Last updated: November 11, 2024
Celebrate the joy of the season in Encinitas with our ultimate holiday guide. Whether you're a local or a visitor, our guide showcases the festive magic of Encinitas.
This holiday season, experience the enchanting San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where beautifully decorated boats sail along the waterfront, illuminating the night. Another highlight is December Nights at Balboa Park, celebrating the diverse cultures of San Diego with food, music, and festive displays. And the Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring stunning decorations and a charming atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Encinitas Holiday Light Displays
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Lavishly decorated boats proceeding to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park and turning to Coronado.
- Description
- The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring over 80 lavishly decorated boats, bringing festive cheer to the bayfront crowds.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Immersive light display with eco-friendly synthetic ice skating.
- Description
- Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular is a 12-day event featuring twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and festive activities for all ages, including holiday skating, a holiday market, and visits with Santa.
- Where
- Del Mar | More Info : Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
San Diego Botanic Garden Lightscape
- What to Expect
- Immersive light and sound experience with over one million twinkling lights.
- Description
- San Diego Botanic Garden Lightscape features a one-mile walking trail with international artistic installations, including a California poppy display, illuminated laser sky, and fiber optic flowers, all coming to life at night with color, imagination, and sound.
- Where
- Encinitas | More Info : San Diego Botanic Garden Lightscape
Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House
- What to Expect
- Iconic tree lighting 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 a 120-foot pine tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza. Santa Claus is the final parade entry, flipping the switch to illuminate the tree, which shines nightly from sunset to 11 PM.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House
Little Italy Christmas Magic
- What to Expect
- Custom-designed Christmas tree with plexiglass fringe generating colored rays.
- Description
- Little Italy Christmas Magic features a 25-foot live tree, festive decorations, seasonal vendors, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, and a surprise visit from Santa.
- Where
- Little Italy | More Info : Little Italy Christmas Magic
Encinitas Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday experience with live reindeer and nightly snowfall.
- Description
- The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, seasonal food and beverages, Santa and other holiday characters, and magical Christmas lighting displays. Enjoy a 40-foot Christmas Tree, a carousel, and kids' Christmas Train. The event also includes live reindeer, carnival games, and nightly snowfall.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
Encinitas Holiday Shows and Entertainment
December Nights at Balboa Park
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and 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
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.
- Description
- A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place features Sesame Street friends in holiday attire, with a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, exciting rides, and special events like the Sesame Street Christmas Parade and Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party.
- Where
- Chula Vista | More Info : A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
- What to Expect
- Whimsical musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic book.
- 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
Encinitas Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven parade celebrating creativity and innovation.
- Description
- The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring nearly 100 entries, including colorful floats and dynamic performances, showcasing creativity and imagination.
- Where
- Encinitas | More Info : Encinitas Holiday Parade
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with marine animals and festive decorations.
- Description
- SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a Christmas parade, and photo-perfect moments amidst beautiful decorations, including the 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
- What to Expect
- Holiday parade with over 100 entries and a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The Starlight Parade and Festival in Chula Vista is a 60th Annual celebration featuring dazzling floats, joyful participants, and activities for all ages. The event includes a holiday movie showing at Memorial Bowl and a new look with a new logo and branding.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
Encinitas Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with Hollywood glamour and beachfront activities.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Hotel del Coronado with a tribute to Old Hollywood, featuring stunning Christmas trees and garlands, a beachfront ice rink, special holiday dining events, and a spectacular light show.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Classic parade with vintage vehicles and Santa's visit.
- Description
- The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring marching bands, floats, vintage automobiles, and Santa Claus. The parade begins at Kline and Girard, proceeding down Girard to Prospect, while the holiday festival offers activities like photos with Santa, live stage entertainment, and arts and crafts.
- Where
- La Jolla | More Info : La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday boat parade with fireworks and family-friendly activities.
- Description
- The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights features beautifully decorated boats, SeaWorld's spectacular fireworks, and festive holiday activities along the bay.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
- What to Expect
- Local chili competition and live music.
- Description
- SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is a community-driven event featuring local chili, live music, arts, crafts, and indie goods. It supports the arts, dance, music, Spanish, and ceramic programs at McKinley Elementary School in North Park, with 100% of proceeds going to the McKinley School Foundation.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday parade with a unique crooked Christmas tree lighting.
- Description
- The Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event hosted by the Ocean Beach Town Council and supported by the OBMA. It features a colorful parade with local bands, dancers, and decorated floats, culminating in the lighting of the annual crooked Christmas tree. The event is a celebration of the holiday season in the eclectic and fun-loving atmosphere of Ocean Beach.
- Where
- Ocean Beach | More Info : Ocean Beach Holiday Parade