It’s time to get festive! From parades, to seasonal activities, to beautiful Christmas trees, or the best NY part in town, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your complete guide for things to do in San Diego this December.
1. Shop local at Gaslamp Artisan Market
The Gaslamp Quarter is hosting its popular Gaslamp Artisan Market this holiday season. The outdoor-shopping space is the ideal spot to find unique presents, such as clothing, accessories, and other hand-crafted treasures. It’s open Saturday and Sunday between 10 – 4 PM. The beautiful creations crafted by local vendors and artisans are definitely worth the visit.
đź“ŤLocation: Island Ave. b/t 4th & 5th, 400 Island Ave.
2. Catch the wonderful “A Christmas Cocktail Carol”
This month, experience A Christmas Carol as you’ve never seen it before – with a dark and immersive twist on Charles Dickens’ iconic ghost story! Condensed for maximum impact, this reimagined performance transports you to the heart of Victorian London. Here, you’ll follow Ebenezer Scrooge on his spirited encounters. Along the way, savor four holiday-inspired cocktails, paired with the evening’s chilling moments. Missing it will have you go “Bah, Humbug!”. Get your tickets here.
3. Gaslamp Pet Parade
Celebrate the holiday season with your pup at the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade! This one-of-a-kind event celebrates our furry best friends – they’ll join you in a parade through the iconic Gaslamp Quarter, dressed in vibrant, colorful outfits. The festivities kick off at 10 AM with the Gaslamp Holiday Expo at MLK Park, featuring holiday photo ops, treats, Santa visits, festive music, and pet vendors. After the parade, stay for the Pups in the Pub Party at the Hilton between 2–4 PM, where you can enjoy craft beers, holiday music, and more. Registration is $25.
đź“ŤLocation: Gaslamp Quarter, 702 Market St
4. Get cozy at a Candlelight concert
This December, experience the enchanting Candlelight San Diego concerts, where talented musicians perform beloved classics and modern hits, from Coldplay to Vivaldi. This season, you can always enjoy a couple of specials, like a Christmas Carols show, or Christmas Pop Favorites. These concerts take place is in breathtaking, candlelit venues like the Joan B. Kroc Theatre and Adams Avenue Theater. Attend one for an unforgettable experience, or offer it as a unique gift, with the Candlelight gift card.
Here’s a list of all the concerts taking place this December in San Diego.đź“ŤLocation: Various
5. Catch a show at the Old Globe Theatre
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. This December, you can’t miss “Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” where the magical world of Whoville jumps straight out of the pages of Dr. Seuss’s iconic book.
đź“ŤLocation: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego
📆 Date: Nov. 06 2024 – Dec. 31 2025
6. Join one of the many parades taking place this December in San Diego
What better way to embrace the holiday spirit, other than a parade full of joy? These fun events are perfect for a family outing or a day out with friends. Pick your favorite!
- 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
- A couple more are detailed below!
7. Celebrate at this Holiday Bowl Parade
Known as America’s Largest Balloon Parade, the Holiday Bowl Parade fills the streets of downtown San Diego with joy. This exciting family event brings world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons. Street side viewing of the parade is free, so you cannot miss on this seasonal fun.
Don’t forget that the Holiday Bowl event itself has moved to Snapdragon Stadium this year, and it takes place on December 27, 2024, from 5 PM.
8. Experience the joy of the holiday season at a Sinatra tribute concert
Held atop the Coaster Terrace at Belmont Park, A Very Sinatra Christmas Special will whisk you away with seasonal classics such as “What A Wonderful World” and “White Christmas.” The open-air tribute concerts feature breathtaking views, a full bar, small bites, and some of San Diego’s top jazz vocalists.
With concerts on December 18 and 19, it’s the perfect holiday event to enjoy with loved ones. Snag tickets here!
9. It’s time for ice skating
Ice skating season is finally here! From the beautiful rink by the sea at Hotel del Coronado, to SoCal’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink at The Viejas Outlet Center, or the space at Rady Children’s, we thankfully have many options – even in always sunny San Diego. Here’s a list of all options across the city. Grab your friends and get moving!
10. Get swept up in the holiday lights
When the holiday season comes knocking, the lights come out of storage and deck the halls (or bushes) with cheer. Some very festive neighborhoods truly stand out during December, by putting up elaborate displays that the whole community enjoys. Our favorites include Garrison Street in Point Loma, Candy Cane Lane in Poway, and Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Penasquitos, among others.
11. Don’t miss La Jolla’s Christmas Parade
The La Jolla Christmas parade and festival draws quite a crowd – over 25,000 people! And with so much fun to be had, it’s easy to see why. This family friendly extravaganza includes bands, floats, equestrians, vintage vehicles, dog units, Marshals representing community leaders, schools, and community service organizations.
The parade will begin at Girard Avenue and Kline Street before heading towards the beach. If you’d like to visit Santa, don’t forget to register for your free ticket.
đź“ŤLocation: Kline & Girard
📆 Date: Dec. 8, from 11:30 AM
12. Check out San Diego International Auto Show
This event brings an impressive lineup of the latest vehicles from top manufacturers, including U.S. debuts of models not yet in showrooms. Explore cutting-edge designs, advanced tech, and luxurious interiors, all under one roof. You can also enjoy family-friendly entertainment, interactive activities, and new event features.
đź“ŤLocation: San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
📆 Date: Dec. 28 2024 – Jan. 1 2025
13. Be mesmerized by the Mission Bay Parade Of Lights
The 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a cherished holiday tradition, hosted by the boating community. It will dazzle San Diegans on December 8 and 15, 2024. Over 100,000 locals and visitors gather to watch around 80 festively decorated boats glide along San Diego Bay, with this year’s theme inspiring creative displays. The free event starts at 5:30 PM, and you can watch it from Shelter Island, Harbor Drive, Barrio Logan, or Coronado.
đź“ŤLocation: Various viewing spots
📆 Date: Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, from 5:30 PM
14. Follow the Christmas Tree Trail
Holiday cheer takes over San Diego, with Christmas trees of all shapes, kinds, themes and sizes lighting up throughout the region. Start with the home of the world’s first outdoor, electrified, living Christmas tree: Hotel del Coronado. After that, check out the beautiful trees at The Old Globe, Mister A’s, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Little Italy, Liberty Station, Ocean Beach, SeaWorld, Crystal Pier, Del Mar, and Julian.
15. Hang out and take pics with Santa
December isn’t just a beloved month for us adults, but of course, for all the little ones. They can’t wait to see Santa again, so here are some spots where you can make it happen:
- Fashion Valley offers a personalized experience, where you and your little ones can meet Santa 1 on 1, and take beautiful pictures together
- Westfield UTCÂ 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
16. Join the Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park is a poplar San Diego spot year round. However, during December it features beautiful seasonal lights, carolers, music and dancing. During the night, you’ll find loads at festive fun here. We recommend checking out the beautifully handmade crafts, and grabbing a bite from the local vendors. The event takes place on Dec. 7 – 8, 2024.
đź“ŤLocation: Balboa Park
📆 Date: Dec. 7 – 8, 2024
17. Join the San Diego Santa Run
We all love drinking and eating our heart out around Christmas, but sometimes….a bit of movement can be just as fun! This is one of those examples. San Diego Santa Run takes place on December 14, 2024, and it’s the most festive 5K you can picture. 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.
đź“ŤLocation: Pacific Beach
📆 Date: Dec. 14 2024
18. Attend the best New Year party in San Diego
If you’re already planning your New Year’s celebration, here’s an idea: ring in 2025 at Wild Horses, a massive one-day event featuring Post Malone. Joining Malone is rising country star Zach Top, gearing up for his “Cold Beer & Country Music” tour, along with modern country favorite Paul Cauthen and celebrated storyteller Vincent Neil Emerson.
đź“ŤLocation: Petco Park Stadium
📆 Date: Dec. 30 2024
19. Celebrate Hanukkah in San Diego
Join the Hanukkah celebration at Sesame Place San Diego on December 10, 2024. Expect your favorite Sesame Street friends, a dreidel game, Menorah lighting, festive music, and Hanukkah traditions, with Glatt Kosher food available for purchase.
Then, on December 26, 2024, head to Liberty Station’s Central Promenade for a family-friendly Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting event with entertainment, packaged treats, and a traditional menorah lighting to mark the first night of Hanukkah.
20. 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.