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Last updated: November 11, 2024

Spread holiday cheer in Vista with our guide. Find all the events and activities that make this season special. From Vista natives to seasonal visitors, our guide ensures you don't miss a moment of yuletide joy.

Popular events shine during the holiday season, such as the enchanting December Nights at Balboa Park, where festive lights and cultural displays create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy the breathtaking San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, featuring beautifully decorated boats gliding across the water. And the Winter Fest OC is something you definitely don't want to miss, bringing a winter wonderland experience with ice skating and festive treats. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!

Contact information and details below.

Vista 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," and the parade will proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado. The event brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year.

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

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Iconic tree lighting with 18,175 lights and a 4-foot-tall star.

Description:

The Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is a cherished tradition featuring over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators. The event culminates with the illumination of a 120-foot pine tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights, including a 4-foot-tall star. Santa Claus is the final parade entry, flipping the switch to light the tree, which shines nightly from sunset to 11 pm.

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

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly holiday celebration with Santa and festive activities.

Description:

The Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting features kids' activities, Santa's arrival on a fire truck, and a tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy free activities like crafts, fire truck displays, milk and cookies, and amusement rides.

Where: Oceanside | More Info: Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting

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Vista Holiday Markets and Shopping

What to Expect:

Unique shopping experience with diverse holiday gifts and live entertainment.

Description:

The Holiday Gift Market at Mainstreet Oceanside features 200 artisans and merchants offering eclectic holiday gifts, gourmet goodies, and international street fare. Enjoy live music and children's activities, including visits with Santa.

Where: Oceanside | More Info: Holiday Gift Market

Event Organizer?

Vista Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Interactive holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.

Description:

A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place San Diego features Sesame Street friends in a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, and exciting rides and attractions. Guests can enjoy Sesame Street Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, games, special food and beverages, unique holiday merchandise, and one-of-a-kind photos with their favorite Sesame Street characters.

Where: Chula Vista | More Info: A Very Furry Christmas Celebration

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What to Expect:

Interactive LEGO activities and holiday character meet-and-greets.

Description:

LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a towering LEGO Christmas tree, live music, and interactive LEGO build zones. Families can enjoy special performances and meet their favorite holiday LEGO characters, including LEGO Santa and friends. The event features seasonal shows, "elfies," and a larger-than-life LEGO wreath for family photos.

Where: Carlsbad | More Info: LEGOLAND Christmas

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Vista Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Agricultural and cultural celebration with live music and educational activities.

Description:

Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center features a variety of activities including farm-fresh fun, live music, and educational experiences. The event offers a unique blend of agricultural exhibits, cultural events, and family-friendly entertainment.

Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Winter Fest OC

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse entertainment and activities.

Description:

The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, and Santa Claus. The parade kicks off at Kline and Girard, while the holiday festival is located on Wall Street between Girard and the Athenaeum alley. The event includes 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:

Unique blend of running, community, and charity.

Description:

The O’side Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving day running event featuring a 5K and kids' runs, with a scenic beachside course, costume contest, largest teams competition, and live entertainment. It benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation, which promotes health and well-being through physical fitness.

Where: Oceanside | More Info: O’side Handmade Holiday

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What to Expect:

Short, festive boat ride with Santa.

Description:

Take a 20-minute boat ride around Dana Point Harbor with Santa Claus. All proceeds benefit the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required, and children can chat and interact with Santa without direct contact.

Where: Oceanside | More Info: Boat Ride with Santa

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