*Drive Through Only!!! No walking .. *open December 5, 2025 - December 24,2025 *5 pm -11 pm Stay in the slow long line , don't even think of trying to veer off and thinking you can cut in from a few blocks down. The area is blocked off with traffic officers directing traffic. lines will be very long , just breathe deep and be patience take in the holiday festive lights . Appreciate all the neighbors for their dedication to put up the holiday displays for everyone to enjoy . Thank you:) read more

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights - Open December 5,2025 -December 24,2025 5pm-11 pm Drive Through Only , no walking ... - Local Flavor Near Me - Rancho Cucamonga, California

Thoroughbred has become a family tradition for the past 9 years. Especially during their walking days. As a a dad of two it's even more amazing seeing your children's face when they see all the decorated houses. My biggest recommendation is to come during a week day and avoid rush hours (6-8:30). The traffic does get pretty bad. If possible visit during the walking days, which are typically the first 4 days of December. We've walked and driven through the street with minimal foot/car traffic and it does make looking at the lights even more special. Benefits of walking is that you are able to take your time and admire everyone's work, benefit of driving is staying warm in your car all while playing some Christmas music. Thank you to all the residents for keeping the tradition alive!!! read more

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights - Local Flavor Near Me - Rancho Cucamonga, California

First time visiting and it's not so bad, I wish we'd be able to walk around. The houses were nice, each house had their own decoration and vibe. It was nice to see some inspo. We arrived 10 min before they opened (open @5pm) and it was empty. When leaving around 5:30pm. There was a long line of cars starting to form! I can only imagine the wait. read more

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If you're looking for the best Christmas light experience in Southern California, Thoroughbred Christmas Lights in Rancho Cucamonga is absolutely unbeatable! Every year, the whole neighborhood transforms into a magical winter wonderland. The amount of effort the homeowners put into decorating is truly impressive -- from synchronized lights to giant inflatables, nativity scenes, themed houses, and streets that glow brighter than some professional displays. We arrived around 5:30 PM, Even with the crowds, it felt festive and fun. Families were walking around, kids were excited, and everyone was in the holiday spirit. It's completely free, but the experience feels priceless! I love that it's perfect for all ages -- whether you're with family, on a date, or just wanting to feel Christmas magic. Bring hot chocolate, put on Christmas music, and enjoy one of the best holiday traditions in the area. Beautiful, safe, fun, and full of Christmas cheer. Highly recommend! Will definitely be coming back every year. read more

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I use to come here for years this was my go to spot,But not anymore you use to can walk through the Neighborhood to see the lights,They sold alot of goodies, Baked goods and Hot Cocoa,those were the days when it was fantastic, I dont go anymore to be in back to back Traffic for lights no Thank you. It will be a good memory on how things use to be. read more

One of the most charming holiday traditions in the Inland Empire. I've been coming to Thoroughbred Christmas Lights for over five years now, and it never fails to put me in a festive mood. Even though some decorations may look similar from year to year, the overall atmosphere is so cheerful and lively that it still feels magical every time. You can tell the residents really pour their heart into the displays -- the effort shows in every corner. The only downside is the traffic. The surrounding streets get blocked off, and sometimes the slowdown starts all the way from the freeway exit. If you want a smoother experience, I highly recommend arriving around 5:30-6:00 PM before the crowds peak. Once you're in, though, it's absolutely worth it. A must-visit spot every Christmas season, especially if you want to feel that classic holiday nostalgia. read more

Came back on Dec. 6th which was the last day before the season started this year and it turns into drive thru only. We were able to walk through the neighborhoods which I would highly recommend over the drive thru experience. It's still crowded and the mixture of cars with pedestrians was a bit annoying but I'll take it over being stuck in the traffic any day. A few houses went all out and had awesome light displays. It was nice seeing all of the decorations and everyone was definitely in the Christmas spirit. read more

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My husband and I went on a weekend and the wait was 2+ hours. We went back during the week and we only did about 30-45 minutes to drive through the lights. If you are thinking about going, I recommend going during the week to avoid crazy traffic. read more

Amazing light display. We come every year as a big family . We made it a tradition. We walk through when it's available and drive when it's the only option. read more

My family and I enjoy this local holiday event every year. Good for families but there is no walking or restrooms and really long waits in the car. It once took us 3 hours because of how crowded so I recommend not going with little ones who may need potty breaks. read more

The Thoroughbred Christmas Lights are a spectacular display of holiday spirit and community dedication. We make sure to come see them every year. Walking or driving through this neighborhood is a magical experience, with each house showcasing an incredible array of twinkling lights, intricate decorations, and festive themes. The homeowners clearly invest countless hours, money, and hard work to transform their properties into dazzling winter wonderlands for everyone to enjoy. Their effort creates a joyful atmosphere that brings people together and spreads holiday cheer. If you're looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season, the Thoroughbred Christmas Lights are an absolute must-see! You won't be disappointed. Just make sure you put on your patience pants as it could take a few hours to actually get to the lights and don't even attempt to find a short cut. Law enforcement is EVERYWHERE and they will not let you in. read more

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We love coming here every year! It's a family tradition. I do miss being able to get off and walk the streets, but it's still beautiful every time. read more

The 2.5hrs of traffic isn't worth the 30min or so of lights. The horrible traffic makes four angry people which really disturbs the holiday season. read more

This place is ok. Been to better Christmas Lights neighborhoods with more lights and significantly lower wait times (45 minutes max). Had to wait about 1.5 hours just to get onto the street with the lights and decorations. Once in the neighborhood, there are homes that are decorated but off the path/main road, so if you decide to check them out you'll lose your place in line. Also, some of the homes went all out and were super nice, others tried and just didn't hit the mark, and some didn't try at all. This place might be good for those that live nearby, don't mind waiting or are on a party bus (saw one leaving the neighborhood) where you can drink and pee but it probably wont be so great for everyone else. read more

Not as good as it once was, tons of traffic and not as many houses decorated, cannot walk thru the area anymore worth a drive if you have little ones, just be prepared to wait read more

The light show was okay I was surprised that several homes did not participate hopefully this year wi be better read more

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i visited the Thoroughbred Christmas Lights in mid December! the Thoroughbred Christmas Lights is essentially where a neighborhood in Rancho put up lights and festive christmas decor! it is free, and happens annually. you essentially drive thru the neighborhood with friends, family, or on your own and admire all of the intricate decore the neighbors put up. i gave this 4 stars because of the fact that I sat in a line wrapped around the neighborhood for 1.5+ hours until I finally ENTERED the neighrborhood itself. then, it took me 30 more mins of bumper to bumper driving through the neighborhood. i spent over 2 hours to see some christmas lights and decorations, and the displays were AMAZING and SUPER pretty, but overall, i am unsure if i would go back through this again due to how long i spent just sitting in my car in a huge line of traffic. overall: 4/5 really pretty and special, but be prepared to sit through a LONG line of traffic to even get into the neighborhood. read more

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights - insanely pretty xmas lights! - Local Flavor Near Me - Rancho Cucamonga, California

The homes are beautifully decorated. They go all out and it's just amazing. However, the drive thru line is absolutely ridiculously long. For a one time experience it's fine, but I probably wouldn't sit in 1-2 hour wait time for it. My family and I finally got to walk it this year, which was much better. But the cars and the people at the same time is a bit annoying for the pedestrian. Especially if a car is going the opposite direction as all the other cars. We probably went a bit too early as some houses didn't have their lights on yet even though it was already dark out. Overall, it's a nice experience, love walking it much better. Dress warm and wear some comfy shoes. It can get pretty chilly. read more

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It's hard to review this place because the traffic control and the traffic is sooo frustrating here!! The lights here are very beautiful and unique (after finally getting in) Quite different from Sierra Madre and Brea neighborhoods--however those two neighborhoods have a much better traffic flow. Many of the homes here do go all out and have quite different themes and styles. You can tell many homeowners spent a lot of time designing the whole Christmas set up. I would strongly suggest to go quite early around 5ish to beat the heavy traffic in the later part of night. read more

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Not worth sitting in a bumper to bumper going on a mother may I move.. Yes ,you may. A long ,long, L O NG- line just to see about 6 minutes of houses decorated once you are actually in.. Now listen to me please!!!! If you want less time waiting ,more lights and switching the wait time, for seeing the nicely Decorative houses back to back . Go here Brea Eagle Hills Christmas Lights Neighborhood It's from 6:00pm-10:00pm You can walk all 7-9blocks or Drive it read more

Beautiful to see and the effort to put it together is amazing. You don't get tired of seeing it every year.

Lights are beautiful! A great get away to share the holiday sprit with friends and family!

I did not realize there was such a huge line to enter this neighborhood and the waiting time turned into 2 hours. entering the line of cars at 9am, the time I drove in was finally at around 11:15, some of the neighbors lights were off already. it was nice but it was sort of a let down since even with some lights off, not all the houses had Christmas lights. I would recommend you definitely skip this area and visit the neighborhood in brea instead as this was just a let down.. read more

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights - Local Flavor Near Me - Rancho Cucamonga, California

It's unbelievable how so many have managed to ruin what is supposed to be a "drive thru" experience. people are incredibly rude and idiotic in following simple directions ..... or lack of common sense to 1. Not cut in lines (regardless the size of your vehicle) 2. Step out of your vehicle slowing everyone else down 3. Being so offensively rude when we know that this experience is mainly for children. Save yourself the time and gas by going anywhere else but here! read more

Lowk wack not even worth the wait , I wanted to get out by the time I was there some house were decorated ok So it was not that bad but ehh not worth the wait read more

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights - Local Flavor Near Me - Rancho Cucamonga, California

The lights began about 40 years ago. The history is one of the neighbors worked at sears and he was a buyer for Mr. Christmas decorations. He would come home and put decorations on his house and we weren't happy he didn't bring us any so we took his decorations from his house and put them on ours. Now Its almost a unspoken competition. Neighbors do not coordinate decorations between them each house is a separate entity. Most f us really enjoy decorating and find it very satisfying to have so many people find their way to drive by. Please respect each house by not trespassing and by disposing of your trash in acceptable receptacles. Have a safe holiday season and enjoy all of our efforts. read more

Been coming here since I was a kid and it doesn't disappoint. The atmosphere is delightful and you are transported to a Christmas wonderland. There is hot cocoa and music and lovely themes the children will enjoy. read more

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We went off of their website which gave us an address that took us on a horrible bumper to bumper traffic. Just to find out that the location is at a different address. Apparently we were not the only ones. Imagine it taking 2 hours to move 1 mile!!! They should really update their website. Don't waste your time, gas or energy read more

Homes were decorated beautifully. Went the days before drive thru only restrictions. Got there about 5:30 pm and most lights were already on and up. The crowd just start to trickle in, so not too bad. Unfortunately, not all lights were turned on for at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the homes, possibly too early in the evening. Some homes were still working on finishing up putting up their lights. Overall, it was good. Left there about 6:30-7 pm and the line for the drive thru was quite long. read more

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Beautiful lights , terrible traffic . Got there at around 7:15 and left a little after 10:30. The traffic is madness, little to no type of traffic control, people cutting left and right, traffic jams on every street nearby especially off the Carnelian fwy exit. It was a 3+ hour wait, so if you have the time/patience make sure to use the restroom, bring drinks/snacks, charge your phone beforehand because it's gonna be a wait. Luckily my toddler was asleep for most of it, but i can only imagine how it would've been if she was up, just keep that in mind if you have kids or babies. In conclusion, do I think it was nice? yes. Was it worth the wait ? No, especially because a lot of homes were not decorated. Honestly the only thing that made it worth it was seeing how excited my toddler was. read more

An absolutely beautiful display of Christmas decorations and lights! My wife and I visited on 11/27/23 in order to avoid the crowds and be able to walk the street. This allowed us to avoid the crowds and enjoy them at a slow pace and up close. Even though not all houses were lit, it was a very enjoyable experience and we will definitely do this again next year. Thank you Thoroughbred Lane residents for putting on such a great display and sharing it with everyone! For official traffic info and FAQs, visit the city's website at https://www.cityofrc.us/holidaylights . read more

This light display has been a family tradition to many years. Gone are the days when you can walk through it and see Christmas carolers in front lawns and the ability to purchase hot chocolate and cookies. Now it's all done through the car and strictly guided directions so you miss a lot of displays on the culdesacs and the ability to get good photos. The whole experience now lasts about 2 hours because of traffic and the first 45 minutes were spent getting to the lights. In those 45 minutes you can buy hot chocolate and sweets and also various toys from street vendors. The Christmas displays are still awesome and I wouldn't miss seeing them. read more

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights - Nightmare before Christmas themed house. - Local Flavor Near Me - Rancho Cucamonga, California

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My mom took me to these lights when I was a kid now I'm taking my daughter but I recommend going now before it gets crazy. You can walk through right now. You go closer to December you could be waiting like four hours and it's not worth it. read more

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This used to be the thing you had to do every December. Then the City stepped in and ruined the experience. In the past, you could park your car somewhere in the neighborhood and walk the street. You would see homeowners selling hot cocoa or churros or popcorn. Then the city required all vendors to have licenses, then they restricted when you could walk, then they prohibited walking - Drive Through only. Today, you see a miles long line of cars in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Skip it until the changes are reverted. read more

I came on a Tuesday evening about 745 and the weight was about 30 to 40 minutes to get on the main street to start the light show. You drive about 2 miles an hour sometimes stop and go to view the houses. I haven't been here since pre-Covid. Back then we were able to walk around the neighborhood but now it is drive-through only. Honestly, it was just OK. For those of you that are planning on going on Friday Saturday or Sunday night I'm just gonna tell you that it's not worth the hours of waiting. Like I said, it was just OK there was only 3 to 6 houses that stood out to me. All the other houses were decent but for the weight that some of these people are expected to wait I don't think it's worth it. Less and less houses participating, which I completely get because that electricity bill from having your lights on from 5 to 11 PM from for 20 days straight is going to be ridiculous.overall a solid three but definitely not worth hours and hours of waiting so make sure you go late in the evening during the week. read more

It was nice but it wasn't worth the wait. The wait 1 star: from the exit we waiting 2 hours. Please bring food. we exited the 10 and there was a sign you could barely catch (they should back it up) saying there's no entrance to the lights that way. I wish I was able to catch it because there's no directions on any of the closer streets to go to "19th street". So if you go this year coming from the east make sure you turn left and not right. There are cops Blocking ways you can get in. But honestly it's not so hyped so I think if we could get in and drive around (since theres no walking) it would've been more worth the wait. Actual Decorations - 4 stars: I enjoyed the lights. If you wanted to just drive around definitely it would be nice. The BEST house was the first house unfortunately... everything is was cute but not extravagant. Not every house was decorated. Idk if I could casually drive I'd be like... oh this is nice. But I don't see the wait being worth it. I definitely would recommend the neighborhoods that have the whole light shows. It's no wait and there's music and synchronized lights. If you've been to those already... you'll definitely be disappointed here. read more

Thoroughbred Christmas Lights - Local Flavor Near Me - Rancho Cucamonga, California

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We decided to go here last night and enjoy the free lights. I've never been here but I read they have been doing this for 30 years! It's insane! The people who live here really put some time and dedication into their works and decor. I am going to warn all of you; bring snacks, use the restroom and be ready to wait. We waited about 3.5 hours to get off the free way from the 210 East. We just enjoyed Christmas music in the car and waited to get a chance to see all the lights. Also, please get there before 11pm because they do turn their lights off mostly on time. We rolled in at like 11:10pm and some lights were off; but the lights that were on made it worth it. It's a crazy year and I'm so appreciative that this neighborhood spreads joy to so many people. read more

Not sure what happened tonight but there were no lights. We drove around, saw nothing, only road closures. No one knew why the lights weren't on, cars were lost , driving around. Not cool. read more

It is my granddaughter's and my tradition to go to lunch, come home for a few minutes, go to Dairy Queen to get our ice cream and to Sapphire to get in line. Every year for many years. I started my 2 much younger grandkids this year. We all love it. read more

This review is for a horrible experience, or lack thereof. I was pretty excited to join this holiday traditions at the recommendation of my friend, who was in the car with me for this supposed festive drive-through. She had done this once years ago, had fun, but alas, in this day and age of social media, Thoroughbred Christmas Lights has been blown way out of proportion. And now it's too popular for its own good. Once we exited the freeway off Carnelian, we knew we were in trouble. The amount of cars just clustered in this immediate area was astonishingly horrifying. Cars were moving so, so, SO slowly. And we were, what, a good 3-4 miles away from the main neighborhood where the lights were at? Every single intersection with traffic lights was horrible. Everyone was trying to make it to the other side before the light turned from green to red, so some drivers inevitably made bad decisions out of impulse and got stuck in the intersection grid. I saw someone got a ticket for blocking the road unintentionally. Sorry dude, but you done mess up. Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, going at 1 mph or less, probably much less, let's say 0.25 mph, if that's even possible... heck. We were stuck in a pre-determined route, assumingly organized, albeit very poorly, by the city. The idea of a just one-way direction to the attraction and out of it made a lot of sense, but there was no authority to enforce it. They just set up some road signs and lights, and hoped for the best. And it was a HOT MESS. Given, for the most part, everyone followed directions pretty well, but if the traffic up ahead didn't move, you couldn't advance. It was a waiting game--in which nobody truly won. (Even if you finally get to the Christmas lights, was it worth hours of idling?) And here lied the problem--and I am only guessing since (spoiler alert) I never made it there--people probably didn't treat this as a drive-through. People probably got there, stopped, filmed, took pictures, and just made a field day out of this. This, A DRIVE-THROUGH, only works if everyone actually keeps moving along. And I highly doubted this was the case yesterday when I went. (It was a Saturday night--terrible choice.) And who can blame them? If you waited in this horrible queue for up to 2 to 3 hours, wouldn't you think you have earned the right to do whatever the bloody hell you want? After almost 1.5 to 2 hours of waiting in a long car line, I was still 0.4 mile away, with no sign of cars moving along faster. My friend and I called it quits. We made a U-turn and whooOOOoOoo! We. Felt. Such. Happiness. And. Thrill!!! Man, oh man! What a GREAT feeling that was. I never felt so freeing, finally liberated from the dread of sinking costs. Sure, we wasted time, but we weren't about to lose more. Not even sad that I didn't get to see the beautiful lights. Just glad to be driving at 35 mph or more on local streets again. My ultimate advice? Research before going! If this tip I heard is right, there are certain days (weekdays, I think) before the real holiday rush days/dates come; and for these days or time slots, the traffic is significant less and you can actually walk on foot to enjoy the sceneries. (Info now verified, see link below.) Go for that. Alternatively, watch a recorded version on Youtube. It isn't the same, sure, but I promise you, it beats waiting in your vehicle for what feels like eternity. And under no circumstances, go on a weekend. You've been warned. Official info can be found here, for your reference: https://www.cityofrc.us/holidaylights read more