5 Festive Holiday Events to Enjoy in Downtown San Diego This Year

From Rollerskating by the Bay to Igloo Dining, There’s a Sleigh-full to Experience

Your calendar might say December, but ours says “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” Bid farewell to fall and say hello to the season of candy canes and peppermint mochas! Luckily for SoCal locals, downtown San Diego loves the holidays just as much as it does its beach days, and you can bet we’ll be jingling all the way to each festive event this year.

All is merry and bright during the month of December, with holiday markets, sleigh-bell socials and seasonal dining. Still haven’t finalized your holiday bucket list? We’ve got you covered! Add these holiday events in San Diego’s downtown district to your calendar for a merry and bright escape in downtown San Diego.

Downtown Skate by the Bay

Credit: Marriott Marquis San Diego

Putting a spin on skating by the sea, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is ready to help you rediscover your favorite holiday pastime. Skate into the season at the hotel’s 6,000-square-foot roller skating rink, a sustainable substitute for synthetic ice arenas. Perched on the Marina Terrace of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, this downtown bayside skate should be at the top of your bucket list, if not just for the spirited snacks, festive beverages and stunning bay views.

Twinkling lights complement the cobalt blue waves lapping at the shore of this picturesque rollerskating spot. Word on the street is that the hotel is offering the ultimate giveaway, including a one-night stay, a $15 food and beverage credit, enhanced Wi-Fi, two glasses of wine, a one-hour bike rental, a one-hour kayak rental, a 45 minute fitness class and comped parking. The rink is open from Nov. 25 to Jan. 5—this is the perfect holiday activity in San Diego!

Sleigh-Bell Social

Credit: Michael Wesley

Holiday Events San Diego — Credit: Michael Wesley

With mistletoe and a whole lot of spirit, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has transformed into an extravagant winter wonderland. Like a replica of Santa’s Village, the Sleigh-Bell Social brings holiday magic to the waterfront on Dec. 13-14 and 20-21. Guests can enjoy beloved holiday characters, sparkling flurries, carolers, and seasonal films, creating a festive winter wonderland. Just when you thought picnics were strictly a summertime occasion, think again!

This festive gathering swaps dining rooms for private igloos, glowing with twinkling lights and set for an intimate holiday meal. And you can’t have the holidays without gingerbread! After dinner, visit the hotel’s s’mores or cookie decorating stations, stocked with icing and festive toppings. Hoping for a peek inside Santa’s gift bag? You might just spot the man himself at this San Diego holiday event.

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Holiday Market at Petco Park

Credit: Eric Scire or Petco Park Events

Some say there’s nothing like Christmas in Europe; we say there’s nothing like Christmas at Petco Park’s Holiday Market. Mimicking the revered Christmas markets sprawled across the streets of Europe, there’s no need to splurge on a ticket to Paris this year. Christmas is coming to town at Gallagher Square with local and European artisan shops, live reindeer and festive lighting displays. Step into a fairytale fantasy and meet the stars from your holiday film favorites, like Santa and the Grinch.

Seasonal foodies, this one’s also for you! Indulge in schnitzel, bratwurst, mulled wine and cider. If you weren’t expecting a white Christmas in San Diego, the snow-capped 40-foot Christmas tree, carousel and train ride will quickly change your mind. This festive holiday market debuts on Dec. 5 and will operate on select dates through Dec. 27.

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Jingle Jets at USS Midway Museum

Credit: USS Midway Museum

Returning for a second holiday season, Jingle Jets brings festive flair to the USS Midway Museum as one of San Diego’s newest winter attractions. Candy Cane Lane has competition with life-size ornaments, floating icicles, and aircraft wrapped as presents. The warship glows in seasonal colors from hangar to flight deck, with a 20-foot Christmas tree setting the perfect photo backdrop with Santa. No need to add trending holiday tunes to your TikTok recap—carolers and live DJs have that covered. Need a little jet fuel? In need of some jet fuel? Take your pick between cocoa and holiday-themed popcorn. Head to the lower deck to snag a gingerbread cookie kit. Make another’s dreams come true and practice your penmanship by sending season’s greetings to overseas service members.

December Nights at Balboa Park

Credit: Nat Biendara Wilson, BPCP

One of the longest-standing festivities since the 1970s, December Nights at Balboa Park celebrates the joy of the season while bridging the gap between cultural traditions. December brings this historic setting to life in a flurry of green and red hues, with beer gardens, an ice rink and musical performances like “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.” The best part of it all? You’ll likely smell it before you see it! Wedged between the Christmas trees and artisan craft vendors are a string of international cottages highlighting traditional cuisine from around the world. Empanadas, bratwurst and panettone are just a few of the multicultural dishes representing holidays celebrated around the globe. This year’s festivities will take place from Dec. 6 from 3-11 p.m. and cap off on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.