Updated for 2020
If you’re looking for something safe to do with your family this holiday season that has proper social distancing in place, then this list of The Best Drive Thru Holiday Light Displays in Southern California is for. There’s a new way to do the slow-roll-by-lights tradition, and it involves the same pop-up drive-thru that recently concluded the Halloween season.
From drive thru Christmas light displays to drive thru Nativity scenes, SoCal Field Trips has the best events of the season right here. One piece of advise though; order your tickets now because these drive thru holiday events in Southern California will sell out fast.
Best Christmas and Holiday Drive Thru Light Displays in Southern California
Christmas in Color, San Dimas
Load up your friends and family into the van (or car, or truck) and experience Christmas like never before at Christmas in Color in San Dimas! Drive through acres of more than 1.5 million lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music you’ll hear right through your radio.
You’ll drive by giant candy canes, snowmen, arched pathways and more. With so many incredible attractions and acres of land to view, you’ll want to take your time driving through this Winter Wonderland. And starting at $30 per car, this is sure to become an instant family Christmas tradition. The price does not increase by the number of people in your car, so the more the merrier!
Christmas Lights, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest
On December 1 through 24, you’ll have the opportunity to drive through Saddleback Church’s campus in Lake Forest and experience a wonderland full of lights, decorations, and music. Advance free reservations are required at saddleback.com.
Christmas Lights in LA, Pico Rivera
Christmas Lights in LA in Pico Rivera is a mile-long holiday lights drive-through experience that invites SoCal families to celebrate the season in the comfort and safety of their own car.
More than a million lights sparkle along with professional entertainers, candy giveaways, sound effects, food vendors, and photo ops. Featured sections include White Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Boombox, The Polar Express, Battle of the Houses, Santa’s Workshop, and more.
Dodgers Holiday Festival, Los Angeles
The 2020 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a drive-thru Dodgers Holiday Festival, complete with a light show, LED video displays, fake snow and interactive displays honoring the Dodgers World Championship and celebrating the holidays! Open nightly from Nov. 27 – Dec. 24.
The Elf on The Shelf, Pomona
This Elf on The Shelf drive thru experience opens on November 12 and runs for eight weeks at the Fairplex in Pomona. The one-hour drive thru show features a dazzling light spectacle with toy repair workshop, gingerbread villages, and all the sights and sounds of the holiday blended with a touch of high-spirited fun that only Santa’s favorite Scout Elves can deliver.
Tickets start at $24.95 for adults, and $19.95 for kids depending on the time slot you choose. Everyone over the age of 2 needs a ticket to enter. Each car will need an Android or iphone smartphone to experience the narration and music that guides you through the experience.