Last updated: November 11, 2024
Gear up for an amazing holiday season in San Diego with our ultimate festive guide! For those born and raised in San Diego and those just arrived, our guide is your key to unlocking seasonal wonders.
Popular events abound during this cheerful time of year. Experience the enchanting December Nights at Balboa Park, where the park transforms with dazzling lights and multicultural festivities. Another highlight features the spectacular Hotel Del Coronado Holiday Light Display and Skate by the Sea, where you can enjoy twinkling lights and ice skating by the ocean. And the SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is something you definitely don’t want to miss, showcasing beautiful seasonal shows and festive attractions. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Beachfront ice skating with Hollywood-inspired decor.
Hotel Del Coronado's Holiday Light Display and Skate by the Sea features a beachfront ice rink, thousands of holiday lights, and decor inspired by Old Hollywood, creating a glamorous holiday atmosphere with festive jazz and snow flurries.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Hotel Del Coronado Holiday Light Display and Skate by the Sea
Lavishly decorated boats with a unified theme.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats that illuminate San Diego Bay. Participants decorate their boats to fit the year's theme, "Peace on Earth," creating a spectacular display of festive lights and holiday cheer.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Christmas Boat Parade
Eco-friendly synthetic ice skating and holiday wine samples.
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at Del Mar Fairgrounds features millions of twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and festive activities like Glice Skating and Holiday Wine Walk.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Choreographed music and dancing lights.
Village Walk at EastLake presents a dazzling holiday light show featuring choreographed music and dancing lights, perfect for family viewing with free Magic Glasses for kids.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: Dazzling Holiday Light Show
Traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony with Santa's return.
Little Italy transforms into a holiday haven with 10-foot tall nutcrackers, kinetic tree displays, and twinkling lights. Enjoy two Christmas trees, seasonal vendors, live music, holiday treats, and a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Exclusive, private dining in lakefront igloos.
The Lakehouse Hotel Igloos offer exclusive, lakefront dining experiences with private servers, family-style dinners, charcuterie, and wine. Each igloo provides a serene setting for a memorable celebration.
Where: San Marcos | More Info: The Lakehouse Hotel Igloos
Stunning light installations set against the backdrop of a botanical garden.
A breathtaking display of illuminated installations transforms the gardens into a vibrant nighttime landscape, inviting visitors to wander through creatively designed light paths surrounded by nature. The event showcases a blend of art and horticulture, offering a unique experience that captivates all ages.
Where: Encinitas | More Info: Lightscape at The San Diego Botanic Gardens
Family Zone with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa.
December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day holiday celebration featuring family-friendly activities, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, and delicious food.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park
Holiday celebration with live reindeer and festive animal presentations.
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a Christmas parade, and photo-perfect moments amidst beautiful decorations. Enjoy delicious treats and thrilling rides against a sparkling backdrop.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
24-foot tall Christmas tree and extended evening hours.
Sesame Place transforms into a holiday destination with a 24-foot tall Christmas tree, extended evening hours, and activities like the Sesame Street Christmas show, parade, and dance party. Guests can enjoy rides, attractions, special food, and unique holiday merchandise while capturing photos with their favorite Sesame Street friends.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: Sesame Place: A Very Furry Christmas
Interactive onboard entertainment with dancing chefs and caroling.
Relive the classic holiday story of The Polar Express on a real train ride in Southern California. Passengers will enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers will board the train to greet passengers and present each guest with the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell.
Where: Escondido | More Info: The North County Polar Express
A riotous Dickens mash-up with iconic ghosts and a comic local twist.
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show is a fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol, filled with music and laughter, set in wintery San Diego.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show
Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic tale.
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" and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." The production transforms the Old Globe Theatre into snow-covered Whoville, celebrating the holidays with beloved characters and music.
Where: San Diego | More Info: How The Grinch Stole Christmas Play at The Old Globe Theater
World-class ballet performance with holiday treats and Santa visit.
The Nutcracker Tea at Liberty Station features a performance by the San Diego Ballet, holiday treats, and a visit with Santa. The event offers two showtimes: 11 am and 3 pm.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Nutcracker Tea at Liberty Station
Vintage train ride with holiday entertainment and Santa visit.
Embark on a 90-minute holiday adventure aboard the North Pole Limited, featuring holiday sing-alongs, festive stories, hot chocolate, and cookies. The train winds through breathtaking backcountry, culminating in a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Winter Express Experience
Family-friendly carnival rides and petting zoo.
The Sights and Sounds of Christmas festival in San Marcos, TX, offers a family-friendly holiday event with carnival rides, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and delicious food. Children can meet Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Where: San Diego | More Info: FREE Sights and Sounds of Christmas
Largest balloon parade in the United States.
The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade is a spectacular event featuring world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons. This exciting family event brings together over 100,000 spectators along San Diego's beautiful waterfront.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
Live performances by both university bands.
The Snapdragon Bowl Bash is a vibrant downtown San Diego event featuring live performances by university bands, special offers from local restaurants and stores, and a lively atmosphere with great food and live music.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Snapdragon Bash Bowl
Vintage Trolley ride through downtown San Diego.
The Holly Jolly Trolley is a festive holiday celebration featuring a vintage 1001 Trolley decorated in holiday style. The event includes a ride through downtown San Diego, followed by holiday festivities at Gaslamp Quarter Station, including hot cocoa, cookies, and a coloring station.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Holly Jolly Trolley
Benefits a cancer program through ticket sales.
Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station offers outdoor ice skating sessions daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with special hours on holidays. The event benefits the Thriving After Cancer Program at Rady Children's Hospital.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Beachfront ice skating with holiday-themed amenities.
Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado's famous beachfront ice rink, featuring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. A portion of the proceeds benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego. Enhance your experience by reserving a rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge with plush seating, roaring fire pits, holiday-themed libations, and delectable bites. Guests can also enjoy ice rink views from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater, and Serẽa.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: Skating by the Sea
