chico tour of lights 2022

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Where to Go to Enjoy Christmas Lights in Chico

Plus some tips and tricks to make it magical!

Note: This article as been updated for 2023! The light show in Amber Grove that syncs to the radio will be up and running soon! 

We have a lot of festive families here in Chico! You can pretty much drive around anywhere in the city limits and find a neighborhood sprinkled (or drenched) with lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday season. 

It's easy enough, just get in the car and go! But some streets, neighborhoods, and individual homes are truly spectacular! As with most towns, Chico has some key light-drive destinations worth highlighting. 

I did some early sight-seeing for myself and tried to think of what families would need to know beforehand. What if you're driving? What if you would rather get out and walk? What if your family and friends could only pick one place, one night to see something special? 

Here are my top picks and some tips to get the most bright for your night.

Top Pick for Driving: Songbird Drive 

This street is not to be missed! Songbird Drive (off Keefer Road by Highway 99), is that street in Chico where almost all the houses are participating and really go for it. It's truly a neighborhood and community tradition. 

These are unique, beautiful homes that some of us might like to cruise while we daydream about "making it." It's a quick loop any other month, but during December it comes alive! From simply charming to completely over-the-top, there's something for everyone, and you'll want to slow down to take it all in. Here's what you need to know:

Don't Wait

Because Songbird is that street it gets really impacted the closer we get to Christmas. It's a commitment! If you wait until the peak times to go look, it will probably take over an hour! There will be a line out to Keefer Road of people waiting to turn onto the street. 

If you don't have a lot of time, or your children don't last that long in the car, I'd suggest going in early December. The sooner the better!

Take Garner Lane

I could write a whole separate article on why you should take Garner Lane instead of Highway 99 to get to Keefer Road, but here's the summary. 1. It's safer! You're likely going to use the freeway to get there either way. If you're driving southbound it will be a left turn, northbound will be a right. Garner has its own lighted intersection. If you take Keefer Road, the turn can sneak up on you and the drivers behind you as well. 

2. It's better for you and everyone else in line. Put yourself on the side that doesn't have to cross traffic to get in line. This is especially important if it's really busy.

3. Garner Lane is its own spectacle! There is a house on the right, near the beginning, with a drive-thru light show using their U-shaped driveway. Look for the hoops! There are several pockets of neighborhoods that are super festive and really beautiful. If you have the time, you could do the right side of Garner on the way there, and the opposite side on the way back. Keefer Road also has some really amazing houses on the way that you would miss coming from the other side. Can you spot Santa climbing through a window?

Tune to 91.1FM

There's a house on Songbird that has lights synced to holiday music, from Snoop Dogg to Elsa and all the classics! Tune in ahead of time, and when you get closer to the house you'll be ready!

Look to the Right

Remember, the street is a loop. The line is inherently slow because people want to appreciate the view. Keep the line moving by focusing on the houses to your right. You'll see everything I promise!

Turn Off Your Headlights

Okay, I'm not entirely sure of the rules for suggesting this, but it really helps! If you're going during peak, that's a lot of cars and a lot of extra light pollution. Every car that turns off their headlights is one less pair of beams shining at you from the opposite side of the road. As long as everyone is staying in line and there aren't any pedestrians crossing, it should be safe to allow everyone to enjoy the lights they came to see. Just make sure to wait until you're actually on Songbird, and remember to turn them back on before you head home!

Anticipate Candy

There's a house near the exit where you get a candy cane for each person in the car. During peak times there may even be people handing them out, but either way they are there for the taking! If your kids aren't going to be able to have a candy cane, you might want to exit the line ahead of time. Right before the house with all the animals on the lawn! 

If they can have a candy cane, you can use this as an incentive to be on best behavior for the duration of the loop. 

Top Pick for Walking: Amber Grove Neighborhood

Amber Grove has really become the go-to for all the decorative holidays. Trick or Treating is also very popular here. This is the neighborhood to hit if you want to park the car, look up close, and connect with the community. You might even get some cocoa, candy canes, and in past years there have been holiday movies projected on garage doors! 

Don't get me wrong. This is also a great neighborhood to drive around and look at decorations (Tune to 92.3FM). However, the pocket near Peterson Park is an easy walk and there will be a lot of pedestrians around. You don't need as many tips for this one, it's easy! But here are a few just in case:

Stay Comfortable! 

This probably goes without saying, but do what you can to keep your family warm. It's a December nighttime activity after all! Heat escapes from the tops of our heads, so beanies are ideal. With jackets and coats, gloves and scarves, you'll stay warm and look the part. Cocoa in a thermos is a lovely bonus!

Don't forget comfortable shoes, a stroller or wagon for the little ones, and a carrier or wrap if you're baby-wearing. 

The more comfortable everyone is, the longer your festive evening stroll will last.

Park at the Park

This neighborhood will have lots of cars as well as pedestrians. If you park around Peterson Park - located in between Denali Drive and Crater Lake Drive - you'll be close to the action without blocking the view for others. Just be careful crossing the street! If there aren't any spots, try parking in front of a house that isn't as festive. 

The More, the Merrier!

Because you're walking, you can make this a more social outing. You aren't limited by the number of seats in your vehicle. Meeting up with your kids' friends and their families is such a special experience for them that your children will remember forever!

Don't Get Lost

Okay, maybe this tip is just for me because I get lost so easily. Amber Grove has a lot of streets with houses that look really similar, and so many cul-de-sacs! Whether you're driving or walking, if you're doing more than the Peterson Park area, consider using a map and having a planned route. It'll also help you see everything without doubling back.

Be Respectful

Another no-brainer, but here we are. If your kids unwrap candy canes, make sure to pick up the wrappers. Did someone give you cocoa? Hang onto your cup. Don't take up the entire sidewalk if other people are approaching. Remind your kids to keep it down when passing the houses that aren't decorated. The more considerate we are as a community, the more likely people are to continue being festive and welcoming in the future.

Honorable Mentions

Hancock park .

Off East Eaton Road, this part established, part up-and-coming neighborhood is also very walk-able, drive-able, and festive! 

Several well decorated homes line this loop off Ceanothus Avenue. You'll notice right away that residents have wrapped and connected the street lamps with lights as well. It really adds to the magic and gives it such a warm neighborly feel! 

1518 East Lassen Avenue

This is another incredible house that has lights synced to holiday music. Tune to 107.7FM! They also have FREE hot cocoa, cider, cookies, and candy canes on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 7-10pm (weather permitting)!

Looking for more?

Check out this map compiled by Chico Happenings' Derrick Sanderson! 

https://bit.ly/2023-Christmas-Light-Tour-Chico-CA

Whether you make a plan or go on a whim, walk or drive, and go with family or friends, I hope you all enjoy the bright lights, decorations, and magic of this holiday season!

Meet Your Publisher

Jillian Smith

Hi! I'm Jillian, a happy wife and mom to three young kids. I'd love to share with you all the local activities, businesses, and tips that I've learned from being an active community parent since 2012.

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2022 Chico Parade of Lights ENTRY FORM

The chico parade of lights is october 15, 2022.

Deadline is Friday, September 30, 2022

There is an additional $25 late fee for entries submitted or postmarked after Monday, October 3, 2022.

The 2022 31st annual Chico Parade of Lights theme “Unity in Community” invites you to celebrate everything related to music!  Entries can highlight songs, musicians, singers, bands, musical genres, musical eras, musical instruments, musical theater or movies, dance moves, or anything else related to music! And of course, as many lights as possible!

Separate entry forms must be completed for each entry. Entry fees must be paid with submission.

Entries will be limited to the first 80 paid entries.

**Each entry from EVERY category (including vehicles, equestrian, pedestrians, etc) MUST ASSIGN a banner person to WALK in front of their entry, holding a banner or sign with their number attached (you provide the sign/banner, we provide the 8.5x11 number). This will help regulate the pace of the parade, and allow our judges to easily identify your entry. Failure to do so will disqualify your entry.**

• Name of Your Organization *
• Category * Please Select FLOAT - College/University FLOAT - Community & Non-Profit Orgs FLOAT - Youth & K-12 schools FLOAT - Active Military FLOAT - Commercial FLOAT - Political EQUESTRIAN - Individual EQUESTRIAN - College/University EQUESTRIAN - Community & Non-Profit Orgs EQUESTRIAN - Youth & K-12 schools EQUESTRIAN - Active Military EQUESTRIAN - Commercial EQUESTRIAN - Political VEHICLE - College/University VEHICLE - Community & Non-Profit Org VEHICLE - Youth & K-12 schools VEHICLE - Active Military VEHICLE - Commercial VEHICLE - Car Clubs (10 max, $5 per addtn’l car) VEHICLE - Food Trucks VEHICLE - Political PEDESTRIAN - College/University PEDESTRIAN - Community & Non-Profit Orgs PEDESTRIAN - Youth & K-12 schools PEDESTRIAN - Active Military PEDESTRIAN - Commercial PEDESTRIAN - Political

View 2022 Parade of Lights categories and fees >> (PDF opens new window)

• Contact Person * First Name Last Name
• Mailing Address * Street Address Street Address Line 2 City State / Province Postal / Zip Code
• Daytime Phone *  - Area Code Phone Number
• Evening Phone  - Area Code Phone Number
• Cell Phone  - Area Code Phone Number
• Briefly describe how your entry fits in with this year's theme (Move to the Music!):
• Entry has sound * No Yes
• Please note sound details (live or recorded music, horns, etc)
• Will you be handing out objects on the parade route? (NO THROWING, and NO CANDY or OTHER ITEMS WITH WRAPPERS). * No Other  
• Choose type of entry (one vehicle per entry except bikes, horses, or car clubs). See illustrations below: * Pedestrian Bicycles Equestrian Car or Car Club Pickup Truck Flatbed Truck Pickup Truck and Trailer Truck with Cargo Bus Semi-truck with Trailer Other  

• Approx. length of entry (in feet) Please note: since Covid, modifications have been made for outside eating areas. This means there are some intersections that aren't as wide as before. Please assess the intersections to ensure that your semi-truck with trailer can negotiate the right turns along the parade route beginning with 3rd onto Main, Main onto 7th, and 7th onto Broadway. * Feet (from front of truck to back of truck or trailer)
• Approx. height of entry (in feet). (Llimited to 14’. It is your responsibility to make sure your entry clears trees and hung lights on the parade route PRIOR to the parade). *
• Special considerations regarding your placement in parade lineup (please note that there are only a few “first” positions, so please understand that only very special considerations are given to these spots):

Required: IN THE BOX BELOW, type or print neatly the information you would like the parade announcer to read to the parade audience. Your copy will be edited to fit in the time allotted for the announcers. Keeping your announcement within the word constraints ensures what gets said will include the most important information you wish people to know.  150 words max.

Examples : name of driver(s), name of banner person(s), officer(s), or other significant personnel, description of entry, background information, names of riders and characters they portray, decoration, etc.

• Description: * 0/150

WAIVER (PLEASE READ) : In consideration of accepting my/our voluntary participation in the 2022 Chico Parade of Lights, I/we do so at my/our own risk and I/we, the undersigned intend to be legally bound for myself/ourselves, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, release and discharge Chico Parade of Lights, their officers, the parade committee and/or Board of Directors, and any sponsors of this parade for any and all liability arising out of any injury of any kind that may be sustained by my/our participation in this parade or traveling to and from this parade.  Alcohol and/or drug use by any parade participant will not be tolerated.

• Acknowledgement of waiver * I have read the waiver above, and by checking this box, I acknowledge that I understand and accept the terms.

View a PDF of 2022 Parade of Lights rules >> (PDF opens new window)

Clicking the NEXT button below will take you to the paypal payment page.    Payment must be received for entry to be valid.   (To pay by check, contact Chico Parade of Lights, c/o Stratti, 2080 Talbert Dr, Chico CA 95928.)

For questions about your entry , contact Susan Krug at [email protected].

For more information about the parade , contact Chico Parade of Lights, c/o Stratti, 2080 Talbert Dr, Chico CA 95928, or go to www.chicoparadeoflights.com, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chicoparadeoflights .

• Should be Empty:

Parade of Lights makes a triumphant return to the streets of Chico

Streets were alive with wonder as thousands turned out for the 31st annual Parade of Lights celebration in Chico this past Saturday evening.

This year’s theme was “Unity in the Community,” and it was evident as Chico residents and onlookers were in a celebratory mood after the parade’s hiatus of several years due to COVID-19.

The city closed access to downtown Chico at 5 p.m., and by sunset, the streets along the parade route were thronged with countless spectators.

Marc Edson, President of the Chico Noon Exchange Club, which sponsored the event, said it takes an entire year and many hands to put the parade together, but it’s well worth the effort.

“I love seeing all these people out here, especially all the kids with their LED light-up stuff and excited for the parade, you know, after these last three years, this just feels so good as a community event,” Edson said.

The parade dates back three decades to the 1990s and has always been a showcase for the community to come together and highlight its growth.

“You know, we complain about some of the problems it has, but Chico’s a great town — I’ve lived year over 50 years — and nights like this is what really makes it worth it,” Edson said.

Edson said 54 entrants participated in the parade.

The 28th Annual Chico Parade of Lights Will Celebrate “Magical Adventures in Books”

For over a quarter century, Chico’s Annual Parade of Lights has been illuminating our downtown streets. Every year, thousands gather to watch a steady stream of glittering, flashing entries bedecked in lights. The parade’s roots go back to 1918, when high school seniors were invited to view the Chico Normal School campus. Displays were built to depict the heritage of the campus within the community, and over the years, more activities were added. These activities culminated in a Pioneer Days Parade through downtown Chico. Pioneer Days and the Pioneer Parade were canceled by the City of Chico in 1988, but the following year, the mayor of Chico asked a few community members to bring back the parade tradition. The Chico Parade of Lights was born.

The night of the Parade is a night of community spirit and festive fun for the whole family! The evening starts with exciting pre-parade events, including bed races, tricycle races, wheelchair rugby, handcycle challenge, flash mobs, food trucks, and more.  The Parade itself kicks off with the AmVet Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem; followed by honored guests, including the Grand Marshal, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Veteran of the Year. The Parade includes entries from businesses, organizations, groups, clubs and individuals, whose decorations all center around a unique theme each year.  Judges are stationed throughout the parade route, and local radio stations from Deer Creek Broadcasting (Mix 95.1, 103.5 The Blaze, KPAY 1290 am, and Radio Mexico) announce entries as they make their way through downtown Chico.  Other amazing sponsors who support the parade year after year include: KHSL 12, KNVR 24, CW, Action News Now, Telemundo, Chico Enterprise Record, KZFR, BCAC TV, Chico Noon Exchange, Build.com, Chico Lawyers, Azad’s Martial Arts Center, Stratti, Cal Water, Advanced Documents, DCBA, Chamber of Commerce, Rental Guys, North State Screenprint, Square Deal Mattress, Disability Action Center, Recology, Growing Up Chico, and more.

Community members rave every year about the fun they have at the parade. Judy Sitton, a previous Grand Marshal said, “There are so many things to love and be thankful for in Chico – its culture, beauty, education, relationships, and values. The Parade of Lights is an experience that celebrates these, and more.”  One 8-year-old spectator summed it up with, “This is the coolest parade in the world!”

This year’s theme is “Magical Adventures in Books,” which can include children’s stories, young adult novels, classic literature, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, history, non-fiction, and even recipe books! The options are endless!

The 28th Annual Chico Parade of Lights will be held on October 7th at 7pm, in downtown Chico.  A parade route map is available on the website. The Chico Parade of Lights board members plan all year long to bring a successful and fun event to downtown. The board members are: Farshad Azad, Becki Brunelli, Susan Krug, Brent Largent, Sheila Anderson, Marianne Scheiler, Samantha Willingham, Hilary Hassenzahl, Cap Porterfield, and Jared Spini.  Hundreds of volunteers help out each year as well.

For more updates and information about how to register a parade entry or to participate in pre-parade events, visit the website at chicoparadeoflights.com, or the Chico Parade of Lights Facebook page.  We also have numerous opportunities for sponsors and volunteers. Email us at [email protected] or call Azad’s Martial Arts at 530-892-2923 or 530-896-0777, if you would like to be a sponsor or volunteer, or have questions!

Photos courtesy of Philip Kustner (philipk.photo), Kimberly Weich (Blueberry Creek Photography), and Elizabeth Graham Photo.

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Going ‘all out’ for the Oroville Tour of Lights

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OROVILLE — Lights, lights and more lights along with giant inflatables and animated figures are adorning houses and lawns throughout the Oroville area this season.

4660 Woodduck Court — A bit off the beaten path but worth the short trip down a gravel road, is the Beeson home at 4660 Woodduck Court where the entire frontage and then some of the family’s 5-acre property is festooned with 60,000 lights.

At 4460 Woodduck Court, this 16-foot “pole tree,” created by homeowner James Beeson, lights up the night as an American flag made all from lights shines through its “branches” in Oroville, California. (Mercury-Register Elves)

Figures of Mickey and Minnie Mouse fabricated from metal and painted by homeowner James Beeson are among the hundreds of decorations displayed at 4460 Woodduck Court in Oroville, California. (Mercury-Register Elves)

“We start, actually my husband James starts, in mid-November and decorates from one side of the property all the way to the other,” said Linsey Beeson.

In addition to a variety of inflatable characters and light-trimmed buildings, there are eight, lit 12-foot pine trees James Beeson constructed from old fencing that line the frontage like Christmas sentinels.

A metal worker by trade, James Beeson has also created The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max the Dog, the Grinch street sign and Mickey and Minnie Mouse from metal and painted each one to perfection. He also created and erected a 16-foot metal pole with a star on top. By stringing multi-colored lights vertically from star to ground, Beeson’s “pole tree” creates a magical effect. The Beeson’s two young sons, Parker and Ryder, “love to go in the middle and play between the lights and the pole even though they’re not supposed to,” said Linsey Beeson.

1118 18th St. — Not far from the Beeson’s home at 1118 18th St. is a large manor-style home that’s worth a drive by. Although well set back from the road, the lights, enormous inflatables and huge sign wishing one and all a “Merry Christmas” are impressive and clearly visible.

1350 Tehama Ave. — At 1350 Tehama Ave. a blanket of lights has fallen on the roof, trees and hedges but it’s the larger-than life inflatable reindeer and the lit up Santa riding a polar bear on the front lawn that stand out.

There is a bit of traffic on Tehama so pulling over is the best option for viewing. And, if you happen to visit on an evening when the owners are home, you may be offered a bit of Christmas cheer wrapped in the form of a See’s Candies chocolate truffle.

Kelly Ridge — In the Kelly Ridge neighborhood, homeowners have gone all out. While nine homes in the area were nominated for Tour of Lights, there are plenty of other homes merrily decorated for Christmas.

5404 Royal Oak Drive — The Mercury-Register Elves caught Kyle Goble putting the finishing touches on the home of his parents, Jason and Jody Goble, at 5404 Royal Oak Drive. The two-story home has both lower and upper decks which are lit and populated with more than a dozen inflatable including reindeer, minions, The Child, R2D2 and Mickey Mouse.

“We’ve done it since 2018 and every year it gets a little bigger. We have to put up scaffolding to get it all done. It takes about two solid days, but it’s a lot of fun to go all out,” said Goble.

This giant inflatable of Olaf dwarfs Kyle Goble as he puts the finishing Christmas decorating touches on the home of his parents Jason and Jody Goble at 5404 Royal Oak Drive in Oroville, California. (Mercury-Register Elves)

Lodgeview Drive — Neighbors at 245, 251 and 265 Lodgeview Drive have gone all out again this year. From a forest of brightly lit white Christmas trees to the Abominable Snowman, an animated Santa and hundreds of thousands of lights this trio of homes knocks it out of the ball park when it comes to decorating.

Other homes in the neighborhood nominated for the Tour of Lights include:

10 Eastridge Court — Lots of lights and lots to look at including a gingerbread house and an inflatable penguin.

6285 Heritage Road —  Brightly lit from the frontage to the second-story windows where wreaths of lights hang in the windows.

25 Chapparal Drive —  An animated light sign hangs above the garage welcoming everyone to “Christmas on Chapparal” and suggesting sightseers tune into 89.9 FM to enjoy some Christmas music while they take in the dazzling light display and the animated features including snowmen seesawing and a variety of Christmas characters riding in a Ferris wheel.

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