Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive itinerary in La Mesa with our guide. Discover all the best holiday events and activities. Whether you're deeply connected to La Mesa or just making connections, our guide enhances your seasonal joy.
Popular events this holiday season include the cheerful Winter Fest OC, which offers snow play, holiday lights, and festive activities for families. Another highlight is the enchanting Holidays at Hotel del Coronado, featuring stunning decorations and seasonal treats that capture the spirit of the season. And the delightful December Nights at Balboa Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its vibrant atmosphere and cultural festivities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Have suggestions or corrections? Contact us!
La Mesa Holiday Light Displays
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
- What to Expect
- Traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony with Santa's return.
- Description
- Little Italy transforms into a holiday spectacle with 10-foot nutcrackers, kinetic tree displays, and twinkling lights. Enjoy two Christmas trees, seasonal vendors, live music, and a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
La Mesa Holiday Markets and Shopping
La Mesa Holiday in the Village
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of local craft vendors and holiday entertainment.
- Description
- La Mesa Holiday in the Village is a free event featuring live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, and holiday photo opportunities. Visitors can explore local craft vendor stands, enjoy artisan and craft food, and relax by fire pits while enjoying holiday caroling and live entertainment.
- Where
- La Mesa | More Info : La Mesa Holiday in the Village
La Mesa Holiday in the Village
- What to Expect
- Live music and holiday photo opportunities with Santa.
- 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 and a kids' area bigger than Santa's Toy Shop.
- Where
- La Mesa | More Info : La Mesa Holiday in the Village
La Mesa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
December Nights at Balboa Park
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa.
- Description
- December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day event celebrating the holiday season with live music, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, and delicious food.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : December Nights at Balboa Park
Tree Lighting & Events at La Valencia
- What to Expect
- Annual tree lighting ceremony with festive activities.
- Description
- La Valencia Hotel's Tree Lighting & Events feature homemade treats, live music, carolers, and children’s crafts, culminating in the tree lighting at 5:45 PM.
- Where
- La Jolla | More Info : Tree Lighting & Events at La Valencia
La Mesa Other Holiday Activities
La Jolla Christmas Festival and Parade
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with a variety of festive activities and attractions.
- Description
- The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, Santa Claus, and a camel. The festival includes Santa visits, arts-and-crafts, games, music, and face-painting.
- Where
- La Jolla | More Info : La Jolla Christmas Festival and Parade
Holly Jolly Trolley
- What to Expect
- Vintage trolley ride with holiday festivities.
- Description
- Embark on a ride through downtown San Diego on the Holly Jolly Trolley, a vintage 1001 Trolley decorated for the holidays. Enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies at Gaslamp Quarter Station, and participate in holiday activities like a coloring station.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Holly Jolly Trolley
Skating by the Sea
- What to Expect
- Unique beachfront ice skating experience 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. Enhance your experience with rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounges offering plush seating, fire pits, and holiday-themed libations.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Skating by the Sea
Holidays at Hotel del Coronado
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with beachfront ice skating and Hollywood-themed decor.
- 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, and spectacular light shows, all while embracing the timeless elegance of Marilyn Monroe.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Holidays at Hotel del Coronado
Holidays at The Grand
- What to Expect
- Eco-friendly Glice skating rink with exclusive cabanas and firepits.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Fairmont Grand Del Mar with a variety of activities, including Glice skating, holiday dining, and festive events like the annual tree lighting ceremony and Nutcracker Tea. Enjoy holiday-themed beverages and treats while creating cherished moments with loved ones in a luxurious coastal canyon setting.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Holidays at The Grand
Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village
- What to Expect
- Santa in surfing attire
- Description
- Surfin' Santa at Seaport Village brings a fun and lively holiday celebration with Santa Claus dressed in surfing attire, adding a unique twist to the traditional holiday event.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village