Coastal Views, Festive Vibes and Timeless Memories. This Is Holiday Happiness Done Right.
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center leans into Christmas with the confidence of a place built for big celebrations. The glass atrium glows with lights, every restaurant picks up its own seasonal sparkle and the waterfront promenade becomes a scenic backdrop for strolls, photos and late night cocoa. With a full lineup of holiday menus, game day events, spa experiences and live entertainment, the resort transforms the Chula Vista bayfront into Southern California’s newest winter tradition.
1. The Holiday Happy Hour Glow Up at Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom
Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom becomes even more electric once the holidays hit. The 75 foot screen lights up every play, garlands and Christmas trees curve along the walls, and the keg displays feel extra festive. Seasonal food and drink specials join the lineup too. From $8 happy hour apps and house pours to Flight Night with giant pretzels, beer cheese and premium beer tastings, Growlers makes game days feel like seasonal events all their own.
2. The Cube Lighting Up The Atrium
Inside Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center’s towering Atrium, The Cube anchors the action. The massive LED panels rise above the giant silver Christmas tree, turning the whole space into a viewing lounge where guests sip cocktails from Oeste and settle in under cascading chandeliers. On game days the room hums with energy as the warm, glowing hub that captures the spirit of the resort.
3. Locals-Only Holiday Menus Inspired by the Flavors of the West Coast
For those with a valid San Diego ID, A Taste of Gaylord Pacific brings deep discounts and seasonal flavor across the resort from Dec. 14 to 31 with tasting menus, happy hours and special holiday offerings at each venue. Oeste offers $8 happy hour drinks and plates plus a $19 Komos Tequila Flight with Croquetas or Papas Bravas. Trēō Kitchen + Bar serves holiday dinners on Dec. 17, 18 and 19 with a $45 three-course menu, half off select wines, and – for families leaning in early – kids eat free at the breakfast buffet while Mom and Dad get $6 mimosas. Marzul Coastal Cuisine rolls out a special tasting menu with a welcome cocktail during select weekends. Old Hickory Steakhouse offers half off select wines and free oysters or a charcuterie board with dessert when you order two entrées. Taiyo brings an array of sushi and sake specials. Whether you’re tasting, sipping or settling in for Surf and Turf round two, every venue leans into festive dining.
4. Spectacular Décor and Light Displays Fill Every Corner
Gaylord Pacific’s holiday décor sets the tone for the season as thousands of lights shimmer through the atrium’s glass canopy. The magic stretches into every restaurant and lounge, making even a quick coffee run feel festive. Between the adorned trees, sparkling accents and soft coastal glow, the whole resort turns into a holiday backdrop ready for photos and memories.
5. Scavenger Hunts, Live Music and Family Fun Along The Bay
Daytime brings scavenger hunts through the atrium and easy strolls along the waterfront promenade. Live music and carolers with the bay as a backdrop curate magical coastal evenings. The resort blends family-friendly fun with a little seasonal wonder, creating simple moments that feel special.
6. Heated Pools for Winter Sun Seekers
With five heated pools, Gaylord Pacific lets you trade scarves for swimsuits. Sunny’s and Shallow End Grill keep the pool deck lively with Baja-style bites and frozen cocktails, and the water stays warm enough for December dips. It’s a winter tradition that only works in Southern California and it works beautifully here.
7. A Holiday Game Day Featuring NFL Legends
On Dec. 28, Growlers hosts a holiday tailgate that brings football fans right into the action. All-time gridiron greats like Andre Reed, James Lofton, Alshon Jeffrey and Donnell Pumphrey appear for meet and greets, while specialty drinks, backyard games and a festive buffet fill the day. Screens across Growlers and The Cube make sure you never miss a play, and proceeds support Father Joe’s Villages for a dose of good holiday karma.
8. Spa Serenity, Luxury Stays and Easy Access to San Diego’s Top Sights
The holiday season pairs perfectly with spa time, and Gaylord Pacific’s wellness menu leans into soothing, seasonal treatments with big savings on massages and facials. Suites offer bayfront views that catch every sunrise, and modern conveniences make winding down easy. When it’s time to explore, the resort sits minutes from Seaport Village, downtown San Diego, Balboa Park and the zoo, giving you endless options for festive outings.
A California local, Kathleen Hokit grew up on a farm but spent every chance she could at the beach. After earning her graduate degree in the social sciences in Finland, she built a 17+ year career writing and editing across lifestyle, entertainment, and culture. A longtime magazine lover, she now lives the dream as part of the editorial team at LOCALE. When she’s not on deadline, she’s hiking or sneaking in a beach day with her husband and son. Kathleen loves all things art—from writing and photography to spending time on the dance floor, where she teaches ballet to everyone from tiny tots to grown-ups on their pas de bourrée path.
