Carlsbad Other Christmas Activities 2026

Guests can explore the historic park illuminated with seasonal lights and festive decorations, including a festival of trees in the barn. Activities include holiday cookie decorating, crafts, a plush snowball fight, face painting, train rides, and a visit from Santa....

Visitors step into the hot shop to experience live glassmaking firsthand using studio tools and equipment. Participants pick out custom colors, apply them, and blow and shape molten glass with the help of studio instructors. Each guest creates a unique,...

Spectators gather along Downtown Main Avenue to watch festive parade entries make their way through town. The procession features marching band performances from regional high schools. Viewers can also watch the festivities virtually via an official live stream.

Visitors can play in real snow, make party hats, and take photos in a holiday-themed VW bus. Families can write wish lists to drop off at the North Pole mail room on the ocean view deck while enjoying holiday music...

Guests can explore a variety of local craft and food vendors throughout the community center. Children can make crafts and take a commemorative photo with Santa. The celebration concludes with an official council greeting and the lighting of the holiday...

Participants run a fast point-to-point course starting in Rancho Penasquitos and descending along the scenic 56 Bike Path. The route features rolling downhill sections and gentle flats before reaching the finish on Sorrento Valley Road. At the finish area, runners...

Participants run or walk a 3K or 5K course along the sandy Del Mar beach, with options open to all paces and leashed dogs. After crossing the finish line, attendees gather for an after-party featuring live music and awards for...

Spectators gather along the route to watch brightly illuminated entries travel south toward Old Town Temecula. The procession features marching bands, decorative floats, dancers, specialty performers, and vehicles. Visitors can set up along the street to enjoy the festive holiday...

The community gathers to celebrate the holiday season with the annual Ocean Beach parade. Spectators can attend the festivities in person or view the procession remotely through a live web camera feed positioned on Newport Avenue looking away from the...

Participants don Sunny Santa suits and sunglasses to run or walk through the streets of Pacific Beach in festive 5K waves. Younger runners can take part in a dedicated kids mile, while pets join the fun in a separate dog...

Board a decorated trolley to view festive holiday lights across Old Town, Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and Garrison Street. Elf conductors entertain riders with sing-along caroling, local history, holiday trivia, and seasonal traditions.

Visitors can celebrate the season with a community tree lighting ceremony, sledding, and face painting. The celebration also features live music by Upstream, festive photo opportunities, and photos with Santa.

Participants can run or walk a 5K course or take part in a 1K Kid's Fun Run. The family-friendly event brings the aloha spirit to San Diego and features special entry options including a Top Dog division. Proceeds and toy...

Participants test their knowledge of Buddy the Elf, the four main food groups, and North Pole lore. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in holiday costumes for the competition.

Guests enjoy a festive morning meal and welcome Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Activities include photo opportunities with Santa, crafts, a Pick-a-Bag game, and an opportunity drawing.

Head to Santa’s cozy cottage to welcome Mr. Claus to Old Town for the holiday season. The gathering marks Santa's official welcoming to the community before regular weekend visiting sessions begin.

Guests sail aboard the Manute'a, a 50-foot catamaran featuring eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods, to watch for marine life such as migrating gray whales, humpback whales, and wild dolphins. During sunset, passengers are treated to a complimentary glass of Champagne or...

Get ready for the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade! This beloved community event brings festive cheer to the coast. Watch as decorated floats and local groups parade down South Coast Highway 101, filling the street with holiday spirit. It's a wonderful...

Experience the magic of the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, where a festive fleet of decorated boats cruises through the harbor. Bring a blanket and hot chocolate to enjoy this enchanting holiday spectacle, complete with Santa waving from the decks....

Get ready for the 67th Annual Vista Christmas Parade! This beloved community event brings together vibrant floats, lively marching bands, and enthusiastic participants for a festive procession through Downtown Vista. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event features a special arrival by Santa Claus on a fire truck, followed by the enchanting tree lighting ceremony. Families can enjoy a variety...

Experience the magic of Santa's Village by the Sea, a festive holiday celebration presented by the City of San Clemente and the Downtown Business Association. This special event brings together the 'Holly Jolly Hoopla' and 'Glitz on Del Mar' for...

Get into the holiday spirit by crafting your own fused glass ornaments and night lights. This hands-on workshop offers a chance to create unique winter-themed pieces, perfect for gifting or decorating your home. Participants can choose from a wide array...

The historic La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla invites guests to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of festive events. From the annual tree lighting ceremony to elegant holiday teas and special Christmas and New Year's Eve dining experiences,...

Experience San Diego's biggest holiday party with the 46th Annual Holiday Bowl! This signature event includes a spectacular parade with giant balloons and marching bands, a lively tailgate party, and a thrilling football game. Enjoy free family fun at the...

Temecula invites you to celebrate the holiday season with a series of enchanting events. Kick off the festivities with Santa's Arrival at Pennypickle's Workshop, followed by the magical Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Don't miss the spectacular Santa's Electric Light Parade,...

Experience the magic of the Oceanside Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, a cherished annual tradition. This spectacular event features creatively decorated boats illuminating Mission Bay with dazzling light displays. Kick off the holiday season with SeaWorld's fireworks and...

Lace up your skates for a magical outdoor ice skating experience at the Rady Children's Ice Rink in San Diego's ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. This festive event offers public skating sessions daily, with special hours on major holidays. All proceeds...

Liberty Station invites visitors to embrace the holiday spirit at their annual Salute the Season celebration, highlighted by the magical Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of their festive holiday offerings, creating a memorable experience for...

Experience the thrill of the Surfing Santa Contest, a unique holiday surf and stand-up paddleboard competition. Participants don festive Santa and holiday-inspired costumes as they battle the waves at Salt Creek Beach. This exciting event supports Surfers Healing, a non-profit...

Experience the warmth and light of Hanukkah at Liberty Station's public menorah lighting. This magical, family-friendly celebration features entertainment, special treats, and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah. The illuminated menorah will remain on display each night of Hanukkah, adding...

Join locals and hotel guests for a magical holiday celebration at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. This festive evening features entertainment, seasonal treats, and the chance to capture memorable photos with Santa. The event also serves as a benefit for Surfers...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus makes his special arrival at Pennypickle's Workshop. Visit him in a charming, old-fashioned cottage, a cozy retreat borrowed from Professor Pennypickle. This intimate setting offers a non-commercial, family-friendly atmosphere perfect...

Unleash your creativity at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel's Gingerbread House Workshop. This festive event invites guests to design and decorate their own large-scale gingerbread house, complete with an array of candies and icing. It's a delightful, hands-on holiday activity perfect...

Experience the magic of the Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights from the water! This beloved holiday tradition invites you to cruise among dazzlingly decorated boats, soaking in the festive atmosphere. Choose between the relaxed Deluxe Cruise with holiday music...

Europa Village invites you to step into a European winter wonderland this holiday season. Experience a magical transformation with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a spirit of merriment. Enjoy delightful activities, from a European Holiday Market with unique vendors and...

Children can embark on Professor Pennypickle's Polar Express for a special "kids only club" evening filled with fun activities and adventures. Additionally, a Christmas Eve party offers science-themed play for kids aged 5-10, giving parents a few hours of free...