San Diego transforms into a sun-soaked winter wonderland this holiday season, offering visitors a distinctive twist on traditional festivities.
San Diego transforms into a sun-soaked winter wonderland this holiday season, offering visitors a distinctive twist on traditional festivities. From ice skating along the coastline to world-class attractions transforming into holiday spectacles, San Diego’s signature blend of year-round sunny temperatures and festive programming creates an inviting escape for travelers seeking both holiday cheer and Southern California warmth.
Arts & Culture
The La Jolla Playhouse is excited to announce its winter season, featuring two world premieres. From Nov. 19 to Dec. 15, audiences can enjoy Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again by Anna Ouyang Moench and directed by Les Waters.
Elf™ in Concert is coming to the San Diego Symphony at the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center on Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For the first time ever, fans can experience the magic of this holiday favorite with a live symphony orchestra performing John Debney’s enchanting score. Don’t miss the thrill as Santa Claus soars across the big screen, accompanied by the powerful sounds of a live orchestra.
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is back for another year at The Old Globe Theater. From now until Dec. 31, Christmas lovers can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit as they take a trip to a frosty Who-ville and sing along to this musical take on a Dr. Seuss classic.
On Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m., the San Diego Opera will be accompanied by special guest stars for a heartwarming holiday concert, showcasing music that spans centuries and styles. The performance, Making Merry, will feature an array of seasonal songs, carols, modern hits, and timeless holiday classics at the historic Balboa Theatre.
From Friday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., to Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Balboa Park will host December Nights, San Diego’s largest free holiday festival. This family-friendly celebration invites guests to enjoy the lights, sounds, attractions, and delicious food that capture the festive spirit of the season.
Attractions & Events
LEGOLAND California is gearing up for fa-la-la-la-LEGO® fun, transforming the park into an Elf Extravaganza this holiday season, running select days from Nov. 23, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025. Visitors can enjoy Holiday Fireworks from December 21–30, the Holly Hype Dance Party with Reindeer Girl, photo ops with LEGO Santa and friends, Brickmas Greetings with LEGO Toy Soldier and live music, plus the Jingle Jamboree featuring LEGO Holiday characters.
On Dec. 31, the park will celebrate Kids’ New Year’s Eve with a kid-friendly countdown to midnight starting at 7 p.m., featuring festive fireworks and 3D glasses that magically transform the fireworks into LEGO bricks.
SeaWorld San Diego is bringing holiday magic to life with its annual Christmas Celebration, running daily now through Jan. 5, 2025. The park will transform into a winter wonderland, featuring San Diego’s tallest Christmas tree, dazzling holiday and laser lights, and even falling snowflakes. Guests can enjoy a range of festive entertainment, including holiday shows, Happy Harbor Holiday with Winston the Walrus, a Mrs. Claus Christmas parade, Christmas Wish fireworks, dining experiences with Orcas and Santa, plus seasonal cocktails, desserts, and more.
Starting Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Winter Wonder at Belmont Park invites guests to immerse themselves in holiday magic with sparkling lights, vibrant decorations, festive desserts, cozy seasonal beverages, and holiday-themed rides and attractions. New experiences this year include Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland, Sweet Escape at Escapology, and Polar Plunge at Plunge Pool.
From Nov. 21, 2024 to Jan. 7, 2025, glide into the wintry excitement at Hotel Del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea®, a beachfront ice rink offering stunning ocean views while benefiting Make-A-Wish® San Diego. Guests can reserve the rink-side Frostbite Lounge, complete with plush seating, cozy fire pits, holiday-themed drinks, and delicious bites. For more scenic views of the rink, visitors can also enjoy the ambiance from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater, and Serẽa.
Jungle Bells is returning to the San Diego Zoo starting Dec. 14, 2024 through Jan. 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., filling the zoo with holiday cheer. Guests can explore the zoo decked out in festive decor, enjoy seasonal music and tasty treats, and experience special entertainment, including the show Aurora.
Lightscape has returned for another year at the San Diego Botanic Garden, happening now through Jan. 5, 2025. This showcase features exciting new installations along with returning fan favorites, and has been reimagined to surprise and delight visitors.
Sesame Place San Diego welcomes guests to celebrate the holiday season with the return of A Very Furry Christmas, running now through Jan. 5, 2025. Families can enjoy a festive atmosphere as the park transforms into a Sesame Street-themed holiday wonderland. Highlights include Elmo’s Christmas Wish Show, the Sesame Street Christmas Cavalcade, a holiday dining experience with Elmo & Friends featuring a special menu, and photo opportunities with beloved furry characters in their holiday attire.
Del Mar Village invites guests to experience North Pole by the Sea, a family-friendly holiday event filled with festive activities. Head to Del Mar Plaza on Dec. 8 between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and other kids’ activities, along with live holiday music, drink specials for adults, and appearances by beloved holiday characters. The afternoon concludes with a tree lighting ceremony, complete with hot chocolate for the kids and a special visit from Santa and the Grinch in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5 p.m.
With departures from the Bahia Resort Hotel and the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, from Dec. 20-24, Jingle Belle Cruises invites guests to indulge in a holiday gathering full of face painting, balloons, festive crafts, photos with Santa, holiday tunes, and special treats.
Skate into the holiday season at downtown San Diego's very first outdoor roller rink, located on the Marina Terrace of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, from Nov. 25, 2024 until Jan. 5, 2025. Downtown Skate is a unique roller-skating experience with stunning views of San Diego Bay, perfect for creating those holiday memories with loved ones.
The USS Midway Museum is inviting guests to enjoy a magical evening at their second annual Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration, running on 21 selective nights from Nov. 22 to Dec. 23. As the ship transforms into a winter wonderland, it will feature enchanting holiday light displays, festive decorations, Christmas trees, opportunities to write letters to military service members, a Santa Claus meet-and-greet, and more.
Parades
On Dec. 14 at 3 p.m., Downtown Chula Vista, located in San Diego’s South Bay, will beam during the Starlight Parade & Festival, showcasing over 100 dazzling entries, from whimsical floats and toe-tapping marching bands, to dance squads and classic cars. The parade will also feature Santa himself as he makes his grand entrance in a Chula Vista Fire Engine.
The Gaslamp Quarter is brimming with festive events and unique opportunities to support local businesses, including Gaslamp Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub where guests can showcase their festive furry friends dressed up in holiday gear, collaborate in costume voting, and watch for free on Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They’re also presenting Gaslamp Artisan Market (GLAM) for an all-day outdoor shopping experience starting Jan. 7, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will entertain bayfront crowds on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Participants in this year’s highly anticipated holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme: Peace On Earth. The parade takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to pass any given point along the parade route. The approximate arrival time of the parade at various locations are:
Shelter Island (start of parade) - 5:30 p.m.
Harbor Island - 6:15 p.m.
The Embarcadero - 6:45 p.m.
Seaport Village - 7:15 p.m.
The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park - 7:30 p.m.
Ferry Landing on Coronado - 7:45 p.m.
Returning is one of the best holiday parades in SoCal - the OB Holiday Parade! Held on Dec. 7, Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach will be lined with colorful OBceans with visitors eagerly awaiting the commencement of the 44th Annual OB Holiday Parade at Sunset.
Spread holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival on Dec. 8 at 1:30 p.m., to see floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, Santa Claus, and even a camel!
On Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests can discover Oceanside’s Harbor Parade of Lights, showcasing festive fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, and kayaks as they circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants, and beach.
Returning on Dec. 14 is the Mission Bay Parade of Lights, an annual event celebrating a night of magic, merriment, and cherished memories. At 5:30 p.m., join the holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and enjoy the festive holiday boats parade on the bay from designated spectator viewing areas along the parade route.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Little Italy San Diego is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its annual Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will showcase cheerful decorations, holiday activities, and the highly anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. in the Piazza della Famiglia. Guests can enjoy a winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, towering nutcrackers, and dynamic holiday displays, along with seasonal treats, beverages, and merchandise.
Downtown Chula Vista is welcoming the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 1st, at 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Park on Third Avenue. The event will feature speeches from city officials and community leaders, celebrating the start of the festive season and the illumination of the iconic Christmas tree.
The annual Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting, in the beautiful Cuyamaca mountains, will be at the new Town Square location on the corner of Main Street and Washington this year on Nov. 30 from noon to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy music and holiday performances throughout the afternoon, a Christmas market, along with greetings from Santa.
Guests can experience the enchantment of the holiday season at Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Grand. The outdoor lounge will open its doors on Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. to celebrate the magic of the season, featuring a 25-foot holiday tree.
On Nov. 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Liberty Station is kicking off the festivities with their Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, showcasing an 88-foot Norfolk pine tree, along with live entertainment, jolly fire truck rides, free photos with Santa and a special showing of the beloved holiday classic, The Grinch.
On Nov. 30, families and friends can experience the joy of the Christmas tree lighting led by the East Village Association and San Diego’s elected officials at the East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market, held at 5:45 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests can experience a festive evening featuring a curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, live music, delicious foods, fun activities for the kids, and photos with Santa.
Food & Beverage
Returning to Belmont Park on Nov. 22 will be Miracle at Draft, a festive 21+ cocktail pop-up featuring extravagant holiday decor and Christmas-themed cocktails that capture the season’s flavors.
As part of the North Pole by the Sea day of family-friendly festivities, on Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy flavorful innovations from award-winning Del Mar Village restaurants, sips from local beverage partners at “Sip Stops” inside downtown Del Mar businesses, live music and other holiday happenings at the Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip.
The Bahia Resort Hotel is hosting a Christmas Eve Dinner at Dockside 1953 on Dec. 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring a 3-course prix fixe menu filled with chef-curated entre options. The next day, the restaurant is having an all-inclusive Christmas Day Brunch Buffet, treating guests to an expansive spread of crowd favorites.
The Catamaran Resort Hotel is offering two Christmas Dining experiences on Christmas Day to get guests in the holiday spirit. Their Christmas Champagne Brunch will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring a delectable buffet with seasonal specialties, timeless sides, and irresistible desserts, followed by a 3-course Christmas Dinner at Oceana Coastal Kitchen from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Grill at Torrey Pines’ Executive Chef Kelli Crosson and Chef de Cuisine Ryan Dzierzawski will display exquisite three-course prix fixe dinner menus as part of their Holiday Dining offerings, showcasing seasonal ingredients. These special offerings will be available on Christmas Eve from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Happening now until Jan. 5, 2025, the insideOUT restaurant is featuring its "Holiday Oasis Experience" theme. Guests are able to enjoy lite bites and drinks in its EItol Atrium lounge sans rez. 18+ entries only.
Cruisers can set sail on Christmas Day with the Christmas Premier Brunch Cruises in San Diego, taking place on Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a holiday brunch buffet freshly prepared by the chef, full bar service, and the renowned hospitality of City Cruises. While onboard, guests can take in exceptional views of San Diego’s skyline and waterfront, enjoy festive decor, and be entertained throughout the cruise.
In eager anticipation of Christmas Day, there will be a special Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise on the San Diego Bay from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can board a decorated yacht adorned with lights and holiday décor offering dinner, dancing, and views from the city’s skyline.
On Christmas Day, scenic sights and festive seasonal flavors will be in abundance aboard Flagship’s Christmas Day Dining Cruise. Upon boarding, guests will be greeted with complimentary champagne followed by holiday music and decorations, Flagship's famous service, and a luxurious dinner while cruising the San Diego Bay.
Cruisers can bring the season's magic to life with a Christmas Premier Dinner Cruises in San Diego, available on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Starting at 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., the cruise will feature festive décor and freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, along with a fully stocked cash bar.
For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org.
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