Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get an overview of the festive season in El Cajon. Our guide includes all the key events and activities to ensure you don’t miss out on any holiday fun. From El Cajon regulars to holiday explorers, our guide brings the festive season to life.
One highlight this season is December Nights at Balboa Park, where you can enjoy the dazzling holiday lights, live performances, and delicious food from local vendors. With a focus on community and culture, this event beautifully showcases the spirit of the season. Another unique celebration is the Hotel Del Coronado Christmas Celebrations, featuring a stunning ice skating rink and a lavishly decorated historic hotel. And you definitely don't want to miss the Holiday Market at Petco Park, offering a captivating selection of local crafts and seasonal treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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El Cajon Holiday Light Displays
Parade of Lights
- 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 brings more than 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each year, with no cost to view the parade. This year's theme is "Peace on Earth," and the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Parade of Lights
Pine Valley Christmas Camp
- What to Expect
- Synchronized light and sound show with interactive attractions.
- Description
- Pine Valley Christmas Camp transforms into a holiday destination with thousands of computerized lights, a spectacular water show, hayrides, bounce houses, laser tag, and various games and attractions for all ages. The event features multiple dining options, including an all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar, and offers seasonal employment opportunities.
- Where
- Pine Valley | More Info : Pine Valley Christmas Camp
Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights and Sights Tour
- What to Expect
- Holiday caroling and festive sightseeing tour.
- Description
- Join Old Town Trolley's Holiday Lights and Sights Tour to see San Diego's beautifully decorated neighborhoods, including Old Town, Little Italy, Banker’s Hill, and Garrison Street. Enjoy sing-along caroling with Elf conductors and festive holiday sights.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights and Sights Tour
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Immersive light display with eco-friendly synthetic ice skating.
- Description
- Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular features a walk-through immersive light display, eco-friendly synthetic ice skating, and festive activities for all ages.
- Where
- Del Mar | More Info : Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Del Mar Heights Town Center Light Display
- What to Expect
- Vibrant holiday decorations and activities.
- Description
- Del Mar Highlands Town Center features a stunning #TisTheSeaSun light display, offering a self-guided tour around the center during the holiday season. The event includes various holiday activities and decorations.
- Where
- Del Mar | More Info : Del Mar Heights Town Center Light Display
Balboa Park Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and live performances.
- Description
- Balboa Park Holiday Lights feature extensive light displays, live musical performances, and a variety of family-friendly activities including STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, and delicious food options.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Balboa Park Holiday Lights
Escondido Center for the Arts Holiday Lights
- What to Expect
- Large-scale holiday lighting decor experience.
- Description
- The Escondido Center for the Arts transforms into a spectacular display of light, hope, and joy with the Northern Lights event. The 12-acre campus features tunnels of twinkling lights, LED Christmas trees, and light shows, creating a festive atmosphere for all to enjoy.
- Where
- Escondido | More Info : Escondido Center for the Arts Holiday Lights
El Cajon Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at Petco Park
- What to Expect
- Seasonal shopping and entertainment in a beautifully decorated setting.
- Description
- The Holiday Market at Petco Park is a seasonal event featuring local artisan shops, twinkling lights, seasonal food and drinks, and visits from Santa and other holiday characters. It includes a 40-foot Christmas Tree, a carousel, and live reindeer. Guests can indulge in cider, mulled wine, and shortbread while shopping for perfect stocking stuffers and handcrafted holiday gifts.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Holiday Market at Petco Park
El Cajon Holiday Shows and Entertainment
December Nights at Balboa Park
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and free Santa photos.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday spirit at Balboa Park with December Nights, featuring a Family Zone with STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, and delicious food.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : December Nights at Balboa Park
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Events
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with marine animals and festive lights.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at SeaWorld San Diego with dazzling Christmas shows, live reindeer, and festive decorations including the 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights. Meet Santa and Rudolph, enjoy snowfall, and savor candy-topped hot chocolate.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Events
LEGOLAND Christmas
- What to Expect
- Interactive LEGO build zones and live holiday performances.
- Description
- LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a towering LEGO Christmas tree, live music, and unique experiences like the pirate kingdom adventure. Families can enjoy special performances and interactive LEGO build zones, meeting favorite holiday LEGO characters and taking part in seasonal shows.
- Where
- Carlsbad | More Info : LEGOLAND Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly adaptation of a beloved holiday classic.
- 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
Del Mar Fairgrounds Snow n Glow
- What to Expect
- Real snow play areas combined with dazzling light installations.
- Description
- This event transforms the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland featuring snow play areas, light displays, and seasonal activities for families. Guests can partake in a variety of entertainment options, from live performances to interactive games, making it a delightful outing. It highlights the joy of the holiday season with an array of experiences that cater to all ages.
- Where
- Del Mar | More Info : Del Mar Fairgrounds Snow n Glow
El Cajon Other Holiday Activities
Holiday at the Rancho
- What to Expect
- Classic holiday celebration with festive entertainment and activities.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Leo Carrillo Ranch with holiday lights, decorations, a classic holiday musical performance, and festive entertainment. Enjoy activities like decorating holiday cookies, creating crafts, participating in a plush snowball fight, and face painting. The event includes a special visit from Santa and a holiday film on an outdoor movie screen starting at 6:15 p.m.
- Where
- Carlsbad | More Info : Holiday at the Rancho
Hotel Del Coronado Christmas Celebrations
- What to Expect
- Hollywood-themed holiday celebrations with iconic decorations and events.
- Description
- Hotel Del Coronado's 2024 "Lights, Camera, Holiday!" season features a beachfront ice rink, Victorian tea, and a spectacular light show, all celebrating the hotel's rich legacy in filmmaking.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Hotel Del Coronado Christmas Celebrations