Create your ultimate holiday plan in Escondido! Our guide has all the top events and activities for the season. From those who call Escondido home to those who wish they did, this guide ensures a memorable yuletide experience.
One event that shouldn't be missed is the San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells, where the zoo transforms into a wonderland with light shows and festive performances. Experience the delightful combination of twinkling lights, vibrant decor, and holiday-themed entertainment during Holidays at LEGOLAND California. And definitely don't forget December Nights, a city-wide celebration featuring holiday music, food, and fun. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Escondido
See these and even more events listed below!Escondido Other Holiday Activities
Escondido Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with a focus on local organizations
Description:
Escondido's Christmas Parade showcases the heart of this close-knit community. Local schools, businesses, and organizations come together to create colorful floats that reflect the city's diverse culture and history. The parade route winds through historic Grand Avenue, lined with buildings dating back to the early 20th century. Spectators can cheer on their neighbors and friends as they march by, fostering a strong sense of community pride. This annual tradition has been bringing Escondido residents together for over 50 years, evolving alongside the growing city.
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Nearby Events
San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells (San Diego)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed holiday celebration at a world-renowned zoo
Description:
San Diego Zoo transforms into a holiday spectacle with Jungle Bells. Exotic animals roam amidst twinkling lights, creating a unique fusion of wildlife and seasonal cheer. Visitors can embark on a guided "Santa's Flying Reindeer Tour" to learn about antlered animals from around the world. The zoo's conservation efforts continue even during this special event, highlighting the importance of protecting endangered species. Experience the gentle rumble of elephants trumpeting holiday tunes as you explore this one-of-a-kind celebration.
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December Nights (San Diego)
What to Expect:
Multicultural holiday celebration in Balboa Park
Description:
December Nights illuminates Balboa Park with a vibrant tapestry of global holiday traditions. This two-day extravaganza showcases San Diego's diverse cultural heritage through music, dance, and cuisine from around the world. Stroll through the park's museums, which offer free admission during the event, and discover holiday customs from various cultures. The celebration dates back to 1978, originally known as Christmas on the Prado. Savor the aroma of international delicacies as you explore this unique blend of art, history, and holiday spirit.
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Holidays at LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
What to Expect:
LEGO-themed holiday attractions and activities
Description:
LEGOLAND California brings holidays to life brick by brick. The park features a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree adorned with over 400 LEGO ornaments, showcasing the creativity and engineering prowess of LEGO designers. Children can participate in holiday-themed building challenges, creating their own LEGO snowmen or reindeer. The park's holiday transformation began in 2001, adding a new dimension to the LEGOLAND experience. Witness the park's signature miniland recreate famous holiday scenes from around the world, all crafted from millions of LEGO bricks.
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Holidays at LEGOLAND California
Snow and Glow (Del Mar)
What to Expect:
Combination of real snow play and light displays
Description:
Snow and Glow transports the winter wonderland experience to sunny Del Mar. This unique event combines real snow play areas with dazzling light displays, offering a rare opportunity to build snowmen under palm trees. Visitors can zoom down snow tubing lanes, an activity typically reserved for mountain resorts. The event takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, a historic venue that has been hosting community gatherings since 1936. Marvel at the contrast of snowy landscapes against the backdrop of Southern California's mild climate.
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Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting (Julian)
What to Expect:
Old-fashioned Christmas celebration in a historic gold rush town
Description:
Julian's Country Christmas Tree Lighting captures the essence of a bygone era. This charming event takes place in the heart of a former gold rush town, surrounded by Victorian-era architecture. Carolers in period costumes serenade visitors with classic holiday tunes, evoking the spirit of Christmases past. You can warm up with a cup of Julian's famous apple cider, a nod to the town's apple-growing heritage. The event highlights Julian's rich history, which dates back to the 1870s gold rush, blending holiday cheer with a touch of nostalgia.
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Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting
Encinitas Holiday Parade (Encinitas)
What to Expect:
Coastal-themed holiday parade with a surfing Santa
Description:
Encinitas Holiday Parade brings beachside flair to seasonal celebrations. The event features a surfing Santa, riding the waves of holiday cheer down Coast Highway 101. Floats adorned with seashells and palm trees showcase the unique coastal culture of this laid-back surf town. Visitors can spot classic woodies decorated with lights, a nod to Encinitas' rich surfing history. The parade has been a community staple since 1957, growing from a small-town gathering to a beloved regional event that captures the essence of a Southern California holiday.
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La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival (La Jolla)
What to Expect:
Upscale holiday celebration in a picturesque coastal village
Description:
La Jolla's Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival exudes sophistication and coastal charm. The event unfolds against the backdrop of La Jolla's stunning coastline, with vintage cars and marching bands parading down Girard Avenue. Visitors can admire intricate sand sculptures depicting holiday scenes, a unique feature that pays homage to La Jolla's beautiful beaches. The festival showcases the area's rich artistic heritage, with local galleries hosting special holiday exhibits. This celebration has been a La Jolla tradition since 1957, evolving into a premier event that attracts visitors from across the region.
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La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Solana Beach Holiday Tree Lighting (Solana Beach)
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly holiday celebration with a focus on sustainability
Description:
Solana Beach's Holiday Tree Lighting stands out for its commitment to environmental consciousness. The event features an innovative "tree" made entirely of recycled materials, illuminated by energy-efficient LED lights. Visitors can participate in eco-friendly craft workshops, creating ornaments from natural or upcycled items. This green approach to holiday celebrations aligns with Solana Beach's history of environmental stewardship, including its pioneering ban on single-use plastic bags in 2012. Enjoy the harmonious sounds of local choirs as they perform beneath the unique, sustainable tree.
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Solana Beach Holiday Tree Lighting
Vista Christmas Parade (Vista)
What to Expect:
Retro-themed holiday parade celebrating Vista's mid-century charm
Description:
Vista's Christmas Parade embraces the town's mid-century roots with a retro-inspired celebration. Classic cars from the 1950s and 60s cruise down Main Street, decked out in vintage holiday decorations. The parade pays homage to Vista's post-war boom years, when the city experienced rapid growth and development. Spectators can admire floats designed to evoke nostalgia for holidays past, complete with retro color schemes and designs. This unique event has been captivating Vista residents since 1965, serving as a living tribute to the city's rich history and community spirit.