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Last updated: November 11, 2024


Celebrate the holidays in Carlsbad with our expert holiday guide. Whether you're a Carlsbad veteran or a fresh face, this guide helps you navigate the seasonal landscape.

One highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where decorated boats drift across the bay, illuminating the waters with festive cheer. Featuring holiday-themed displays and lights, December Nights at Balboa Park offers a unique blend of culture and celebration, bringing the community together with food and entertainment. And the Holidays at LEGOLAND is something you definitely don't want to miss, where families can enjoy festive decorations and interactive experiences. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.



Carlsbad Holiday Light Displays


What to Expect:

Lavishly decorated boats with a "PEACE ON EARTH" theme.

Description:

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats. The event, themed "PEACE ON EARTH," brings over 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession starts at Shelter Island and proceeds to various waterfront locations, including the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado.

Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Immersive light display with eco-friendly skating and festive activities.

Description:

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at Del Mar Fairgrounds features a walk-through light display, eco-friendly skating, and festive activities for all ages, including a holiday market and photo opportunities with Santa.

Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular

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What to Expect:

Live entertainment and festive character appearances.

Description:

The FREE Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad features live entertainment by Crown City Bombers, festive characters, Santa's grand entrance, the official Christmas Tree lighting, a spectacular light show, and magical snowfall with photo opportunities with Santa.

Where: Carlsbad | More Info: FREE Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Iconic tree lighting ceremony with a 4-foot-tall star.

Description:

The Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is a cherished annual event featuring over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators. The parade begins on Orange Avenue and loops at RH Dana and Adella, culminating in the lighting of the 120-foot Christmas tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza.

Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House

Event Organizer?

Carlsbad Holiday Markets and Shopping


What to Expect:

Interactive holiday experience with live reindeer and Santa.

Description:

The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, Christmas lighting displays, seasonal food and beverages, Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters. Visitors can enjoy a 30-foot Christmas Tree, a carousel, and kids' Christmas Train. The event also includes live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage and nightly snowfall.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park

Event Organizer?

Carlsbad Holiday Shows and Entertainment


What to Expect:

Interactive LEGO build zones and festive character meet-and-greets.

Description:

LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a towering LEGO Christmas tree, live seasonal shows, and interactive LEGO build zones. Families can meet their favorite holiday LEGO characters, enjoy festive treats, and participate in various holiday activities.

Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic tale with live music and festive atmosphere.

Description:

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, featuring songs like "Santa for a Day," "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and "Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze)." The show transforms the Old Globe Theatre into snow-covered Who-ville, complete with Who-hash.

Where: San Diego | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with live reindeer and synchronized light displays.

Description:

SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a Christmas parade, and photo-perfect moments amidst beautifully decorated areas, including a 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights.

Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Victorian-themed adaptation with original music and puppetry.

Description:

A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre is a holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens' timeless tale of hope and redemption. This imaginative production features original music, creative stagecraft, puppetry, and live sound effects, offering a unique storytelling experience that delights the entire family.

Where: San Diego | More Info: A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre

Event Organizer?

Carlsbad Other Holiday Activities


What to Expect:

Holiday tour with festive lights and sing-along caroling.

Description:

Join Old Town Trolley for a holiday tour through San Diego's historic neighborhoods, featuring festive lights, holiday traditions, and sing-along caroling with Elf conductors. Enjoy a 15-minute stop at Seaport Village for holiday festivities.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Family-friendly holiday activities with seasonal treats.

Description:

At Oma’s Family Farm, Christmas is a time for family and fun. Explore the festive grounds, visit the petting zoo, and enjoy seasonal treats. The farm offers a variety of activities, including playgrounds, giant slides, and a cottonseed mountain for kids to play on. It's a holiday celebration filled with joy and community.

Where: Lakeside | More Info: Christmas at Oma’s Family Farm

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Classic parade with vintage vehicles and community participation.

Description:

The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, and vintage vehicles. The parade starts at 1:30 PM, and the holiday festival includes activities like photos with Santa, live stage entertainment, and arts and crafts.

Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival

Event Organizer?

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