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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Celebrate the season with your Santee neighbors! Explore all the community events with our guide. Whether you're familiar with Santee or seeing it for the first time, our guide brings the holiday spirit to life.

Popular events include the enchanting SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration, where you can witness spectacular light displays and festive entertainment. The Holidays at LEGOLAND features impressive holiday decorations and interactive activities that engage visitors of all ages. And the December Nights at Balboa Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing the park's beautiful surroundings with live music and food. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Santee Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Lavishly decorated boats with a "Peace on Earth" theme.

Description:

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats. Participants will decorate their boats to fit this year's theme, "Peace on Earth," as the procession starts at Shelter Island and proceeds to Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park, and ends at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. The event attracts over 100,000 spectators and offers a delightful experience for all.

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

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Iconic tree lighting with 18,175 twinkling lights.

Description:

The Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is a cherished annual event featuring a 120-foot Christmas tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza. Over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators enjoy the festive atmosphere as the parade begins on Orange Avenue and loops at RH Dana and Adella.

Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Custom-designed Christmas tree with colored rays changing based on perspective.

Description:

Little Italy transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with a custom-designed Christmas tree, seasonal vendors, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a surprise visit from Santa.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Little Italy Christmas Magic

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Iconic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree lighting with live entertainment.

Description:

The Liberty Station Tree Lighting event features the iconic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree illuminated with colorful lights and ornaments, accompanied by live entertainment, festive firetruck rides, and free photos with Santa, culminating in a showing of The Grinch movie.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Salute the Season: Holiday Tree Lighting at Liberty Station

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Snowfall immediately following the tree lighting.

Description:

Join us at the San Marcos Tree Lighting event, featuring free festive crafts and activities, vendors selling their wares and snacks, and live entertainment in the courtyard. Don't miss the snow right after the tree lighting!

Where: San Marcos | More Info: San Marcos Tree Lighting

Event Organizer?

Santee Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Family and dog-friendly event with a variety of activities and vendors.

Description:

Join The Animal Pad for Tinsel & Tails at BRICK, Liberty Station, featuring a Pawliday Market with local vendors, food trucks, $5 drinks, exciting raffles and silent auctions, a puppy party, festive photo booths, and music all night.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Tinsel & Tails at BRICK, Liberty Station

Event Organizer?

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 offers a variety of activities including a carousel, kids' Christmas Train, and a beautifully decorated 40-foot Christmas Tree. The event is a great opportunity to shop for stocking stuffers and handcrafted holiday gifts while indulging in festive treats like cider and mulled wine.

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

Event Organizer?

Santee Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with live reindeer and synchronized light displays.

Description:

SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a Christmas parade, and photo-perfect moments amidst beautiful decorations, including a 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights.

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

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with interactive LEGO activities and character meet-and-greets.

Description:

LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a towering LEGO Christmas tree, live music, and unique experiences like pirate kingdom adventures. Families can enjoy special performances and interactive LEGO build zones, meeting beloved holiday LEGO characters and participating in seasonal shows.

Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Multicultural celebration with free museum access and diverse entertainment.

Description:

December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day holiday celebration featuring live music, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, and delicious food. The event includes a Family Zone with various activities and attractions.

Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Community celebration with creative floats and performances.

Description:

The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring colorful floats, dynamic performances, and thousands of participants showcasing creativity and imagination along Coast Highway 101.

Where: Encinitas | More Info: Encinitas Holiday Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Dazzling floats and holiday movie showing.

Description:

The Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire in Chula Vista features dazzling floats, joyful participants, and activities for all ages. The event includes a holiday movie showing at the Memorial Bowl and a new look with a new logo and branding. It is a beloved South Bay tradition celebrating the holiday season with over 100 entries.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire

Event Organizer?

Santee Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday parade with diverse floats and activities.

Description:

The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, vintage vehicles, horses, Santa Claus, and a camel. The event includes a Holiday Festival with Santa visits, arts-and-crafts, games, music, and face-painting.

Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday parade with local floats and decorations.

Description:

The Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is a vibrant celebration hosted by the Ocean Beach Town Council and supported by the OBMA. It features a colorful parade down Newport Avenue, adorned with festive decorations and community spirit.

Where: Ocean Beach | More Info: Ocean Beach Holiday Parade

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Real snow and sledding in a California setting.

Description:

SnowSide Winter Festival is a 3-day family-friendly event at Emerald Isle Golf Course in Oceanside, featuring real snow, sledding, Santa Claus, live entertainment, and festive activities.

Where: Oceanside | More Info: SnowSide Winter Festival

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Holiday-themed cocktail and sweet treat tastings at 25 independently owned retail stops.

Description:

The Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll is a holiday celebration featuring 25 independently owned retail stops along Adams Avenue, offering holiday-themed cocktail tastes and sweet treats created by local bartenders and breweries.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Community-driven fundraiser with local chili and live music.

Description:

SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is a community-driven event featuring local chili, live music, arts, crafts, and indie goods. Proceeds support the arts, music, Spanish, and ceramic programs at McKinley Elementary School in North Park, as well as the International Baccalaureate program.

Where: San Diego | More Info: SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Traditional menorah lighting in a family-friendly setting.

Description:

Join Liberty Station for a family-friendly Hanukkah celebration featuring entertainment, packaged treats, and the traditional lighting of the menorah. The event will take place in Central Promenade next to the Rady Children’s Ice Rink, with the menorah staying on display throughout the festival.

Where: San Diego | More Info: Menorah Lighting at Liberty Station

Event Organizer?

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