52 Festive Things To Do This Holiday Season In San Diego

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Time to ice-skate by the sea, get cozy with festive drinks, shop ’till we drop for our loved ones (and ourselves), and enjoy all the delicious seasonal food. With so many things to do this Christmas in San Diego, we figured a guide would be useful. Let’s get started!

1. Visit the Christmas Market at Petco Park

This fan-favorite holiday market returns for its fourth year at the newly renovated Gallagher Square at Petco Park! It runs between December 5–27, 2024, and is open on select dates. If you’re looking for a taste of European Christmas Markets, this is the place to be. You’ll find quaint little wooden houses, selling crafty items, mulled wine, and shortbread. Kids can enjoy a Christmas train and carousels, and you can fully get into the Christmas spirit with the nightly snowfall. Live entertainment is available on certain nights, so check their website to pick the perfect date for your visit!

2 – 6. Enjoy one of the many parades in the city

• Coronado will host their annual holiday parade and tree lighting on December 6, 2024
• La Jolla’s Christmas parade and Holiday Festival takes place on December 8, 2024
• Chula Vista’s Starlight Parade is on December 14, 2024
• Also on December 14, 2024, the festive boat parade takes place at Mission Bay
• Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade takes place on December 27, 2024

7 – 9. Catch a holiday-themed candlelight concert

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in San Diego. We honestly can’t think of a better time to experience everything that these shows bring – it’s the perfect season!

Christmas carols on strings

📍 San Diego Natural History Museum
📆 15, 20, 21 Dec. 2024

🎟️ Tickets here

Holiday special featuring “The Nut Cracker” and more

📍 Fleet Science Center
📆 17, 19 Dec. 2024

🎟️Tickets here

Christmas pop classic and new favorites

📍 Star Theatre
📆 22 Dec. 2024

🎟️Tickets here

10 – 12. Add a seasonal show to your to do list this Christmas

• Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas returns! This family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze). It will play all throughout November and December, so you have plenty of time to catch it.
• The Nutcracker is a classic you can’t miss. The City Ballet Orchestra will perform between 20 -23 December, 2024.
• Noel Noel will have you sing-along and feel jolly good between 13-15 December, 2024.

13 – 16. Hang out with Santa

• Fashion Valley offers a personalized experience, where you and your little ones can meet Santa 1 on 1, and take beautiful pictures together
• Westfield UTC hosts a sensory-friendly holiday event, which allows families with all types of special needs to experience a visit with Santa in a comforting environment
• At Grossmont Center you can have a photoshoot straight from Santa’s workshop, with no appointment or booking needed
• Seaport Village also hosts one of Santa’s many workshops, and you can grab a selfie anytime during the holiday season

17 – 25. Enjoy the Christmas spirit at one of these San Diego fairs

• Encinitas Holiday Street Fair Dive is back on November 24, 2024. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of children’s rides, lively entertainment, and mouthwatering food and drink options.
• Julian’s Country Christmas Tree Lighting takes places on November 30, 2024. Get ready for a beautiful tree lighting, live music all day, and plenty of vendors to kick off your holiday shopping.
• Surfin’ Santa Arrival at Seaport Village on November 30, 2024. Bring the whole family and be sure to arrive early for Santa’s grand entrance, as he cruises in from the San Diego Bay by watercraft and leads a festive parade to the fountain courtyard.
• SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off returns on December 6, 2024. Enjoy this fundraiser for McKinley Elementary with local chili, live music, arts & crafts, indie goods and lots of good vibes.
• Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village takes place on December 7, 2024. Expect 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, Christmas songs. a traditionally Italian Christmas tree lighting, and more.
• December Nights is between 6-7 December, 2024. This is San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings lights, sounds, attractions and of course, amazing food.
• Holiday in the Village on La Mesa Blvd. takes place on December 14, 2024. This year, they’ve added some new, free activities like a synthetic “Ice” skating rink, miniature golf, all white wonderland featuring free bouncies, and more.
• Christmas In The Park takes place in Poway, between 8-9 December, 2024. ! Enjoy live music, purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your Christmas shopping, or board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time ride around the park. The tree lighting ceremony is followed by Santa’s arrival by train.
• Snapdragon bowl bash is the last on the calendar of Christmas to do’s in San Diego, taking place on December 26, 2025. Witness a one-of-a-kind performance as the two university bands face off in an epic battle. This event is free, and features photo booths, interactive games, street performers, food & drink specials from participating restaurants and a photo op with the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl Trophy.

26 – 29. Be dazzled by these Christmas lights

• Historical Hotel del Coronado hosts their annual “All That Jazz”, a dynamic light show orchestrated to lively holiday jazz music, with a finale of snow flurries. Showcased is the Norfolk Pine originally made famous in 1904, as the world’s first electrically lit outdoor Christmas tree. The complimentary 10-minute show takes place every 30 minutes from 5-9 PM nightly, between November 21 – January 5.
• Lightscape at the Botanical Garden returns on November 15, 2024. The spectacular show is in its 3rd year, and promises to be just as amazing. Ticket prices differ for members or non-members, and whether you plan to visit during the high or low season. The beautiful trail is 1 mile long.
• Coastal Christmas at Del Mar opens on December 13, 2024. Besides other Christmas themed activities, you can enjoy the Holiday Light Trail, with millions of lights, and just as many opportunities for the perfect picture.
• Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Night Tour runs between November 30 – December 23 and December 26-30. Join in sing-along caroling, learn some fun holiday facts, trivia, history, and traditions. See the festive holiday sights of Old Town, Little Italy, Banker’s Hill, Garrison Street, and more.

30 – 34. Get pumped for some movement

• San Diego Santa Run takes place on December 14, 2024, and it’s the most festive 5K you can imagine. Over 30,000 Santas have participated in the event that was voted Best Fun Run by USA TODAY! Grab your friends and fill the streets of Pacific Beach.
• The Red Nose Run takes over Del Mar’s beach also on December 14, 2024.  The runs can cover 3K or 5K, and your contribution will go towards one of the charities supported by Del Mar Foundation.  Hang around after the run for more fun, with good food and holiday cheer.
• Skating By The Sea at Hotel del Coronado is always a season favorite in San Diego. From November 21, 2024, take a spin around the hotel’s famous beachfront ice rink, featuring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. A portion of the proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish® San Diego.
• Rady Children’s Ice Rink opens on November 21, 2024. By skating here, you’ll help support the hospital’s Thriving After Cancer program. Check their website for special events, like the tree lighting.
• Viejas Outlets Skate Rink open on November 1, 2024. This is Southern California’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, and you can also expect holiday lights, entertainment, and a seasonal water show.

35 – 39. Fill up with joy at these amusement parks

• Holidays at Lego Land is open November 23rd through 30th, throughout select dates in December,  and January 1st through 5th. The entire Resort is bursting with holiday cheer. You can rock around the giant LEGO tree to holiday tunes, sing and dance at a seasonal shows, take “elfies” with your favorite holiday LEGO characters, and more.
• Christmas at Seaworld open on November 15, 2024. Bring your family together for the eye-catching spectacles, heartwarming traditions, and joyful surprises. Feel enchanted by snowfall in Southern California, watch their cheerful Christmas parade, and more.
• A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place starts on November 9, 2024. This is a festive, family-friendly celebration, where the park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with winkling lights, whirling rides, and festive decorations all around.
• Jungle Bells at San Diego’s Zoo is open on select dates between December 14 – January 5. They’ll light up the night until 8 PM with amazing entertainment and merry experiences. This year, be on the lookout for their new, spectacular Holiday Light Treks.
• Winter Wonder at Belmont Park is open throughout November and December, with different events depending on the day. Here, beachside traditions are born, and holiday memories are made. Expect over one million twinkling lights, seasonal treats, and DJ beats that fit the mood.

P.S.: At Belmont Park, you can also find Miracle at Draft, a great holiday cocktail pop-up bar.

40 – 42. Get the best gifts

• Little Italy Wednesday Holiday Market is on every Wednesday between November 30 – December 21,  from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This is a great way to support local businesses and meet local makers and artisans, while giving one-of-a-kind gifts to your loved ones.
• Makers Arcade Holiday Fair is on between 6-8 December, 2024, at Broadway Pier. The shopping hall has over 140 handmade vendors, a drinks and food truck court, photo booths, live music, and interactive art and play areas. Guests who come out Sunday evening will be able to shop the vendors and sip hot chocolate on the pier as the lit-up parade boats pass by.
• Dark X-mas Market Vendors is back for its third edition, on December 14, 2024. If you’re looking for something else, this is it. The event is hosted by the collaborative efforts of the Backfence Society, and it boasts artisanal vendors, a touch dark holiday magic, lots of community initiatives, and a wild hunt of Vista’s own Krampus!

43 – 49. Explore the many seasonal activities in Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp transforms into a hot-spot this time a year, with so many Christmassy things to do!

• Catch the fun and adorable Pet Parade on December 14, 2024, and stick around for the afterparty: Pubs in the Pub.
• Check out Santa’s Lair at Parq Nightclub, a fun, north pole escape speakeasy pop-up experience. Try seasonal delicious drinks, and savory bites, while you check out the wall to wall decor.
• Nason Beer Hall is getting its tipsy vibes on! Try their frosty beers, jolly cocktails, or holiday snacks.
• Margaritaville has a fun holiday pop-up every Friday, so don’t miss their signature holiday cocktails and live music.
• Good Night John Boy: X-MAS Pop- Up Bar brings you a nostalgic vibe,  with a groovy holiday experience complete with glittering lights, seasonal cocktails, and disco beats.
• Holiday Makers Market on Andaz San Diego Rooftop Pop- Up brings San Diego’s finest local businesses, just in time for the holiday season! You’ll find fantastic local products, delicious food and drinks, and music to set the perfect vibe.
• Check out The Shout! House Family Night Holiday Special! San Diego’s popular dueling piano bar puts on a special Christmas show.

50. Make your way through the Christmas Tree Trail

Embark on a merry journey through San Diego, where holiday magic sparkles at every turn. Behold the enchanting Christmas trees at iconic spots like Hotel del Coronado, The Old Globe, Mister A’s, and the charming streets of Little Italy at 621 W Fir St. and 523 W Date St. Continue your festive tour to Liberty Station at 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., then bask in the coastal glow at 1850 Ocean Front St., Del Mar, and Crystal Pier. Feel the joyous spirit at SeaWorld San Diego and experience the magic in Julian at Main Street and Washington Street.

51. Celebrate Hanukkah in San Diego

Celebrate Hanukkah at Sesame Place San Diego on December 10, 2024. Expect your favorite Sesame Street friends, a game of dreidel, lighting the Menorah, dancing to festive music, and learning all about Hanukkah. Glatt Kosher food will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Liberty Station Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting will take place on December 26, 2024, at Liberty Station’s Central Promenade, to commemorate the first night of Hanukkah. The family-friendly festivity will include entertainment, packaged treats, and the traditional lighting of the menorah.

52. Celebrate Kwanzaa in San Diego

WorldBeat Cultural Center will be celebrating its 44th Annual Celebration with 4 of the 7 days of Kwanzaa, starting on December 26, 2024. Each night will feature special guest speakers or performers, ceremonial candle lighting and libation with drumming, poetry readings, free heirloom seeds for families, and Karamu.

Ready for this holiday season, San Diego? Have a wonderful, cheery time!