Can't wait for the holidays in Oceanside? Check out our guide for all the festive happenings! Whether you're a Oceanside insider or an outsider looking in, this guide helps you create lasting memories.
A beloved tradition here is the Holiday Tree Lighting, a delightful way to kick off the season with sparkling lights and community cheer. Experience the magic of maritime festivities with brilliantly decorated boats at the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. And the Carlsbad Holiday Market is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering unique gifts and treats sure to delight. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Oceanside
See these and even more events listed below!Oceanside Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-decorated tree with local ornaments
Description:
Oceanside's Holiday Tree Lighting transforms the city center with a towering evergreen adorned by community-crafted ornaments. Local artisans and schoolchildren contribute unique decorations, creating a tree that truly represents the city's spirit. Visitors can participate in the ornament-making workshop, adding their personal touch to the communal display. This tradition began in 1952 as a way to unite the growing coastal community. The air fills with the scent of roasted chestnuts as the mayor flips the switch, illuminating the tree and kickstarting the holiday season in this vibrant California town.
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Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Boat parade with creative nautical-themed light displays
Description:
Oceanside Harbor comes alive with a flotilla of illuminated vessels during the annual Parade of Lights. Boat owners outdo themselves with creative nautical-themed light displays, transforming yachts and fishing boats into floating works of art. Spectators line the harbor to watch the procession, which reflects brilliantly off the calm waters. You can join a harbor cruise for an up-close view of the dazzling boats. This event, started by local fishermen in the 1970s, has evolved into a beloved holiday tradition that showcases Oceanside's rich maritime heritage.
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Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Nearby Events
Carlsbad Holiday Market (Carlsbad)
What to Expect:
European-style market with local artisans and international flair
Description:
Carlsbad's Holiday Market brings a touch of European charm to Southern California. Local artisans and international vendors set up charming wooden stalls, offering unique gifts and culinary delights. The market buzzes with activity as shoppers explore handcrafted jewelry, artisanal foods, and one-of-a-kind decorations. Visitors can try their hand at traditional German ornament painting, guided by skilled craftspeople. Inspired by the famous Christkindlmarkts of Germany, this event was introduced to Carlsbad in 2015 to celebrate the city's diverse cultural influences and support local businesses.
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Encinitas Holiday Parade (Encinitas)
What to Expect:
Surfing Santa leads the parade on a wave-shaped float
Description:
Encinitas puts a distinctly Californian spin on holiday traditions with its annual Holiday Parade. The star of the show is Surfing Santa, who leads the procession atop a massive wave-shaped float, embodying the town's laid-back coastal vibe. Marching bands, classic cars, and community groups follow, each adding their unique flair to the celebration. Children can participate in the "Little Elves" section, donning pointy ears and jingling bells. This parade, which began in 1957, reflects Encinitas' evolution from a sleepy surf town to a thriving coastal community while maintaining its beachy roots.
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Del Mar Fairgrounds Holiday of Lights (Del Mar)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to holiday music
Description:
Del Mar Fairgrounds transforms into a twinkling wonderland with its Holiday of Lights drive-through experience. Visitors cruise through elaborate light tunnels and past animated displays, all synchronized to a custom holiday soundtrack. The route winds through the famous racetrack, offering a unique perspective of the grounds. You can tune your car radio to the dedicated station for the full immersive experience. This event, which began in 2020 as a pandemic-safe alternative to traditional gatherings, has quickly become a cherished new tradition for San Diego County residents.
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Del Mar Fairgrounds Holiday of Lights
Christmas in the Park (San Marcos)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed playgrounds and activities
Description:
San Marcos' Christmas in the Park reimagines holiday celebrations with interactive, themed playgrounds and activities. Children scramble through "Santa's Workshop" obstacle course, zip down "Reindeer Run" slides, and navigate the "Elf Village" maze. The event emphasizes active play and imagination, moving beyond passive light displays. Families can join in group caroling sessions led by local choirs. This innovative approach to holiday festivities was introduced in 2018 as part of San Marcos' initiative to promote outdoor recreation and community engagement during the winter months.
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Legoland California Holiday Events (Carlsbad)
What to Expect:
LEGO-themed holiday displays and building challenges
Description:
Legoland California infuses its holiday events with creativity and interactivity. Towering LEGO sculptures depict festive scenes, while "Master Builder" challenges invite guests to construct their own holiday-themed creations. The park's famous miniland transforms into a winter spectacle, with tiny LEGO snowmen and ice skaters bringing the scenes to life. Visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt to find hidden LEGO gifts throughout the park. This unique holiday celebration, which began with the park's opening in 1999, showcases the endless possibilities of imagination and play during the holiday season.
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Legoland California Holiday Events
San Diego Botanic Garden's Garden of Lights (Encinitas)
What to Expect:
Illuminated rare plant species and botanical-themed light sculptures
Description:
San Diego Botanic Garden's Garden of Lights showcases the beauty of flora after dark. Rare plant species are dramatically lit, revealing their unique structures and colors in a new light. Botanical-themed light sculptures dot the landscape, creating a seamless blend of nature and artistry. The air is filled with the subtle fragrance of night-blooming flowers. Visitors can join guided "Botanist's Night Tour" to learn about the illuminated plants. This event, which began in 1995, highlights the garden's commitment to education and conservation while offering a distinctive holiday experience.
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San Diego Botanic Garden's Garden of Lights
Vista Christmas Parade (Vista)
What to Expect:
Parade celebrates Vista's agricultural heritage with decorated tractors
Description:
Vista's Christmas Parade pays homage to the city's agricultural roots with a procession of decorated vintage tractors. Local farmers and equipment enthusiasts transform their machines into mobile light displays, creating a unique blend of rural charm and holiday spirit. The parade winds through historic downtown, where buildings are adorned with twinkling lights that reflect off the polished metal of the tractors. You can vote for your favorite tractor display using a mobile app. This event, which began in the 1950s, continues to celebrate Vista's farming legacy while embracing modern holiday traditions.