See all San Diego Christmas happenings this year!
San Diego welcomes Christmas 2025 near Balboa Park and the waterfront, where gardens and marinas brighten with seasonal lights and displays. Festive events, Christmas celebrations and winter attractions include markets, concerts and family activities that blend seaside charm with holiday warmth.
Find the best San Diego Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around San Diego
- Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
- December Nights at Balboa Park
- Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
- SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
- Balboa Park December Nights
- Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
- Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
- San Diego Holiday Bowl
See even MORE Christmas events below!
San Diego Christmas Events
San Diego Christmas Markets and Shopping
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of the Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park, returning for its fourth year. This festive event transforms Gallagher Square into a winter wonderland with dazzling Christmas lights, a charming Christmas Train, and a carousel. Visitors can shop for unique handcrafted gifts from over 100 artisan vendors, enjoy seasonal treats like hot chocolate and cider, and meet Santa Claus.
Event Details
Event Description
Balboa Park December Nights returns for 2025, transforming San Diego's cultural heart into a festive holiday wonderland. This beloved free festival invites visitors to enjoy dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and a vibrant marketplace. Explore unique food and gift vendors, participate in a community sock drive, and soak in the joyous holiday spirit.
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village, transforming into a festive wonderland. Discover unique artisan gifts, enjoy live music, and savor seasonal treats. The highlight is the traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony, culminating in Santa's arrival. It's a perfect family-friendly event to embrace the holiday spirit.
Event Details
Event Description
Get ready for a festive celebration at TAP's 4th Annual Tinsel & Tails Holiday Extravaganza! This family and dog-friendly event offers a "Pawliday Market" with local vendors, delicious food trucks, and $5 drinks. Enjoy live music by DJ C-Riz, a raffle, silent auction, and fun activities for all ages, including a Puppy Party and a special appearance by DOG MAN.
Event Details
Event Description
Discover the heart of San Diego's creative spirit at the San Diego Made Holiday Market. This curated event showcases a diverse array of locally handmade products, from unique fashion and accessories to artisanal home goods and gifts. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting talented local makers and designers.
San Diego Christmas Light Displays
Event Details
Event Description
SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a winter wonderland for its annual Christmas Celebration. Experience dazzling light displays, including a music-activated tunnel and the towering Skytower Tree of Lights. Meet Santa's reindeer, enjoy nightly snowfall, and witness festive shows like 'A Stocking Full of Soul' and 'Mrs. Claus' Christmas Parade'. Savor holiday treats and shop for unique gifts.
Event Details
Event Description
Liberty Station invites the community to its annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Festivities. This magical evening features the illumination of an impressive 88-foot Norfolk pine tree, live entertainment, complimentary photos with Santa, and a screening of 'The Grinch.' San Diego Chevrolet Dealers are sponsoring the event, with a Chevy Silverado EV RST powering the tree lighting.
Event Details
Event Description
Embark on a festive journey aboard the second annual Holly Jolly Trolley! This enchanting event invites you to experience the magic of the holiday season with a ride on a vintage trolley, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Festivities at Gaslamp Quarter Station include hot cocoa, cookies, a visit from Santa, and a holiday photobooth, creating cherished memories for all.
San Diego Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
Event Details
Event Description
Journey to Whoville for a magical holiday tradition! The Old Globe presents the beloved musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' This whimsical production brings the classic story to life with enchanting songs, vibrant sets, and a heartwarming message about the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for all ages, it's a delightful way to celebrate the festive season.
Event Details
Event Description
Immerse yourself in a heartwarming holiday tradition with Cygnet Theatre's acclaimed production of 'A Christmas Carol.' This beloved adaptation features a revitalized script, fresh original music, and imaginative stagecraft, including puppetry and live sound effects. Experience the timeless tale of hope and redemption brought to life by a talented cast in a visually stunning Victorian setting. It's the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit.
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the Nutcracker Tea with San Diego Ballet. This magical event features a captivating performance by the San Diego Ballet, delightful holiday treats, and a special visit from Santa Claus. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in festive cheer.
San Diego Other Christmas Activities
Event Details
Event Description
Balboa Park in San Diego transforms into a festive wonderland for December Nights, a cherished annual celebration. Visitors can explore illuminated grounds, enjoy live entertainment, and discover unique holiday gifts from local artisans. Many of the park's world-class museums and attractions extend their hours, offering a magical evening experience for all.
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the San Diego Zoo's annual Jungle Bells celebration. Until 8 p.m., the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays, festive entertainment, and opportunities to meet Santa. Explore themed light treks, enjoy live music and juggling acts, and participate in interactive games. It's a joyous annual tradition perfect for the whole family.
Event Details
Event Description
Embark on a magical journey through San Diego's festive holiday season with Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour. This enchanting experience features "Elf" conductors leading sing-along carols and sharing fun holiday facts and traditions. Guests will be treated to a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations as the trolley winds through Old Town, Little Italy, and other beautifully adorned neighborhoods, creating a truly memorable holiday adventure.
Event Details
Event Description
Experience the magic of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a beloved holiday tradition. Over 80 boats will illuminate the bay on December 14 and 21, 2025, showcasing creative decorations themed 'An Out of This World Christmas.' This iconic event draws over 100,000 spectators to the waterfront for a dazzling display of festive maritime artistry.
Event Details
Event Description
Get ready for San Diego's premier holiday celebration! The 46th Annual Holiday Bowl brings top ACC and Pac-12 teams to Snapdragon Stadium for an unforgettable football game. Before kickoff, immerse yourself in the vibrant Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, a dazzling display of bands and floats. Then, join the free Snapdragon Bowl Bash in the Gaslamp Quarter for family fun, live music, and local treats, or head to the official tailgate party for pre-game excitement.
Event Details
Event Description
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 from ticket sales directly benefit the Thriving After Cancer Program at Rady Children's Hospital, making every glide a step towards supporting children's health.
Event Details
Event Description
Join the festive Ocean Beach Holiday Parade, a cherished community event held on the first Saturday in December. This vibrant parade brings holiday cheer to Newport Avenue, showcasing creative floats and community participants. It's a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy a lively spectacle by the sea.
Event Details
Event Description
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 the perfect opportunity to create lasting family memories and start a new holiday tradition.
Christmas Events Near San Diego
Coronado Christmas Events
Chula Vista Christmas Events
Lemon Grove Christmas Events
La Mesa Christmas Events
La Presa Christmas Events
La Jolla Christmas Events
Rancho San Diego Christmas Events
Mira Mesa Christmas Events
Lakeside Christmas Events
Encinitas Christmas Events
View Our Interactive Map for More Events Around San Diego
Discover thousands of christmas events across the country
Explore Other Cities
Find events in different locations
Our Process
With 20 years of experience, we use AI technology to build the most comprehensive list of christmas events events.
Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
Learn More About Our Process