Downtown Napa transforms every winter into a glowing storybook of light, color and imagination. From January 17 to February 15, the Napa Lighted Art Festival returns for five unforgettable weeks of outdoor art and luminous magic. This free walkable experience features multiple installations placed across the city with spectacular projection art lighting up three landmark buildings during the first nine evenings.
Families wander together. Friends meet up under radiant sculptures. Visitors from around the world fill the streets with excitement as Napa shines in a way that only art and light can create. With so much to see, there is no better reason to plan a weeklong winter escape and experience Downtown Napa at its most enchanting.
Grab the Festival map and dive into our overview of some of the many highlights.
“Anubis” by Patibulario
Napa Riverfront
Merging Egyptian mythology with pre-Hispanic heritage this striking figure blends the iconic form of Anubis with influences from the Xoloitzcuintles (Mexican hairless dogs). The sculpture stands with quiet strength and vibrant detail bridging cultures in a way that is both bold and deeply thoughtful. It adds a powerful visual presence to the festival and sparks conversations about mythology legacy and identity.
Patibulario is the creative identity of Chicago-based artist Emanuel Zarate whose large-scale sculptures blend Mexican and Indigenous symbolism with contemporary craftsmanship to create powerful illuminated works that feel both mythic and deeply human.
“Affinity” by Amigo Amigo
Veterans Memorial Park
Step into a world inspired by the human mind. “Affinity” surrounds visitors with glowing orbs that represent memories waiting to be awakened. Touch one and it lights up. Touch another and a wave of energy moves across the sculpture. It is interactive art that feels alive and it invites guests to reflect on the beauty of connection.
Amigo Amigo, known for their playful narrative driven designs on some of the largest buildings in the world, create moments that spark joy and bring out the inner child in every viewer. Their latest collaboration, “Tokyo Concerto,” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, was awarded a Guinness World Record for the Largest Permanent Projection.
“Herons,” “Jupiter” and “Saturn” by Patibulario
Napa Riverfront
These tall expressive sculptures draw from cultural stories and natural symbolism. From sleek metal forms to painted accents, Patibulario’s herons carry an air of resilience and grace. Their presence adds a grounding element to the festival, and their silhouettes glow warmly against the night sky. Visitors often describe them as guardians of the riverfront, watching over the flow of guests and light.
Venture ahead for “Jupiter” and “Saturn,” celestial-themed sculptures that shine with imagination inspired by planetary symbolism and Patibulario’s signature blend of cultural artistry. Their cosmic shapes and glowing finishes invite viewers to dream about worlds beyond Napa’s skies.
“Hikuri” by Patibulario
Napa Riverfront
This radiant deer guardian, inspired by Indigenous Wixárika culture, honors spirituality and guidance. “Hikuri” shares its name with the peyote plant a sacred symbol in that tradition. Through vibrant textures and luminous color, the sculpture feels both mystical and protective. It invites guests to pause, reflect and appreciate the layers of meaning woven into its design.
“Koro Loko” by In Theory Art Studios
First Street Napa
With thousands of shimmering dichroic squares held together in an airy sculptural heart, “koro loko” shines as a brilliant beacon. Colors shift with every step creating a display that feels alive and ever-changing. Named after the Esperanto phrase for “heart place,” this sculpture embodies unity and compassion. The craftsmanship of Emily and Ian Nicolosi and their team is evident in every glowing facet and it leaves a powerful emotional impression on everyone who encounters it.
“Miri” by In Theory Art Studios
First Street Napa
Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and “The Lord of the Rings” mya realize “Miri” is named after the Elvish word for “jewel.” This dazzling exhibit is a crystalline star that radiates wonder from every angle. Its geometric construction refracts vibrant colors that sparkle like something from another realm. Visitors often pause to take in the dreamlike quality of its shimmering surface, and many make a wish as they stand beneath its glow. This piece captures the feeling of magic found in stories and brings it to life in Downtown Napa.
“Patterns” by AVA Animation and Visual Arts
First Presbyterian Church of Napa
“Patterns” celebrates unity and the threads that connect cultures and generations. Inspired by reimagined folk patterns the designs dance across the architecture in a visual symphony of harmony and hope. Make early plans, as you can only catch this beauty during the first nine nights of the Festival.
AVA, a globally awarded BIPOC women-led studio, blends storytelling with technical mastery and it shows. Their work lights up entire cities and here they illuminate Napa’s past and future in radiant color.
“PF3000” by Filma Collective
Goodman Library
Interactive and irresistibly nostalgic the PF3000 is a towering wall of touch-sensitive pixels ready for you to create your own glowing masterpiece. This giant 16 by 16 grid lets you tap pixels to light them change their color or swipe to fill entire sections. It draws inspiration from classic video game graphics and is big enough to craft animations of your own. Whether you are designing solo or collaborating with friends this piece brings color creativity and pure fun to anyone who tries it.
“Polychrome” by In Theory Art Studios
First Street Napa
A spectacular illuminated rainbow arches across the festival grounds inviting guests to walk beneath its vibrant span. “Polychrome” celebrates diversity and the beauty of every color in the spectrum. Its glowing prisms and animated LED patterns create a sweeping magical moment that inspires hope and joy. A recipient of Burning Man’s honoraria grantlgrant, InTheroy Art Studios delivers an installation that is both a visual landmark and a celebration of pride and inclusivity.
“Roaming Gnomes” by Amigo Amigo
Oxbow District
In this charming trail of tiny, illuminated guides the “Roaming Gnomes” bring mischief and extra whimsy to the Napa Oxbow District. Each carries its own personality and hidden story. Searching for them becomes a festive scavenger hunt that rewards explorers with surprise photo spots and whimsical discoveries. Capture their secret hideaways and uncover the magic they bring to every corner, transforming ordinary moments into enchanting exploration
Plan your luminous winter getaway
With so many glowing installations immersive projections and interactive experiences this year’s Napa Lighted Art Festival is shaping up to be a can’t-miss adventure. Stay the night or stay the week because the magic grows brighter when you take your time.
Bring the family and experience the magic of lighted art at the 2026 Napa Lighted Art Festival. Choose from countless lodging options from cozy bed & breakfasts to luxury hotels all within easy strolling distance of downtown’s shining displays. Napa welcomes you to stay awhile, discover the lights and make memories that glow long after your visit ends.
