San Diego may be known for its sunny beaches and year-round perfect weather, but the city transforms into a festive wonderland when the holidays roll around.
From dazzling light displays to holiday markets and seasonal performances, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego that foster the magic.
December Nights
December 6 and 7
Celebrate the season with STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, light displays, performances, yummy food, and more at Balboa Park.
Parade of Lights
December 8 and 15
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a beloved holiday tradition. Over 80 decorated boats sail through the San Diego Bay, drawing over 100,000 locals and tourists.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and it takes one to one-and-a-half hours for the boats to pass each location. This year, the parade will also make a special stop at the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before heading toward Coronado. The best spots to view the parade include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and Coronado.
The City Ballet
December 21–23
Treat yourself to an evening with the City Ballet of San Diego. From December 21 through 23, the group will perform the Christmas classic, The Nutcracker, at the Concert Hall, California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Tickets range from $39 to $119.
Skating by the Sea
November 21 through January 5
Ice skating is an iconic holiday tradition. In San Diego, you can skate on the beach! Each year, Hotel del Coronado sets up its beachfront ice rink to enhance the holiday season while giving a portion of proceeds to Make-A-Wish® San Diego.
Buy a ticket to skate or, for an elevated experience, reserve a spot at the oceanside Frostbite Lounge with cozy seating, fire pits, festive drinks, and tasty bites. Visitors can enjoy the rink views from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater, and Serẽa.
- General Admission: $40
- Hotel Guests, Members, Military, and First Responders: $35
- Value Skate Days: $35
Reservations are required and available online. Check the website for specific dates and hours.
La Jolla Parade
December 8
Don't miss the 68th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival. The Festival starts at 11:30 a.m. on Wall Street, while the Christmas Parade kickoff is at 1:30 p.m.
Jungle Bells
December 14 through January 5
Venture the San Diego Zoo after dark with their Jungle Bells event. Be on the lookout for the Holiday Light Treks, and enjoy festive entertainment from The Tinseltones, Toy Shop Hop, Jingle Brass, and more.
General admission or membership includes activities.
Surfin’ Santa
November 30
Surfin' Santa is back, rocking his board shorts and Hawaiian shirt for a festive SoCal celebration! Arrive at Seaport Village early to catch Santa's grand entrance by watercraft from the Bay, leading a parade to the fountain courtyard. Don't forget to snap a free photo with Santa on his giant surfboard, riding a six-foot wave.
Photo from iStock.com/Robyn Campbell
Lightscape
November 15 through January 5
Lightscape returns for its third year to foster the holiday spirit in San Diego. From November 15 through January 5, head to the Botanic Garden to see a beautiful light display as you venture through the landscape.
Tickets range from $13 to $34 depending on membership, military status, age, and time.
Salute the Season
November 21 through January 5
Celebrate the season at Liberty Station with beloved holiday traditions, including the Holiday Tree Lighting, Nutcracker Tea with the San Diego Ballet, Hanukkah Celebration, the Menorah Lighting, and the Rady Children’s Ice Skating Rink.
- Holiday Tree Lighting: November 29
- Nutcracker Tea with the San Diego Ballet: December 22
- Hanukkah and Menorah Lighting: December 26
- Rady’s Children’s Ice Rink: November 21 through January 5
From sparkling light displays to heartwarming traditions, there's something for everyone to enjoy, whether you're used to a white Christmas or not. So load up the family and embrace the holiday spirit with the memory-making events in San Diego this year.
If your PCS orders have you heading to the area, check out these Naval Base San Diego homes for sale and Naval Base San Diego homes for rent to help you settle in during this festive season. Lucky for you, there are many San Diego homes to choose from.
Main photo from iStock.com/EM_prize.
