Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the must-see holiday attractions in San Marcos! Explore all the top events with our guide. For San Marcos insiders and outsiders alike, this guide is your key to unlocking seasonal wonders.
Popular Events: One highlight this season is the enchanting Holiday Market at Petco Park, where visitors can enjoy local crafts, delectable treats, and festive entertainment. Not to be missed, the Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado showcase stunning lights and classic holiday charm. And the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring delightful shows and festive attractions for the whole family. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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San Marcos Holiday Light Displays
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
- What to Expect
- Immersive light display with eco-friendly synthetic ice skating.
- Description
- Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at Del Mar Fairgrounds features millions of twinkling lights, an immersive light trail, eco-friendly synthetic ice skating, and festive food and drink options. Enjoy unique holiday gifts at the market, wine samples, and cozy igloo and fire pit reservations.
- Where
- Del Mar | More Info : Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Lavishly decorated boats sailing across San Diego Bay.
- Description
- The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats that sail across San Diego Bay, entertaining bayfront crowds with their festive illuminations.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Little Italy Christmas Magic
- What to Expect
- Custom-designed Christmas tree with plexiglass fringe generating colored rays.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season in Little Italy with a custom-designed Christmas tree, live music, seasonal vendors, and a surprise visit from Santa.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Little Italy Christmas Magic
Coronado Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Iconic tree lighting with a 4-foot-tall star.
- Description
- The Coronado Holiday Parade features over 1,400 participants marching through the streets, culminating in the lighting of a 120-foot pine tree adorned with 22,000 twinkling lights, including a 4-foot-tall star. The event is a cherished tradition that brings the community together in festive cheer.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Coronado Holiday Parade
San Marcos Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market at Petco Park
- What to Expect
- Live reindeer and Santa visits in a beautifully decorated setting.
- Description
- The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, seasonal food and drinks, live reindeer, and visits from Santa and other holiday characters. Enjoy twinkling lights, a 40-foot Christmas Tree, and a carousel. The event also includes live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage and offers customizable food and beverage packages for corporate and group holiday parties.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Holiday Market at Petco Park
December Nights
- What to Expect
- A cultural showcase with food, music, and illuminated gardens in a historic park.
- Description
- A beloved holiday celebration held at Balboa Park, showcasing local culture with food, music, and art. Visitors can stroll through beautifully illuminated gardens, enjoy live performances, and sample a variety of international cuisines from local vendors. The event highlights community spirit through various family-friendly activities and entertainment options across the park's diverse museums and venues.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : December Nights
San Marcos Holiday Shows and Entertainment
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with marine animal interactions and festive lights.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at SeaWorld San Diego with dazzling new Christmas shows, meet Santa and Rudolph, and enjoy snowfall and a Christmas parade amidst beautiful decorations and festive treats.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
- What to Expect
- Dazzling floats and joyful participants light up Third Avenue.
- Description
- The Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire in Chula Vista features over 100 entries, including whimsical floats, marching bands, and dance groups. The event includes a holiday market, a tree lighting ceremony, and a holiday movie showing at Memorial Bowl. It is a family-friendly celebration with activities for all ages.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
San Marcos Other Holiday Activities
Holiday at the Rancho
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with festive activities and entertainment.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Leo Carrillo Ranch with holiday lights, decorations, and a classic holiday musical performance. Enjoy activities like decorating holiday cookies, creating crafts, participating in a plush snowball fight, and watching the holiday tree lighting. Face painting, train rides, and an outdoor movie are also part of the festivities, along with a special visit from Santa.
- Where
- Carlsbad | More Info : Holiday at the Rancho
Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with beachfront ice skating and Victorian tea.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season at Hotel del Coronado with elegant dining, beachfront ice skating, and classic Victorian tea in a beautifully restored Crown Room. Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and experience the glamour of Old Hollywood with thousands of holiday lights and decorations.
- Where
- Coronado | More Info : Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with floats and live performances.
- Description
- The La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, and holiday activities. The festival is located on Wall Street between Girard and the alley by the Athenaeum, while the parade kicks off at Kline and Girard. The event includes Santa visits, arts-and-crafts, games, music, and face-painting.
- Where
- La Jolla | More Info : La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Encinitas Holiday Parade
- What to Expect
- Community-driven parade with diverse entries celebrating creativity and innovation.
- Description
- The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring nearly 100 entries, including colorful floats and dynamic performances, showcasing creativity and imagination along Coast Highway 101.
- Where
- Encinitas | More Info : Encinitas Holiday Parade
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
- What to Expect
- Community-driven chili cook-off supporting local education.
- Description
- SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is a community-driven event featuring local chili, live music, arts, and crafts in North Park. It supports the McKinley Elementary School Foundation by offering a variety of activities, including a kids' fest and a craft beer garden.
- Where
- San Diego | More Info : SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off