National City Other Christmas Activities 2026

Spectators gather along the waterfront to watch a procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats cruise through San Diego Bay. The route passes multiple shoreline viewpoints, including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the pier at Cesar Chavez...

Visitors can wander through Balboa Park to take in festive holiday light displays, sounds, and an array of food and retail vendors. Entertainment is staged across multiple public areas featuring diverse community performers and seasonal talent. Guests can also explore...

Visitors gather along the beach and resort grounds to watch Santa skydive onto the sand and meet him for photos. The celebration features holiday choral performances by local school children, beachfront ice skating, and a dazzling fireworks display over the...

Third Avenue transforms into a holiday wonderland featuring dazzling floats and festive participants. Visitors can browse a holiday market, take photos with Santa, and watch the annual tree lighting ceremony. Food trucks and local vendors offer a variety of food...

The community gathers to celebrate the holiday season with the annual Ocean Beach parade. Spectators can attend the festivities in person or view the procession remotely through a live web camera feed positioned on Newport Avenue looking away from the...

Participants don Sunny Santa suits and sunglasses to run or walk through the streets of Pacific Beach in festive 5K waves. Younger runners can take part in a dedicated kids mile, while pets join the fun in a separate dog...

Visitors can play in real snow, make party hats, and take photos in a holiday-themed VW bus. Families can write wish lists to drop off at the North Pole mail room on the ocean view deck while enjoying holiday music...

Board a decorated trolley to view festive holiday lights across Old Town, Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and Garrison Street. Elf conductors entertain riders with sing-along caroling, local history, holiday trivia, and seasonal traditions.

Visitors can celebrate the season with a community tree lighting ceremony, sledding, and face painting. The celebration also features live music by Upstream, festive photo opportunities, and photos with Santa.

Families can take train rides, jump in bounce houses, and watch a movie in the park. Children can meet and take photos with costumed characters or participate in arts and crafts with the El Cajon Rec Squad. The event also...

Participants run a fast point-to-point course starting in Rancho Penasquitos and descending along the scenic 56 Bike Path. The route features rolling downhill sections and gentle flats before reaching the finish on Sorrento Valley Road. At the finish area, runners...

Participants can run or walk a 5K course or take part in a 1K Kid's Fun Run. The family-friendly event brings the aloha spirit to San Diego and features special entry options including a Top Dog division. Proceeds and toy...

Participants run or walk a 3K or 5K course along the sandy Del Mar beach, with options open to all paces and leashed dogs. After crossing the finish line, attendees gather for an after-party featuring live music and awards for...

Guests enjoy a festive morning meal and welcome Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Activities include photo opportunities with Santa, crafts, a Pick-a-Bag game, and an opportunity drawing.

Participants test their knowledge of Buddy the Elf, the four main food groups, and North Pole lore. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in holiday costumes for the competition.

Guests can explore the historic park illuminated with seasonal lights and festive decorations, including a festival of trees in the barn. Activities include holiday cookie decorating, crafts, a plush snowball fight, face painting, train rides, and a visit from Santa....

Guests can explore a variety of local craft and food vendors throughout the community center. Children can make crafts and take a commemorative photo with Santa. The celebration concludes with an official council greeting and the lighting of the holiday...

Visitors step into the hot shop to experience live glassmaking firsthand using studio tools and equipment. Participants pick out custom colors, apply them, and blow and shape molten glass with the help of studio instructors. Each guest creates a unique,...

The San Diego Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for Jungle Bells, offering a magical holiday experience. Guests can enjoy extended evening hours until 8 p.m., featuring dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and festive activities. Meet Santa Claus at Santa's...

Experience San Diego's biggest holiday party with the 46th Annual Holiday Bowl! This signature event includes a spectacular parade with giant balloons and marching bands, a lively tailgate party, and a thrilling football game. Enjoy free family fun at the...

Discover the magic of the Filipino Christmas at the 28th Annual Parol Lantern Festival. This vibrant event celebrates the iconic parol lantern, a symbol of hope and pride. Attendees can immerse themselves in cultural performances, browse unique vendor offerings, and...

Join the Coronado community for their cherished Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony. This festive event marks the official start of the holiday season, bringing residents and visitors together for a joyous celebration.

Experience the magic of the Oceanside Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, a cherished annual tradition. This spectacular event features creatively decorated boats illuminating Mission Bay with dazzling light displays. Kick off the holiday season with SeaWorld's fireworks and...

Lace up your skates for a magical outdoor ice skating experience at the Rady Children's Ice Rink in San Diego's ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. This festive event offers public skating sessions daily, with special hours on major holidays. All proceeds...

Liberty Station invites visitors to embrace the holiday spirit at their annual Salute the Season celebration, highlighted by the magical Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of their festive holiday offerings, creating a memorable experience for...

Experience a one-of-a-kind family Christmas event at Sesame Place San Diego. The park transforms into a festive wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, dazzling decorations, and thrilling rides. Enjoy special Christmas shows, a vibrant cavalcade with festive floats, and dance...

Get ready for a unique holiday celebration as Surfin' Santa makes a splash at Seaport Village! This special event features Santa trading his sleigh for a surfboard to spread cheer in true Southern California style. Families can witness his grand...

Awaken Church invites San Diego to its 6th Annual Night of Christmas, a spectacular holiday celebration at The Rady Shell. This magical evening features classic carols, a breathtaking fireworks display, a full string orchestra, mesmerizing aerialists, and heartwarming stories. It's...

Join the festive fun at Christmas Comes To Imperial Beach! This exciting event features Santa, a super slide, carnival games, and a variety of activities. Browse unique items from local vendors and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Live music will...

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow 2025. This cultural celebration brings together diverse Native American tribes for a weekend of dancing, singing, and community. Experience the energy of the Gourd Dance, witness...

Experience the warmth and light of Hanukkah at Liberty Station's public menorah lighting. This magical, family-friendly celebration features entertainment, special treats, and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah. The illuminated menorah will remain on display each night of Hanukkah, adding...

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party! This festive event invites pets of all kinds to don their holiday best for a lively parade through the historic Gaslamp...

Discover the charm of a Small Town Holiday event, a festive celebration designed to bring the community together. This event promises a delightful experience with seasonal activities and a heartwarming atmosphere. Details about specific attractions and entertainment are expected soon,...

Experience the magic of Christmas at this FREE community event! Visit Santa's petting zoo, enjoy carols and entertainment, and witness a live Nativity scene. Kids can build gingerbread houses, play on the playground, and join a reindeer scavenger hunt. Don't...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts a community Christmas celebration open to all.

The historic La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla invites guests to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of festive events. From the annual tree lighting ceremony to elegant holiday teas and special Christmas and New Year's Eve dining experiences,...

Get ready for the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade! This beloved community event brings festive cheer to the coast. Watch as decorated floats and local groups parade down South Coast Highway 101, filling the street with holiday spirit. It's a wonderful...

All aboard the North Pole Limited for a magical holiday journey! This enchanting 90-minute train adventure departs from the festive Campo Depot. Enjoy holiday sing-alongs, stories, hot chocolate, and cookies with a jolly elf crew. Keep an eye out for...