Start a new holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy! San Diego has got you covered with holiday parades both on and off the water, plus colorful light displays and festivals full of good food, music and much more. So head to San Diego this season, where you're sure to discover the spirit of the holidays.
This page is updated as soon as event details are available. Events are subject to change or cancellation, so please check with event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
When: Nov. 24, 2024
Continuous since 1989 - children's rides, two stages of live entertainment and food and drink refreshments provide an attractive setting for the public and a great boon to vendors.
When: Nov. 29, 2024
Gather your loved ones and enjoy a magical evening of the iconic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree lighting as well as live entertainment throughout Liberty Station.
When: Nov. 30, 2024
Gather your loved ones and enjoy a magical evening of the iconic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree lighting as well as live entertainment, festive firetruck rides, free photos with Santa, and The Grinch movie showing.
When: Nov. 30, 2024
Head over to Seaport Village for the festive Surfin' Santa Arrival. Hang-ten with Santa and enjoy a lively parade along the Seaport Village boardwalk, live music, street performers and photo opportunities of your family and friends surfing with Santa.
When: Dec. 5-27, 2024
The Holiday Market in Gallagher Square is a fun night for the whole family and will feature local and European artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverage, Santa and other holiday characters!
When: Dec. 6-7, 2024
Join the festivities during Balboa Park December Nights, a two-day holiday celebration of food, entertainment and fun. The sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air as the museums and cultural institutions in Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park, open their doors free of charge. Festivities include carolers, live music, light displays, theater and dance performances, and delicious foods from around the world.
When: Dec. 7, 2024
Little Italy transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas twinkle lights down all the streets adorned with 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, Christmas songs and more.
When: Dec. 8, 2024
The festive and fiery SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off promises everything a person could want in a fun day including craft beer, wine, shopping music and chili!
When: Dec. 13-14, 2024
Celebrate holiday cheer with Poway's Christmas in the Park. The event features a tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, train rides, live music, theatre performances, food, treats, crafts and more.
When: Dec. 14, 2024
Walk the streets of La Mesa's historic downtown while exploring dozens of local craft vendor stands, then cozy up with artisan and craft food and snack specialties. Friends and family can relax by the fire pits while enjoying holiday caroling, cheerful holiday music, and fun live entertainment
When: Dec. 26, 2024
Liberty Station in partnership with The Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach will host a public menorah lighting at Liberty Station's Central Promenade to commemorate the first night of Hanukkah.
When: Dec. 26, 2024
The DIRECTV Holiday Bowl is excited to host the second annual Bowl Bash in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego! The Bowl Bash is a time for fans and locals to gather in the heart of San Diego for FREE family fun, great food, live music, giveaways and more!
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When: Dec 4, 2024
Join Coronado in holiday cheer from the Ferry Landing, down Orange Avenue, all the way to the Hotel del Coronado for live music, local business open houses, sing-alongs, a parade and a grand tree lighting at Rotary Park.
When: Dec. 7, 2024
Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101.
When: Dec. 7, 2024
For more than 40 years, the quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted one of the best Holiday Parades in SoCal.
When: Dec. 8, 2024
Spread some holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival in December in downtown La Jolla. The event includes marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, and yes ~ a camel. Church bells peal with a fly-over. There is also a Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
When: Dec. 8 & 15, 2024
Enjoy the twinkling waters of the San Diego Bay and more than 80 private boats decorated with holiday lights for the annual Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights over two weekends in December. Great views are available on dry land from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the pier at Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado's Ferry Landing.
When: Dec. 14, 2024
Watch the season sail by at the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights in December. The popular parade circles the harbor and features a wide variety of boats, brightly decorated for the holiday season.
When: Dec. 14, 2024
Third Avenue is about to turn into a mesmerizing wonderland with 100 dazzling entries, from whimsical floats and toe-tapping marching bands to dance squads that are ready to groove and classic cars that are ready to cruise.
When: Dec. 14, 2024
Kick off this holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and enjoy the festive holiday boats parade on the bay.
When: Dec. 14, 2024
This holiday parade presents cute dogs and their amazing owners parading in colorful fashion as they proudly promenade through the heart and soul of the Gaslamp for all the onlookers to see!
When: Dec. 27, 2024
America's Largest Balloon Parade! Marching bands, floats, drill teams and giant balloons parade down San Diego's beautiful waterfront in celebration of the Holiday Bowl.
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When: Nov. 21, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
The grove of towering Norfolk Island Pines on the Hotel Del Coronado's Founders Lawn is the scene of a dynamic light show orchestrated to music, a brilliant ethereal experience that captivates guests with a finale of snow flurries.
When: Nov. 15, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025
Featuring exciting new installations along with returning fan favorites, this one-mile loop has been reimagined to surprise and delight visitors. Merging nature and art, the Garden will come to life at night with festive sights and sounds for all to enjoy.
When: Dec. 1-31, 2024
Lights will be lit all December long in the Campground! You will be able to walk alongside beautiful holiday displays and drive your golf cart (or walk) under the tunnel of lights.
When: Dec. 8 - 23, 2024
The Moonlight Amphitheatre will be adorned in a spectacular holiday light show that you will be able to walk through while you enjoy holiday refreshments, festive displays, live entertainment, family activities and photo opportunities.
When: Dec. 13-26, 2024
Get ready to embark on a festive journey like no other, as we transform this iconic venue into a winter wonderland by the sea. With twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and delicious snacks and drinks, Coastal Christmas promises to be your new favorite holiday tradition.
When: Nov. 30 - Dec. 23, 26-30, 2024
Hop aboard and ride a wave of holiday cheer! Elf conductors will share fun holiday facts and traditions as you enjoy the festive holiday lights of Old Town, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Balboa Park and more, including a 15-minute stop at Seaport Village for holiday festivities.
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For the Holidays
25+ Free Holiday Events
Holidays at the Attractions
Outdoor Merriment
Holiday Arts & Culture
Christmas Tree Trail
Hotel Holiday Happenings
Thanksgiving
Holiday Shopping
New Year's Eve
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