November is finally here! Say goodbye to the spooky vibes of October and get ready to dive headfirst into the holiday season. This month, it’s all about embracing the fall aesthetic, so why not check out the most unique things to do this November? San Diego has an array of fantastic fall events throughout the entire month, including candlelit concerts, seasonal markets, craft beer festivals, and more. And who knows, maybe this year you might finally flex that stylish light jacket, if the weather permits!
1. Dia De Los Muertos
Officially celebrated on November 2, Dia De Los Muertos honors the dead through multiple festivals and events around the city. On the first weekend of November, you can head to downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp, for a weekend of family friendly festivities. Expect live music, artisan makers, loads of dining options, and amazing margarita selections.
Other venues that will mark the day are Seaworld or City Heights. You’ll also find free screenings, community-wide self-guided tours, markets, and an annual procession in downtown San Diego.
2. San Diego Beer Week
For beer lovers, San Diego Beer Week is a hoppy paradise. From November 1 to 10, 2024, this 10-day celebration of all things craft beer brings together the best breweries and venues across the city. Expect delicious tastings, special releases, and food pairings. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the thriving local craft beer scene. San Diego Beer Week starts with a countywide virtual kick off toast, on November 1, at 7:30 PM – simply head to your favorite participating taproom or brewery, and enjoy this very unique “Cheers!” moment.
3. Candlelight concerts
Fall in love with the enchanting melodies at various Candlelight Concerts throughout November. These musical performances in iconic San Diego locations add a touch of magic to your evenings, creating a perfect blend of music and ambiance to round out your fall festivities. Pick your favorite events and enjoy a tribute to Taylor Swift, Pink Floyd, or even classic 90’s tunes. There’s something for everyone!
4. Experience something new at World Naan Festival
It’s not every day that you can ask your friends “shall we go to a naan festival?!”, but this weekend – you can, and you should. ! Experience a mouthwatering tasting, watch exciting cooking competitions, and immerse yourself in cultural performances. Chefs and home cooks compete to create the most delicious and inventive naan, while you can get a cute henna tattoo!
📍Location: Encore Event Center
📆 Date: Nov 16, 12 – 4 PM
5. Fleet Week San Diego
From November 1 to 11, 2024, experience one of San Diego’s biggest military events featuring thrilling military displays and high-tech equipment in the Innovation Zone. You can also take Navy & Coast Guard ship tours and then enjoy the live music, food, and fun activities of the whole event. Don’t miss the military cooking contest on November 10, and the Veteran’s Day Boat Parade on November 11.
📍Location: Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92132
6. San Diego Asian Film Festival
Are you a movie buff? Well, November in San Diego only means one thing: the San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF). This cinematic extravaganza’s 25th edition spans from November 7 to 1, 2024, and offers over 170 films at select cinemas throughout San Diego County. Expect screenings from over 35 countries, in 40 languages! Renowned for being the largest showcase of Asian cinema in Western United States, SDAFF is a must for those eager to explore captivating narratives and independent works from Asia.
7. Carlsbad Village Faire
On November 3, 2024, head up the coast to Carlsbad, and you’ll find the Fall Village Faire, the largest one-day street faire in the US – it attracts over 100,000 visitors! The village features more than 900 arts and crafts booths, antiques, an international food court, a huge section with children’s rides, and a beer garden. Stroll along the streets, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy the beautiful coastal city of Carlsbad. To make things easier, there’ll be a free shuttle bus service from the Shoppes at Carlsbad and the Coaster Station .
📍Location: Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Blvd. and Jefferson St., Carlsbad
8. San Diego Wine & Food Festival
From November 2 to 10, 2024, sailboats and sandy beaches serve as the backdrop to the fabulous San Diego Wine and Food Festival. Expect more than 300 chefs, wineries, farmers, artists, and brands over the course of the week. The event is celebrated as one of the best wine & food festivals in the country. During the weekend (Nov. 9-10), there’ll be special events like a grand tasting, and a grand fiesta that follows.
📍Location: Embarcadero Marina Park North
9. Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration
Starting on November 15, 2024, Seaworld’s Christmas Celebration is on! The annual Christmas show is a holiday fan favorite. There will be seasonal shopping, festive food and drinks, and stunning live shows for the whole family to enjoy. You can expect dazzling new Christmas shows, meet Santa and Rudolph, feel the snow falling or watch a Christmas parade. The celebrations last until January 5, 2025.
📍Location: 500 SeaWorld Dr.
10. Fall Back Festival
Grab you loved and ones and head to this year’s Fall Back Festival, because it’s a free, fun day Sunday for all. This cute children’s historical street faire takes place in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter on November 3, 2024. Learn about San Diego’s rich cultural history by participating in various interactive activities and demonstrations. For some added fun, get down and dirty with a pie-eating contest!
📍Location: Gaslamp Quarter
11. Holidays At Legoland
From November 23, 2023 to January 5, 2025 you can experience the holidays with a LEGO twist! There will be music and cheer at LEGOLAND, which will culminate with the a giant LEGO Christmas Tree. You can sing your heart out with your favorite Christmas tunes at one of their seasonal shows, or take a picture with a life-sized LEGO Santa and Reindeer to remember the magic of the holidays. A great time for the kids, a great throwback for the adults.
📍Location: One Legoland Dr.
12. San Diego Botanical Garden Lightscape
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the San Diego Botanic Garden Lightscape. Starting November 15, 2024, and continuing through December until January 5, 2024, this event transforms the garden into a mesmerizing wonderland of lights. From musical light shows to new and enchanting fan-favorite displays, indulge in the magic of the holidays as nature and art merge in this one of a kind display. Ticket prices depend on peak or off-peak times.
📍Location: San Diego Botanical Garden
13. Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving marks the official start of the holiday season. If you’re looking for a feast, but not in the mood to spend hours in the kitchen, San Diego’s restaurants got you covered. Enjoy a menu full of holiday favorites – think pumpkin velouté, organic turkey & rosemary gravy, and pecan & marshmallow candied yams – at Vessel Restaurant. Can’t go wrong with dining alongside serene waterfront views of the marina, as you celebrate this special day.
If you’d like to try something different this year, head to Covewood for a menu with a twist. On November 28, you can expect dishes like butternut squash bisque, porcini dusted sea bass, and caramel croissant bread pudding.
14. Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Did you know that the one and only Dr.Seuss was a San Diegan through and through? Well, from November 6 to December 31, 2024, you can relive the magic of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” as a musical. Based on the literary classic, this whimsical musical is sure to bring the kid out of even the biggest Grinch around. The family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze). Make sure to add this classic activity to your things to do in November in San Diego.
📍Location: 1363 Old Globe Way
15. Skating By The Sea
Ice skating by the ocean should be on everyone’s things to do this November in San Diego list. From November 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025 Skating By The Sea awaits. This spectacular seaside ice rink on Hotel del Coronado features stunning views of the Pacific and Coronado beach. Best of all, the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego, so this holiday season, you can give back and while having an awesome, fun time. Feeling hungry? Head down to the ocean-side Frostbite Lounge, where you can unwind in plush seating next to roaring fire pits and enjoy delectable bites.
📍Location: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado
16. Santa Train North Pole Limited
All aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited! From November 29 to December 21, 2024, the holiday magic is on full steam ahead. Get ready for Christmas carols, delicious cookies, hot cocoa, the big guy himself, Santa, and his lovely wife. Make sure to arrive 45 minutes before your train departs to avoid delays, and explore their gift shop. The train ride lasts 90 minutes total.
📍Location: 750 Depot St, Campo
17. Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
Start your November shopping at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, where you can find unique gifts, holiday décor, and an array of delicious foods from local vendors. You’ll also find children’s rides, two stages of live entertainment and food and drink refreshments to keep your engine running. On November 24, 2024, this event is a fantastic way to kick off your holiday shopping and soak up the festive atmosphere.
📍Location: Coast Highway 101 between D and J Streets, Encinitas
18. Julian Country Christmas And Tree Lighting
Nothing screams Christmas like a good old-fashioned tree-lighting ceremony. The Julian Country Christmas event on November 30, 2024, is a beautiful way of getting into the Christmas spirit. This year, the tree lightning will take place at the new “Town Square” location on the corner of Main Street and Washington. So get ready to take pictures on sleigh rides, roast chestnuts on open fires, and paint the whole town Jack Frost white. The festivities start at noon, with musical entertainment and craft vendors, so you can start holiday shopping unique gifts.
📍Location: Julian Town Square