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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Explore the top festive highlights in La Jolla! Our guide features all the must-see holiday events. From hometown residents to holiday guests, our guide showcases the best of La Jolla's festive season.

One beloved tradition during the holidays is the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival, which features colorful floats, festive marching bands, and a community spirit that brings everyone together. Furthermore, the Holidays at LEGOLAND offers families the chance to enjoy winter-themed activities and whimsical decorations throughout the park. And the December Nights at Balboa Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its beautiful displays and festive entertainment that capture the essence of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

La Jolla Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony with Santa's return.

Description:

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village transforms the neighborhood into a holiday spectacle with 10-foot tall nutcrackers, kinetic tree displays, and twinkling lights. Enjoy two stunning Christmas trees, seasonal vendors, live music, and a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony. Santa returns to grant Christmas wishes, and the Christmas Village offers unique stocking stuffers and holiday gifts.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Lavishly decorated boats proceeding along a predetermined parade route.

Description:

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats, bringing more than 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The parade proceeds from Shelter Island to Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and ends at the Ferry Landing in Coronado.

Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Iconic tree lighting with 18,175 lights.

Description:

The Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is a cherished community event featuring a vibrant parade with over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators. The highlight of the evening is the tree lighting ceremony at Rotary Plaza, where a 120-foot Christmas tree is adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights.

Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House

Event Organizer?

La Jolla Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique blend of live music, cozy fires, and local craft vendors.

Description:

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: La Mesa Holiday in the Village

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive holiday experience with live reindeer and Santa.

Description:

The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, Christmas lighting displays, seasonal food and beverages, Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters. Visitors can shop for stocking stuffers and handcrafted gifts while indulging in cider, mulled wine, and shortbread. The event includes a 40-foot Christmas Tree, a carousel, kids' Christmas Train, and live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Local chili competition with proceeds supporting educational programs.

Description:

SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is a community-driven event featuring local chili, live music, arts and crafts, and indie goods. It supports the arts, dance, music, Spanish, and ceramic programs at McKinley Elementary School in North Park.

Where: San Diego | More Info: SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off

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La Jolla Holiday Shows and Entertainment

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

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Interactive LEGO build zones and holiday character meet-and-greets.

Description:

Holidays at LEGOLAND features holiday-themed activities, including meeting LEGO Santa and friends, seasonal shows, and interactive LEGO build zones.

Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND

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What to Expect:

Holiday parade with over 100 entries and a 25-foot-tall 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 the Memorial Bowl and a new look with a new logo and branding. Explore the Holiday Market for unique gifts and enjoy a festive ride on the Chula Vista Express.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire

Event Organizer?

La Jolla Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Vintage vehicles and live stage entertainment.

Description:

The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a beloved annual event featuring floats, marching bands, vintage vehicles, and Santa Claus. The festival includes live stage entertainment, arts and crafts, and opportunities to take photos with Santa. It takes place on Wall Street between Girard and the alley by the Athenaeum, with the parade kicking off at Kline and Girard.

Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with Hollywood glamour and beachfront activities.

Description:

Celebrate the 2024 holiday season at Hotel del Coronado with a tribute to Old Hollywood's golden age. Enjoy beachfront ice skating, special holiday dining events, and spectacular light shows. The event features stunning Christmas trees and garlands adorned with Hollywood glamour, reflecting the timeless elegance of Marilyn Monroe. Activities include Skating by the Sea, Frostbite Lounge, and special holiday dining in the beautifully restored Crown Room.

Where: Coronado | More Info: Holidays at the Del

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Community celebration with creative floats and performances.

Description:

The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring colorful floats, dynamic performances, and creative expressions. It showcases the community's spirit of innovation and imagination, with thousands of participants and spectators enjoying the event along Coast Highway 101.

Where: Encinitas | More Info: Encinitas Holiday Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday parade with local floats and decorations.

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 colorful floats, lively music, and festive decorations along Newport Avenue, celebrating the holiday season with a unique blend of local charm and community spirit.

Where: Ocean Beach | More Info: Ocean Beach Holiday Parade

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What to Expect:

Traditional menorah lighting in a family-friendly setting.

Description:

Join Liberty Station for a family-friendly Hanukkah celebration featuring entertainment, packaged treats, and the traditional lighting of the menorah. The event will take place in Central Promenade next to the Rady Children's Ice Rink, with the menorah staying on display throughout Hanukkah.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Menorah Lighting at Liberty Station

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What to Expect:

Vintage trolley ride with holiday decorations and festivities.

Description:

Embark on a ride through downtown San Diego aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley, a vintage 1001 Trolley decorated for the holidays. Enjoy holiday festivities at Gaslamp Quarter Station, including hot cocoa, cookies, and a coloring station.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Holly Jolly Trolley

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Outdoor ice skating sessions benefiting pediatric cancer care.

Description:

The Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station offers outdoor ice skating sessions from November 21 to January 7, benefiting the Thriving After Cancer Program. The rink is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with modified hours on specific dates.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Beachfront ice skating with holiday-themed amenities.

Description:

Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado features a beachfront ice rink with stunning Pacific Ocean views, benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Guests can enhance their experience with rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounges, offering plush seating, roaring fire pits, holiday-themed libations, and delectable bites. Ice rink views are also available from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater, and Serẽa.

Where: Coronado | More Info: Skating by the Sea

Event Organizer?

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