Last updated: November 11, 2024
Experience the holiday joy in National City! Discover all the special festive events with our guide. Whether you're a familiar face or a fresh visitor, our guide ensures you experience the holiday charm of National City.
One of this season's highlights is the December Nights at Balboa Park, where visitors can enjoy a magical blend of lights, live performances, and delicious food from local vendors. Another notable event is the LEGOLAND Christmas 2024, featuring stunning holiday displays made entirely of LEGO bricks and themed activities for families. And the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering themed shows and abundant holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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National City Holiday Light Displays
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Lavishly decorated boats proceeding along a predetermined route.
- Description
- The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring over 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 the Ferry Landing in Coronado, offering a delightful experience for all participants and spectators.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Little Italy Christmas Magic
- What to Expect
- Custom-designed Christmas tree with plexiglass fringe generating colored rays.
- Description
- Little Italy transforms into a holiday spectacle with a new custom-designed Christmas tree, festive decorations, seasonal vendors, live music, and a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony.
- Where
- Little Italy | More Info : Little Italy Christmas Magic
Coronado Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic 120-foot Christmas tree with 18,175 lights.
- Description
- The Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished tradition featuring a 120-foot Christmas tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza. The parade includes over 1,400 enthusiastic participants and thousands of spectators lining the streets. The event begins on Orange Avenue and loops at RH Dana and Adella.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Coronado Holiday Parade
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Lavishly decorated boats with holiday music and festivities.
- Description
- Mission Bay's Christmas Boat Parade of Lights features over 70 decorated boats, SeaWorld's fireworks, and festive viewing areas with holiday music, food, and entertainment.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
National City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday experience with Santa and live reindeer.
- Description
- The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, Christmas lighting displays, seasonal food and drinks, Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters. Visitors can enjoy a 40-foot Christmas Tree, a carousel, and kids Christmas Train, as well as live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage. Kids can tell Santa their Christmas wish, all included in the price of admission.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
- What to Expect
- Local chili competition with various vegetarian and vegan options.
- Description
- SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is a community event featuring local chili, live music, arts and crafts, and indie goods, all benefiting McKinley Elementary School.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
National City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with live reindeer and festive animal presentations.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at SeaWorld San Diego with dazzling Christmas shows, meet Santa and Rudolph, and enjoy sparkling lights and festive decorations.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
December Nights at Balboa Park
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and festive lights.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday spirit at Balboa Park with STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, and delicious food.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : December Nights at Balboa Park
LEGOLAND Christmas 2024
- What to Expect
- Interactive LEGO build zones and holiday character meet-and-greets.
- Description
- LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree, live music, and unique experiences like the pirate kingdom adventure. Families can enjoy special performances and interactive LEGO build zones, meet holiday characters, and participate in seasonal activities.
- Where
- Carlsbad | More Info : LEGOLAND Christmas 2024
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly adaptation of a classic Dr. Seuss story.
- 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
Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
- What to Expect
- Dazzling floats and holiday activities along Third Avenue.
- Description
- The Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire in Chula Vista is a beloved South Bay tradition 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. Explore the Holiday Market for unique gifts and treats from local vendors.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
National City Other Holiday Activities
Hotel del Coronado Holiday Events
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebrations with beachfront ice skating and Hollywood-themed decorations.
- Description
- Hotel del Coronado's holiday events include Skating by the Sea, Frostbite Lounge, "All That Jazz" Lightshow Spectacular, and Victorian Tea, celebrating the hotel's rich legacy in filmmaking with Hollywood glamour.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Hotel del Coronado Holiday Events
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of festive floats and community activities.
- Description
- The La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is a vibrant holiday event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, and Santa Claus. The festival includes Santa visits, arts-and-crafts, games, music, and face-painting.
- Where
- La Jolla | More Info : La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Encinitas Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Community celebration with creative floats and performances.
- Description
- The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring nearly 100 entries, including colorful floats and dynamic performances, showcasing creativity and innovation along Coast Highway 101.
- Where
- Encinitas | More Info : Encinitas Holiday Parade
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday parade with a Peace Love and OB theme.
- Description
- The Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is a vibrant celebration hosted by the Ocean Beach Town Council and supported by the OBMA. It features a colorful parade along Newport Avenue, adorned with a Peace Love and OB theme, and includes the lighting of the annual crooked Christmas tree. The event brings together the community and visitors for a fun-filled evening of holiday cheer.
- Where
- Ocean Beach | More Info : Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
Liberty Station Menorah Lighting
- 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 the festival.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Liberty Station Menorah Lighting