A holiday lights walk in and near the park, plus more worthy walk destinations

In 2023, Nancy Botkin first put together a treasure trove of ideas for winter walks to holiday lights. We’ve created an updated version each year since. This year’s blog includes a past favorites (updated), and adds a few new possible destinations.

Lights in and around Golden Gate Park: ~2.5 miles

Everyone’s raving about Lightscape at SF Botanical Garden, a new-this-year immersive light experience open until Sunday, January 4, 2026 (note this is a ticketed event). 

Whether or not this is on your list for the holidays, there are several light-filled destinations nearby you can connect into a beautiful walk.

Starting in the Inner Richmond, head to 224 Cabrillo (between 3rd and 4th Avenues) for side-by-side houses with some serious Christmas decorations. 

Walk toward Golden Gate Park – enter at 6th Avenue if you’re heading to the Botanical Garden; if not, enter at Arguello right behind the Conservatory of Flowers. Head to the front of the Conservatory to enjoy the Illuminate light projection show on the side of the Conservatory of Flowers. 

Then walk east on JFK Promenade. As you head toward the Panhandle, you’ll see the traditional display of lights on Uncle John’s tree in front of McLaren Lodge.

Enter the Panhandle to head to 1786 Hayes Street (between Masonic and Central) for this gem:

Now go south through the Panhandle to hike up Masonic to 45 Upper Terrace, which is known as a destination “holiday house” complete with elves climbing the roof!

More holiday light destinations

While we don’t have walks specifically for these houses, these are worthy destinations if you’re looking for more lights. 

• 2462 16th Avenue: You won’t want to miss this amazingly decorated house in the Inner Parkside. From lighted rooftop palm trees to inflatable turkeys to a giant gingerbread man, this house combines elements of multiple holidays for one incredible display.

• 2349-249 Cordova Street (featured in our banner image): Stop by the Excelsior to check out two houses that have combined their efforts to create the ultimate Christmas display, including a giant Santa on the roof and a Bluey-themed snow globe. 
• Thrive City Winter Wonderland: Located in the heart of Mission Bay, this winter destination features the Bay Area’s tallest Christmas tree, plus free ice skating from December 23 through December 30. We love walking in the area near Thrive City for its easy transit access to the Chase Center, the waterfront, and new parks and public spaces in the area, like China Basin Park and Bay Front Park.

Know of a great holiday light display? Email info@walksf.org and we’ll add it here! Share your walks on social media with #IWalkSF and @walksf.

Many thanks to Nancy Botkin for authoring the original blog we’ve since updated. Nancy is a longtime Walk SF volunteer and walk organizer. Nancy is part of “Walk Lab”: a group of knowledgeable, creative volunteers who research and create walks like Peak2Peak for Walk SF.

Banner Image: Jerick Anderson