We have a lot of festive families here in Chico! You can pretty much drive around anywhere in the city limits and find a neighborhood sprinkled (or drenched) with lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday season.
It's easy enough, just get in the car and go! But some streets, neighborhoods, and individual homes are truly spectacular! As with most towns, Chico has some key light-drive destinations worth highlighting.
I did some early sight-seeing for myself and tried to think of what families would need to know beforehand. What if you're driving? What if you would rather get out and walk? What if your family and friends could only pick one place, one night to see something special?
Here are my top picks and some tips to get the most bright for your night.
Top Pick for Driving: Songbird Drive
This street is not to be missed! Songbird Drive (off Keefer Road by Highway 99), is that street in Chico where almost all the houses are participating and really go for it. It's truly a neighborhood and community tradition.
These are unique, beautiful homes that some of us might like to cruise while we daydream about "making it." It's a quick loop any other month, but during December it comes alive! From simply charming to completely over-the-top, there's something for everyone, and you'll want to slow down to take it all in. Here's what you need to know:
Don't Wait
Because Songbird is that street it gets really impacted the closer we get to Christmas. It's a commitment! If you wait until the peak times to go look, it will probably take over an hour! There will be a line out to Keefer Road of people waiting to turn onto the street.
If you don't have a lot of time, or your children don't last that long in the car, I'd suggest going in early December. The sooner the better!
Take Garner Lane
I could write a whole separate article on why you should take Garner Lane instead of Highway 99 to get to Keefer Road, but here's the summary.
1. It's safer! You're likely going to use the freeway to get there either way. If you're driving southbound it will be a left turn, northbound will be a right. Garner has its own lighted intersection. If you take Keefer Road, the turn can sneak up on you and the drivers behind you as well.
2. It's better for you and everyone else in line. Put yourself on the side that doesn't have to cross traffic to get in line. This is especially important if it's really busy.
3. Garner Lane is its own spectacle! There is a house on the right, near the beginning, with a drive-thru light show using their U-shaped driveway. Look for the hoops! There are several pockets of neighborhoods that are super festive and really beautiful. If you have the time, you could do the right side of Garner on the way there, and the opposite side on the way back. Keefer Road also has some really amazing houses on the way that you would miss coming from the other side. Can you spot Santa climbing through a window?
Tune to 91.1FM
There's a house on Songbird that has lights synced to holiday music, from Snoop Dogg to Elsa and all the classics! Tune in ahead of time, and when you get closer to the house you'll be ready!
Look to the Right
Remember, the street is a loop. The line is inherently slow because people want to appreciate the view. Keep the line moving by focusing on the houses to your right. You'll see everything I promise!
Turn Off Your Headlights
Okay, I'm not entirely sure of the rules for suggesting this, but it really helps! If you're going during peak, that's a lot of cars and a lot of extra light pollution. Every car that turns off their headlights is one less pair of beams shining at you from the opposite side of the road. As long as everyone is staying in line and there aren't any pedestrians crossing, it should be safe to allow everyone to enjoy the lights they came to see. Just make sure to wait until you're actually on Songbird, and remember to turn them back on before you head home!
Anticipate Candy
There's a house near the exit where you get a candy cane for each person in the car. During peak times there may even be people handing them out, but either way they are there for the taking! If your kids aren't going to be able to have a candy cane, you might want to exit the line ahead of time. Right before the house with all the animals on the lawn!
If they can have a candy cane, you can use this as an incentive to be on best behavior for the duration of the loop.
Top Pick for Walking: Amber Grove Neighborhood
Amber Grove has really become the go-to for all the decorative holidays. Trick or Treating is also very popular here. This is the neighborhood to hit if you want to park the car, look up close, and connect with the community. You might even get some cocoa, candy canes, and in past years there have been holiday movies projected on garage doors!
Don't get me wrong. This is also a great neighborhood to drive around and look at decorations (Tune to 92.3FM). However, the pocket near Peterson Park is an easy walk and there will be a lot of pedestrians around. You don't need as many tips for this one, it's easy! But here are a few just in case:
Stay Comfortable!
This probably goes without saying, but do what you can to keep your family warm. It's a December nighttime activity after all! Heat escapes from the tops of our heads, so beanies are ideal. With jackets and coats, gloves and scarves, you'll stay warm and look the part. Cocoa in a thermos is a lovely bonus!
Don't forget comfortable shoes, a stroller or wagon for the little ones, and a carrier or wrap if you're baby-wearing.
The more comfortable everyone is, the longer your festive evening stroll will last.
Park at the Park
This neighborhood will have lots of cars as well as pedestrians. If you park around Peterson Park - located in between Denali Drive and Crater Lake Drive - you'll be close to the action without blocking the view for others. Just be careful crossing the street! If there aren't any spots, try parking in front of a house that isn't as festive.
The More, the Merrier!
Because you're walking, you can make this a more social outing. You aren't limited by the number of seats in your vehicle. Meeting up with your kids' friends and their families is such a special experience for them that your children will remember forever!
Don't Get Lost
Okay, maybe this tip is just for me because I get lost so easily. Amber Grove has a lot of streets with houses that look really similar, and so many cul-de-sacs! Whether you're driving or walking, if you're doing more than the Peterson Park area, consider using a map and having a planned route. It'll also help you see everything without doubling back.
Be Respectful
Another no-brainer, but here we are. If your kids unwrap candy canes, make sure to pick up the wrappers. Did someone give you cocoa? Hang onto your cup. Don't take up the entire sidewalk if other people are approaching. Remind your kids to keep it down when passing the houses that aren't decorated. The more considerate we are as a community, the more likely people are to continue being festive and welcoming in the future.
Top Pick Beyond Chico Limits: Van Ness Way in Durham, CA
We finally made it to Van Ness Way this year, and it totally exceeded our expectations - this is such a unique neighborhood! About 8 miles (12 minutes) from Chico, this sweet street is worth the drive.
If you look it up on your map app, you'll see Van Ness Way is shaped like a backwards P. The middle of that loop is an open park, which is surrounded by beautiful homes, and all of it is decorated like nothing I've seen before in a residential neighborhood.
Every home is decorated, and you can tune to 99.5 FM and enjoy holiday music as you drive the loop and try to take in every detail. Here are a few tips!
Don't Miss It
This isn't a huge neighborhood like Amber Grove. Van Ness Way is a private road, and I drove right past it! Because of that backwards P shape, I couldn't see lights and decorations from Durham-Dayton Highway. I had to make the turn and drive down the road a bit before it opened up to the grand display. It's a really easy turn to miss, so use your map app and trust it when it says your turn is approaching. Some white fencing helps the turn stand out a little better, so maybe look for that too.
Go Slow
There are signs posted for 10 mph in several spots along the way, and for good reason! This is a narrow, one-car road, and some of the houses are decorated right up to the edge of their property. You will probably want to drive slowly anyway, as there are layers of decorations to marvel at and enjoy.
Stay Out of the Park
There even more signs for this one, but we saw people walking in the park to take pictures anyway. A ton of planning and collaboration must have gone into getting this neighborhood to look like such a magical Christmas wonderland, so let's be respectful and obey the residents' wishes. They probably don't want people to trip on the wiring and get hurt!
Honorable Mentions
Hancock Park
Off East Eaton Road, this part established, part up-and-coming neighborhood is also very festive! As you drive around, you'll find pockets where lots of people have decorated. This neighborhood has grown, so I recommend driving. Like Amber Grove, it's pretty easy to get turned around. If you're not in a rush, there are a lot of beautifully decorated homes to enjoy as you make your way through.
2797 Lucy Way
Stop the car! Walk under the arches, look at all the details. This house is lovely!
1518 East Lassen Avenue
This is another incredible house that has lights synced to holiday music. Tune to 107.7FM! They also have FREE hot cocoa, cider, cookies, and candy canes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7-10pm (weather permitting)!
Looking for more?
The 2024 Christmas Light Tour Map is here, compiled by Chico Happenings' Derrick Sanderson!
They've added a Scavenger Hunt as well. Even more festive fun for the kids!
Whether you make a plan or go on a whim, walk or drive, and go with family or friends, I hope you all enjoy the bright lights, decorations, and magic of this holiday season!
