Christmas Holiday Lights in Palm Trees

BALBOA PARK DECEMBER NIGHTS

When: December 1-2, 2023

The free family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the ​lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food..

AKA Christmas on the Prado.

JUNGLE BELLS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO

When: December 9, 2023 - January 1, 2024

The Zoo will be aglow with holiday cheer and decorations, with music filling the air, joyful roaming entertainers, and special food items and sweets available.

WILD HOLIDAYS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

When: Thru December 31, 2023

Seasonal decorations, special wildlife experiences and a festive atmosphere ​will greet visitors at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as the Park spreads its ​own version of holiday cheer.

SAN DIEGO BAY PARADE OF LIGHTS

When: December 10 & 17, 2023

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition with more than 80 boats lavishly decorated sailing by the shores for all to see.


WINTER WONDER BEACHSIDE AT BELMONT PARK

When: Thru December 31, 2023

Join us in embracing the magic of the season at Belmont Park's Winter Wonder​—your ultimate beachside holiday experience. From classic rides and ​attractions, festive activities, family - friendly entertainment to holiday treats ​and cozy drinks - we guarantee there’s something for everyone.


SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN LIGHTSCAPE

When: Thru January 1, 2024

Enjoy live entertainment at the Conservatory's outdoor amphitheater, a spectacular poinsettia display, a holiday musical lightshow (with an extra surprise!), a snow mound, kids' crafts, face painting, mulled wine and beer, food trucks, a holiday market place and, of course, pictures with Santa.

WINTER & SPRING GRAY WHALE WATCHING

When: Mid-December - April

Each year, more than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip ​journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California, where the females ​give birth to their calves. After spending time in warm Baja California ​waters so their young can grow strong, they make the journey north again ​in spring. . With 70 miles of coastline directly in the migration path, San ​Diego is an ideal destination to see this impressive parade of gentle giants.

NEW YEAR'S EVE

When: December 31, 2023

From grand and glamorous to intimate and romantic to family-friendly, there is a ​New Year's Eve event just for you. The possibilities are endless. Make this the ​best year yet by starting your year off with a trip to San Diego.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL

When: December 27, 2023

This signature San Diego event annually showcases a thrilling game ​between some of college football's most competitive conferences, the ACC ​and the Pac-12.

Christmas Frame with Fir Tree and Garlands Copy Space

Other Featured Events

OLD TOWN TROLLEY'S HOLIDAY SIGHTS & FESTIVE NIGHTS

When: December 1-30, 2023

Join in sing-along caroling with our Elf conductors as they share fun holiday ​facts, trivia, history, and traditions. Enjoy a 15-minute stop at Seaport Village ​for holiday festivities. Hop aboard to see the festive holiday sights of Old Town, ​Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and more!



LITTLE ITALY TREE LIGHTING & CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

When: December 2, 2023

Families, friends and neighbors will experience Little Italy's Christmas magic ​and will be able to enjoy the community’s festive décor, seasonal vendors, live ​music and entertainment, horse carriage rides, holiday treats, a tree lighting, a ​visit from Santa and more!


LA MESA'S HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE

When: December 2, 2023

Take part in free festive fun with live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, ​holiday photo opportunities, and a kids' area bigger than Santa's Toy Shop!


LIBERTY STATION HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING

When: December 7, 2023

Come together in Liberty Station for the lighting of the menorah. The magical, ​family-friendly festivities will be complete with music and the traditional ​lighting of the menorah.


JINGLE TERRACE LIVE

When: December 8-23, 2023 Vista

Each evening, the Moonlight Amphitheatre will be adorned in a spectacular ​holiday light show that you will be able to walk through and inside The ​Moonlight while you enjoy holiday refreshments, festive displays, live ​entertainment, family activities and photo opportunities, and other special ​surprises to be announced!

WINTER WONDERLAND FESTIVAL

When: December 2-3, 2023 - Escondid0

Play in real snow, enjoy holiday-themed drinks and treats at Santa's Corner ​Café, holiday crafting activities led by professional teaching artists and browse ​for gifts from local artisans.


MAKERS ARCADE

When: December 2-3, 2023

This holiday event will feature more than 100 makers, craft cocktails, beer, ​gourmet food trucks, live music, photo trailers, styled lounges, door favors!


SONO FEST & CHILI COOK-OFF

When: December 3, 2023

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!


LAS POSADAS: AN OLD TOWN CELEBRATION

When: December 8, 2023

Las Posadas is a centuries-old Mexican celebration representing the several ​nights Mary and Joseph, accompanied by a flock of shepherds and angels, ​sought shelter at different inns in Bethlehem.


POWAY'S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

When: December 8, 2023

Poway's Christmas in the Park is a unique way to bring holiday delights to your ​family this holiday season with the magic of an old-fashioned tradition


Coastal Christmas Del Mar Fairgrounds

When: December 14-31, 2023

The Beautiful Del Mar Fairgrounds will be transformed into San Diego's Holiday ​Headquarters. With twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and delicious snacks and ​drinks, Coastal Christmas promises to be your new favorite holiday tradition


SESAME PLACE'S A VERY FURRY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

When: November 10 - January 7, 2024

The park is transformed into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday ​magic and surprises. Guests will enjoy Sesame Street Christmas shows, the ​Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, ​and exciting rides. There will be games, special merchandise, and one-of-a-​kind photos with your Sesame Street friends dressed up in their holiday ​best!

SEAWORLD'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

When: November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024

SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration is a holiday waiting to be made, with ​seasonal shopping, festive food and drinks, and stunning live shows.

HOLIDAYS AT LEGOLAND

When: November 18, 2023 - January 7, 2024

Experience the magic of the Holidays at LEGOLAND with music and twinkling ​lights and the world's largest LEGO® Christmas Tree. Enjoy live ​entertainment with Santa's elves singing in Fun Town and a life-sized LEGO ​Brick Santa and Reindeer that make for a perfect family photo.

WILD HOLIDAYS AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

When: November 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024

During select nights, see the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a ​holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and ​twinkle with holiday cheer.

SANTA TRAIN NORTH POLE LIMITED

When: Nov. 24 - Dec. 16, 2023

Once onboard the North Pole Limited, Santa's elves will sing our favorite ​Christmas carols, read a popular Christmas story to all of our young ones, ​and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. The North Pole ​Limited will stop at Santa's Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus who ​will visit with all passengers on the train on our way back to the Campo ​Depot.


DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS!

When: November 8 - December 31, 2023

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical ​musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book

EBENEZER SCROOGE'S BIG SAN DIEGO CHRISTMAS SHOW

When: November 17 - December 24, 2023

San Diego has another show in its Christmas stocking with this fast, ​funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved ​holiday stories ever told. All the traditional elements of Dickens's A ​Christmas Carol are intact—including the iconic ghosts of Christmases ​Past, Present, and Future—but with a comic local twist.

ice Skating & Races

SKATING BY THE SEA

When: November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024

This spectacular ice rink at the Hotel del Coronado features stunning ​views of the Pacific and Coronado beach.


VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER ICE RINK

When: November 3, 2023 - January 8, 2024,

Lace up your skates and take in the holiday splendor as you relive a ​cherished piece of your childhood or take your very first spin at the Viejas ​Ice Rink!


RADY CHILDREN'S ICE RINK AT ARTS DISTRICT

When: November 16, 2023 - January 7, 2024

Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, Sentre and NTC Foundation welcome ​the community to celebrate the holiday season with the return of their ​outdoor ice skating. Liberty Station


Julian Farm & Orchard Skating;

When: Nov. 10–Jan. 1, Fri.–Sun., 10 am–4 pm. $12–$18.

Skate & helmet rental, $4 each. 4381 Julian Hwy.

RED NOSE RUN

When: December 9, 2023

A fun run & walk on beautiful Del Mar beach that is family and dog ​friendly. Choose your distance - we offer 3K and 5K distance (note: ​distances may be altered depending on beach conditions that day)


SAN DIEGO SANTA RUN 5K AND 1 MILE RACE

When: December 9, 2023

Come out in your finest (or ugliest) Christmas attire as you take part in the ​annual San Diego Santa Run, a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.


DIRTY DECEMBER POKER FUN RUN HALF MARATHON & 10K

When: December 16, 2023

Join in holiday cheer and run the trails during the Dirty December Poker ​Fun Run Half Marathon & 10K. In addition to a costume contest and ​holiday theme, this run will involve a poker element – your poker hand ​could give you bonus time!


SAN DIEGO HOLIDAY HALF MARATHON

When: December 16, 2023

The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a fast 13.1 mile course that starts ​in Rancho Penasquitos and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State ​Beach.

Christmas party and Parade

Parades

CORONADO HOLIDAY PARADE

When: December 1, 2023

Every year the Coronado Chamber of Commerce hosts a festive Holiday Parade ​- a twinkling collection of community groups, floats, marching bands and ​snow-sprinkled cars cruise down Orange Avenue



ENCINITAS HOLIDAY PARADE

When: December 2, 2023

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.


OB HOLIDAY PARADE

When: December 2, 2023

For more 40 years, our quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted ​one of the best Holiday Parades in SoCal. On Saturday, December 2nd, Newport ​Avenue is lined with colorful OBceans and visitors all eagerly awaiting the ​commencement of the 44th Annual OB Holiday Parade at Sunset!



OCEANSIDE HARBOR PARADE OF LIGHTS

When: December 9, 2023

Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday swag ​and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, ​restaurants and beach


PORT OF SAN DIEGO HOLIDAY BOWL PARADE

When: December 27, 2023

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.

MISSION BAY CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS

When: December 9, 2023

The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, a distinctly California ​celebration, features boats decorated for the holidays that will sail around ​the Bay


LA JOLLA CHRISTMAS PARADE & HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

When: December 3, 2023

Spread some holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday ​Festival with marching bands, floats, vintage automobiles and Santa Claus.


“joy in julian”Country Christmas Parade of lights

When: December 16 2-10, 2023 at 5:30

Line Main St. Julian and enjoy our display of holiday decorated cars. It's a ​small town thing, bringing "Joy in Julian."


SAN DIEGO BAY PARADE OF LIGHTS

When: December 10 & 17, 2023

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition ​with more than 80 boats lavishly decorated sailing by the shores for all to ​see.


CHULA VISTA STARLIGHT PARADE & FESTIVAL

When: December 3, 2023

Immerse yourself in a timeless, holiday tradition where friends and family, ​young and old can revel in the Christmas atmosphere that the FREE ​Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire brings each year!




Pictures with Santa Kids & Pets

Westfield UTC

November 17- December 24


Fashion Valley

in the mall and also at JC Penney, November 22 - December 24


OTAY RANCH TOWN CENTER

November 22 - December 24


Santa photos by the sea:

December 3, 1:00-5:00 pm Camino Del Mar


Parkway Plaza

November 22 - December 24


Parkway Plaza Pet Night With Santa

November 20, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm


Grossmont Center & PETS TOO!

November 24- December 24


Westfield Plaza Bonita

November 22 - December 24


GASLAMP HOLIDAY PET PARADE

When: December 16, 2023

San Diego's furriest festive family-friendly parade returns to ​Downtown as the annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade ​takes over the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter.


Christmas dinner

Featured Feasts

Herb & Wood: Little Italy


Herb & Sea: Encinitas


Avant: Rancho Bernardo Inn


The Shore’s Restaurant: La Jolla Shores


For a Complete and Total List of San Diego Restaurants open & serving Christmas Eve & Day

New Year fireworks background
Cute pink house with Christmas decoration
Lighted Christmas Tree

Contact

ME

Barbara Huba

Barb@Hubarealty.com

858-226-7126