December is finally here!
We dont know about you but we cant believe 2021 has almost come to an end! This time of the year is about enjoying and celebrating our family and friends with festive activities which will leave us with more special memories to take into 2022. We’ve decided to gather 10 amazing things to do in San Diego this December. Happy holidays!
Gaslamp Artisan Market
The Gaslamp Quarter is hosting the popular Gaslamp Artisan Market once again! This outdoor-shopping event is the ideal spot to find unique presents this holiday season, such as clothing, accessories, and other hand-crafted treasures! It’s open from Friday through Sunday. The beautiful creations crafted by local vendors and artisans are definitely worth the visit. For more information, visit: https://www.eatfoodlesstraveled.com
Location: Island Ave. b/t 4th & 5th, 400 Island Ave.
Lamp Pet Parade
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with your pup at the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade on Sunday, December 19! This unique holiday parade is all about our k9 friends. The adorable dogs, along with their amazing owners, will parade in colorful outfits as they make their way through the iconic Gaslamp. Post parade, make your way to the first-ever Pups at the Pub Paw-ty from 2 pm – 5 pm on 4th Avenue and Island! Make sure to enjoy the 10 craft beer tasting, live music, and the holiday costume contest. We suggest you arrive early to guarantee a great spot to watch the parade.
Location:Gaslamp Quarter, 702 Market St
Candlelight, Liberty Park
There’s a special magic when attending an intimate musical experience, particularly if it’s by flickering candlelight. The Candlelight concerts in San Diego are an excellent way to get away from all the bustle of our everyday. There you’ll sit back while enjoying music from some of the county’s finest musicians in the country. On December 21 get into the holiday spirit with Holiday Movie Themes ft. “Christmas Time is Here” & More at The Chapel.
Location: 2881 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego
Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park
San Diego’s Old Globe was built back in 1935 and modeled after Shakespeare’s Old Globe in London. It is now a quintessential San Diego spot located in the lovely Balboa Park. Season after season, the Old Globe delights San Diegans and visitors alike with fabulous shows, including both classics and modern selections. A San Diegan December isn’t complete without seeing “Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” The magical world of Whoville jumps straight out of the pages of Dr. Seuss’s iconic book for all to enjoy at the Old Globe.
Location: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego
Holiday Bowl, Mission Bay
The Holiday Bowl is the perfect holiday fun for sports lovers! This post-season NCAA college football game features the top teams and has been played at SDCCU Stadium, or Snapdtagon Stadium since 1978. The game this year features the Washington State Cougars and Michigan State Spartans. This game is also a tourist favorite event since there’s a lot more fun to enjoy besides the gam, like the Big Bay Balloon Parade. The game will begin at 4:00 pm on December 31.
Ice Skating, Various
Ice skating season is finally here, San Diegans!
One of the most quintessential winter activities is easily ice skating. And even though we live in the (mostly) permanently sunny San Diego, we can still spend time in a winter wonderland thanks to the fantastic ice rinks around. Some of our favorites are the Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink and Skating by the Sea!
Location: Various
Neighborhood Holiday Lights, Various
When the holiday season comes knocking the lights come out of storage and deck the halls (or bushes) with cheer. Some neighborhoods are more festive than others and truly stand out during December. They put up elaborate displays that the whole community as well as visitors enjoy. All San Diegans love to drive across some of these neighborhoods and take in all the holiday magic. Our favorotes include Garrison Street in Point Loma, Candy Cane Lane in Poway, Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Penasquitos mong others.
La Jolla Christmas Parade, La Jolla
The La Jolla Christmas parade and festival draws quite a crowd, a crowd of more than 25,000 people that is! And with so much fun to be had it’s easy to see why. This family friendly extravaganza takes place on December 5 and will have it all including a dozen talented bands , 60 outstanding equestrians, gorgeous vintage cars, and thousands of kids representig the Girl Scouts, Brownies, Gymnastics, Boy and Cub Scouts, marching bands. It’s free to register for this amazing event. The parade wil begin at Girard Avenue and Kline Street before heading toward the beach.
Mission Bay Parade Of Lights, Mission Bay
This aquatic parade is another fabulous family friendly event at Mission Bay. You’ll see all sorts of boats cruisig the bay in their finnest holiday decorations, ike fairy lights, a few Santas and raindeer and more! Expect to see more than 80 festive boats participate in this annual San Diegan trradition. The Bay Parade takes place on December 11 and starts at 6 pm. The Parade route begins at Shelter Island and drives past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Ferry Landing in Coronado. You can watch the parade from many spots around the city. If you are getting an early dinner you could enjoy the views of the parade from the comfort of a bayfront restaurant.
Balboa Park December Nights, Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a poplar San Diego spot year round. However, during December they have more cheer than usual, and feature the lights, carolers, music and dancing to prove it! During December nights you’ll find all the festive fun at Balboa Park. We recommend checking out the beautifully handmade crafts and getting a bite to eat from the vendors. The event lasts the first Friday and Saturday of December. If you’re a mesuem lover the best might be that area museums suspend their admission fee during December Nights! Admission to this event is free.
Location:1549 El Prado, San Diego
Featured image: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock