13 Christmassy Things To Do In San Diego This December 2025

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San Diego is ready for the holidays! From ice-rinks to festive trees and seasonal markets, you can’t miss these beautiful seasonal events. The list is long, and there’s something for everyone – below, a quick sum-up of our favorite must-dos this December in San Diego.

1. Wizard of Oz at Coronado

This December’s new attraction?  The “Holiday in Oz” experience! It’s a playful tribute to Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, who actually stayed at the hotel back in the early 1900s. He wrote three of his Oz books there, and even came up with those iconic crown-shaped chandeliers! The festivities include a nightly “Wonder of Oz” light show set to an Oz-themed soundtrack. You can also wander a self-guided trail (yep, follow the yellow brick road) with 11 Christmas trees, tons of decorations, themed scenery, and characters straight from the Land of Oz.

2. Balboa Park December Nights

On December 5 and 6, enjoy San Diego’s largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.

3. Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

Lightscape is making its return to the San Diego Botanic Garden this month, and it’s ready to wow visitors with a gorgeous, glowing trail. This outdoor walkthrough blends art, nature, and tech into one unforgettable holiday experience, complete with thousands of lights. It runs through January 4, and tickets are already available. It’s the perfect way to spend a dreamy, twinkly night under the stars.

Event details

Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden - 4.23 · 881 reviews

December 16, 2025 5:00 PM + more dates

San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas (Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 92024)

From $31.00

Buy tickets

4. Get ready for the paw-lidays with the Gaslamp Pet Parade 

Calling all animal enthusiasts! San Diego’s most adorable holiday tradition is back. The Gaslamp Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party returns to the historic Gaslamp Quarter on Saturday, December 13, 2025. From 11 AM to 4 PM, the streets will be filled with dogs, cats, and fur babies of all kinds, wearing their finest festive costumes. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with your four-legged friends!

5. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions – returns this December for two nights with an “Out of This World Christmas” theme. Once again, over 80 beautifully decorated boats will attract more than 100,000 residents and visitors alike. Find a spot and enjoy the holiday-themed displays sail across the Bay on December 14 and December 21, 2025. It’s fun and free for all. Learn all about it here.

6. Magical Candlelight concerts

Enjoy Christmas carols like never before…on strings, at magical locations, such as Hotel del Coronado, the Natural History Museum, or Star Theater. Expect to hear favorites like 12 days of Christmas, Deck the halls, Joy to the world, Silent night, and more.  Grab your tickets here – and hurry, they go fast.

7. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

Experience the magic and the spirit of the holiday season with fun activities at the San Diego Zoo. Each evening, you’ll get amazing entertainment and merry experiences – like a live brass ensemble, a Jack Frost Juggler, Santa’s factory, and more. Jungle Bells activities are included with all admission tickets and memberships.

8. Holidays at LEGOLAND California

This December in San Diego, bring some LEGO magic to your holidays and make memories that stick. Dance around the giant LEGO Christmas tree to holiday jams, catch cheerful seasonal shows, snap “elfies” with your favorite LEGO characters, and munch on special festive treats.

9. Ice Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado

The iconic rink stays open every day through Sunday, January 4, 2026. This year, a 90-minute skate session runs about $40–45 for general admission, and that includes your skate rental. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but here’s the upside: part of the proceeds support Make-A-Wish San Diego. Oh, and the ice rink isn’t the only fun thing happening. You can book a beachside igloo or cozy up in the Frostbite lounge, complete with your own private firepit. The hotel will also show holiday movies outdoors again this year.

10. Wild Horses Festival at Petco Park

Wild Horses brings Mumford & Sons to San Diego this December, along with Lord Huron,  Sierra Ferrell, and Lily Meola. It takes place on December 27, and tickets start at $75.

11. Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Santa’s back for Little Italy’s annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Village on Saturday, December 6 from 4 to 8 PM. The neighborhood turns into a full-on winter wonderland with twinkling lights, giant nutcrackers, festive displays, music, treats, and tons of holiday cheer. Enjoy two Christmas trees, seasonal vendors, live entertainment, and the traditional Italian tree lighting.

12. Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights

If you’re looking for “Boatloads of Family Fun”, this event is for you. It takes place on December 13, and it lights up the Bay for the holidays. Start the night with SeaWorld’s fireworks, then watch the festive parade from the best viewing spots along the water. There are a couple of amazing viewing spots – check them out here.

13. NYE Proper at Petco

Brought to you by FNGRS CRSSD, PROPER NYE/NYD 2026 takes over Petco Park this December. Here is the list of artists and performers, broken down by date: