa and his reindeer flying off a roof, a candy shop and toy soldiers guarding the North Pole.
When and where: 5 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 29 to Jan. 1 at 1545 Stone Creek Drive in San Jose; www.facebook.com/MattosOrchardLights/.
3) Crippsmas Place
For nearly 60 years, residents in this north Fremont neighborhood have lit up their yards, raised larger-than-life plywood cutouts of favorite cartoon characters and used the show to raise money for worthy causes. People from outside the neighborhood are encouraged to drive in, and everyone can donate either in person or via Paypal to six organizations, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and local groups that support families, foster children, wildlife and breast cancer support services.
When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. from Dec. 14 to Dec. 25 on Nicolet Avenue, Cripps Place and surrounding streets in Fremont; www.crippsmasplace.org.
4) Historic estate lights in Woodside
The century-old Filoli estate in Woodside is expanding its hours this season, with the stately mansion and world-renowned, English country-inspired gardens open daily and nightly through January. The ballrooms and other rooms in the mansion feature elegantly decorated Christmas trees, but what’s especially magical at Filoli are the lights arrayed around the extensive garden, where Santa will be available for socially distanced selfies. You can also take a break by visiting a new, outdoor holiday bar set up in the Woodland Garden Court. The bar serves wine, beer and cocktails, as well as warmed mulled wine, spiced cider and hot chocolate.
When and where: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with evening hours and separate admission from 4 to 8 p.m., Nov. 21 to Jan. 3 at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. Filoli will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Admission is $15-$38, https://filoli.org.
5) San Jose’s Christmas in the Park
Moving to the 14-acre History Park means San Jose’s holiday tradition can become a safe, drive-through experience. Visitors will still see favorite displays — and Santa will be there — but the show, engineered by local illumination engineer J.R. Mattos, will incorporate spectacular new light-and-sound effects, including a “snow tunnel.” Reservations and tickets are required in advance.
When and where: 4 to 10 p.m. daily from Nov. 27 through Jan. 3 at History Park, at the corner of Senter Road and Phelan Avenue in San Jose. Tickets are $10 per car from 4 to 5 p.m. and $20 per car after 6 p.m.; www.christmasinthepark.com.
6) Oakland Zoolights “Glowfari”
The Oakland Zoo has always hosted one of the Bay Area’s most unusual holiday displays. This year, the zoo presents “Glowfari,” featuring larger-than-life animal lanterns. Families can take a socially distanced stroll to meet magnificent, glowing elephants, giraffes and a 15-foot-tall penguin. Proceeds from Glowfari help the zoo’s operating expenses, which were affected by its closure from March to July.
When and where: Closed through Jan. 7, due to stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19. Check with the zoo for information about rescheduling planned visits over the holiday and reopening. Admission is $18-20, www.oaklandzoo.org.
7) Los Gatos’ Fantasy of Lights
The Santa Clara County Parks Department has canceled the walk-through option for this beloved show at Vasona Lake County Park, but families can still enjoy a 1.5-mile drive through a fantasy land with lights, animated figures and a 90-foot twinkling tree.
When and where: From 6 to 10 p.m. nightly from Dec. 4 to 30 (closed Dec. 25). The route starts at 333 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos. Find information about ticket prices and reservations, which must be made in advance, at the parks department website, www.parkhere.org.
8) Lights in the Cacti in Walnut Creek
The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s world-famous collection of unique and gorgeous cacti and other succulents and drought-tolerant plants are presented in, well, a new light. For “Garden of d’Lights,” visitors can socially distance as they meander along the paths of the 3.5-acre garden in Walnut Creek, where plants are illuminated in fantastical ways with specially programmed lasers and thousands of LED lights.
When and where: 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from Nov. 20 through Jan. 3 at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $8-$20 and must be purchased ahead; www.ruthbancroftgarden.org/lights2020.
9) Christmas Tree Lane, Alameda
Alameda’s Christmas Tree Lane is a co-operative effort put on by more than 50 homes. The neighbors have introduced some safety-related modifications for this year. Local school groups, bands and choirs won’t perform, but kids can still drop off letters in Santa’s mailbox for the Big Guy to respond, as long as they include a legible return address.
When and where: Nightly Dec. 5 through New Year’s Eve, 3200 block Thomson Avenue, between High Street and Fernside Boulevard, Alameda. www.facebook.com/christmastreelane.
10) “Entwined” light display, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
For the park’s 150th anniversary, people can stroll through “Entwined,” an art installation that transforms Peacock Meadow, near the Conservatory of Flowers, into a forest of illuminated trees, otherworldly shapes and ever-changing lights that create the illusion of raindrops, wind blowing through grass or ripples on a pond. The display begins in time for the holidays on Dec. 10 and continues at least through Feb. 29. Visitors also can stop by San Francisco’s official holiday tree in front of nearby McLaren Lodge.
When and where: Nightly through Feb. 29, Peacock Meadow, near the Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco.
11) Virtual tree lighting, Pleasanton
Santa Claus himself hosts the countdown to the annual lighting of the city’s Christmas tree on Dec. 5, which people can view remotely this year. The tree lighting caps a week of virtual events, including an ugly-sweater contest and opportunities for residents to share their favorite cookie recipes and holiday movies.
When and where: The celebration features daily events, starting Dec. 1, with the tree lighting at 7 p.m., Dec. 5. Find details at the City of Pleasanton’s Hometown Holiday Celebration page, www.cityofpleasantonca.gov
12) Main Street “Night of Lights,” Half Moon Bay
This coastal town’s picturesque downtown transforms into a festival of lights during December, where visitors can stroll by decorated store windows and shop for unique gifts. The town also hosts three special events to raise holiday spirits: A tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 4; the lighting of a menorah and the second candle for Hanukkah on Dec. 11; and the Dec. 18 presentation of the nativity scene by Ayudando Latinos A Soñar, the town’s Latino Cultural Arts and Social Services program.
When and where: Nightly Nov. 27 to Dec. 18, Main Street, Half Moon Bay. The special ceremonies on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 each start at 6 a.m. in Mac Dutra Plaza. www.visithalfmoonbay.org.
13) Art and lights, Healdsburg
The Sonoma County Wine Country town closes out 2020 with “Voices,” a downtown outdoor show that features illuminated art pieces, light sculptures, murals and other works by mostly Bay Area artists. Visitors can view the works while enjoying other festive decorations and boutique shopping in and around Healdsburg’s famous plaza. The town’s renowned restaurants and wineries also are open for outdoor service.
When and where: Nightly, starting the first week of December through January. Most of the works are displayed along Healdsburg Avenue, from Mill Street, to just past North Street. More information and a map is available at www.artinhealdsburg.com.
This story will be updated as new information about holiday lights displays, including dates and times, becomes available.
