Twinkling Concord: The Best Holiday Lights in 2022
Tis the season of holiday lights! And we might be a little bit biased, but it seems to us that Concord has taken the twinkle to the next level this year. From our traditional downtown tree lights to the warm glow of neighborhood homes to the spectacular displays of nearby attractions, there’s no shortage of holiday cheer around here!
If you’re visiting the East Bay this holiday season, be sure to book a room in Concord and use it as your home base for twinkle-lit festivities. Here’s our roundup of the best spots to see incredible lighting displays around Concord!
Todos Santos Plaza
Our downtown plaza is always gorgeous, but that’s especially true on a winter evening. Santa helped Concord Mayor Dominic Aliano flip the switch on the downtown lights on Dec. 2, in an event that also included live holiday music and horse-drawn carriage rides. Stroll around downtown and enjoy the decor while you do a little holiday shopping or pick up a sweet seasonal treat or cocoa from a nearby local spot. Hint: try freshly-baked gourmet cinnamon rolls at Cinnaholic or stop by Beard Papa’s for decadent cream puffs.
The Veranda Shopping Center
Speaking of holiday shopping, local shopping and entertainment hub The Veranda is really set aglow right now, not just by the massive Christmas tree and other twinkling decor, but also by the smiling faces of families at the ice skating rink. Rent skates by the hour, do a little gift shopping, then enjoy a movie or grab a meal at one of the Veranda’s great restaurant options.
Happening Home Decorations
Who needs the professionals with residents like these?! Concord houses are absolutely popping off this year, so load the kids in the car with a holiday snack in hand and take a tour through residential neighborhoods to see how many inflatables, lights and music displays you can count. Here are some highlights courtesy of californiachristmaslights.com.
1728 Elmhurst Lane: Inspired by Clark Griswold, this display has over 70,000 white lights, 11 reindeer, wreaths, bright red bows and various trees through the yard. You might need sunglasses for this one!
1094 Discovery Way: In addition to tons of colorful lights and inflatables, this display also includes snow machines, a synced light show and nightly viewings of holiday movies projected on a screen.
4549 Lincoln Dr.: Tune your car radio to 95.1 FM and enjoy an incredible light show set to holiday music on Lincoln Drive. More than 7,000 bright LEDs light up singing faces and a 20-foot mega tree.
5390 Aspenwood Ct.: Classic holiday songs on 102.5 FM are synced to a light show at this colorful home! Santa will be visiting with hot cocoa on Dec. 17, and the family is also collecting non-perishable food donations this season.
The Ruth Bancroft Garden of D’Lights
In the neighboring East Bay community of Walnut Creek is a truly unique take on holiday lights at the Ruth Bancroft Garden of D’Lights event. The garden’s 2.5 acres of mature cacti, succulents and trees are transformed into magical and colorful botanical sculptures by thousands of vibrant lights. Tickets are required for a visit (non-member adults are $28, children 5+ are $16, young children are free), so be sure to book in advance for a chance to see this truly stunning display of light and color.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
In nearby Vallejo, amusement powerhouse Six Flags Discovery Kingdom transforms into a magical winter wonderland featuring over a million twinkling lights, holiday-themed animal shows, meet and greets with Santa and more! Exclusive sweets and treats are available at this time of year, too, including holiday-flavored fudge, peppermint bark, white chocolate candy apples, s’mores and delicious hot cocoa.
Whether you’re a Concord visitor or a native bringing loved ones to town for the holidays, we wish you a warm, glowing holiday season. Find the perfect accommodations here, and be sure to check out our events calendar to make the most of your time in our community. Happy holidays!