The Holidays are here! And if San Diego isn’t awesome enough, there are so many fun, festive events to celebrate. I’ve made a list of a few of my favorite holiday activities around San Diego County for you and your family to enjoy!
Skating by the Sea
November 22nd– January 1st
Hotel Del Coronado
Skating by the Sea returns to Hotel del Coronado for the 14th year! The ice rink is located on the front lawn of the hotel, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Coronado beach. Now if this doesn’t scream Southern California Christmas, I don’t know what does!
Garden of Lights
December 1st- 30th
Botanic Garden Encinitas
As the sun goes down in December, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas will be transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with sparkling lights throughout the garden for a magical holiday experience. This is the perfect holiday activity for those who want to avoid the large crowds that some of San Diego’s other seasonal attractions draw!
Toyland Parade
December 1st
North Park
The famous Toyland Parade in North Park features marching bands, dance groups, vintage cars, and even Santa on a fire truck! This is a great event for families of all ages and after the parade is done, you can finish your holiday shopping at some of North Park’s great local businesses.
Encinitas Holiday Parade
December 1st
Downtown Encinitas
The Encinitas Holiday Parade will take place on December 1st from 5-7:30pm. Enjoy festive floats and music as the parade rolls down Coast Highway 101. The parade officially gets started at 5:30, with a tree lighting ceremony at the lumberyard taking place at 5pm.
Little Italy’s Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 1st
Little Italy
Celebrate the season during Little Italy’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and see the unique Christmas Tree – a 25-foot tower of 1,100 Poinsettias! Enjoy the neighborhood’s festive decorations, live music and entertainment, snacks, holiday beverages and more.
Santa by the Sea
December 2nd
Del Mar Village
Celebrate the Holidays with Santa! The Del Mar Village continues the tradition of Santa by the Sea, a free event filled with carols, holiday crafts, and a chance to take pictures with Santa. The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 pm.
Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting at Liberty Station
December 3rd
Liberty Station
Celebrate the beginning of Hanukkah at Liberty Station from 5-9pm on Monday December 3rd! In addition to the Hanukkah celebration, The Rady Children’s Ice Rink will be open after the menorah lightning and guests can purchase tickets to go ice skating under the stars.
Jungle Bells
December 8th– January 1st
San Diego Zoo
From December 8th – January 1st, the San Diego Zoo will be transformed into a wonderland of lights, merry performances, and festive food. It’s the perfect experience for the whole family to enjoy!
December Nights
December 7th & 8th
Balboa Park
December Nights is one of San Diego’s most loved holiday traditions. Balboa Park truly comes alive with twinkle lights, live performances, and festive food and drink available throughout the park. Be sure to take public transportation if you can or leave early – this event attracts thousands of San Diegans!
San Diego Boat Parade of Lights
December 9th and 16th
San Diego Bay
If you’ve never been to the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, make plans to check it out this year. Grab some blankets, a thermos of hot cocoa, and find a seat by the bay to see the parade of dozens of sailboats and powerboats covered in Christmas lights! This year’s theme is “Tropical Island Christmas.”
New Years Eve Beach Party
December 31st
Catamaran Resort in Pacific Beach
Ring in the New Year at the Catamaran Resort in Pacific Beach, San Diego. This Annual New Years Eve celebration features a hosted bar, appetizers, and a boat ride around Mission Bay at midnight! This is a ticketed event so be sure to plan ahead for this NYE party.
I hope you enjoy this wonderful time of year with your family and friends! Happy Holidays!
