San Diego is All Things Merry and Bright This Holiday Season!
Written By: Cambria Glosz San Diego Holiday Events
While it may not be a winter wonderland in San Diego, there are still plenty of fun and festive events to fill up your calendar this holiday season. From Santa sightings to tree lightings, we’ve got you covered with the best holiday happenings that are sure to make your winter season jolly. Pass the eggnog, please!
1 | Holiday Nights at The Westin CarlsbadSan Diego Holiday Events
What: Snow Sledding with Real Snow at The Westin Carlsbad
When: Dec. 19 at 5 p.m.
Where: The Westin Carlsbad
Why: Although SoCal winters don’t involve true snowfall, bringing real snow in is the next best thing. The family-friendly fun involves snow sledding, cookie decorating and s’more roasting. Bundle up!
The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
5480 Grand Pacific Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.827.2800
2 | Time for a Christmas Par-Tea San Diego Holiday Events
What: The Westgate Hotel Christmas Tea
When: Nov. 30; Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 from 2:30-5 p.m.
Where: The Westgate Hotel
Why: Holiday beverages, delicious teas and scrumptious desserts in the Bordeaux tea room will have you feeling all types of cozy and festive. Pinkies up!
The Westgate Hotel
1055 Second Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.238.1818
3 | It’s the Most Wonderful Time…For a Beer San Diego Holiday Events
What: Hoppy Holidays at Nason’s Beer Hall
When: Daily
Where: Nason’s Beer Hall
Why: Get your hoppy beer fix at Nason’s Beer Hall, located inside the Pendry Hotel. Check their
Instagram for daily specials throughout the holidays. We’ll raise a pint to that!
Nason’s Beer Hall
570 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.738.7060
4 | From Bed to Brunch San Diego Holiday Events
What: Pancakes & Pajamas Brunch with Santa
When: Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile
Why: Skip the fancy clothes and roll right out of bed. Enjoy a morning full of pictures with Santa, comfy clothes and stacks of pancakes. Pass the syrup, please.
Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile
425 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.738.7300
5 | Floaties & Festivities San Diego Holiday Events
What: Film & Float at the Lafayette Hotel
When: Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Lafayette Hotel
Why: This year, the holiday film will be selected by you! Grab a floatie and a drink; it’s time to settle in for the top-voted Christmas classic, Elf, poolside at The Lafayette.
The Lafayette Hotel
2223 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104
619.296.2101
6 | Holiday Egg-citement Awaits
What: Gingerbread Village Cookies, Eggnog and Santa
When: Dec. 11 & 18 from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Catamaran Resort
Why: Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Catamaran with an evening of cookies and eggnog. Vote on your favorite gingerbread house, and don’t forget to snap a picture with Santa!
Catamaran Resort
3999 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.488.1081
7 | Jingle All The Way…Around the Park
What: 2019 Jingle Bell Run
When: Dec. 7, 8 a.m.-noon
Where: NTC Park – Liberty Station
Why: With all the holiday indulgences around, a little exercise will do us well. Lace up those running shoes and take a jog to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Let’s race!
NTC Park
2455 Cushing Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
619.468.5829
8 | Break the Ice at Viejas
What: Ice Skating at Viejas Casino & Resort
When: Nightly Through January 5, 10-12, 17-20, 24-26
Where: Viejas Casino & Resort
Why: Break out your mittens and show off your best moves at Southern California’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. Skate your way through a perfect evening filled with holiday lights and water shows.
Viejas Casino
5003 Willows Rd
Alpine, CA 91901
619.659.2070
9 | Getting Lit in Little Italy
What: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
When: Dec. 7, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy
Why: Hop in a horse-drawn carriage and see the nutcrackers and carolers all down India Street for the full festive experience before watching the majestic 25-foot tree come to life.
Piazza della Famiglia
555 W Date St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.233.3898
10 | Do It For the Kiddos
What: Rady Children’s Ice Rink
When: Nov. 14-Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Liberty Station
Why: Even if you’re more klutzy than coordinated on ice, this event is one you shouldn’t miss. Proceeds benefit the Thriving After Cancer program at Rady Children’s Hospital. We’re sold.
Liberty Station
2875 Dewey Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
619.221.1970
11 | Let There Be (Christmas) Lights
What: Liberty Station Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities
When: Nov. 29, 4-9 p.m.
Where: Liberty Station North Promenade
Why: The lighting of the 88-foot tree is a holiday no-brainer. Take a picture with Santa, ride in a firetruck and stick around for a showing of The Grinch.
Liberty Station
2875 Dewey Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
619.756-7992
12 | It’s a Comic-Con Christmas
What: Parade of Lights
When: Dec. 8 and 15, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Seaport Village
Why: Don’t miss the 48th annual Parade of Lights with its “Comic-Con on the Bay” theme. Comic enthusiast or not, Seaport Village is the perfect place to watch dazzling displays float by.
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
619.530.0704
13 | Toastin’ To The Holidays
What: Toast of Gaslamp
When: Dec. 14, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Gaslamp Quarter
Why: Toast to the holidays with a self-guided tour of sips and bites from 20 of Gaslamp’s tastiest restaurants. Head to the after-party at The Smoking Gun to keep the celebration rolling.
Gaslamp Quarter
656 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.233.5227
14 | Deck the Paws
What: Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
When: Dec. 15, Noon-5 p.m.
Where: Gaslamp Quarter
Why: Don your pup (or non-skittish cat) in their most festive attire and parade them through downtown. Birds and fish are even welcome to join in on the joy!
Gaslamp Quarter
401 K St
San Diego CA 92101
619.233.5227
15 | Light it Up!
What: Annual Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting
When: Dec. 22, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Liberty Station, between THE LOT and Rady Children’s Ice Rink
Why: Salute the season at this magical, family-friendly night filled with music and other holiday surprises! Continue the festivities after the celebration with a night of outdoor ice skating at the Rady Children’s Ice Rink—open until 10 p.m.
Liberty Station
2875 Dewey Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
619.756.7992
16 | Santa-Approved!
What: Winter Wonderland at the Grand
When: Now Through Jan. 1, with weekday hours from 3-8 p.m. & Fri.-Sun. from 1-9 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Why: This winter wonderland features an ice skating rink with 5,000 square feet of ice, a Moët & Chandon champagne garden, carousel and ferris wheel rides and s’mores roasting around campfires. Talk about fun for the whole family!
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct
San Diego, CA 92130
858.314.2000