Holiday scene

San Diego Christmas Guide 2024

San Diego's Best Christmas Events for 2024!

Last updated February 18, 2025.

While palm trees may not scream winter wonderland, San Diego transforms into a unique coastal Christmas destination. From the iconic Hotel Del Coronado's Victorian holiday charm to SeaWorld's festive shows and the beloved Grinch at the Old Globe Theatre, America's Finest City adds SoCal flair to seasonal celebrations.

Local neighborhoods from Gaslamp to North Park host distinctive holiday events, while Balboa Park's December Nights draws crowds with its multicultural festivities. The USS Midway's Jingle Jets and LEGOLAND's Holiday Magic offer family entertainment with a distinctly San Diego twist.

Dive into SoCal's coolest holiday happenings below!

When is Christmas? Thursday, December 25th, 2025

San Diego Holiday Light Displays

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo is an annual holiday celebration featuring sparkling paths of lights, special effects, and seasonal surprises. The event includes Dr. Zoolittle's animal-themed version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' the Northern Frontier Holiday Forest aglow with specially decorated and lighted trees, and the toog tree on Front Street, which appears to come to life. Guests can visit Santa at Gingerbread Landing, see Santa's elves performing energetic trampoline routines, enjoy jazzy carol sessions and strolling musicians, join in the Reindeer Games on the main plaza, and meet larger-than-life friendly Zoo characters. The event also offers delicious holiday treats like hot chocolate and cookies from the Zoo's restaurants and food stands.

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Jingle Jets at the U.S.S. Midway Museum

Jingle Jets at the USS Midway Museum features a holiday-themed experience with extensive holiday lights displays, holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus meet & greet. The event includes carolers, holiday music DJ, dance floor, seasonal culinary items, and merchandise. Visitors can also write letters to military service members and participate in various photo and interaction opportunities.

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Del Mar Holiday Festival

Del Mar Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring holiday light displays, eco-friendly Glice skating, Santa photos, a holiday wine walk, igloos, festive food and drink, a holiday market, and Frosty's Fun Zone for kids. The event transforms the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland by the sea with twinkling lights and holiday cheer.

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San Diego Holiday Markets and Shopping

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

The Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village is a festive event featuring a Christmas Village, holiday decorations, a pop-up holiday market, live music, kids' arts and crafts, and visits with Santa Claus. Locally crafted holiday gifts, fresh produce, and artisan food are available for shopping. The event includes a 30-foot Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a 25-foot tree made from Venetian faux-stained glass.

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San Diego Holiday Shows and Entertainment

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration is a spectacular holiday event featuring dazzling new Christmas shows, meeting Santa and Rudolph, and snowfall in Southern California. The event includes a cheerful Christmas parade, photo-perfect moments across acres of beautiful decorations, including San Diego's iconic Christmas tree and the 320-foot SkyTower sparkling with Christmas lights. Guests can also savor delicious candy-topped hot chocolate and other treats for all ages. The event offers thrilling rides against a sparkling backdrop and animal presentations with a festive twist.

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The Grinch at the Old Globe Theatre

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book. The production features the songs 'Santa for a Day,' 'You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,' and 'Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),' capturing the timeless Dr. Seuss look with its set design. The story is narrated by Max the Dog, highlighting the Grinch's realization of the true meaning of the holidays. The show is known for its engaging musical themes and entertaining performances.

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LEGOLAND Holiday Magic

LEGOLAND Holiday Magic in Carlsbad transforms the park into a festive holiday destination with a dazzling light show, live music, and unique experiences like the pirate kingdom adventure. Families can enjoy special performances and interactive LEGO build zones. The themed hotels add to the magic, featuring knights, dragons, wizards, and princess-themed rooms. Guests can meet LEGO Santa and friends, including the charming LEGO Snowman and Reindeer Girl, the delightful Gingerbread Man, and the dapper Toy Soldier. The park offers a variety of holiday shows, including Jingle Jamboree, Benny’s Ugly Sweater Party, Once Upon a Brick-Mas, and Festival of Flurries.

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San Diego Other Holiday Activities

December Nights at Balboa Park

December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day, multicultural celebration featuring live music, dancing, choirs, puppetry, and more. The event includes a grand tree lighting, over 200 food and retail booths, and activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the newly renovated Botanical Building, enjoy a Ferris wheel ride, and participate in family-friendly activities like face painting and holiday hat making.

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Hotel Del Coronado Christmas Celebrations

Hotel Del Coronado Christmas Celebrations feature a variety of festive activities, including a beachfront ice-skating rink, Frostbite Lounge with holiday treats and cocktails, and a 'Lights, Camera, Holiday!' theme honoring the movie classic *Some Like It Hot*. The resort also offers a Thanksgiving buffet, gingerbread house decorating, and personalized elf deliveries. Guests can enjoy a Jingle Roast by the beach, a Christmas Day brunch, and a spectacular light show orchestrated to lively holiday jazz music.

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Safari Park Holiday Expedition

The Safari Park Holiday Expedition is a joyous holiday event where visitors can travel through places that glow and twinkle with seasonal cheer. Holiday tunes set the festive mood, and tasty seasonal treats are available to tempt you throughout your journey. The event features fanciful characters, musical entertainment, and festive storytelling, creating family fun and getting everyone in the spirit of the season.

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Viejas Ice Rink

Viejas Ice Rink is Southern California's largest outdoor ice skating rink, located at Viejas Casino & Resort. The rink is decked out with holiday lights and offers a festive atmosphere perfect for reliving cherished childhood memories or taking the first spin. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seasonal snacks and drinks while taking a break from skating. The rink is a popular destination for holiday fun, featuring 90-minute skate sessions with rental skates included.

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La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival

The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a cherished annual event that combines traditional holiday festivities with a distinct California twist. The parade features vibrant floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, and Santa Claus. The holiday festival includes Santa visits, arts and crafts, games, music, and face-painting. This event brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season.

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Town and Country Resort Holiday Events

Town and Country Resort in San Diego offers a variety of holiday activities and events. The resort features elegant ballrooms, beautiful outdoor lawns, and a 3-acre riverside park. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, charcuterie boards, and live music events. The resort also hosts themed brunches and holiday-themed activities such as scavenger hunts, limbo competitions, and kids' crafts. Additionally, guests can participate in fitness classes, volleyball tournaments, and family movie nights. The resort's location near luxury shopping and beaches provides ample opportunities for holiday exploration.

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San Diego Military Advisory Council’s Fleet Week

San Diego Military Advisory Council’s Fleet Week is a series of events designed to honor and celebrate the contributions of the U.S. military. The event includes ship tours, military displays, family activities, and community celebrations. It features a variety of public events such as the Enlisted Recognition Luncheon, Military Band Concert, Fleetfest 32nd St., Student STEM Days, and the Veterans Day Parade. The event aims to increase public awareness of the military's contributions to the San Diego region.

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Coronado Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

The Coronado Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting is a cherished tradition that brings the community together in festive cheer. The event features a magnificent 120-foot Christmas tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza. The parade includes over 1,400 enthusiastic participants and thousands of spectators lining the streets. The parade route begins on Orange Avenue and loops at RH Dana and Adella streets. The event is orchestrated by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce, the City of Coronado, and Discover Coronado, promoting local businesses and fostering a festive community spirit.

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San Diego Wine and Food Festival Holiday Events

The San Diego Food + Wine Festival is an annual event featuring gourmet food samples, unlimited wine and beverages, and live music. The Grand Tasting event is held outside on the bay near Seaport Village, offering stunning views of San Diego Bay. The festival includes a variety of exceptional wines from wineries such as Sangiacomo and Paso Robles, as well as spirits, beer, and cocktails. The event also features gourmet food including truffle-infused dishes, bone marrow, tacos, and pork belly skewers. Additionally, there are pre-event excursions and dinners, and a wine tasting event called The Grand Decant. The festival culminates with The Grand Fiesta on Sunday, featuring gourmet tacos, tequilas, cocktails, and Baja wines.

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  • 📅 Dates: Every November
  • ⏰ Time: (See website for times)
  • 🏛️ Venue: Embarcadero Marina Park North
  • 📍 Address: View on map

North Park Toy Drive and Holiday Festival

The North Park Toy Drive and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring vintage cars, marching bands, dance groups, beauty queens, city officials, and Santa Claus. The parade takes place along University Avenue between Utah and Iowa Street, showcasing local schools, creative floats, and joyful community spirit. After the parade, attendees can visit the North Park Christmas Tree Lot for additional holiday activities.

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Chula Vista Starlight Parade

The Chula Vista Starlight Parade is a signature holiday event that celebrates the start of the holiday season with festive floats, marching bands, dance groups, high school drill and cheer teams, and Santa Claus. The parade features a holiday market selling gifts and treats from local artisanal vendors, free photos with Santa, and live music and entertainment throughout the day. A tree lighting ceremony kicks off the parade, which includes participants ranging from festive floats to classic cars.

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San Diego Beer Week Holiday Events

San Diego Beer Week is a 10-day celebration of craft beer, featuring events at over 150 independent breweries across San Diego County. The week includes the Capital of Craft Beerfest, which showcases local breweries with unlimited tastings, food trucks, live music, and a people's choice award for the best hoppy beer. Special events and beer deals are also hosted by local breweries throughout the week.

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  • 📅 Dates: November 1 - November 10
  • ⏰ Time: Varies
  • 🏛️ Venue: Kilowatt Brewing
  • 📍 Address: Kearny Mesa

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations

Dia de los Muertos Celebrations in San Diego honor the lives of friends, relatives, and loved ones who have passed away. These traditional Mexican celebrations include creating small altars at home, citywide festivals with processions, family altars, dance, music, costumes, face painting, and food. The events are filled with vibrant decorations, colorful Catrina makeup, and traditional foods like sugar skulls and pan de muerto. Communities come together to remember and celebrate their loved ones through various activities and displays.

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  • 📅 Dates: November 2 - November 3, 2024
  • ⏰ Time: 10:30 AM - 8 PM and 10:30 AM - 7 PM
  • 🏛️ Venue: Gaslamp District
  • 📍 Address: 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101

Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade

The Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade is a festive event where pet owners can showcase their furry friends in holiday costumes. The parade features check-in, holiday costume voting, festive pet accessories, and holiday vendors. Additionally, there are free photos with Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman. The event culminates with the Pups in the Pub Party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, offering craft beers, holiday tunes, treats, and games for both pets and their owners.

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El Cajon Christmas Parade

The El Cajon Christmas Parade is a festive event that kicks off the holiday season in El Cajon. It features a variety of participants including floats, marching bands, and community groups. The parade is a beloved tradition that attracts thousands of spectators each year.

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  • 📅 Dates: (See website for dates)
  • ⏰ Time: (See website for times)
  • 🏛️ Venue: El Cajon Parade Route
  • 📍 Address: View on map

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

The Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in San Diego is a community event that benefits Father Joe's Villages Food Services Programs, which provide over 900,000 meals annually. The event features a 5K run/walk through scenic Balboa Park, fostering community spirit and promoting health during the holiday season. Participants can enjoy spectacular views of the park and engage in post-race festivities, including live music and family-friendly activities.

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Imperial Beach Holiday Parade

The Imperial Beach Holiday Parade is a festive event featuring giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more. It brings the community together with holiday spirit and entertainment for all ages.

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Santee Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Festival

Santee Santa’s Arrival and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring Santa's grand entrance, holiday performances, and family-friendly activities. The event includes visits with Santa, holiday crafts, and a variety of seasonal activities. It is a community-driven celebration that brings together families and friends to enjoy the holiday spirit.

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Rady Children's Invitational

The Rady Children's Invitational is a men's college basketball tournament featuring top teams in a competitive and exciting event. The tournament brings together renowned college basketball teams for a thrilling display of skill and teamwork. Each year, the event attracts a large audience and provides a unique opportunity for fans to witness high-level basketball.

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Poway Christmas in the Park

Poway Christmas in the Park is an old-fashioned holiday tradition featuring caroling, live music, a visit with Santa, free children's crafts, model train displays, and more. The event offers a nostalgic setting with festive lights and joyful carolers. Visitors can purchase tasty holiday treats, shop for unique gifts at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time ride around the park.

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Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon & 5K

The Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon & 5K is a community-driven event that encourages participants to stay active, eat healthy, live well, and give back. The half marathon and 5K races take place in Mission Bay, offering scenic routes with bay views and ocean breezes. Participants receive exclusive tech shirts, finisher medals, and chip race timing. The event also includes a virtual run option for those who cannot attend in person.

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Rancho Bernardo Holiday Wine and Food Festival

The Rancho Bernardo Holiday Wine and Food Festival is a festive event featuring local flavors, crafts, and entertainment. Attendees can savor a variety of wines and enjoy local cuisine while exploring the community's spirit.

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Comic-Con Museum Halloween-adjacent Holiday Event

The Comic-Con Museum Halloween-adjacent event is a celebration of Dia de los Muertos featuring a costume party with raffles, art sales, and spooky entertainment. The event includes a frightmaker presentation, trick-or-treating for prizes, a costume contest, and access to the museum's gift shop with Halloween-themed items. The evening also includes heavy appetizers, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

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  • 📅 Dates: November 2, 2024
  • ⏰ Time: 6 PM - 10 PM
  • 🏛️ Venue: Comic-Con Museum
  • 📍 Address: 2131 Pan American Plaza

Southern California Coast Bike Ride

The Southern California Coast Bike Ride in Oceanside offers a variety of bike routes ranging from leisurely coastal cruises to high-impact endurance challenges. The city's diverse terrain and clearly marked bike trails make it an ideal destination for cyclists of all levels. Participants can explore the scenic areas along the San Luis Rey River Trail and the Coastal Rail Trail, passing through historic beach towns like Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar.

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Encinitas Holiday Parade

The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring nearly 100 parade entries, including colorful floats, dynamic performances, and a ceremonial tree lighting. The parade showcases the creative spirit of innovation and imagination in Encinitas, with participants bringing their ideas to life in a moving display of art, culture, and festive cheer. The event includes a special visit from Santa Claus and attracts over 10,000 spectators, making it the largest of its kind in North County.

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Solana Beach Holiday Parade

The Solana Beach Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring nearly 100 parade entries, including colorful floats, dynamic performances, and unique visual expressions. Thousands of participants will roll, march, cycle, scoot, and cruise down Coast Highway 101, showcasing the community's creativity and festive spirit.

Details:

  • 📅 Dates: December 7, 2024
  • ⏰ Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • 🏛️ Venue: Coast Highway 101
  • 📍 Address: Encinitas, CA 92024