Happy weekend! We’ve put together a guide for you to plan the following days, effortlessly. From fabulous shows, to light parades, cool food spots, or festive runs, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you can’t miss this weekend in San Diego.
1. Catch Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns in a whimsical musical adaptation of the beloved classic. This family favorite brings the magic of Who-ville to life at the Old Globe Theatre with songs like “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and the joyful “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze)” from the animated special. The show will run for the rest of the year!
📍Location: The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA
📆 Date: every day this weekend
2. Catch these light shows this weekend in San Diego
- 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 14, 2024. The events kicks off with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks, and over 100,000 locals and visitors gather to watch around 80 festively decorated boats glide along San Diego Bay. The free event starts at 5:30 PM, and you can watch it from Shelter Island, Harbor Drive, Barrio Logan, or Coronado.
- Oceanside Harbor Parade Of Lights: Don’t miss the annual Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, on December 14, 2024. Fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, and kayaks decked out in holiday lights and decorations sail through the harbor, delighting spectators at the harbor, restaurants, and beach. Many crews join the fun in festive costumes, including jolly Santas. Prizes are awarded for the best-decorated boats.
- Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival: This beloved event was on hold for the past 3 years, but it’s back and ready to impress this weekend! Kick off the holiday magic at the Starlight Festival starting at 3:00 PM, on December 14, 2024. Enjoy the Holiday Market filled with unique gifts, hop on the Chula Vista Express, and snap a festive photo with Santa. With over 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, dance teams, and classic cars – and Santa arriving in a Chula Vista Fire Engine – it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss.
3. Have a laugh at The Empire Strips Back
Experience The Empire Strips Back, the hit burlesque parody bringing Star Wars characters to life with comedy, allure, and a risqué twist. Featuring sultry Stormtroopers, an enticing Boba Fett, tantalizing Twi’leks, a lady-like Skywalker, and even the droids you’re looking for, this hilarious and menacing show has sold out across major cities. Don’t miss its debut this weekend in San Diego, and get your tickets now for this unforgettable galaxy of burlesque fantasy.
📍Location: Balboa Park, SD Model Railroad Museum
📆 Date: Adams Avenue Theater
4. Head to the annual Ales ‘n Rails event
Holiday cheers goes pretty well with…craft beer! This weekend in San Diego, head to Ales N’ Rails is SDMRM’s annual beer tasting fundraiser. It celebrates local breweries and community partners, with an evening of fun and live music in the heart of Balboa Park. The museum is raising $10,000 to support the preservation of its permanent exhibits and the resident model railroad associations. Your tickets includes beer tastings from local breweries, snacks, live music and an over-the-top ugly Christmas sweater contest.
📍Location: Balboa Park, SD Model Railroad Museum
📆 Date: Dec. 14, 6 PM
5. Get active with one of these festive runs
Let’s be honest, we’re mostly focusing on holidays treats and Christmassy cocktails nowadays…but we can squeeze a run in, as long as it’s fun! Here’s what’s up this weekend:
- The Red Nose Run: This is a festive and family-friendly walk/run on Del Mar beach. You can choose between a 3K or 5K route, and support two San Diego nonprofits: Semper Fi & America’s Fund and San Dieguito River Park. Enjoy holiday costumes, a lively after-party with appetizers from Poseidon Restaurant, and a cash bar – all in the festive spirit, right on the sand!
- San Diego Holiday Half Marathon: Pick this one if you’re looking for a longer run, with a view.
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a scenic, fast 13.1-mile race starting in Rancho Peñasquitos and finishing at Torrey Pines State Beach. With a 711-foot net elevation drop and a gentle downhill along the 56 bike path, it’s perfect for achieving a personal best. The course includes a single hill at mile 1.5 before descending toward the stunning coastline.
6. Listen to Christmas Carols on Strings at a candlelight concert
Experience the magic of Candlelight Concerts at the San Diego Natural History Museum, featuring a stunning string quartet performance of classic Christmas carols by Range Ensemble. Enjoy favorites like Silent Night, Joy to the World, and O Holy Night under the warm glow of candlelight, in an awe-inspiring setting. Get your tickets now for this Sunday’s show!
📍Location: San Diego Natural History Museum
📆 Date: Dec. 15, 8:30 PM
7. Treat yourself at this viral self-serve ramen station
Seoul Street, a new Korean convenience store in San Diego, offers over 100 varieties of instant ramen. Here, you can find popular brands like Buldak, Jin, and Nongshim. Take the noodles at home, or cook your ramen on-site using the store’s machines, with optional toppings like spring onions, ramen eggs, or even cheese (for a South Korean twist).
📍Location: Las Americas Premium Outlets, 4463 Camino De La Plaza #117
8. See Cash’d Out at their amazing Christmas show
This San Diego native band is known for bringing you as close as possible to experiencing a Johnny Cash show. They’ve been around for many years and have a reputation for their amazing shows – so you really shouldn’t miss this Christmas special! The concert will take place at Belly Up Tavern, at Solana Beach, so you can make a whole quick weekend getaway out of it.
📍Location: Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
📆 Date: Dec. 13, doors at 8:30 PM
9. Join this ‘Old Town Tales’ walking tour
Walk – eat tacos – drink tequila – name a better combo. Explore San Diego’s rich history by visiting ancient adobe structures from the Spanish era, Victorian-style buildings, and the city’s oldest brick edifice. Dive into three centuries of California’s past while uncovering eerie landmarks, including a historic graveyard. Complete your journey with a culinary treat, savoring handmade tortillas, tantalizing tequila, and a trio of delicious street tacos! Grab your tickets here.
📍Location: meet at The Adobe Chapel, 3963 Conde Street, San Diego, 92110
📆 Date: Dec. 14
10. Marvel at “A Giant Screen Experience”
Us San Diegans know we’re blessed, with our city at the crossroads between desert and sea. The mild temperatures and the gorgeous nature all-around doesn’t make this city just a great place to live for us. Even with 3.3 million human residents, San Diego remains the most biodiverse place in America. From rushing grebes and urban squirrels, to magnificent marine migrations , this brand-new film proves that this city’s heartbeat is as wild as it is wonderful.
📍Location: San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
📆 Date: starting Nov. 22
11. Check out the Jingle Jets
Ready to get into the Christmas spirit? Then this may the perfect activity this weekend in San Diego. You can experience the magic of the USS Midway Museum’s 2nd Annual Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration! The Midway will transform into a festive wonderland at sea, with 750,000 twinkling lights. Enjoy whimsical music, delicious treats, and holiday fun perfect for the whole family. You’ll need tickets for this event, which you can find on their official website.
📍Location: USS Midway Museum, 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
📆 Date: starting Nov. 22 on select night; every night this weekend
12. Kickstart the weekend with this happy-hour
Who doesn’t love that first Friday drink? At Barley Mash, you can enjoy your beverage at a reduced price, every Friday (or any week day, for that matter) between 3 – 6 PM. During these happy hours – as it’s actually 3 hours long – you can expect beers, wines and cocktails to be half priced. Not all items are part of the promotion, but most.
P.S.: this Saturday, they’re also hosting an F1 watch party!
📍Location: 600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101
📆 Date: every Friday between 3 – 6 PM
13. Grab a delicious taco…or taquito
“What’s the best taco in San Diego?”. A question as old as time, that will probably remain unanswered, as we all have our favorites. One thing’s for sure: there are plenty of amazing options. From Ed Fernandez Birrieria, to The Taco Stand, and El Gordo, they all serve delicious meats (or veggies!) in fresh tortillas. In the mood for a taquito instead? Head to El Indio, a much-loved San Diego spot, that may have just coined the term taquito!
14. Get into the holidays spirit at SeaWorld
Starting this weekend, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is on! The annual Christmas show is a holiday fan favorite. You can expect seasonal shopping, festive food and drinks. 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.
📆 Date: all weekend
15. Hike to a nearby, breathtaking waterfall
We’re so fortunate to have great weather year-around, and so many opportunities to be in nature. Just a couple of miles away, there are beautiful outdoor trails, waiting to be explored this weekend in San Diego. From Cedar Creek, to Cottonwood Creek Falls, and Los Penasquitos Falls, there’s a hike for any level and mood. Here’s a list of 12 options for you to enjoy.
16. Enjoy the pretty lights at San Diego Botanical Garden
Immerse yourself in holiday enchantment at San Diego Botanic Garden’s Lightscape! Running from November 15, 2024, onwards, this event transforms the garden into a breathtaking spectacle. Enjoy musical light shows and captivating displays, blending nature and art in an unforgettable holiday experience. Ticket prices vary based on peak and off-peak times.
17. Indulge in a Michelin-Starred meal
If you feel like treating yourself this weekend, good news! San Diego has a couple of options when it comes to an amazing meal – Michelin approved. Soichi is an amazing choice if you’re looking for the finest sushi, while Addison may be your choice if one star doesn’t feel like enough…and you’d rather go with 3! Either way, you can’t wrong. And just in case you’d like to see what restaurants in San Diego are honored by Michelin, here’s a full list.
18. Hit SoCal’s busiest pizzeria
Did you know that the busiest pizzeria in SoCal is right here, in San Diego? To hold this title, they make 18,000 delicious slices every single month! That’s a crazy number. Regent pizzeria, located in La Jolla, isn’t just one of the best pizza spots in the city, it’s also a great destination for craft beer lovers. They have over 30 ales on tap! And if you’re wondering if you can find your favorite slice there, we’re pretty confident: they make delicious NY style, and Chicago style, pies. You can even create your own pizza.