The shopping is (mostly) done, the emails are slowing down, and the kids are bouncing off the walls.
If you are looking for a way to get everyone out of the house and into the holiday spirit tonight, nothing beats the classic "Hot Cocoa and Lights" drive.
We are spoiled here. North Orange County and the Inland Empire host some of the most famous neighborhood displays in Southern California. If you are planning a route for this week, here are the three heavyweights you shouldn't miss.
Eagle Hills in Brea
If you live in North OC, you know Eagle Hills. Located just off Brea Blvd and Birch St, this neighborhood goes all out. We aren't talking about a few strands of lights; we are talking about synchronized music, fake snow machines, and homeowners who probably spend their entire summer planning their front lawns.
- The Pro Tip: Do not try to drive through it on Christmas Eve unless you want to be stuck in traffic for two hours. Park at Brea Sports Park nearby and walk in. The vibe is much better on foot, and you can actually stop to appreciate the details.
Thoroughbred Lights in Rancho Cucamonga
This is the "Granddaddy" of the IE light shows. Located in the Alta Loma area (off Thoroughbred St and Sapphire St), this display is famous across the state.
Unlike the tight streets of Brea, the lots here are large, so the displays are massive. You will see entire driveways converted into Santa’s Workshop and trees wrapped up to the very top branches. It is a bit of a drive from Corona, but absolutely worth it for the spectacle.
Candy Cane Lane in Corona
For my neighbors in Corona who don't want to drive out to Rancho, head to Lubaron Drive (Lubaron Park).
It has a cozy, old-school community feel. It’s not as chaotic as Eagle Hills or as massive as Thoroughbred, but the participation rate is incredibly high. Almost every house on the horseshoe joins in. It is the perfect spot for a slower, quieter walk with the family, where you can actually chat with the neighbors sitting in their driveways.
Why We Love These Neighborhoods
As a real estate agent, I look at these displays a little differently. Sure, they are pretty, but they are also a huge signal of Neighborhood Pride.
When you see a street where 90% of the homeowners pitch in to create something for the community, you are looking at a stable, high-value neighborhood. These are the pockets where neighbors know each other, look out for each other, and take care of their investments. That is the kind of community spirit you can't filter for on Zillow.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are spending this week in a packed house in Yorba Linda or a quiet condo in Riverside, I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
2025 has been a wild year for real estate, and 2026 is shaping up to be even more interesting. But for the next few days, ignore the interest rates and enjoy the lights.
If you have big goals for your home in January, I’ll be here when you are ready. Give me a call or text at 714-844-5696 and let's make it happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sweet spot is usually the week leading up to Christmas. Most displays turn on at dusk (around 5:00 PM) and stay on until 10:00 PM. If you want to avoid the heaviest crowds, try going right at 5:00 PM or after 8:30 PM.
Walk if you can. For popular spots like Eagle Hills in Brea, traffic can be gridlocked. Walking is safer, less stressful, and allows you to see the details of the displays that you would miss from the car window.