Santa skips the chimney in Coronado. He skydives onto the beach for the Holiday Festival at the Hotel del Coronado, and fireworks go off over the ocean later. Around the bay, about 80 decorated boats glide past the Embarcadero in the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, and Balboa Park December Nights is the city's largest free holiday festival. Up in Carmel Valley, the Christmas tree is built from 44 surfboards. This page changes as the 2026 season goes on, and your tips help, so send us anything we got wrong or left out.
Jump to: Lights · Markets · Shows · Activities
San Diego Holiday Light Displays
Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration
The USS Midway Museum covers its aircraft carrier in more than a million lights for Jingle Jets. Meet Admiral Evergreen, a talking Christmas tree who outranks every other tree in town, then watch model trains run beneath a Corsair or write to Santa. Tickets are sold online only, and it goes on rain or shine.
Holidays at The Del (Coronado)
Hotel del Coronado sets up a beachfront ice rink on the Windsor Lawn, skate rentals included and the Pacific right there. Across the grounds, the Norfolk Island pines on the Founders Lawn light up to music and finish with snow flurries. Buy skating tickets ahead; each one is good only for its date and time.
San Diego Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Gardens (Encinitas)
San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas lines a mile-long trail with more than 20 light installations by artists from around the world, plus a few returning favorites. Music plays along the way, with seasonal bites and festive cocktails. Adult tickets start at $28 and kids at $18, and parking costs less if you buy it ahead.
Wild Holidays at the Safari Park (Escondido)
At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, Wild Holidays lights up the Bridge of Lights musical tunnel, the Nairobi Lantern Walk, and floating lights on Mombasa Lagoon. Add violin and guitar duos, a holiday storytime, and Santa at Safari Base Camp. It's included with admission, though most of the animals take the evening off.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
During Jungle Bells, the San Diego Zoo stays open into the evening, with lit paths like the Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and Laser Trail. Look for acrobatic elves, carolers, Santa at Santa's Factory, and the Holiday Light Symphony in the Cactus Garden. It's all included with regular zoo admission and memberships.
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular (Del Mar)
Coastal Christmas fills a Holiday Light Trail at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with millions of lights, plus Santa photos, live music, and a holiday market. Skate on eco-friendly Glice, or sample eight wines on the Holiday Wine Walk. General admission covers the trail and Santa; skating and Frosty's Fun Zone cost extra.
Holidays at LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad builds the season out of bricks, starting with a 35-foot Christmas tree made from 366,481 LEGO and DUPLO bricks. Kids can build Magic Carrots at Reindeer Refuel, sing with the Elf Choir, and catch the Brickmas (W)rap Battle Show. It's included with park tickets and select passes. Yes, somebody counted.
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
The Padres turn Petco Park's Gallagher Square into Holiday Wonderland, with nightly snowfall, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and light displays. Ride the carousel and the Christmas train, play carnival games, and go sledding on real snow. Santa and other holiday characters pose for photos, and pre-paid parking is available.
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld San Diego decks out the park for its Christmas Celebration, with holiday decorations, live shows with holiday themes, and festive music. Look for seasonal food and drinks and some holiday shopping as you go. Outside food isn't allowed (a water bottle is fine), and MTS trolleys and buses serve the park.
Lakehouse Winter Wonderland (San Marcos)
Lakehouse Resort in San Marcos lights up its Lakeside Lawn, with firepits for make-your-own s'mores. Kids ride the Lakehouse Express through a light tunnel into the Frozen Fun Zone, and holiday boat rides head out on Lake San Marcos. Entry is $10 for ages 10 and up; rides, food, and drinks cost extra.
Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall (Chula Vista)
Village Walk at EastLake in Chula Vista runs two 15-minute shows a night of dancing lights, music, and falling snow. Kids get free Magic Glasses that turn it all different colors, and choral groups stroll the center singing carols between shows. It's free, and the holiday arch by the Koi Pond is the spot for family photos.
Holiday at the Rancho Event (Carlsbad)
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historical Park in Carlsbad lights up for cookie decorating, crafts, face painting, train rides, Santa, a festival of trees in the barn, and a tree lighting by the pool. The plush snowball fight means nobody's mittens get wet. Park at Carrillo Elementary School, and register even the little ones.
Del Mar Highlands Town Center Light Display (Carmel Valley)
Del Mar Highlands Town Center in Carmel Valley builds a 36-foot Christmas tree out of 44 surfboards and LED lights, with light and music shows every 15 minutes after dusk. Look up for the 15-foot surfing Santa on the Sky Deck roof. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit too, and it's all free.
Imaginarium San Diego Light Festival - Las Américas
Imaginarium sets up a light festival at Las Américas Premium Outlets with 35 themed attractions and more than 5 million LEDs. Wander through mirror rooms and interactive displays, then into Utopia, a two-acre area built around romance and fantasy. Ticket prices vary, so look them up before you go.
Winter Wonder at Belmont Park
Beachside Belmont Park strings up more than a million twinkling lights for Winter Wonder. Test yourself at classic holiday movie trivia, dance to DJ-spun Jingle Jams, and let the kids get their faces painted or decorate ornaments (ornament decorating is $10 per guest). Most of the activities happen on weekends, and Draft runs a Christmas cocktail pop-up.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights (Oceanside)
The Oceanside Yacht Club sends a fleet of decorated boats through Oceanside Harbor, from kayaks and dinghies to fishing boats, sailboats, and yachts, with Santas waving from the decks. Watch from the walkway near the fishing dock and police station to see the parade twice. It's free; bring a blanket and hot chocolate.
Candy Cane Lane (Poway neighborhood)
On Candy Cane Lane in Poway, neighbors go all out with Christmas lights and decorations on their homes. It's a local tradition you can walk or drive, and it's free. The exact streets vary, and these are people's homes, so keep it neighborly.
Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting (Ramona)
Old Town Ramona lights its Christmas tree on Main Street, hosted by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. Play Find the Elf by hunting local shops for hidden elves and passport stamps, then pose with Santa and check out the classic cars. The Candlelight Christmas Dinner with Santa at the Guy B. Woodward Museum is ticketed.
San Diego Markets and Shopping
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Little Italy lights the permanent 25-foot tree at Piazza della Famiglia with a traditional Italian tree lighting, while Joshua Hubert's Aurora tree stands at Piazza Basilone. The Christmas Village on India Street has artisan and Mercato vendors for stocking stuffers. Look for 10-foot nutcrackers, live music, and Santa.
San Diego Made Holiday Market
San Diego Made fills NTC Park at Liberty Station with more than 130 local makers selling handmade goods, vintage finds, art, apparel, and packaged foods. Add food trucks, coffee carts, a bar, live music, and kids' activities. Entry is a $5 donation (kids under 10 are free), and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Holiday in the Village (La Mesa)
Downtown La Mesa lines La Mesa Boulevard with more than one hundred vendors selling art, home decor, jewelry, clothing, and handmade gifts. There's an ice-skating rink, mini golf, and Santa and Mrs. Claus nooks, and kids 10 and under get their own shopping program. Stop by the Information Booth to hunt for 12 hidden elves.
East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
The East Village Association lights a community Christmas tree and sets up a curated market of hand-crafted gifts. Merry Carol and the Salvation Army Brass Band play the main stage, with more music on street corners, plus Santa photos and kids' activities. Circuit gives free rides around East Village through its app.
Gaslamp Holiday Market (Gaslamp Quarter)
The Gaslamp Holiday Market sets up near 5th Avenue and Island Avenue with more than 40 holiday vendors, handcrafted gifts, and holiday treats. Bands play jazz, mariachi, and yacht rock, which covers a lot of musical ground. Photos with Santa are free, and so is the market.
Seaport Village Holiday Market
Seaport Village hosts a Holiday Market by the water, with light displays, Christmas shopping, and holiday entertainment. Keep an eye out for the elves on stilts, who are easy to spot in a crowd. It's free to stroll.
North Park Winter Wonderland Fair 2026
The North Park Winter Wonderland Fair joins the monthly North Park Sustainable Market at North Park Mini Park, with more than 60 vendors selling sustainable gifts from San Diego makers. Go skating, play games, find the Santa photo station, and meet adoptable dogs. It happens rain or shine.
Coronado Holiday Market (Coronado Village)
Coronado's Holiday Market sets up at or near the Hotel del Coronado, where the holidays take on a Wizard of Oz theme called A Holiday in Oz. Shop for one-of-a-kind ornaments, toys, resort wear, and local artisan goods. Most events are free, though some activities cost extra.
North Park Holiday Market (SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off) (North Park)
North Park's holiday market, SoNo Fest, pairs gift shopping with a chili cook-off between local restaurants. Browse artisan gifts and hand-spun ceramic bowls, then find the food trucks, beer garden, live music, and kids' games. It's free to attend, so save your appetite for the chili.
Carlsbad Holiday Market (Carlsbad)
The Woman's Club of Carlsbad turns its clubhouse on Monroe Street into a craft fair, with local makers selling handmade gifts, accessories, home decor, and tasty treats. New vendors join fan favorites, and every vendor booth is sold out. Your shopping helps small local businesses and the historic clubhouse renovation.
Spirit of Christmas (Lakeside)
Lakeside throws an old-fashioned hometown celebration on Maine Avenue, with holiday shopping from local clubs and vendors, craft booths, kids' activities, and youth performances. Santa arrives for the community tree lighting, then poses for photos with Mrs. Claus. It's free, and the North Pole mailbox is open for letters.
Vista Holiday Market (Vista)
Vista's holiday market goes by the Dark X-mas Market, a European-inspired Christmas market on South Citrus Avenue. Browse local vendors and artisans, and stay for the Wild Hunt of Vista Procession. The name is the first clue this one is a little different.
San Diego Shows and Entertainment
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The Old Globe turns its stage into a snow-covered Who-ville for this family musical of the Dr. Seuss classic, with songs like “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas.” It runs one hour and 20 minutes with no intermission. Keep an eye out for the cans of Who-hash on the set.
The Nutcracker
Golden State Ballet dances The Nutcracker at the San Diego Civic Theatre, with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's score live and choreography by Artistic Director Raúl Salamanca. It runs 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission and is recommended for ages 3 and up. Late seating is limited, so arrive early.
A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre
Cygnet Theatre stages its annual musical version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol at the Joseph Clayes III Theater, with lyrics by Sean Murray and an original score by Billy Thompson. It runs about two hours with one intermission. Kids under 5 aren't allowed, and the show may use fog, strobe lights, and loud noises.
Noel Noel at The Rady Shell
Noel Noel is the San Diego Symphony's holiday tradition, played outdoors at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The orchestra is joined by the San Diego Master Chorale and the San Diego Children's Choir for Christmas classics, favorite holiday songs, and sing-alongs. Warm up your voice; the audience gets a part too.
Carols by Candlelight (Poway)
Carols by Candlelight brings country stars to the Poway Center for the Performing Arts for a family Christmas concert of country hits and holiday songs. This year's lineup includes Deana Carter, Maddie Font, Anna Vaus, Eve Selis, and founder Steve Vaus. Stay for the live and silent auctions; net proceeds benefit Rady Children's Hospital.
Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday
Cygnet Theatre's Dottie Studio Theater hosts an all-singing, all-dancing holiday show in the spirit of the Rockettes, with live takes on festive favorites like “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad.” It runs about 90 minutes with an intermission. Kids under 5 aren't permitted, and some performances have sold out.
Irish Christmas in America (Escondido)
Irish Christmas in America fills the Center Theater in Escondido with traditional Irish music, song, step dancing, and stories of Ireland's Christmas customs. Sligo fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada produces the show, with Irish harp, concertina, uilleann pipes, flute, and piano. Buy in person at the CCAE Box Office and you skip the ticket fees.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas brings Grammy Award winner Chip Davis and the ensemble to the San Diego Civic Theatre for classic Christmas music with multimedia effects. Fifteen musicians play more than 20 instruments between them, so expect some quick handoffs. Tickets run $52 to $146.
The Nutcracker - City Ballet of San Diego (Escondido)
City Ballet of San Diego dances The Nutcracker in the Concert Hall at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido, with choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich. The City Ballet Orchestra and Chorus play Tchaikovsky's score live. It was voted San Diego's Best Nutcracker, and tickets run $77 to $190.
Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna - Jacobs Music Center
The Vienna Boys Choir brings its Christmas in Vienna program to the Jacobs Music Center, mixing Austrian folk songs, classical pieces, and carols. Listen for Salve Regina, Ode to Joy, and O Tannenbaum. This program is the choir on its own, without the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and tickets start at $55.
A Christmas Story - San Diego Musical Theatre
San Diego Musical Theatre stages A Christmas Story, the musical based on the film, on Mercury Street. Young Ralphie Parker schemes for the ultimate gift, an Official Red Ryder BB gun, through big musical numbers, tap routines, and plenty of quirky characters. Expect tap shoes and one very determined kid.
A Magical Cirque Christmas - Broadway San Diego
Broadway San Diego brings A Magical Cirque Christmas to the Balboa Theatre, a holiday variety show of cirque acrobatics, feats of strength, and comedy, all set to a modern soundtrack of Christmas classics. Tickets start at $73, and the show is pitched at all ages.
A Drag Queen Christmas - Balboa Theatre
A Drag Queen Christmas brings top contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race to the Balboa Theatre for a holiday drag variety show. Expect festive numbers, comedy, live singing, costumes that outshine the tree, and plenty of audience participation. The historic theater was restored to its 1920s look.
Gary Hoey – Ho Ho Hoey’s Rockin’ Holiday Tour 2026 (Ramona)
Guitarist Gary Hoey brings his Rockin' Holiday Tour to the Ramona Mainstage on Main Street for a live evening of holiday rock. Expect Christmas tunes and plenty of seasonal guitar riffs. Silent Night, this is not.
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show (Balboa Park)
The Old Globe's Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre hosts Ebenezer Scrooge's BIG San Diego Christmas Show, a lively take on Dickens' holiday classic with live music and plenty of humor. It's family-friendly, and tickets start at $30.
Christmas by Candlelight (Balboa Park)
A string quartet plays Christmas carols by candlelight inside the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. The program includes Carol of the Bells, Silent Night, and the 12 Days of Christmas, which is a lot of gifts for four strings to carry. Tickets start at $49.35.
Christmas with the San Diego Children’s Choir (San Diego area)
More than 300 young singers from the San Diego Children's Choir fill First United Methodist Church Mission Valley for a holiday concert. Six choirs, from Preparatory to Premier, sing classics and cultural favorites like My Favorite Things and the 12 Days of Christmas. Two showtimes leave room for all the grandparents.
Christmas with the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus - The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus brings its Christmas concert to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Expect holiday music sung with plenty of joy, in a show that celebrates community, diversity, and inclusion through song. It's a cheerful addition to the holiday calendar.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Holiday Performances and Lights - San Diego
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet dances a full-length Nutcracker at the Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park, with young dancers of all ages. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through a land of dancing sweets. Tickets are $27, and ADA seating is available.
Holiday Sing-Along at the Maritime Museum - Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego hosts a holiday sing-along aboard its historic ships, with live musicians leading classic Christmas carols and family-friendly activities. It's free with museum admission or a suggested donation, so warm up those carols.
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at Jacobs Music Center
The touring Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet comes to the Jacobs Music Center in downtown San Diego with professional dancers, elaborate sets and costumes, and classical choreography. If you like your Nutcracker done the traditional way, this is that one.
Ballet Institute of San Diego: The Nutcracker
Ballet Institute of San Diego presents The Nutcracker at Baker-Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad. It's a local, family-friendly production in an intimate hall, and an affordable way to introduce the little ones to classical ballet.
International Ballet Stars at Escondido (Escondido)
California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents International Ballet Stars, a Nutcracker with world-renowned dancers and new production elements. It's part of a larger holiday festival at the center. Ballet fans, this is the one with the visiting stars.
San Diego Fun and Events
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
About 80 decorated boats cruise San Diego Bay in the Port of San Diego's Parade of Lights, passing Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Coronado. Stand near the Maritime Museum or Coronado Landing to hear announcers describe each boat. Watching is free; parking is limited, so take the trolley.
Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park December Nights is the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival, with two days of holiday lights, food and retail vendors, and community performers on stages around the park. Bring a new pair of socks for the drive. Park lots fill fast, so try the shuttle from free parking or the trolley.
Holiday Festival (Coronado)
The Hotel del Coronado's Holiday Festival starts with Santa skydiving onto Del Beach. Stay for Coronado schoolchildren singing holiday favorites, beachfront ice skating, the Lightshow Spectacular on the pines, and fireworks over the beach. Santa photo slots come from Santa Passes handed out on-site, all weather permitting. Rudolph gets the night off.
San Diego Santa Run
The San Diego Santa Run fills the streets of Pacific Beach with a sea of Santas, every 5K runner in a Sunny Santa suit and sunglasses. Kids get their own mile on Garnet Avenue, and dogs get a separate Dog Mile that sells out quickly. The 5K is $54.99, and walkers are welcome.
Pine Valley Camp Christmas (Pine Valley)
Pine Valley Camp Christmas lights its forest trails with more than one million lights, about 45 minutes east of San Diego. Tickets start at $15 and cover the light walk, skating, and Santa's Village with a free family photo; snow tubing is $8 extra. Buy parking ahead, and dress in layers at 3,700 feet.
Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
Old Town Trolley Tours runs a 75-minute holiday lights ride on a decorated trolley past Old Town, Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and Garrison Street. Elf conductors lead sing-along carols, holiday trivia, and a little local history. Adult tickets start at $35. Check in at Old Town Market 30 minutes early; seats are first come.
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival (La Jolla)
Downtown La Jolla's Christmas Parade brings marching bands, drill teams, community groups, vintage vehicles, horses, and a camel to the streets around Girard Avenue and Prospect Street. A holiday festival and tree lighting follow. It's free. Yes, a camel.
OB Holiday Parade
Ocean Beach turns out on Newport Avenue for its annual holiday parade, hosted by the Ocean Beach Community Foundation and Love Thy Neighborhood. Can't make it in person? A live camera streams the street. Public parking lots are spread around OB, and MTS Bus 923 and Bus 35 both run there.
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair (Encinitas)
The Encinitas Holiday Street Fair takes over South Coast Highway 101 with more than 450 food, arts, and crafts vendors. Four stages keep the live music going, and there are kids' rides plus a beer garden that welcomes kids and dogs. It's free to attend. With 450 vendors, wear comfortable shoes.
Starlight Parade and Festival (Chula Vista)
Chula Vista's Starlight Parade rolls down Third Avenue with dazzling floats, plus a holiday market, photos with Santa, and the annual tree lighting. Food trucks line Park Way next to Memorial Park. Bring a blanket or low chair, warm layers, and glow sticks, and skip the car if you can; parking is limited.
A Very Furry Christmas (Chula Vista)
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista dresses up for A Very Furry Christmas, with thousands of twinkling lights and a 24-foot Christmas tree. Catch Elmo's Christmas Wish Show, the Sesame Street Christmas Cavalcade, and a dance party on the Wave Pool lawn. Cookie Claus poses for photos, and so does the original Santa.
Skating by the Sea (Coronado)
Skating by the Sea is the beachfront ice rink at the Hotel del Coronado, with the Pacific Ocean for a view. Sessions run 90 minutes, rentals include double-runner skates for younger kids, and the rink is ADA-compliant for wheelchair skating. Part of the proceeds benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego.
Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station
The Rady Children's Ice Rink sets up outdoors in the ARTS DISTRICT at Liberty Station, with public skating sessions daily and special hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for kids, skate rentals included. Proceeds go to the Thriving After Cancer Program at Rady Children's Hospital.
Night of Christmas
Awaken Church hosts Night of Christmas at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, with classic carols, a full string orchestra, aerialists, storytelling, and fireworks. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or a gift card for the drive benefiting foster children. Kids 2 and up need tickets, and the MTS Green Line stops at Convention Center Station.
Holiday Lights on Main (El Cajon)
Downtown El Cajon's Holiday Lights on Main has a microbubbles Snow Zone, kids' train rides, photos with Santa, live music, and an artisan market of local vendors. The evening ends with Mayor Bill Wells leading the tree lighting at Prescott Promenade. It's free, and so is the street parking (mind the time limits).
The Red Nose Run (Del Mar)
The Del Mar Foundation's Red Nose Run sends runners, walkers, and leashed dogs down a 3K or 5K course on the beach in Del Mar. Afterward come a hot buffet, ice cream, live music, and awards for the best holiday costumes. Adults register for $50 and youth for $25, and volunteers run the whole thing.
11th Annual Unleash the Holiday Cheer!
Traci's Paws brings dogs and their people to Naval Training Center Park for Unleash the Holiday Cheer, with dog adoptions, holiday crafts, and live swing and jazz from Sax Diego and the San Diego Community Jazz Band. Watch the dog costume contest and get professional photos with Santa. Every ticket includes popcorn.
Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll
The Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll winds past independent shops from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington, with holiday cocktail tastes from local bartenders and breweries, plus sweet treats. It's part of Small Business Saturday and strictly 21 and up. Bring your receipt and ID to will-call at Smitty's Auto.
Pacific Beach SantaCon Bar Crawl 2026
Pacific Beach SantaCon sends crawlers in Santa suits, ugly Christmas sweaters, and elf outfits to participating bars at their own pace. Check in at Pueblo on Hornblend Street for a wristband and route map, good for drink specials along the way. It's 21 and up, so bring a photo ID.
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K runs point to point from Rancho Penasquitos down the 56 Bike Path, with a 711-foot net elevation drop on the half. Live entertainment and awards wait at the finish on Sorrento Valley Road. There's no parking at the 5K start, so park near the finish and take the shuttle.
Ohana Holiday Run and Toy Drive
The Ohana Holiday Run and Toy Drive brings the aloha spirit to North Mission Bay Drive with a 5K run or walk, a 1K Kid's Fun Run, and a Top Dog Division. Every race has an entry option that includes a toy donation, and proceeds support The Salvation Army San Diego Citadel Corps. Bring the 'ohana.
Santee Holiday Lighting Ceremony (Santee)
Santee Trolley Square hosts the city's free holiday lighting, with sledding, face painting, live music by Upstream, and photos with Santa (find him between Target and Miniso). Parking nearby is limited, so ride the Copper Line, which seems only right for a place called Trolley Square. It's on rain or shine.
Winter Wonderland at Wells Park (El Cajon)
El Cajon Parks & Recreation fills Wells Park with free train rides, bounce houses, a movie in the park, and photos with costumed characters. The El Cajon Rec Squad runs arts and crafts. Breakfast with Santa is part of the fun, but preregister online for one of three morning sessions.
San Marcos Tree Lighting Ceremony (San Marcos)
The City of San Marcos fills its Community Center with local craft and food vendors for a celebration that ends at the holiday tree. Kids can make free crafts and get a free photo with Santa. The City Council offers a greeting, and then the tree is lit.
Coronado Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Coronado)
The Coronado Chamber of Commerce hosts the town's annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, the official start of the holiday season in Coronado. Watch the parade wind through the streets, then gather as the town's Christmas tree is lit. It's an evening event, and it's free.
Poway Christmas in the Park (Poway)
Old Poway Park throws an old-fashioned Christmas in the Park, with caroling, live music, crafts, model train displays, and a craft boutique. Take a night ride on the Poway Midland Railroad, then stay for the tree lighting, when Santa makes his entrance by train. It's free, and no sleigh is required.
Encinitas Holiday Parade (Encinitas)
Encinitas sends decorated floats and local groups down South Coast Highway 101 for its annual holiday parade, organized by the city's Parks & Recreation department. The route runs between D Street and J Street, so plan around the road closures. It's free to watch.
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
The Mission Bay Yacht Club sends creatively decorated boats across Mission Bay for its Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, and SeaWorld's fireworks add to the show. Find a spot in the spectator areas along the route. Watching is free.
Parade of Lights Dinner & Viewing - Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego pairs a holiday dinner with a front-row view of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from aboard the Star of India or the Berkeley. The museum is also the parade's official judging platform, so the boats are on their best behavior here.
Festive at The Grand
Fairmont Grand Del Mar decks the resort with a 25-foot holiday tree and an eco-friendly Glice rink, with cabanas and firepits for rent. Santa visits on weekends, and the resort serves holiday tasting menus, buffets, and brunches. Synthetic ice, real firepits.
Salute the Season Holiday Tree Lighting at Liberty Station
Liberty Station kicks off its Salute the Season programming with a holiday tree lighting, hosted by the Liberty Station Community Association. The season also brings a Nutcracker Tea with San Diego Ballet, a Hanukkah Celebration, and an ice rink. The tree lighting is free.
18th Annual Alpine Holiday Home Tour (Alpine)
The Alpine Woman's Club opens a selection of holiday-decorated homes for its Alpine Holiday Home Tour. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 on the day, and $20 for kids 5 to 12; strollers and backpacks stay home. The Holiday Marketplace at the clubhouse needs no tour ticket.