San Diego Christmas Events & Holiday Activities: A Local’s Guide to 50+ Things to Do

San Diego Christmas events and holiday activities transform our sunny city into a festive wonderland each December, blending beach weather with classic Christmas traditions. From ice skating steps from the Pacific Ocean to twinkling lights across world-famous theme parks, San Diego offers unique holiday celebrations you won’t find anywhere else.

I’ve celebrated Christmas in San Diego for 30+ years and created this guide to help you navigate the best events, from major attractions to hidden neighborhood gems. Whether you’re visiting or you’re a local looking for new traditions, you’ll find everything from festive dining to spectacular light displays across San Diego County.

Note: This guide currently reflects 2025 event dates and details. I’ll update with confirmed 2026 dates as they’re announced throughout the year, typically between April and October 2026.

Top 10 San Diego Christmas Events Every Year

Theme Parks & Major Attractions

San Diego’s theme parks and major attractions transform into winter wonderlands each December, offering festive experiences that combine our signature sunshine with classic holiday magic.

San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells

When: December 19, 2025–January 4, 2026
Cost: Included with Zoo admission (use my San Diego Zoo promo code)

The San Diego Zoo celebrates the season with colorful light displays, Santa’s acrobatic elves, and evening animal encounters during Jungle Bells. The world-famous zoo adds holiday festivities to complement daytime animal viewing, creating a complete experience. Read our complete San Diego Zoo Christmas guide.

Tip: Arrive in daylight to see as many animals as possible before evening events start.

SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration

When: November 7, 2025–January 2, 2026
Cost: Included with regular park admission (get discounted SeaWorld tickets)

More than one million lights illuminate SeaWorld during Christmas Celebration, featuring Mrs. Claus’ festive parade, holiday-themed animal shows, and photo opportunities with Santa. The park offers seasonal desserts and drinks that change annually, plus snow experiences that delight San Diego kids. See our full SeaWorld Christmas guide for show schedules and seasonal treats.

Tip: Order food through the app to skip long lines during peak hours.

LEGOLAND California Holidays

When: Select dates November 22, 2025–January 4, 2026
Cost: Included with regular park admission

LEGOLAND features the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree, festive shows, and holiday fireworks on select December nights. Kids can meet LEGO Santa and enjoy magical “snowfall” throughout the park. On December 31, celebrate an early kid-friendly “midnight” with a giant LEGO brick drop and fireworks display. Get all the details in our Christmas guide, including LEGOLAND discount ticket codes.

Safari Park Wild Holidays

When: November 28-30, December 19-23, December 26–January 4, 2026
Cost: Included with regular park admission (use my San Diego Safari Park promo code)

Wild Holidays transforms the Safari Park with illuminated trails, including the Bridge of Lights and Nairobi Lantern Walk, plus a living nativity and Santa visits at Safari Base Camp. Guests can stroll glowing pathways like the Forest of Color and Enchanted Lagoon while enjoying carolers, musicians, and festive treats from peppermint bark to craft cocktails. Read our Safari Park Christmas guide for visiting strategies.

Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

When: November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026 (closed Nov 27, Dec 24-25)
Cost: Timed entry tickets required

This internationally acclaimed light show features a one-mile walking trail with illuminated art sculptures, a music-activated tunnel, and artistic fire installations. After selling out in London, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, Lightscape continues in San Diego. The experience combines nature with cutting-edge light design, creating an immersive spectacle unlike any other San Diego holiday event.

Tip: Wear walking shoes. There are slight inclines, but they are manageable.

USS Midway Museum Jingle Jets

When: Select dates November 28–December 30, 2025 | 5:30-9 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.)
Cost: Tickets sell out quickly

More than 750,000 holiday lights illuminate the aircraft carrier’s flight deck during Jingle Jets, creating one of San Diego’s most unique Christmas experiences. Guests enjoy festive music and seasonal treats from vendors while celebrating on a historic naval vessel overlooking the bay. It’s a fun way to combine patriotic pride with holiday cheer. For more museum activities while you’re there, see our USS Midway Museum guide.

Petco Park Holiday Wonderland

When: December 5-23, 2025 | 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Timed tickets required, purchase in advance

A 40-foot Christmas tree anchors this holiday festival featuring a Christmas Train through Gallagher Square, carousel rides, sledding for kids, and visits with Santa and real reindeer. The holiday market offers artisan gifts and seasonal treats while dazzling light displays transform the ballpark into a winter wonderland. We went last year and found it to be a one-stop holiday night with plenty to do!

Winter Wonder at Belmont Park

When: Select dates November 15, 2025–January 4, 2026
Cost: Free admission, rides and activities require tickets

Over one million twinkling lights transform our seaside amusement park into a festive destination. Weekend DJ Jingle Jams, holiday treats, festive face painting, and a Christmas cocktail pop-up create a lively beachfront atmosphere that visitors can explore for free. It’s one of the many fun Belmont Park activities.

Coastal Christmas at Del Mar Fairgrounds

When: December 12-14, 18-23, and 26, 2025 | 4-9 p.m.
Cost: Purchase tickets in advance (no on-site sales)

Millions of lights create a seaside holiday trail featuring igloos, fire-pit seating, live music, and an eco-friendly Glice skating rink. Santa appears nightly, except on December 26, while a holiday market and Frosty’s Fun Zone offer shopping and entertainment for the whole family. Watch our sneak peek from last year.

Luxury Hotel Christmas Experiences

San Diego’s luxury hotels create spectacular holiday experiences with exclusive events and festive décor that rival any destination resort.

Hotel del Coronado Holidays

When: November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026
Cost: Activity reservations required (book early)

The iconic Hotel del Coronado offers the quintessential San Diego Christmas experience with Skating by the Sea, a beachfront ice skating just steps from the Pacific Ocean. It was a major celebration, and I recommend staying overnight (I stayed at Beach Village).

The “Holiday in Oz” theme celebrated L. Frank Baum’s time in Coronado with elaborate decorations throughout the historic resort. Guests enjoy gingerbread house decorating, photos with Santa, holiday movies on the beach, beachside fire pits, and rentable Beachside Igloos for the ultimate coastal holiday celebration. For complete details on all activities, booking timelines, and VIP hotel benefits, read our Hotel del Coronado Christmas guide.

Tip: Book skating and dining reservations when dates are announced. Popular time slots sell out weeks in advance. If you are going to spend the night, see my full Hotel del Coronado review, and book in using our Virtuoso benefits that will add serious value to your stay at no extra cost.

Park Hyatt Aviara Stocking Full of Christmas

This North County resort offers its own holiday celebration, featuring festive activities and seasonal dining for guests and visitors throughout the season. We gave away tickets to it last year.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar Holidays at The Grand

When: Select dates November 27, 2025–January 1, 2026
Cost: Varies by event

A 25-foot Christmas tree anchors the festive transformation at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, which offers outdoor Glice skating, Holiday Tea service, s’mores around fire pits, and brunch with Santa.

The resort’s seasonal cuisine and elegant holiday décor create a sophisticated Christmas atmosphere perfect for both resort guests and local visitors. See our Fairmont Grand Del Mar Christmas guide for more things to do, and my Fairmont Grand Del Mar review for how to book in using our benefits.

Free Community Festivals & Events

San Diego neighborhoods celebrate with free holiday events throughout December, bringing communities together for tree lightings, parades, and festive gatherings.

Balboa Park December Nights

When: December 5 (3-11 p.m.) & 6 (11 a.m.-11 p.m.), 2025
Cost: Free

The crown jewel of San Diego Christmas events attracts 350,000+ visitors over two nights for the city’s largest holiday festival. Balboa Park transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland with twinkling lights, international food vendors, live carolers, performances across multiple stages, and free museum admission throughout the park. The cultural celebration combines food, music, and holiday spirit in an unforgettable community gathering that defines Christmas in San Diego.

Local’s Tip: Parking, which is now paid for most people, is the biggest challenge. Lots fill hours before the start time. Use free shuttle services or take a rideshare.

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

When: December 6, 2025 | 4-8 p.m.

India Street closes for this beloved celebration featuring a Christmas Village with holiday market, live music, kids’ arts and crafts, and photos with Santa Claus at 4 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony occurs at 6:30 p.m. at Piazza Della Famiglia, while 10-foot nutcrackers line street corners throughout the season.

Coronado Holiday Parade

When: December 5, 2025 | 7 p.m.

The annual parade starts at Ferry Landing and proceeds down Orange Avenue to Hotel del Coronado, followed by holiday sing-alongs and tree lighting at Rotary Park. This beloved Coronado tradition brings the island community together for an evening of festive celebration.

Del Mar North Pole by the Sea

When: December 7, 2025 | 1-5 p.m.
Cost: Tickets required for Santa photos

Del Mar Village Association hosts this family event, featuring a tree lighting, photos with Santa, carolers, and holiday crafts, in the charming beach village atmosphere.

Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village

When: November 29, 2025 | 1-4 p.m.

Santa arrives by watercraft and parades along the boardwalk to the fountain courtyard for photos, live music, and entertainment in this uniquely San Diego holiday tradition celebrating our coastal culture.

Ocean Beach Holiday Parade

When: December 6, 2025 | 5 p.m.

Marching bands, motorcycles, festive floats, the VW Beetle club, and classic Woodies cruise down Newport Avenue in this beloved Ocean Beach tradition that captures the neighborhood’s eclectic spirit.

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival

When: December 7, 2025 | Christmas Village 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Parade starts 1:30 p.m.

The parade marches down Girard Avenue to Prospect Street with a theme, and last year it was “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays.” The Christmas Village at the Athenaeum features entertainment and Santa photos before the parade. I’ve seen this cheerful Christmas parade many times and have even been in it, and it never gets old, though street closures affect nearby La Jolla hotels.

Liberty Station Salute the Season

When: Select dates November 20, 2025–January 4, 2026

This series includes Holiday Tree Lighting, Nutcracker Tea Party, Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, Rady Children’s Ice Rink, and Marine Band San Diego Holiday Concert. Ice rink proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

La Mesa Holiday in the Village

When: December 13, 2025 | 12-9 p.m.

La Mesa Boulevard transforms into a Victorian wonderland with craft vendors, fire pits, live music, a large kids’ area, and photos with Santa in this charming downtown celebration.

Chula Vista Starlight Parade

When: December 6, 2025 | 3-6 p.m.

Downtown Chula Vista’s biggest holiday event brings the community together with festive floats, marching bands, tree lighting ceremony, and extended hours at the Downtown Farmers Market with holiday-inspired foods and local vendors.

Poway Christmas in the Park

When: December 12-13, 2025 | 3:30-8:30 p.m.

Old Poway Park hosts this traditional celebration featuring Santa, live music, theater performances, food, crafts, and Saturday nighttime rides on the Poway Midland Railroad. Free shuttle service is available from the Poway City Hall and Adult School parking lots.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

When: December 14 and 21, 2025 | 5:30-9 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch

The 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features 80+ private boats decorated with holiday lights sailing along the bay. Last year’s theme was “An Out of This World Christmas.” The Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Coronado Ferry Landing offer excellent shore viewing for this time-honored San Diego tradition that draws huge waterfront crowds.

Best viewing locations with approximate arrival times:

• Shelter Island (parade start): 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.

Oceanside Parade of Lights

When: December 13, 2025 | 7-9 p.m.

Fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, kayaks, and dinghies dress up for the Oceanside Parade of Lights. Best viewing is along Oceanside Harbor near the fishing dock and police station.

Holiday Shows & Performances

Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

When: November 5–December 31, 2025
Cost: Purchase tickets in advance

The Old Globe Theatre presents this beloved annual performance in its 27th season, featuring favorite songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” in a whimsical musical production. Many locals make this an annual tradition, returning year after year to experience the heartwarming story that captures the true spirit of Merry Christmas.

San Diego Symphony Noel Noel at Rady Shell

When: December 19-21, 2025
Cost: Purchase tickets in advance

This annual family-friendly concert features the San Diego Symphony performing at the Rady Shell, which is decked with lights and offers gorgeous views of the bay. The venue’s waterfront location creates a uniquely San Diego holiday experience.

The Nutcracker Performances

San Diego hosts multiple Nutcracker productions each December. Top venues include:

• Golden State Ballet & San Diego Symphony – San Diego Civic Theatre, December 12-21, 2025 (tickets) – performed live with symphony, elaborate sets, and costumes
• City Ballet of San Diego – California Center for the Arts Escondido, December 20-23, 2025 (tickets) – sweeping sets and elegant choreography
• San Diego Ballet – The Magnolia & Liberty Station, December 20-21, 2025 (tickets) – large local cast of 100+ dancers

Ice Skating & Winter Activities

Hotel del Coronado Skating by the Sea

When: November 21, 2025–January 4, 2026

The quintessential San Diego Christmas experience—beachfront ice skating just steps from the Pacific Ocean. See our Hotel del Coronado Christmas guide for booking details and all holiday activities. I highly recommend booking in advance, as it sold out on multiple dates last year. It’s difficult to walk up and skate.

Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station

When: November 20, 2025–January 4, 2026
Cost: Tickets available online or on-site

Outdoor ice skating under sunny San Diego skies with skate rentals and helmets included in admission. All proceeds benefit the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital, making every visit support a meaningful cause.

Coastal Christmas Del Mar

The eco-friendly Glice rink at Del Mar Fairgrounds is part of the larger Coastal Christmas light spectacular running December 12-14, 18-23, and 26.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Glice skating is available as part of Holidays at The Grand. Get the details in our Fairmont Christmas guide.

Christmas Markets & Shopping

San Diego’s holiday markets feature local artisans, festive foods, and unique gift shopping in vibrant outdoor settings.

San Diego Made Holiday Market

When: November 15 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and November 16, 2025 (10 am-4 p.m.)
Cost: $5 entry; children under 10 free

This premier artisan market at Liberty Station features 125+ curated local makers, creating a family-friendly shopping festival with live music, gourmet food trucks, and craft cocktails throughout the outdoor venue.

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair

When: December 13 and December 14, 2025 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Tickets required

This two-day artisan market on Broadway Pier features 140+ local makers with live music and food trucks. The final day coincides with the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, allowing you to shop from local vendors while watching beautifully decorated boats glide by.

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

When: November 23, 2025 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend

This massive one-day street fair transforms South Coast Highway 101 with hundreds of vendors selling unique crafts and gifts. A craft brewery beer garden, international food, and multiple live music stages create a lively atmosphere perfect for a full day of holiday shopping.

Holiday Dining & Pop-Up Bars

San Diego restaurants offer special Christmas menus throughout December, from intimate dinners to festive brunches. For our complete guide to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining, including restaurant recommendations, reservation tips, and special menus, see our Christmas Dinner in San Diego guide.

Christmas pop-up bars transform San Diego bars into immersive winter wonderlands:

• Miracle pop-ups: Coaster Saloon (Mission Beach) & Botanica Bar (North Park) has kitschy holiday decor and signature holiday cocktails in collectible mugs
• Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt: Pacific Beach speakeasy with tropical tiki-themed Christmas holiday-tiki cocktails

Meals with Santa:

• Neiman Marcus Breakfast with Santa (tickets required) is a festive breakfast, balloon elf, photo with Santa, and mimosas for adults that we’ve been to many times
• Malibu Farm at Seaport Village on Christmas Eve (first-come, first-served)
• Hotel del Coronado Brunch with Santa (see our Hotel del Christmas guide)

Best Christmas Lights Neighborhoods

San Diego neighborhoods known for elaborate Christmas light displays include:

• Candy Cane Lane (Poway): Three connected cul-de-sacs on Hickory Court/Street, Butterwood Court, and Rockrose Court with interactive lights and music
• Belardo Lights (Tierrasanta): Computerized holiday lighting show at 5306 Belardo Drive with over 100,000 lights sequenced to music (tune radio to FM 106.1)
• Christmas Card Lane (Rancho Penasquitos): Over 200 homes with giant holiday-themed cutouts on Oviedo Street and the surrounding area off Black Mountain Road
• Garrison Street (Point Loma): High-end homes dense with brightly-colored Christmas lights near Chatsworth – walking around here is a tradition for many San Diego families
• Christmas Circle (Chula Vista): A 66-year tradition with 55+ decorated homes on Whitney Street and Mankato Street (circle between First and Second Avenue off H Street)

Christmas light displays change annually as homeowners move or scale back participation so we’ll check closer to the date.

Cruises & Holiday Train Rides

Festive cruises and train rides offer unique ways to celebrate Christmas in San Diego.

City Cruises offers special dining cruises on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day with waterfront holiday ambiance.

North Pole Limited Train Ride takes families on a magical journey from Campo Depot to the North Pole with hot cocoa, cookies, holiday stories, and you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Running Fridays and Saturdays in late November through mid-December, tickets sell out quickly.

Old Town Trolley Holiday Lights Tour provides a narrated tour of the city’s best holiday light displays with festive music, typically running from late November through early January.

Coaster Holiday Express is a 60-minute ride from Oceanside to Solana Beach featuring Santa and carolers. This free event sells out almost instantly. Tickets typically go on sale in mid-November.

Holiday Bowl Parade, America’s largest balloon parade, typically takes place in early January along San Diego Bay, featuring massive floats, character balloons, and marching bands.

What’s Open on Christmas Day

Several San Diego attractions and outdoor spaces remain open on Christmas Day:

• San Diego Zoo
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• LEGOLAND California
• SeaWorld San Diego
• Cabrillo National Monument
• Maritime Museum of San Diego

Most major museums in Balboa Park are closed on Christmas Day, but the park grounds are open for festive strolls.

For restaurant options open on Christmas Day, including special menus and reservation information, see our Christmas Dinner in San Diego guide.

Planning Your San Diego Christmas Visit

When to Visit for Holiday Fun

Thanksgiving Week
Get both holidays in one trip, as many San Diego Christmas events start the weekend before Thanksgiving, with fewer crowds at some attractions.

Mid-December
The peak holiday season, with everything in full swing, offers the most festive atmosphere but also larger crowds.

Week Between Christmas and New Year’s
Many events run through the first week of January, making them a good option if you prefer to avoid Christmas week crowds.

What Books Up Early

• Hotel del Coronado activities (book September/October when dates announced)
• Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas at Old Globe
• North Pole Limited train ride
• Holiday dining at luxury hotels

Weather & What to Pack

Daytime temperatures typically range from 60s-70s°F with plenty of sunshine, while evenings cool to the 50s°F. Bring layers for evening events (especially if you plan on ice skating), as coastal areas can get crisp after sunset. Rain is rare, but it can happenin Southern California.

Transportation Tips

• Downtown San Diego events: Use rideshare, trolley, or plan parking early.
• December Nights: Plan parking strategy well in advance. I recommend that you Uber or use the free shuttles because parking is a headache.
• Theme parks: Expect parking fees of $16-35.

Final Thoughts

I feel lucky to have celebrated Christmas in San Diego for 30+ years. You can experience holiday magic in shorts during the day and comfortably enjoy twinkling lights in the evening. It’s a combination that makes our city’s Christmas celebrations truly different.

One thing I tell clients is that you can start experiencing Christmas activities during Thanksgiving week (and sometimes the week before), making it a great way to get the best of both holidays in one visit.

See also:

• Top Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in San Diego

What are some of your favorite holiday activities in San Diego? Leave a comment with anything we should add!