San Diego Is All Things Merry and Bright This Winter Season!

We’ll be home for Christmas—and if that home is in San Diego, you know very well that the holiday season will bring just as much sunshine as it does shimmering seasonal lights. Snow may not be in the forecast, but you can count on the city to be lit up all season with festive events and limited-time pop-ups in every corner of town! We’ll always have our favorite Christmas traditions, but there’s always room for a few more. Ignite all of your senses—whether through music, interactive displays or a sit-down dinner—with these 14 ways to celebrate the holidays in San Diego!

 

Holiday Happenings at Lakehouse Resort

Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 31

For a different holiday experience, treat yourself to a festive lakeside getaway at Lakehouse Resort in San Marcos! From Dec. 6-Dec. 29, the resort transforms into a Winter Wonderland with a Frozen Fun Zone for the little ones—think twinkling lights, a Polar Express-inspired train ride, s’mores and Candy Cane Cruises on Lake San Marcos! Families can also snap photos with Santa on Saturdays in December, and kids can create their own stuffed animals at the Build-a-Buddy station. For a more exclusive experience, book one of the resort’s cozy lakeside igloos, complete with private servers, charcuterie boards and wine, perfect for an intimate gathering. Don’t miss the Miracle at Brickmans pop-up cocktail bar open from Nov. 29-Dec. 31, stirring up holiday-themed cocktails, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Seva Foundation. Whether a couples’ getaway or a family vacation, Lakehouse Resort promises a magical holiday experience.

Location: San Marcos

 

Holiday Festivities at One Paseo

Dates: Nov. 30-Dec. 26

Not only is One Paseo in Del Mar your one-stop shop for collecting all of the family’s holiday gifts, but it’s also home to a ton of holiday events happening throughout the season! December Nights is back and will take place on Fridays and Saturdays (Nov. 29-Dec. 21) from 5-7 p.m., transforming the village into a winter wonderland complete with snowfall, twinkling lights and strolling characters. San Diegans can also enjoy other holiday festivities, like a tree lighting on Nov. 30, a moonlight cinema showing of “The Grinch” on Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., and free photos with Santa complete with hot cocoa, carolers and story time on Dec. 22. There will also be a menorah lighting on Dec. 26 at 5 p.m. with traditional food, music and prayers. For a full list of holiday events at One Paseo, check the center’s events page!

Location: Del Mar

 

Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado

Dates: Nov. 21-Jan. 5

It’s smooth skating into the season at Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea event! A local favorite holiday activity year after year, the iconic Coronado hotel sets up an ice rink adjacent to the ocean, complete with holiday lights and music to give us all the festive feels. Stay a while and reserve a rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge complete with plush seating, crackling fire pits, holiday-themed beverages and tasty bites. Tickets include skate rentals and 90 minutes of rink time and must be purchased online or by phone.

Location: Coronado

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Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Date: Dec. 7, 4-8 p.m.

Welcome the holiday season in the most dazzling way you can think of: with a Christmas tree lighting in one of the most charming urban neighborhoods of San Diego. The Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village will feature holiday gift vendors, live music, sweet treats and larger-than-life holiday decor that transforms the streets of Little Italy into a winter wonderland! The official lighting of the 25-foot tree will be happening in the Piazza della Famiglia at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Little Italy

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The 54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights 

Dates: Dec. 8 and 15

If you’ve been looking for a way to celebrate the holidays the San Diego way, you’ve found it. Each year, boat captains and Christmas fanatics alike look forward to the nautical nativity that is the annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights! Boats of every size deck out with creative light displays from deck to sail to dazzle those on land. This year’s theme is “Peace on Earth”—see what the sailors come up with and grab a seat on the bayside anywhere from Shelter Island to the Ferry Landing on Coronado. Check the website to see when the parade will be going by each viewing location!

Location: San Diego Bay 

 

Festivities at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Dates: Select Dates

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad glitters and shines during the holiday season with stunning decor, a cozy Cabana Christmas Village and a sleighful of special events. From Dec. 11-24, enjoy holiday treats, s’mores by the fire and family-friendly activities like ornament-making and photos with Santa. For those looking to dine in style, the resort offers lavish Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at Ponto Lago, a brunch buffet at Aviara Salon, and a gourmet brunch at Ember & Rye. In addition, Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara offers luxurious treatments to help you unwind, while the Teddy Bear Tea and High Tea events capture the holiday spirit with festive teas and treats. Guests can also take advantage of the Home for the Holidays package for a special December discount and resort credit.

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Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

Dates: Nov. 15.-Jan. 5

Every winter season, Mother Nature meets the wonder of light at the San Diego Botanic Garden to create a vibrant show of splendor for all the senses. Taking place nightly from mid-November through the new year, this experience includes a 1-mile loop of larger-than-life art installations and beautiful blooms. There are even concessions located along the trail stocked with food, snacks, and boozy beverages to satisfy any cravings during your visit. Many nights sell out, and pricing depends on peak dates, so book early to guarantee your evening of grandeur!

Location: Encinitas

 

December Nights at Balboa Park 

Dates: Dec. 6 and 7

Possibly the most highly anticipated holiday event in San Diego is Balboa Park’s annual December Nights! Held only during the first weekend in December, this event allows guests to witness the historical Balboa Park transform into a winter wonderland, complete with nativity scene displays, festive lights, magical music performances and delicious food vendors at every turn. Treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet treat while you experience the park’s enchantment, and be sure to snap a few photos with Santa!

Location: Balboa Park

 

12th Annual San Diego Santa Run

Date: ​Dec. 14

Run, run Rudolph! Though it’s clear his trusty reindeer pals do most of the heavy lifting, there’s nothing like seeing sizable amounts of Santa Clauses running through the streets of San Diego. Join in on the 12th Annual Santa Run, attracting over 30,000 runners in years past right by the beach. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m., with the Pacific Beach holiday parade to follow at 1 p.m. All runners will receive their very own Sunny Santa suit, Santa Run sunglasses, chip timing, custom bib and a complimentary drink ticket!

Location: Pacific Beach

 

North Pole by the Sea at Del Mar Village

Date: Dec. 8

The North Pole never looked so good. Not that we can say we’ve officially been to the real one, but Del Mar Village sure feels just like we’d imagine it. Happening Dec. 8 from 1-5 p.m., the center will feature every holiday must-do of the season: photos with Santa, carolers and characters roaming around, hot chocolate and adult bevys for sale and even a celebratory Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m. for the final star on top!

Location: Del Mar

 

Noel Noel at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Dates: Dec. 13-15

With arguably the best acoustics any venue has to offer, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a carefully designed, state-of-the-art venue home to the talents of the San Diego Symphony. Catch “Noel Noel” happening Dec. 13-15—a magical performance put on by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Children’s Choir. Get in the spirit with an evening of Christmas classics and sing-alongs accompanied by seasonal beverages and treats for purchase.

Location: The Embarcadero

 

Coastal Christmas at Del Mar Fairgrounds

Dates: Dec. 13-15, 20-23 and 26

‘Tis the city for a holiday by the sea. This December, the Del Mar Fairgrounds will transform its versatile events space into a winter wonderland with attractions for the whole family! Complete with a walk-through light trail, a festive eco-friendly synthetic ice rink, photo ops with Santa, a holiday market and a holiday wine walk, jolly fun awaits for all. Scroll down and join their “nice list” for access to the best ticket prices, special offers, event announcements and more!

Location: Del Mar

 

Santa’s Lair Pop-Up Speakeasy

Dates: Nov. 22-Dec. 30 (Thursdays-Sundays)

The guy works hard, so of course, he’s got his own little secret hideaway—and this year, St. Nick is giving us a peek into his off-duty life with the Santa’s Lair Pop-Up Speakeasy at Parq Nightclub! Reserve your 90-minute spot ahead of time and head down to the Gaslamp Quarter for a night of holiday immersion and seasonal sips. Decorated from floor-to-ceiling with Christmas lights, disco balls and more, Parq invites guests to get cozy with a Christmas cocktail and soak up the holiday cheer in the most extravagant way.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Maker’s Arcade Holiday Fair

Dates: Dec. 6-8

Sure, the elves might consistently make some pretty great toys, but have you seen the innovation and craftsmanship that’s hiding right in our own backyard? Check out artists of every kind at the Maker’s Arcade Holiday Fair! Held at the Broadway Pier, this holiday event in San Diego features over 140 vendors selling handmade crafts, candles, blankets and more! Enjoy cocktail, mocktail and beer bars, a food truck court, photo booths, make-and-take stations, live music and interactive art and play areas. It’s truly the best local shopping you’ll find during the holidays in San Diego. For only $6 presale and $7 at the door, it’s a steal of a retail event!

Location: Broadway Pier