Things to do in San Diego during the 2020 December holidays include popular annual events that are modified to current health and safety measures in addition to some new festive fun. They still include opportunities to safely see Santa, festive lights, Christmas tree lightings, and even get your annual dose of The Nutcracker.
So far, I’ve listed 20 fun Christmas and holiday events in San Diego to choose from at San Diego hotels, theme parks, neighborhoods, and other venues around the county. Keep in mind that you should verify dates and times before you go in a rapidly-changing environment like the one we’re in now.
1. Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
The Old Globe is determined not to miss a season of the beloved annual performance of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The whimsical musical is back, featuring favorite songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and more. This year, the production can be heard on the radio for free.
Tune into KPBS Radio 89.5 FM, on the KPBS website and app, and on smart speakers on these dates and times:
- Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) at 12 p.m.
- Saturday, December 5 at 12 p.m.
- Sunday, December 20 at 12 p.m.
- and Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) at 6 p.m.
2. Little Italy Tree Virtual Lighting & Holiday Markets
The Little Italy San Diego tree lighting goes online this year, but you can still prepare for Christmas in San Diego by shopping at the weekly holiday market.
The Little Italy Holiday Special will stream via various platforms, details are still to be determined. It will be a 45-minute Hallmark-style event that will light the live 30′ tree at the center of Piazza della Famiglia on W. Date and India Streets.
Viewers will be treated to an Italian countdown by Father Joe Tabigue of Our Lady of the Rosary, a musical performance by Our Lady of the Rosary Choir in the church, a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Instead of the usual Christmas Village, you can shop the weekly Holiday Market on Wednesdays in December from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be some other fun events so keep an eye on their calendar for more details.
The tree lighting will be streamed on December 5 from 5:30-6:15 p.m.
3. Where to See The Nutcracker in San Diego
The San Diego Ballet Company is presenting eight outdoor matinee performances of The Nutcracker Ballet on Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29 and Saturday, December 5 – Sunday, December 6. The outdoor, drive-in, pop-up auditorium will accommodate 30 parking spots per show. This event is currently sold out.
City Ballet dancers take guests on an extraordinary journey to the magical Land of the Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince a little differently this year — with a masquerade theme! You can watch the performance online, on-demand by renting it.
Take a virtual stage tour complete with narrated excerpts from The Nutcracker via Poway OnStage and Southern California Ballet Company.
On Saturday, December 19, you can watch a live performance of City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Del Mar Fairgrounds from your car. Performances are at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. You will need to reserve your spot (and I’ll tell you more about the car experiences at the Fairgrounds below).
4. Holiday Events at Hotel del Coronado
There is always lots to do during the holiday season at the Hotel del Coronado. Sadly, the Skating by the Sea ice skating rink is on-pause for 2020 but you can still go to the resort for some San Diego Christmas events and fun.
In the rink’s place will be a Winter Wonderland with an enormous beachside tree, opportunities to take photos with Santa from a proper distance, arts and crafts for kids, in addition to festive drinks and treats for the whole family. You can also check out their line-up of holiday movies on the beach like Elf. Book a private Jingle Roast, a private bonfire on the beach where you can roast s’mores (and enjoy food and beverage items from a small menu, including adult beverages).
Learn more in my round-up of things to do at Hotel del Coronado during the holidays. November 26 – December 31.
5. Omni La Costa Resort and Spa Christmas Day Brunch
In addition to fun holiday activities for guests in residence, Omni La Costa Resort and Spa will host a Christmas brunch with physically-distant visits from Santa at Bar Traza. December 25 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
6. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
The annual Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo is a celebration that includes an opportunity to view colorful light displays and enjoy live performances such as a DJ, dancing elves, and other musical groups in the evenings. December 4-6, 11-23, 25-31, and January 1-3.
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7. SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
This year SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration features a chance to decorate cookies with Santa, watch a shortened version of Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer, and take photos with favorite Sesame Street characters like Elmo. Families can go on treasure hunts and pick up treats along the Stocking Stuffer Christmas Trail. The rides are closed by outdoor exhibits, and shows are still running. Select dates between now and January 4, 2021, during park opening hours.
If you are going to attend, you REALLY should take advantage of the park’s Black Friday sale (now through November 30.
See also: How to Buy Discounted Tickets to SeaWorld San Diego
8. Holidays at LEGOLAND California
Head over to LEGOLAND California for physically-distant meet-and-greets with holiday characters such as Santa, the Toy Solider, and Gingerbread Man. You’ll also see the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree stands 30-feet tall and is constructed out of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO® bricks and has 400 LEGO ornaments.
This popular San Diego Christmas event features seasonal treats, opportunities for kids to participate in LEGO builds, and live music performances. The rides are still closed, but you’ll need a special ticket. November 20 – 29, December 4-6, 11-13, 18-31, January 1-10.
9. Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park December Nights is one of the most popular San Diego holiday events and has been modified for 2020. It will focus on 20 vendors and food trucks from past December Nights that will feature their most popular menu items. You’ll order and pick-up in a drive-thru setting in the Inspiration Point parking lot. Guests remain in cars but must have face coverings for interactions with vendors.
“Taste of December Nights” will happen Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
10. Birch Aquarium Holiday SEAson Seas ‘n’ Greetings
From December 1 to 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Birch Aquarium celebrates Seas ‘n’ Greetings all happening outdoors with SEAsonal music and decor the whole family will love including a 12-foot-tall ocean-themed holiday tree, an 18-foot-tall inflatable octopus, and a life-sized cutout of Scuba Santa. The area is tented for winter weather but you can still enjoy the panoramic views from Tide Pool Plaza and Smargon Courtyard. All Seas ‘n Greetings activities are included with admission.
11. Garden of Lights – San Diego Botanic Garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden lights up for the holidays after dusk, complete with new decor, hot beverages, food, and more. The nonmember cost is $18 for adults and $5 for children 3–12. December 2-6, 9-13, 16-23, and 26-30 from 5 – 8:30 p.m.
12. Liberty Station’s Salute the Season & Holiday Events
Liberty Station’s annual Salute the Season features several events throughout the holiday season. These include the aforementioned drive-in Nutcracker performance in addition to a festive art walk, Christmas tree photo opportunities, and much more.
There won’t be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year, but you can see Liberty Station’s decorated 88′ tree starting on Thanksgiving Day. It’s located directly behind Stone Brewing and ready for all of your photos.
You can also take a self-guided tour of the Salute the Season Art Walk featuring 12 installations inspired by the “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol. Find them throughout Liberty Station’s North and South Promenade.
If you snap photos with the installations and post them to social media with #SaluteTheSeason, you may win a chance to Zoom with Santa Claus. November 26 to Sunday, January 10.
13. Santa by the Sea — Del Mar Village And Tree Lighting
This annual Del Mar Village Association event, Santa By The Sea, delights families with a dazzling tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa Claus, carolers, and arts and crafts. Complimentary admission. Sunday, December 6, from 3 – 5 p.m., tree lighting happens at 5 p.m.
14. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
The La Jolla Christmas Parade is still scheduled with a Christmas at the Cove theme. Some virtual entertainment and lighting of the Christmas tree will happen in front of the Athenaeum. Details are still being ironed, but I did read that they may make the floats stationary while viewers drive by—stay tuned. Sunday, December 6 at 1:30 p.m.
15. La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village
The delightful downtown of La Mesa is transformed into a Victorian wonderland during its old-fashioned Holiday in the Village. It will occur in a modified Craft Market format that has been approved by County and City officials with holiday music, craft vendors, a food court, and unique holiday photo stations on La Mesa Blvd. between. Palm Ave. & 4th street. December 5 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
16. Poway’s Christmas in the Park
Poway’s Christmas in the Park is also modified this year. You will need to reserve your time. The annual tree lighting will be held via Facebook live on December 12 at 5:15 p.m., but you’ll be able to go to the park to drop off letters to Santa, pick-up some fun crafts, and safely visit Santa on some dates. December 5, 12, 19 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
17. Holidays in Your Car
Take a festive drive through the Del Mar Fairgrounds, rain or shine, to look at some spectacular holiday light displays and decor set to Christmas music. You’ll see over a million lights on displays as tall as 40′. You can save on admission with a Groupon. December 5 – January 2, 2021.
18. Take Pictures with Santa at the Mall
If headed to one of San Diego’s shopping malls, Santa will likely still be there until December 24 during mall hours.
For example, at Westfield UTC mall, you’ll find Santa starting on November 27 in a new location by Anthropologie. He’ll be ready for photos that will be taken a little further away this year.
19. Breakfast and Photos with Santa at Seaport Village
You have two opportunities to see Santa at Seaport Village in downtown San Diego this year. First, he’ll be available for photos on select dates beginning November 21.
Surfin’ Santa’s typical arrival festivities have been canceled, but you can have breakfast outdoors with him at Eats by Sam. Guests will enjoy an exclusive breakfast menu by Sam “The Cooking Guy” in addition to photos with Surfin’ Santa, an interactive magic show with the Toy Soldier, live music, and goodie bags. Groups of 2–6 can make a reservation. $25 per person. December 13, from 9 – 11:00 a.m.
20. Neighborhood Christmas Lights in San Diego
Take a drive through these neighborhoods to see houses decked out in lights beyond belief. While there are many Christmas lights in San Diego to enjoy, these are some of the most popular.
The key this year, I believe, is to enjoy the local holiday spirit by only driving by. During normal times, these displays can be crowded as visitors walk between the homes to admire them. This year, you will want to respect the space between you, the host homes, and other people viewing the lights.
Candy Cane Lane (Poway)
Each house here is estimated to have over 50,000 holiday lights. It’s a cul-de-sac themed like the North Pole. Location: Hickory Court, Hickory Street, off Twin Peaks Road and Silverset St. Also Includes Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct.
Christmas card Lane (Rancho Penasquitos)
This neighborhood display is known for larger-than-life illuminated Christmas cards and other lights adorning the homes. Location: Ellingham Street and Oviedo Street, just off Black Mountain Road
Belardo Lights (Tierrasanta)
It’s just one house but it’s well worth seeing. The idea started in 2006 as a way for the Schmika family to provide a light show for their two autistic sons. Belardo Lights has blossomed into an annual tradition that San Diegans look forward to every winter. If it is raining, check the website to see if the lights will be off. They will spread Christmas cheer in 2020. Location: 5306 North Belardo Drive
Garrison Street (Point Loma)
These high-end homes are dense with brightly-colored Christmas lights. Drive through or walk around … it’s your choice. Location: Garrison Street near Chatsworth
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in San Diego
Sadly, they are closed in 2020. Normally, we look forward to Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea, the Viejas Ice Rink, and Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station.
Fingers crossed that we’ll be able to ice skate under sunshine next year.
List of Canceled San Diego County Holiday Events
If you don’t see things listed above, it means that these annual activities have been canceled or information is to be determined. The list of officially canceled events and activities includes:
- Hotel del Coronado Skating by the Sea
- Viejas Ice Skating Rink
- Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
- Coronado Holiday Parade and Open House
- Ocean Beach Holiday Parade (assume not because no available details)
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
- Holiday Bowl and Holiday Bowl Parade (America’s largest balloon parade)
- North Park Toyland Parade
- Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
See also:
- Top Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
- Best Family-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
- 13 San Diego Discounts: Experience the City for Less
What are your favorite fun San Diego holiday activities? Please leave a comment with anything missing from this list! And, don’t forget that shortly after the winter holidays, that we have Lunar New Year San Diego events to look forward to.
You can add Special Behind-the-Scenes Tour for 4th Graders & Their Family on Saturday Jan. 17th too. At old Mission at Oceanside, CA.
You can always visit some of 21 California Missions as well. These historic places are great to visit these days.
The Starlight Parade in Chula Vista this Saturday at 6pm.
Traditions of Christmas has grown to be the biggest Christmas show in San Diego drawing over 250,000 patrons since it began. It is a musical journey through all the greatest Christmas songs and celebrations from around the world. Santa’s Workshop comes alive with dancing elves, Raggedy Ann dolls, toy soldiers, and magical toys. The Rockette-style tap dancing kickline will have you cheering in the aisles. You’ll even get to sing along to your holiday favorites like White Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town! The celebration culminates with our most treasured tradition of all – a Living Nativity complete with animals. This show is truly the perfect collection of all the best sights and sounds of Christmas!
Shows opens December 18-December 23rd at the Don Powell Theatre at San Diego Stage University
Traditions of Christmas has grown to be the biggest Christmas show in San Diego drawing over 250,000 patrons since it began. It is a musical journey through all the greatest Christmas songs and celebrations from around the world. Santa’s Workshop comes alive with dancing elves, Raggedy Ann dolls, toy soldiers, and magical toys. The Rockette-style tap dancing kickline will have you cheering in the aisles. You’ll even get to sing along to your holiday favorites like White Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town! The celebration culminates with our most treasured tradition of all – a Living Nativity complete with animals. This show is truly the perfect collection of all the best sights and sounds of Christmas!
Show Dates are December 18th-December 23rd at The Don Powell Theater at San Diego State University.
I am SO SO SO glad you stopped by my blog so I can see yours! My hubby and I are likely moving to SD soon and I LOVE seeing all the wonderful things we can do and see! I’ll certainly be back!
Oh! Congrats on the move. I really love it here. Feel free to ping me with questions!
You forget the Toyland parade in north park.