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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Get set for a holiday adventure in Poway with our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering Poway or seeing it for the first time, this guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.

Popular events this season include December Nights at Balboa Park, where visitors can enjoy beautifully decorated gardens and festive food stalls. SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration features shimmering lights and enchanting holiday performances, providing a magical experience for all ages. And the Holidays at LEGOLAND California is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing festive displays and interactive attractions for families to enjoy. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Poway Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Lavishly decorated boats proceeding along San Diego Bay.

Description:

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats. The procession starts at Shelter Island and proceeds to various waterfront locations, including Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Coronado. This event brings together over 100,000 spectators each year with no cost to view.

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

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What to Expect:

Immersive light display with eco-friendly synthetic ice skating.

Description:

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at Del Mar Fairgrounds features twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and festive activities for all ages, including a holiday light trail, igloo reservations, and festive food and drink options.

Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular

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What to Expect:

Synchronized light and sound show with interactive activities.

Description:

Camp Christmas is a holiday event featuring thousands of computerized lights, a spectacular water show, and various activities like hayrides, bounce houses, and laser tag. Enjoy festive light shows, dancing waters, and holiday entertainment designed for the entire family.

Where: Pine Valley | More Info: Camp Christmas

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What to Expect:

Iconic tree lighting with 18,175 lights.

Description:

The Coronado Holiday Parade is a cherished tradition featuring over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators. The event culminates with the lighting of a 120-foot pine tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Park.

Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade

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Poway Holiday Markets and Shopping

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. It includes a carousel, kids' Christmas Train, wintery light displays with nightly snowfall, and a beautifully decorated 40-foot Christmas Tree. The event also offers live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage during select nights.

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

Event Organizer?

Poway Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Family-friendly holiday celebration with free museum access and diverse cultural activities.

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

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with marine animal interactions and festive decorations.

Description:

SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a 30-foot Christmas tree, and a music-activated tunnel of lights. Enjoy seasonal treats and meet Santa in his village while watching Ms. Claus's Christmas parade.

Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration

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What to Expect:

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

Description:

LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a giant LEGO Christmas tree, live shows, and interactive LEGO build zones. Families can meet holiday LEGO characters, enjoy seasonal activities, and take part in festive events.

Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND California

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.

Description:

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place features everyone's favorite Sesame Street friends in a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holiday magic, and surprises. Guests can enjoy a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, Sesame Street Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, exciting rides, games, special food and beverages, unique holiday merchandise, and one-of-a-kind photos with their Sesame Street friends dressed up in their holiday best.

Where: Chula Vista | More Info: A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

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What to Expect:

Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic tale with live music and stage transformation.

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

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Poway Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Nostalgic holiday celebration with Hollywood glamour.

Description:

Hotel del Coronado's holiday events feature a nostalgic celebration of Old Hollywood, including Skating by the Sea, Frostbite Lounge, and special dining events in the beautifully restored Crown Room. The resort's historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with festive holiday jazz and snow flurries. Other activities include beachside igloos, Victorian tea, gingerbread house decorating, and photos with Santa.

Where: Coronado | More Info: Hotel del Coronado Holiday Events

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

"State-of-the-art dental care in a theme park-like setting."

Description:

The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland offers a unique and welcoming environment for children, featuring state-of-the-art dental technologies and a nurturing approach to pediatric dentistry. The office is designed to make dental visits enjoyable, with a theme park-like atmosphere and specialized care for kids of all ages.

Where: San Diego | More Info: The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland

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What to Expect:

Pet-friendly Christmas tree farm with a pumpkin patch and hay maze.

Description:

Family Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon, CA, offers a variety of fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, and festive activities like hot cocoa stands, farm animals, and tractor rides. The farm is pet-friendly and features a pumpkin patch and giant hay maze for kids.

Where: El Cajon | More Info: Family Christmas Tree Farm

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What to Expect:

Vintage train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus visits.

Description:

The North Pole Limited is a holiday train ride that takes passengers on a 90-minute journey through the backcountry, featuring holiday sing-alongs, festive stories, and hot chocolate and cookies. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each passenger, making it a memorable holiday experience.

Where: Campo | More Info: North Pole Limited

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What to Expect:

Immersive celebration of Mexican traditions and the journey of Mary and Joseph.

Description:

Join us for the 65th Annual Las Posadas in Old Town San Diego, a time-honored celebration echoing centuries-old Mexican traditions and the warmth of the holiday season. This event, presented in collaboration by the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Trolley Tours, and the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, offers an immersive glimpse into the journey of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Las Posadas

Event Organizer?

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