Professional Holiday Light Displays in San Diego County

Looking for the best places to take the family for holiday light displays in San Diego County? Here is a listing of the best, along with times, entrance fees and other important information.

1. San DiegoWildAnimalPark Festival of Lights

2008 is the last year for this amazing display, so get out there if you can!

Dates and Times: From 4 to 9 p.m., December 13-23 and 26-30, 2008; January 2 and 3, 2009.

Fees: The holiday light show is free with regular park admission.

Highlights: Santa will be visiting on December 13-23, 5-9 p.m. at the Discovery Center. Other activities and shows: Snow Hill (open daily, 4-8:30 p.m.), various craft activities, a Light Magic Show in Discovery Station, and a Black Light Puppet Show in Benbough Amphitheater.

Location and Contact Information: San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park in Escondido. Festival Hotline: 760-796-5615.

2. Sea World Holiday Celebration

A light display coincides with a live radio broadcast.

Dates and Times: Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14, and 20-31. Each night at 6 p.m. from Nov. 25 through Christmas Day is the simulcast of the radio show.

Fees: Free with regular admission.

Highlights: The Sea World Holiday Tree of Lights, which is presented by KyXy Radio Station, will dance, flash, swirl and glow for five minutes to holiday music broadcast to all of San Diego on KyXy 96.5 FM.

Location and Contact Information: Sea World in San Diego. Holiday Information: (800) 25-SHAMU.

3. Garden of Lights at Quail Botanical Gardens

A beautiful display of holiday lights strung all over the botanical gardens.

Dates and Times: December 11 - 23 and 26 - 30, 5 - 9 pm.

Fees: Admission: Members, Seniors, Military & Students $6; non-members $10. Children 3-12 $3. There will be additional fees for some activities.

Highlights: Over 90,000 lights illuminate the Gardens. Additionally, The Poinsettia Garden, horse-drawn-wagon rides and roasting of marshmallows on sticks from the gardens.

Location and Contact Information: Located on Quail Drive in Encinitas. Contact: 760-436-3036, ext. 206.

4. LegoLand Holiday Block Party

See a Santa and a Christmas tree made out of LEGOs!

Dates and Times: December 20 through 30.

Fees: Park admission.

Highlights: View a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree and a life-sized Santa and reindeer built entirely from LEGOs.

Location and Contact Information: Carlsbad. Phone: 760-918-5346

5. Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

This is one of the few displays where you have the opportunity to drive and view the spectacular displays from your car or truck.

Dates and Times: November 27, 2008 to January 4, 2009, Sundays-Thursdays, 5:30-10:00PM, Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30-11:00PM.

Fees: $14.00 per car, up to 5 people; $19.00 per vehicle, 6 or more people; $49.00 per bus. Motorcycles not allowed and military discount available.

Highlights: Give yourself 15 to 20 minutes to view and ride through the 1.5-mile route through the Fairgrounds while enjoying festive holiday music.

Location and Contact Information: Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar. For information call: (858) 755-1161.