Experience the magic of the holiday season in Chula Vista, CA, where the festive spirit shines bright. Discover the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, an enchanting maritime display of over 80 illuminated boats. Enjoy the vibrant December Nights at Balboa Park, offering free museum access and diverse food stalls. Witness the awe-inspiring Holiday Bowl Parade, featuring America's largest balloon parade and lively marching bands.
Chula Vista's Christmas events promise unforgettable memories, blending tradition and creativity for an extraordinary holiday celebration. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this festive wonderland.
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The Top Christmas Events in Chula Vista
See these and even more events listed below!Nearby Events
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
What to Expect:
Boat parade with over 80 decorated vessels
Description:
The San Diego Bay transforms into a floating spectacle as over 80 boats adorned with dazzling lights cruise the waters. This maritime tradition dates back to 1972, celebrating the city's rich nautical heritage. Visitors can watch from various waterfront locations as vessels of all sizes glide by, showcasing creative themes and intricate decorations. The gentle lapping of waves adds a soothing soundtrack to the visual feast. You'll marvel at the ingenuity displayed by boat owners as they compete for top honors in various categories.
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San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
December Nights (San Diego)
What to Expect:
Free museum access in Balboa Park
Description:
Balboa Park bursts with energy during December Nights, a beloved San Diego tradition since 1978. This two-day extravaganza offers a unique opportunity to explore world-class museums free of charge. Stroll through the park's historic grounds, savoring the aroma of international cuisines from food vendors representing San Diego's diverse communities. Visitors can enjoy live performances on multiple stages, showcasing local talent and cultural acts. The event honors the park's Spanish Colonial architecture, which dates back to the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
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Holiday Bowl Parade (San Diego)
What to Expect:
America's largest balloon parade
Description:
San Diego's waterfront comes alive with the Holiday Bowl Parade, boasting the title of America's largest balloon parade. Towering inflatables float above the streets, captivating onlookers with their massive size and whimsical designs. This event, tied to the annual Holiday Bowl college football game, has been a San Diego staple since 1978. Marching bands from across the country fill the air with spirited tunes, while colorful floats showcase intricate designs. Spectators can marvel at the precision of drill teams and the grace of equestrian units as they pass by.
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La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival (La Jolla)
What to Expect:
Flyover by antique aircraft
Description:
La Jolla's picturesque streets come alive with the annual Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, a tradition since 1958. This unique event features a flyover by antique aircraft, paying homage to the area's aviation history. Vintage cars roll down the streets, showcasing automotive nostalgia alongside marching bands and festive floats. The parade culminates in a holiday festival where visitors can explore local artisan booths and enjoy live entertainment. You'll appreciate the community spirit as local organizations and schools participate in this cherished event.
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La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Coronado Christmas Parade (Coronado)
What to Expect:
Santa arrives by ferry boat
Description:
Coronado Island embraces its maritime heritage with a Christmas parade unlike any other. Santa Claus makes a grand entrance by ferry boat, kicking off a procession that winds through the charming downtown streets. This island celebration, dating back to 1975, showcases the community's close-knit spirit. Visitors can admire classic cars, marching bands, and creative floats as they pass by historic buildings. The parade concludes with a tree lighting ceremony in Rotary Park, illuminating the night sky and reflecting off the nearby bay waters.
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Legoland California Holiday Events (Carlsbad)
What to Expect:
30-foot LEGO Christmas tree
Description:
LEGOLAND California transforms into a brick-built winter playground during its holiday events. The centerpiece is a towering 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree, constructed with over 245,000 forest green DUPLO bricks. This feat of engineering showcases the creativity and skill of LEGO Master Model Builders. Visitors can participate in holiday-themed building challenges, testing their own LEGO skills. The park's holiday overlay pays homage to classic winter tales and LEGO themes, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. You'll be amazed by the intricate LEGO snow village displays throughout the park.
Website:
Legoland California Holiday Events
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village (San Diego)
What to Expect:
Two-story-tall Christmas tree
Description:
San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood embraces its European roots with a tree lighting ceremony and Christmas village. The highlight is the illumination of a towering two-story Christmas tree, reminiscent of grand piazza celebrations in Italy. This event, established in 2000, has become a cherished tradition in the community. Visitors can stroll through the Christmas village, exploring vendor booths offering artisanal gifts and traditional Italian holiday treats. The air fills with the melodious sounds of local choirs performing classic carols and Italian holiday songs.
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Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo (San Diego)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light sculptures
Description:
The San Diego Zoo, a landmark since 1916, transforms into a wild holiday haven during Jungle Bells. Unique animal-themed light sculptures illuminate the pathways, creating a vibrant fusion of nature and holiday cheer. Visitors can observe special animal experiences, watching as creatures receive holiday-themed enrichment activities. The event features Dr. Zoolittle's animal-inspired version of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," offering a humorous and educational twist on the classic tale. You'll discover how different cultures around the world incorporate animals into their winter celebrations.
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Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Carlsbad Village Night of Lights (Carlsbad)
What to Expect:
Candlelight walk through historic village
Description:
Carlsbad Village, with its rich history dating back to the 1880s, glows with warmth during the Night of Lights. The event features a unique candlelight walk through the historic streets, creating an intimate and nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can explore local shops offering special holiday deals and enjoy live music performances scattered throughout the village. The event highlights Carlsbad's small-town charm while showcasing its vibrant arts community. You'll appreciate the blend of modern holiday cheer with the village's Victorian-era architecture.
Website:
Carlsbad Village Night of Lights
Seas ‘n’ Greetings at Birch Aquarium (La Jolla)
What to Expect:
Scuba-diving Santa in kelp forest tank
Description:
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography dives into holiday spirit with Seas 'n' Greetings. The star attraction is a scuba-diving Santa who swims among the fish in the two-story kelp forest tank, offering a unique underwater holiday spectacle. This event combines marine education with holiday fun, showcasing the aquarium's commitment to ocean conservation since its founding in 1903. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities learning about marine adaptations to cold environments. The aquarium's inhabitants receive special holiday-themed enrichment activities, allowing guests to observe natural behaviors.
Website:
Seas ‘n’ Greetings at Birch Aquarium
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights (Oceanside)
What to Expect:
Fishing boats decorated with holiday lights
Description:
Oceanside Harbor, a working fishing port since the 1960s, sparkles during the annual Parade of Lights. Fishing boats, usually focused on their daily catch, transform into floating light displays, honoring the area's maritime heritage. Visitors can watch from the harbor's shoreline as these illuminated vessels cruise by, reflecting off the calm waters. The event showcases the tight-knit fishing community's holiday spirit. You'll hear the gentle lapping of waves and distant boat horns as the parade progresses, creating a unique sensory experience.
Website:
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Encinitas Holiday Parade (Encinitas)
What to Expect:
Surfing Santa finale
Description:
Encinitas, known for its surf culture since the 1940s, puts a unique spin on holiday traditions with its annual parade. The event culminates in a Surfing Santa finale, perfectly capturing the laid-back coastal vibe of this beach town. Floats adorned with local flowers showcase the area's rich horticultural history, dating back to its days as the "Flower Capital of the World." Visitors can enjoy the eclectic mix of participants, from classic cars to local school bands. The parade route along Coast Highway 101 offers stunning ocean views, creating a distinctly Californian holiday atmosphere.
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Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (San Diego)
What to Expect:
Illuminated stand-up paddleboarders
Description:
Mission Bay, the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, hosts a unique Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Alongside decorated vessels, illuminated stand-up paddleboarders glide across the calm waters, adding a modern twist to the traditional boat parade. This event, which began in the 1970s, celebrates the bay's recreational heritage. Visitors can watch from various vantage points around the bay as kayaks, sailboats, and yachts adorned with twinkling lights cruise by. You'll be captivated by the reflection of colorful lights dancing on the water's surface.
Website:
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights