Holiday Events to Enjoy in San Diego, CA
The holidays in San Diego are a magical time of year, blending the city’s stunning coastal beauty with festive activities for all ages. Whether you're a local or visiting, the combination of warm weather, holiday spirit, and unique traditions makes San Diego a perfect place to celebrate. Here’s a guide to the best holiday events to check out in San Diego this season.
1. December Nights in Balboa Park
Dates: First weekend of December
Location: Balboa Park
December Nights is San Diego's signature holiday festival, transforming Balboa Park into a wonderland of lights, live entertainment, and seasonal cheer. This two-day event offers free admission to many of the park’s museums, along with performances, international food vendors, and a holiday marketplace. Families can enjoy holiday carolers, dance performances, and light displays that set the park aglow.
2. Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Dates: Late November through early January
Location: Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island
Experience a holiday tradition with a coastal twist—ice skating by the ocean! The Hotel del Coronado sets up a beachfront rink where you can glide across the ice while enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. After skating, warm up with holiday treats like hot cocoa or indulge in one of the hotel’s festive dining experiences. A portion of the proceeds goes to local charities, making it a feel-good holiday outing.
3. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dates: Two Sundays in December
Location: San Diego Bay
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a must-see event featuring dozens of elaborately decorated boats cruising the bay. The parade starts near Shelter Island and passes Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Coronado. Grab a spot along the waterfront to marvel at the creative designs and twinkling lights. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Fantasy,” promising whimsical displays and plenty of holiday spirit.
4. Holiday Market at Petco Park
Dates: Late November through December
Location: Petco Park, Downtown San Diego
Petco Park transforms into a festive European-style holiday market with over 100 local vendors offering gifts, crafts, and gourmet treats. The market also features a massive Christmas tree, live music, and photo opportunities with Santa. It’s an excellent spot to shop for unique presents while soaking in the holiday ambiance.
5. Old Town Las Posadas
Date: December 16, 2024
Location: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Celebrate a traditional Mexican Christmas at Old Town’s Las Posadas event, which reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The evening includes a procession, carolers, and piñata-breaking for children. Afterward, explore the festive decor and enjoy authentic Mexican food from the local restaurants.
6. Winter Wonder at SeaWorld San Diego
Dates: Late November through early January
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld’s Winter Wonder transforms the park into a holiday haven with festive shows, sparkling lights, and seasonal attractions. Highlights include the “O Wondrous Night” live nativity show, the SeaWorld Christmas Village, and Rudolph’s Christmas Town. Kids will love meeting Santa and his elves, while adults can sip on holiday cocktails as they stroll through the park.
7. Holidays at Legoland
Dates: Late November through early January
Location: Legoland California, Carlsbad
For families with kids, Holidays at Legoland is an unforgettable experience. The park is decked out in millions of lights, and visitors can marvel at the giant LEGO Christmas tree adorned with ornaments. Special events include live holiday shows, character meet-and-greets, and a nightly snowfall in Fun Town. Don’t forget to check out seasonal treats and exclusive LEGO sets in the gift shops.
8. Holiday Bowl and Parade
Dates: Late December
Location: Downtown San Diego & Petco Park
The annual Holiday Bowl is a festive college football tradition held at Petco Park. Leading up to the game, the Holiday Bowl Parade takes over downtown San Diego with colorful floats, marching bands, and performances. As the nation's largest balloon parade, it’s a visual treat and a fun way to celebrate the season with the whole family.
9. Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
Date: Early December
Location: Little Italy, San Diego
Little Italy’s annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is a charming neighborhood event that combines holiday cheer with Italian flair. The streets come alive with twinkling lights, live music, and artisan vendors. Don’t miss the iconic 25-foot-tall Christmas tree made of poinsettias, a perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
10. Julian’s Country Christmas
Dates: Late November through December
Location: Julian, CA (an hour’s drive from San Diego)
For a classic winter holiday experience, take a trip to Julian, a historic mountain town known for its small-town charm. During the holidays, the town hosts tree-lighting ceremonies, horse-drawn carriage rides, and festive parades. Sip on hot apple cider, savor Julian’s famous pies, and shop for handmade gifts in the quaint boutiques.
11. Birch Aquarium’s Seas ‘n’ Greetings
Dates: December through early January
Location: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla
Celebrate the holidays under the sea at Birch Aquarium’s Seas ‘n’ Greetings. The aquarium is decorated with festive lights and offers seasonal activities, including crafts and scavenger hunts. Kids can meet Scuba Santa, while adults can enjoy the serene beauty of holiday-lit marine exhibits.
12. Del Mar’s Holiday Wonderland
Dates: Mid-December
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
The Del Mar Fairgrounds transforms into a winter wonderland with themed displays, holiday lights, and entertainment for all ages. Highlights include Santa’s workshop, snow play zones, and live performances. It’s a great way to enjoy a festive evening with friends or family.
13. Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Events
Dates: Throughout December
Location: Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego
The historic Gaslamp Quarter lights up during the holidays with themed events, dining specials, and holiday markets. Stroll through the beautifully decorated streets, enjoy seasonal menus at top-notch restaurants, or catch a holiday performance at one of the theaters in the area.
14. Poway’s Christmas in the Park
Date: Early December
Location: Old Poway Park
Step back in time with Poway’s Christmas in the Park, a family-friendly event featuring train rides, live entertainment, and holiday crafts. The park’s vintage buildings are adorned with lights, creating a picturesque holiday setting. Kids can visit Santa and enjoy festive treats like hot cocoa and cookies.
Tips for Making the Most of Your San Diego Holiday Adventures
- Plan Ahead: Many events require tickets or reservations, so book early to secure your spot.
- Dress in Layers: While San Diego enjoys mild weather, evenings can get chilly, especially near the water.
- Arrive Early: Popular events like December Nights and the Parade of Lights can get crowded. Arrive early to find parking and claim a good viewing spot.
- Bring a Camera: From glittering lights to unique decorations, there are plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
