The Best Holiday Lights Tours Across the South Bay This Season

The South Bay turns into a full holiday experience every December. From neighborhood traditions to waterfront displays, these are the top spots to visit if you want an easy, memorable holiday night out in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Venice, Mar Vista, Playa del Rey, Culver City, and Westchester.

El Segundo: Candy Cane Lane

Address: East Acacia Avenue between Maple and Eucalyptus, El Segundo CA 90245

Candy Cane Lane is one of the longest running holiday traditions in the South Bay. Homes along the block go all-in with lights, characters, and music, creating a high-energy holiday scene that attracts families from all over Los Angeles. It’s an easy walk, very festive, and consistently one of the best neighborhood displays in the region.

Manhattan Beach: Holiday Lights Walk

Main Viewing Areas:

• Manhattan Beach Pier, 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach CA 90266

• Manhattan Beach Boulevard from downtown to the ocean

• The Strand between Manhattan Beach Blvd and 8th Street

The Manhattan Beach holiday experience isn’t limited to one street. The pier lighting, decorated downtown, and oceanfront homes along the Strand combine into a clean, coastal holiday walk. Locals make this a casual nighttime loop that delivers strong visuals without the crowds of a single-destination display.

Torrance: Sleepy Hollow Light Display

Address: Entrances near Robert Road and Reese Road, Torrance CA 90505
(Neighborhood known as Seaside Ranchos)

Sleepy Hollow remains the South Bay’s largest and most immersive holiday lights destination. Entire blocks participate with coordinated themes, tunnels of lights, music, and steady foot traffic every night in December. It’s the closest thing the region has to a full-scale holiday village and is absolutely worth the visit.

Venice Canals: Waterfront Holiday Lights

Address: Start at 200 Linnie Canal, Venice CA 90291
(Walk the entire canal loop)

The Venice Canals create one of the most unique holiday light experiences in Los Angeles. Homes light up balconies and bridges, reflecting across the water and setting a relaxed, scenic holiday mood. It’s a great walking destination before or after dinner in Venice.

Mar Vista and Westchester: Local Neighborhood Highlights

Suggested Starting Points:

• Mar Vista: Around Palms Blvd and Beethoven Street

• Westchester: Around Kentwood Ave and 83rd Street

Mar Vista and Westchester don’t have a single signature display, but both neighborhoods feature standout decorated homes every year. These areas offer a quieter, more relaxed experience ideal for a short driving route or evening stroll.

Why These Light Tours Matter

The South Bay shines during the holidays because the community shows up. These displays highlight neighborhood pride, walkability, and the lifestyle that makes coastal LA such a strong draw for families, professionals, and long-time locals. Whether you’re hosting visitors or planning an easy night out, these locations are reliable year after year.