Last updated: November 11, 2024
The festive season is here, Escondido! Explore our guide for all the must-see holiday events and activities. Whether you're a familiar face or a new visitor, this guide ensures you experience the holiday charm in Escondido.
Popular events abound this time of year, including the vibrant December Nights at Balboa Park, where lights and music create a delightful atmosphere for all ages. The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park features a variety of local vendors and festive treats, making it a great spot for holiday shopping. And the A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering seasonal shows and character meet-and-greets. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Lavishly decorated boats with a "PEACE ON EARTH" theme.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats. Participants will decorate their boats to fit this year's theme, "PEACE ON EARTH," and the procession will start at Shelter Island before proceeding to various waterfront locations.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and sound displays.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park transforms the park into a vibrant holiday setting with light displays, live music, and seasonal treats. Guests can explore various illuminated areas, including the Forest of Color and Baja Gardens, and enjoy interactive performances like "Twas the Night Before Wild Holidays" and "Light Up the Holidays."
Where: Escondido | More Info: Wild Holidays at the Safari Park
Iconic 120-foot pine tree illuminated with 18,175 lights.
The Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is a cherished annual event featuring a 120-foot pine tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights. Over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators gather for a festive celebration that includes a holiday parade and the lighting of the iconic tree.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Synchronized light and sound display.
Village Walk at EastLake presents a dazzling holiday light show featuring choreographed music and dancing lights, available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 22.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: Dazzling Holiday Light Show
Interactive holiday experience with live reindeer and Santa.
The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park features local artisan shops, seasonal food and beverage, Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters. Enjoy Christmas lighting displays, a 40-foot Christmas Tree, and live entertainment. Kids can tell Santa their Christmas wish, all included in the price of admission.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
Family-friendly holiday event with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa.
December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day celebration featuring live music, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, and a variety of attractions and delicious food.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park
Interactive holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place features Sesame Street friends in a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, and exciting rides and attractions. Guests can enjoy a Sesame Street Christmas show, parade, and dance party, participate in games, savor special food and beverages, and shop for unique holiday merchandise.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic tale with iconic songs.
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
Symphony orchestra performance with live fireworks and aerialists.
Awaken Church presents Night of Christmas, a local Christmas spectacular featuring classic carols, live fireworks, a symphony orchestra, breathtaking aerialists, and captivating storytelling.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Night of Christmas
Hollywood-themed holiday celebrations with beachfront ice skating and elegant dining.
Celebrate the holiday season at Hotel del Coronado with a tribute to Old Hollywood's golden age. Enjoy Skating by the Sea, Frostbite Lounge, special holiday dining events in the beautifully restored Crown Room, and the "All That Jazz" Lightshow Spectacular. Create classic holiday memories with beachside igloos, Victorian tea, gingerbread houses, and more.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado
Interactive holiday activities with real snow and local performances.
Winter Wonderland is a holiday event featuring real snow, winter-themed arts and crafts, face painting, Santa Claus visits, and local holiday shopping. The event also includes student holiday recitals and storybook character performances.
Where: Escondido | More Info: Winter Wonderland
Cozy holiday celebration with live music and local craft vendors.
La Mesa Holiday in the Village is a free event featuring live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, and holiday photo opportunities, including selfies with Santa. Visitors can explore local craft vendor stands and enjoy artisan and craft food specialties while relaxing by fire pits and enjoying holiday caroling and live entertainment.
Where: La Mesa | More Info: Holiday in the Village
Community-driven holiday celebration with local floats and tree lighting.
The Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is a festive event hosted by the Ocean Beach Town Council and supported by the OBMA. It features over 100 floats with local businesses and community groups, showcasing the unique spirit of Ocean Beach. The parade includes a colorful procession down Newport Avenue, culminating in the lighting of the annual crooked Christmas tree.
Where: Ocean Beach | More Info: Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
Intermingled legacy banners with sponsor names along the parade route.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, and Santa Claus. The parade kicks off at Kline and Girard, while the holiday festival is located on Wall Street between Girard and the Athenaeum alley. The event includes Santa visits, arts-and-crafts, games, music, and face-painting.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Community-driven parade celebrating creativity and innovation.
The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring nearly 100 entries, including colorful floats and dynamic performances, showcasing creativity and imagination along Coast Highway 101.
Where: Encinitas | More Info: Encinitas Holiday Parade
Family-friendly carnival with petting zoo and Santa meet-and-greets.
Sights and Sounds of Christmas is a family-friendly festival featuring carnival rides, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and delicious food. Meet Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Sights and Sounds of Christmas
Interactive animal encounters and personalized Santa time.
Critters Save Christmas is a family-friendly event where participants help Santa retrieve his supplies through a live storytelling experience. The event includes animal encounters, crafting, and games, culminating in private time with Santa and a gift for each child.
Where: Rancho Santa Fe | More Info: Critters Save Christmas
Choose-and-cut Christmas trees with a petting zoo and hot cocoa stand.
Family Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon, CA, offers a variety of fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, and festive activities like hot cocoa stands, farm animals, and tractor rides. The farm is dog-friendly and provides a fun experience for the whole family.
Where: El Cajon | More Info: Family Christmas Tree Farm
Holiday caroling and festive lights tour.
Explore San Diego's holiday sights and traditions aboard an Old Town Trolley. Enjoy 15-minute stops at festive locations like Seaport Village and Balboa Park. Sing along with Elf conductors sharing fun holiday facts and trivia.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
