Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Southern California!

A So Cal Tradition!

Best Places to See Christmas Lights in SoCal

One of our favorite things to do as a family, is to get in the car, turn on the Christmas station, stop at Starbucks or McD’s for some peppermint hot chocolate, and go looking for Christmas lights. It is one of our absolute favorite Christmas traditions. It gets us in the holiday spirit, and it is doesn’t cost a cent, other than gas money. We can’t wait to do it again this year. If you’re looking for some fantastic places to watch Christmas lights, here is a list of the best neighborhoods and streets in So Cal. Enjoy!!!

Los Angeles:

Orange County:

  • Candy Cane Lane – El Corzo Street- Rancho Santa Margarita
  • Eagle Hills Christmas Lights –  Entrance is either via East Birch and South Starflower Streets or East Lambert Road and Sunflower Street – Brea
  • Houston Ave – La Palma
  • Fountain Valley Christmas Lights- Neighborhood of Heil and Sycamore (near Brookhurst)
  • Sea Side Neighborhood – San Clemente
  • North Yale Avenue – Fullerton
  • Oak Knoll/Flintridge Village Neighborhoods – Ladera Ranch
  • Nellie Gail in Laguna Niguel
  • Eastlake Village(around the lake) – Yorba Linda

Inland Empire: 

San Diego:

  • Carmel Mountain Ranch – Fairway Village/Stoney Gate Place – Carmel Valley
  • Jingle Bell Hill – Pepper Dr Holiday Lights – El Cajon
  • Tinseltown – Paseo Palmas Drive- Lakeside
  • Candy Cane Lane – Poway
  • Christmas Card Lane – Oviedio Street – Rancho Penasquitos
  • Holiday Hill – Stadler Street- La Mesa
  • Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado
  • Sunburst Santee – Tomel Court, off Magnolia- Santee

A Hot Chocolate Party : Crockpot Hot Chocolate

 

 

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It’s a Hot Chocolate Recipe Party!

Im sharing my favorite favorite hot chocolate recipe along with some blogger friends. Make sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post to get the links to more yummy hot chocolate recipes.

I made this last year and it was an instant hit! We had a hot cocoa bar Christmas morning and it was incredibly yummie and easy to make.

Here’s what you need:

  • 8 cups of milk
  • 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 2 and a half cups of chocolate chips(milk chocolate)
  • 1 can of sweetened condensed milk

Directions:

  1. Stir together the heavy/whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in your crock pot.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted.
  3. Stir before serving
  4. Keep on warm
  5. Enjoy!!!

Here is a list of the other yummie hot chocolate recipes. They all look so yummie! Enjoy!

Orange Cardamom Hot Chocolate
Sharon at Cupcakes and Cutlery

Nutella Hot Chocolate
Tee at That’s It Mommy

Mexican Hot Chocolate 
Pattie at Living Mi Vida Loca

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Linsey at Lille Punkin

Crockpot Hot Chocolate 
Aracely at Day Tripping Mom

Cup-O-Joe Hot Chocolate
Kara at Small Things are Big Things

Frozen Hot Chocolate
Jamie at Minnesota Girl in the World

Hot Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Floats
Caryn at Rockin Mama

Caramel Hot Chocolate
Alma at Field Trip Mom

Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Cream Topping
Jill at Sandy Toes & Popsicles

Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train Giveaway!!

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I shared a few weeks ago about our favorite holiday tradition, The Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train. We’re heading over next Friday evening and I can’t wait to make some beautiful memories with my family. I’m running a super quick giveaway. The giveaway ends Monday night.

This will be the 6th year in a row that we have made our way up to the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas train to visit Santa and participate in all of the fun activities. We bring our extended family, a thermos filled with hot chocolate, treats and take the train to meet Santa and take pictures.

We usually head to the  park early to partake in the many fun activities including cookie decorating and Santa’s Bounce House.  The kiddos love cheesing around the different photo stations and also love storytime with Mrs. Claus. There are quite a few fun activities that are free of charge for the family. If you get there early you can usually  avoid waiting in line. This year like last year you can purchase your tickets in advance online for a specific time and avoid waiting in line.  You can purchase your tickets by clicking here.

It’s Giveaway Time!

One lucky reader will win:

4 Christmas Train tickets

6 Christmas Train activity tickets

1 Wheel Fun Rentals at Irvine Park bike rental (good for all bikes excluding the double surrey)

 

All you have to do is let me know who you would to the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas train. That’s it. Just leave a comment and you are entered to win. Giveaway ends on Monday, December 9th at 11:59pm. Winner will be selected at random. Good luck!!!

 
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