This year has been filled with new and different experiences everyone has had to get used to, one of these being how people see the light displays, and how they celebrate allowing holiday traditions to live on.

One favorite pastime to get people in the holiday spirit is to go light looking. Families fill their mugs with coffee and hot cocoa, and drive or walk the best neighborhoods in the valley to see what extravagant display they have for all to enjoy this year. The only catch this year, you are discouraged from getting out and walking to enjoy the festive holiday lights in neighborhoods and are instead asked to remain in your car.

Santa Clarita’s most notable neighborhood to visit, Wakefield Court in Saugus, has put a sign up upon entering the neighborhood asking that people stay in their car, or if they don’t have a car, to please wear a mask and socially distance. If you go to the Wakefield Winter Wonderland this year, don’t expect to see the same displays as usual, because roughly ¼ of the residents chose not to participate to hopefully reduce traffic, and thus reduce COVID exposure. Luckily people still decorated and showed their love of the holidays by displaying their colorful lights, and Santa Claritans and out-of-towners alike can still find displays to enjoy.

Although walking is no longer an ideal option, driving is and it is creating a new, safe and fun way to enjoy time with the people around you. Six Flags Magic Mountain has a holiday event where customers get the unique experience of driving through the park to witness the holiday magic called “Holiday in the Park.” There are other shows including the Ventura’s “Holiday in Your Car Drive Thru Holiday Light Show” at the Ventura Fairgrounds, and LA’s “The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey” just to name a few options.

Although the holiday experience may be different, people still have the opportunity to drive through and see the lights. This is a new and exciting way to get out during the holidays and enjoy a nice ride with family or friends.