November in San Diego is that perfect sweet spot where things cool down from summer but never actually get cold. We welcome the sunny days, though we’ll definitely want to grab a sweater or light jacket once the crisp evening air rolls in. The summer crowds are gone, and while the ocean is too chilly for swimming, the weather is ideal for checking out local street festivals, catching a Día de los Muertos celebration, or just grabbing some tacos after a coastal walk. Here’s what you can’t miss this November in San Diego!
Swiss Winter Village arrives in San Diego on November 27! Liberty Station’s South Promenade transforms into a cozy alpine holiday market with traditional wooden chalets, live entertainment, workshops, festive rides, and European food and drinks. The event also accepts applications from local artisans and vendors to host chalets.
Explore the wonderful Carlsbad Village Street Faire
Drawing over 100,000 visitors, the Carlsbad Village Street Faire returns on Sunday, November 1 from 8 AM to 4 PM. This is the nation’s largest one-day street festival! Taking over the coastal downtown area, the event features 900 vendor booths selling handmade arts, crafts, and vintage goods. Visitors can also enjoy an international food court, a traditional pancake breakfast, live music, a beer garden, and fun children’s rides.
The 22nd annual San Diego Food + Wine Festival runs November 1–8, featuring chef-led dinners, cross-border culinary collaborations, and waterfront tastings. The signature Grand Weekend (Grand Tasting and Grand Fiesta) takes place November 6–8 at Embarcadero Marina Park North – don’t miss it!
Catch the holiday spirit at the historic Hotel del Coronado
Travel through time and discover the eras that shaped The Del’s legacy. Explore beautifully themed Christmas trees, each inspired by a different chapter in the hotel’s history, from its 1888 beginnings to today. Along the way, check out Skating by the Sea, holiday dining in the Crown Room, a new Lightshow Spectacular, Beachside Igloos, and more.
Explore a brand-new axolotl garden this November in San Diego
“The Axolotl’s Garden/El Jardín del Ajolote” is a new immersive exhibit celebrating the critically endangered axolotl through a blend of contemporary art, conservation science, and live animal encounters. Co-created with Mexican-American artist Itzel Islas, it explores the ecological and cultural richness of Mexico and Baja California. Informed by the aquarium team’s research at Xochimilco Lake, the experience educates visitors on the axolotl’s extraordinary regenerative abilities, its deep cultural significance, and the urgent need to protect its natural habitat.
Lightscape returns to the San Diego Botanic Garden with a mile-long, self-guided trail featuring 20+ illuminated installations, live music, and festive food and drink. This enchanting experience features a new lineup of spectacular light installations, and a few returning favorites, including the iconic Winter Cathedral. Discover a magical evening of light, music, and nature unlike anything else in Southern California. Tickets below!
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
As always, November starts with colorful celebrations across the city, celebrating Dia de los Muertos. From free events (such as the one at California Arts Center on Nov. 1) to Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town and other community initiatives, there’s a way for everyone to celebrate this occasion.
Celebrate the season at Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
The annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair returns on Sunday, November 22, from 9 AM on. Downtown transforms into a festive holiday destination! Enjoy over 500 local vendors, delicious food and drinks, 3 live entertainment stages, children’s rides, and a dog-friendly Beer Garden – all offering a fun, free day for the whole family!
Kick off the festive season with Jingle Jets
The 4th annual Jingle Jets Celebration transforms the USS Midway Museum with over a million lights on select nights from November 27 through December 30. New 2026 attractions include an aviation-themed talking Christmas tree and expanded ‘Bring Your Dog’ nights (Nov 29 & Dec 5) featuring bowl giveaways and Santa photos. Guests can also enjoy returning favorites like the model train display, a penguin scavenger hunt, live carolers, and the ‘Santa’s Christmas Rush’ VR ride.
Check out Fall Back Festival
The Annual Fall Back Festival Children’s Street Fair is a free, family-friendly event taking place on November 1, from noon to 4 PM, Down Town. Coinciding with the day we set our clocks back, the festival transforms the street into an 1800s Old West town packed with historical backdrops, old-fashioned courtyard games, live entertainment including lion dancers, and various contests geared specifically toward children. While general admission and self-guided tours of the adjacent Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House are completely free, attendees also have the option to purchase a “Food and Fun” ticket.
DICE always brings amazing artists right to our doorstep – and this November is no exception. Here are the biggest upcoming artists:
- Alex Cameron: Nov 5 @ Soda Bar
- Johnny Jewel & Desire: Nov 1 @ Soda Bar
- Hit The Lights: Nov 6 @ Soda Bar
- Surprise Chef: Nov 1 @ Quartyward
Other notable indie and underground acts on the calendar include Marci (the solo project of Marta Cikojevic from the band TOPS), folk/country artist Chris Acker, and Clyde McGee of the Bridge City Sinners. Full list here!
Sip at the San Diego Beer Week this November
San Diego Beer Week is a 10-day event, highlighting the city’s renowned craft beer scene. Hosted by the San Diego Brewers Guild, the festival brings together over 150 local breweries for a series of special events. Expect limited-edition beer releases, tap takeovers, and great food pairings.
Celebrate Christmas at SeaWorld
Experience the magic of SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration, featuring over one million sparkling lights, nightly snowfall, festive shows, and immersive holiday experiences. Enjoy special animal presentations, meet Santa and Rudolph, see Santa’s real reindeer, and indulge in seasonal treats. Don’t forget about holiday shopping!
