I remember growing up in the 80s when we were able to park our car inside the Christmas Circle (aka candy cane circle on Whitney), walk around, look at the lights, it was that simple. In 90s, there were times when I took my kids (now in their early 30s) for a drive thru or walk thru, either way, it was still simple. However, depending on what time or day, congestion may have occurred. Now? You ask about this year, 2025? If you want to do a drive thru, expect to be in your car, waiting for an hour just to drive into the circle on Whitney and Mankato streets, off 1st or 2nd Avenue. I must have stayed no more than 10 minutes until my car moved. I decided to make a U-turn and park two streets down and take the walk with my three grand kids (8 years old and under). Nothing wrong with an evening stroll. Had my phone light on and we walked safely towards the circle and arrived in no time. Approximately 10 minutes later, the excitement began. The oohing and the aawwing of my grand kids made my heart smile. I too was excited, oohing and awwing. Vendors were all over 2nd street (food, hot cocoa, balloons, toys, blankies, etc) but none were present inside the circle. From ornate and detailed decor -recall -to one house with nothing. Not even a light. Hmm, I wonder. In any event, our semi-fast, but safe walk around the circle took us approximately 50 minutes. I pretty much had the kids lead the way to the house where they were they were the most excited. We spent time taking pictures and briefly talking about what they liked the most about their house of choice. Of course, Bluey, Paw Patrol, reindeers, grinch, snowman and snowman families, Santa's workshop and side walk "tunnel" walk-thrus were the highlights and faves. Even the most simple and plain decoration played a good part in making the circle a success in my experience with my grand kids. Some unique looking displays: dinosaurs on the lawn and one dinosaur on the tree, dancing Santa, and piglets on the lawn. This past Sunday, brought good memories for me and more so now, with my grands! Thanks to those families at Whitney & Mankato for making Christmas Circle a great holiday event. Perfect treat right before Christmas Day read more

This was the first year I decided to park a block away and walk around the circle and it was the best decision EVER made!! If you walk the circle you can do a loop on the outside and then a loop on the inside and really get to see ALL the houses, the themes and the beautiful lights!! It was great having lots of photo opportunity areas but it did make it difficult to stay on the sidewalk at all times, so there was some getting around areas by walking on the street and jumping back onto the sidewalk. There are some street vendors as you ender the circle, it was nice to be able to buy a hot chocolate and a snack!! The homeowners who were sitting outside were all very friendly! What a great holiday experience!! read more

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Since a kid this has been my favorite place to see lights. You can drive or walk through. It's going to be cold the longer it is open so bundle up! Opening again Dec 14th- Dec 26th. Expect possible lines on the weekends. Venders usually set up, one here and there not sure if they have permits. read more

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The best family tradition for years. Thank you to these neighbors for putting up a great show and keeping the Christmas spirit alive year after year! read more

Christmas Circle - Local Flavor Near Me - Chula Vista, California

CHRISTMAS CIRCLE?! ... was more like Christmas 1/3 of a circle. I get it, SDG&E are nickel and diming us with their high electrical bills. So I give kudos to those who go all out and keep it festive. I feel bad for those that feel the need to keep up with the pressure of living in the circle, and I feel bad for those that can't. This is great for those in the area that can walk. I don't know if taking the drive down was worth it. Living in different cities and states, I do have much to compare. And I've noticed that San Diego seems to be the less festive. Is it the sunny warm weather that makes it not feel like the holiday's? Is it that people aren't THAT into it? All I know it's the city I've lived in that has the least Christmas vibes. I've heard about this places through people, coworkers, radio, social media. It's worth a drive south to see for self and my expectations must have been too high because the drive around the circle made me say "oh that's it?" About 1/3 of the houses had decorations. There were a few homes that were bah-humbug. There were houses that were decked out, houses that have simple decorations, and then there were houses that had decor but weren't lit up, and there were homes that looked like they want to keep their lights turned off to shoe away people as if they are annoyed living on that street. I get it, the spirit is not for everyone! Took some photos that were decked out the most,l. You can decide if you and your family want to take the drive (or not). I had a favorite... a house decked out with minions! read more

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Great and very colorful and great for children and adults also! Please see all photos! Bring a cozy jacket to keep warm! Please turn on parking lights as a courtesy to others! Thanks! I have been going to this wonderful place for a very long time and hope it will always be their! Happy Holiday and new year for evermore! read more

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One should not go through the Christmas season without going to Christmas Circle. The residents have gone to a lot of trouble to celebrate the season with all the decorations. Great family outing. read more

Such a fun activity to do during Christmas! You can either walk through or drive through but I'd highly recommend walking. Nearby you will encounter vendors selling toys, food, drinks. read more

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There's no sign to confirm location or maybe we missed everyone on Christmas Eve. Still a nice sight for the kids to drive past

Bring a cozy jacket! I recommend walking and bringing cash since some vendors might be selling food, hot coco, coffee, and snacks. Really makes it enjoyable. Driving in sucks, it's more enjoyable if you walk. read more

The best place to see lights in the South Bay is Christmas Circle hands down. This year, it celebrates 66 years of hosting this free community event. Things to remember: -It's FREE. Residents don't sell merch and do not get a discount from SDG&E -Driving in can take a long time, highly recommended parking on side streets and walking in -Vendors are sometimes located outside of the circle -Pick up your trash. There are several trash cans throughout the circle read more

Christmas Circle - Lit car - Local Flavor Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Five Stars because this a community neighborhood committed to boughs of holly and tis the season to be jolly. Christmas lights are fun and make one want to smile. I works recommend to park on the street and walk-through the circle. It is best to capture the Christmas decorations decor and to take time in the present moment of joy Here are seven tips to enjoy the Christmas Circle: Free. It's best to come a within day 4 and day 8. It's best to arrive between 530-630. All lights are lit mainly because everyone's home from work. Park and walk through. Traffic drive-thru is a clusterflubber. Respect all homes grass, decorations, and noise. There was no music. Quite bland. I brought my own small bluetooth speaker with our group to listen to Christmas songs as we walked around the circle. A really cool play date especially if you're trying to catch up with a group of friends. The entire experience may be an hour. Vote useful if this review helped you. read more

Fun! Especially for families or couples who love Christmas! They have hot chocolate and treats around the corner too! read more

Christmas Circle - Best home with most Christmas spirit - Local Flavor Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Love this place! How can you not, well unless your atheist or a Jehovah's Witnesses then I guess I can see how your no fun & don't like it. But me & my family love it! Been coming here for years since I was a kid & now I take my kids. The people that participate in this are awesome a shout out to all of them who put out their lights for us to enjoy! You guys F'N rock! Driving thru it is cool but honestly it gives it no justice you must & have to walk the whole Christmas Circle. It's an awesome experience, go in your PJ's or sweats take the kids & a doggie just do it you won't regret it. Traffic can be crazy another reason walking is better but you might have to park a bit far. It gets cold at night so take a cup of hot chocolate with you as you walk & don't tell the wifey but splash a little Jack Daniels in it it warms you up even more (and that's your tip for this review dads) just don't give the kids any. Oh & don't be an ass or let your kids be little asses & litter while your walking through it, not cool. So enjoy the beautiful experience of Christmas Circle every December take the family, take pictures & dress warm & have a Merry Christmas. See you next year Christmas Circle! read more

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Every year I visit Christmas circle to see the light displays. Most drive thru it but the best way to enjoy it and get good pictures is to walk thru it. There is usually a house that has someone in a Santa costume who you can take pictures with. There is also another house that provides a cute Christmas themed back drop to get your annual photo taken.My favorite house to always see is the nightmare before Christmas theme. During the week days it isn't as busy as the weekends tend to get packed. The lights are usually on from 5pm-10pm and from experience when it's a rainy day or it had just rained for the day most won't have their lights on so come on a day with good weather. During the month of December it does get cold so I'd recommend you dress warm from head to toe. read more

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I'm excited to see everything back to normal after covid. Houses look beautiful! Everyone is super welcoming and nice. I'd recommend walking the block to really enjoy it! They do not sell any hot chocolate or snacks like up north at candy cane lane but there is an elotero! read more

Always a fun tradition.. I suggest parking and walking through the circle if it isn't too cold! We make hot chocolate before we go to keep our hands warm. People do sell light-up toys and food at the start. Wear your walking shoes and nice cozy jacket and you're set! Be careful when crossing the street though! read more

BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY WAY it's a must if you live in San Diego. Love the way every house decorates & how the neighborhood gets together to make this possible every year. I suggest taking the little tour in car specially if you have little kids but if you want the real deal then walking would do it's like a 20-25 min walk. read more

Christmas Circle - Outside Xmas circle. - Local Flavor Near Me - Chula Vista, California

As the seasons of Christmas pass, I've noticed that there aren't as many houses putting up Christmas directions. Thankfully we still have Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, CA. This is my second year coming to this attraction, the first year I walked. This year my family and I decided to go on Christmas Eve. There weren't a lot of people walking the attraction or driving the attraction, so we opted to drive through the attraction. To see the attraction full circle and travel time we were in-and-out within 45 minutes. I'm assuming this attraction didn't have a lot of traffic due to the fact that it was 9pm on Christmas Eve and this attraction had been up for well over three weeks. I enjoyed seeing the houses that participated in the Christmas Circle, it showed me that there's still a sprinkle of Christmas spirit in the air. At the entrance of the Christmas Circle there is an opportunity for one to purchase hot chocolate to consume while looking at the Christmas lights. I really enjoyed coming to this attraction and I plan on making it a staple in my holiday tradition; especially since it's free and the residents do it out of the kindness of their hearts. read more

It's beautiful I love that the families who live here all are involved and decorate their homes. It looks like a lot of work but it's so worth it. Especially when you provide special moments for families and there little ones. Great job keep it going. read more

Went on the last. Fight with my daughter. The houses looked beautiful. A lot of traffic but for good reason. I suggest going early Christmas season. read more

This was a cute little neighborhood of Christmas lights! They even have hot chocolate stand outside- so cute! The address on here took us directly to the circle and the street signs were very helpful! read more

It's a small little neighborhood. Cute and simple holiday decor, perfect to sight see with the family. Not all the houses participate like when I was a kid. It's best to park your car and walk so you can see more of the details on the decoration. read more

Loved it here, just wish people would follow the rules by diming the lights and have the common courtesy by knowing how to merge and take turns when driving in the circle. To the familes that take the decorate their houses and keeping the Xmas spirit alive, I APPRECIATE YOU. Thanks for your hard work. read more

Christmas Circle - Local Flavor Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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"Quick" and free holiday tradition. Fun seeing the different displays. Store bought are fun but the handmade ones like the Nightmare Before Christmas is impressive. STRONGLY suggest parking a few blocks away and walking. The line of cars goes for blocks in all directions and moves about the speed of molasses going uphill. Seriously. Plus you can interact with the displays if your in the car. Much more fun walking through the mistletoe tunnel, the photo ops, and generally just being able to enjoy your time instead of the car in front of you. read more

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The best place to see Christmas lights in San Diego hands down! Grab a thermos full of hot chocolate and the kiddos and head down here on any Christmas night after 20 December and you will see a delightful eyeful of holiday cheer. I don't even want to know what their electric bill is but all I can say is that after seeing the glow in my daughters eyes it was definitely worth it. Not only do they have lights decorating all of the houses but some even have snow globes teeter-totters with elves and reindeer and plenty of Santas. The walk itself only takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your pace but I recommend walking around once on each side if you're warm enough. Expert local tip: park across the street and avoid the long traffic delays and walk up. It only takes two minutes and I will definitely pass cars waiting to drive around. Merry Christmas read more

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Gets you in the holiday spirit, traffic is absolutely horrendous. Anticipate waiting and causing a lot of traffic in the neighborhood.

Very sad. I understand the pandemic brought a lot of negative feelings, anger, and worries,but I took my kid for his first time at CC as he was sooo excited to see all the light. However, it was so sad seeing a lot of dark houses with no decorations at all. We were excited going to see the houses, as we all need a light after this years pandemic. So we went in a Saturday and there were a lot of traffic bumper to bumper. There are more decorative houses just in any other houses. We drove by the houses were we live and they way more decorated houses. Thank you for those houses that continued the annual tradition. Hope next year will be better. read more

Small round a-bout full of decorated houses with sparkling lights! Every house on this Christmas Circle was lit! You drive or walk to see the houses. I'd suggest to park at the nearest next residential street & walk over to the Christmas Circle. I finding walking down the block is more memorable. Lots of people were driving as well, but the traffic started out from the main street & it was at very slow paced. Nice & short candy cane lane in SouthBay San Diego. read more

Christmas Circle - Local Flavor Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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my kids love to go every year because theres a lot of ligths and vendors too xD if you like elotes or tamales they will be there

This was so horrible. We went ans only 6 houses had decorations. I was really disappointed in it being a 5 star lighting to have such little lights read more

Love coming here. Lights are great. We park and walk the circle with hot chocolate. The neighborhood set up is great and we truly appreciate it read more

I was looking for this post. I kept looking in yelp for this. This place is awesome I drive 2 mph with my lights off and windows down. I came here every year about this time. I circle this place 3-4 times haha. Yeah they got a few Christmas with the kranks. But I ain't gonna make them feel less of a person for that. I am not gonna judge them it's up to them. If they wanna decorate or not. I only got a couple pictures this time around. I place more up later. These people are awesome. Thank you for your time and effort y'all put into these lights. Anyways if y'all haven't ventured out here. Come early if not. Hold your horses bucko cuz it's a wait. Thanks for reading my post and happy yelping y'all. read more

After our Christmas Eve dinner we had a nice walk on the Chula Vista Christmas Circle. All the homes are decorated with lights. This place is filled with Christmas spirit, very much enjoyment for kids and grownups. read more

Really busy tonight, hard to get into neighborhood!kids really liked it and the lights were awesome, glad we went! read more

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Thank you to our amazing neighbors who continue this wonderful community tradition ! It's such a Christmas gem to come to this Street and walk around with the family or simply drive through the streets. It's a must in our Chula Vista community ! read more

Such a great holiday event to attend every year for the holidays. It's best to come as soon as it starts at 5 to beat the crowd. Either drive through to see the lights or park nearby and walk through. The neighborhood is all very friendly.. this is a must every December! read more

Christmas circle is a very magical place! It's perfect for adults and children. This might be the best Christmas light display in San Diego! Our family loves to tour all of the neighborhoods who have organized displays. We usually come from 805 and exit H Street, go west half a mile. We like to drive it first if it's not too backed up and then Park and walk the circle. Remember, there are no restrooms, this is a neighborhood Christmas display. read more

Always so festive and a great drive or walk through for the kids. Some of the home owners even dress up and take photos with the kids, while others are singing and dancing. read more

Christmas Circle - Local Flavor Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Beautiful. Literally had my mouth gaping open at the effort some people put into decorating. Definitely helped Christmas feel more Christmas-y, and will definitely be returning next year! read more