San Diego Christmas occasions and vacation actions in 2023 characteristic the return of well-liked annual traditions and a few new festive enjoyable. They embody alternatives to see Santa Claus, festive lights, Christmas tree lightings, and vacation performances like The Nutcracker and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
I’ve listed almost 30 festive occasions to have a good time Christmas in San Diego, from San Diego inns, theme parks, neighborhoods, and different San Diego points of interest across the county to assist get your vacation spirit on.
Some to stay up for embody Balboa Park December nights, Jungle Bells on the San Diego Zoo, Christmas actions on the timeless Resort del Coronado, Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village, or the Lightscape present on the San Diego Botanic Backyard. I can’t wait to attend!
It can save you on tickets, excursions, and inns by my affiliations. When you make purchases by some hyperlinks on this put up, I could also be compensated. Our editorial tips.
San Diego Christmas Occasions at Theme Parks & Sights
Earlier than visiting any San Diego theme park, museum, or different attraction throughout the vacation season, test their occasion schedule to see what is perhaps taking place on the day you go.
Balboa Park’s December Nights (High Choose)
The crown jewel of San Diego Christmas occasions is Balboa Park December Nights. The biggest San Diego vacation celebration is filled with meals, leisure, and enjoyable. The quite a few museums and cultural establishments in Balboa Park, the nation’s largest city cultural park, open their doorways freed from cost.
December Nights festivities within the park embody carolers, reside music, vacation mild shows, theater and dance performances, and scrumptious meals from around the globe for a real Christmas in San Diego celebration. December 1st & 2nd. Admission is free.
Jungle Bells on the San Diego Zoo
Spend your December nights on the wild aspect on the annual Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo. This San Diego Christmas celebration contains a chance to go to Santa, colourful mild shows, Santa’s acrobatic elves, and extra within the evenings. December 9–January 1.
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See additionally: The best way to Purchase Discounted Tickets to the San Diego Zoo
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
Be a part of SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration to finish your San Diego vacation and meet Santa and Rudolph, catch Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer lights present, or benefit from the sounds of the Vacation Brass band. Admission is included with common park admission.
Along with the particular holiday-themed animal reveals and a sea-themed Christmas tree, the park can be brimming with yuletide cheer, and you may even take photographs with Santa Claus.
All of the festivities will be loved amongst a couple of million low-energy Christmas lights all through the park. November 17–January 7, 2024, throughout park opening hours.
See additionally: The best way to Purchase Discounted Tickets to SeaWorld San Diego
Holidays at LEGOLAND California
Christmas in San Diego is tremendous particular at LEGOLAND California, the place you’ll discover the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree. Standing at 30 toes tall, it’s constructed out of hundreds of forest inexperienced DUPLO® bricks and has 400+ LEGO ornaments.
The complete resort can be decked out in vacation décor and extra throughout Holidays at LEGOLAND California. Enjoyable City transforms right into a winter wonderland filled with vacation spirit with LEGO Christmas characters like life-size LEGO fashions of Santa and his reindeer. Occasions will embody reside leisure and ‘snowfall’.
Festivities run from November 18–January 7, 2024. Additionally, don’t overlook about Children’ New 12 months’s Eve, the place the LEGO ball drops at 6 p.m.
Tip: We have now a lot of recommendation for getting discounted LEGOLAND California tickets
Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
You’ll wish to keep on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park after darkish to sip gourmand sizzling chocolate whilst you stroll by colourful mild shows. Vacation leisure, together with music, reside performances, storytelling, stilt walkers, and extra spherical out the vacation cheer. November 24–26; December 2–3, 9-10, 16–23, and 25–31 from 4–8 p.m.
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Examine for unpublished deeper financial savings on tickets by my partnership with aRes Journey, a certified San Diego Zoo Safari Park ticket vendor.
*By texting the phrase SAFARI to 1-833-490-0799 you conform to obtain automated promotional messages with learn how to safe my deeper ticket low cost and this settlement isn’t a situation of any buy. Msg and information charges could apply. 2 msg/mo. Reply STOP to cancel. Learn my full privateness coverage.
See additionally: The best way to Purchase Low cost San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets
Lightscape — San Diego Botanic Backyard
Of all of the San Diego Christmas occasions, we’re most enthusiastic about this one! The internationally acclaimed present, Lightscape, can be coming to the San Diego Botanic Backyard for the second 12 months operating.
A one-mile strolling path will weave all through the backyard with attractive illuminated artwork sculptures, a vacation music-activated tunnel, fireplace, and creative installations.
This restricted engagement offered out completely in London, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, so don’t miss out! The present runs each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from November 17–December 31 (other than the 24 & twenty fifth) and different chosen days by January 1, 2024.
Vacation Ballets and Performances
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Come to The Outdated Globe for the beloved annual efficiency of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The whimsical musical is again for its twenty sixth season, that includes favourite songs like “You’re a Imply One, Mr. Grinch,” and extra. Purchase tickets upfront. November 8–December 31, 2023.
San Diego Symphony Noel Noel at Rady Shell Household Live shows
Be a part of the San Diego Symphony in an ideal vacation occasion as they carry out their annual Noel Noel family-friendly live performance on the Rady’s Shell, decked out with boughs of holly and glowing lights.
- Friday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 16 at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, December 17 at 5 p.m.
The Nutcracker Ballet by Metropolis Ballet
Metropolis Ballet dancers take visitors on a unprecedented journey to the magical Land of the Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince this Christmas season. Performances happen on the California Middle for the Arts in Escondido.
- Thu, Dec 21, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
- Fri, Dec 22, 2023 at 2 p.m. and seven:30 p.m.
- Sat, Dec 23, 2023 at 2 p.m. and seven:30 p.m.
Eating & Vacation Occasions in San Diego Resorts
Most of our San Diego inns may have some vacation occasions and decore on faucet, particularly our luxurious inns and resorts.
Holidays at Resort del Coronado
We love the vacation season on the Resort del Coronado because it bustles with vacation occasions and Christmas actions for everybody.
Happenings on the Resort del Coronado embody a energetic mixture of actions equivalent to Skating by the Sea (beginning November 17), Gingerbread Home adorning, photographs with Santa, and a Vacation Pageant. Collect your family and friends and hire a beachside firepit for a Jingle Roast of s’mores. Or go all out and hire one in every of their superb Beachside Igloos for the final word vacation expertise by the ocean.
This 12 months, The Del’s famend outside Christmas mild present has an All That Jazz theme. The resort’s festivities run from November 17–January 7, 2024.
See additionally: Issues to Do on the Resort del Coronado Through the Holidays
Holidays at The Grand
Come to Fairmont Grand Del Mar for Holidays at The Grand, a festive San Diego Christmas occasion with memorable eating experiences full with seasonal meals, a 25ft Christmas tree, outside glice skating (synthetic ice), a Nutcracker Vacation Tea, s’mores round a firepit, and far more for residents and resort visitors. November 22 by early January 2024.
See additionally: The place to Have Christmas Dinner in San Diego & 10 Issues to Do at Fairmont Grand Del Mar Through the Holidays.
Tree Lighting & Occasions at La Valencia in La Jolla
A tree lighting ceremony can be held at La Valencia San Diego of their La Sala Lounge with heat vacation drinks, a Christmas carol or two, home made cookies, and crafts for youths. Thursday, November 30 at 4:30 p.m.
Their vacation tea sells out yearly so make reservations ASAP to get pleasure from DAMMANN Frères teas paired with scones, tea sandwiches, assorted mini pastries, a glass of bubbly (one is included), and extra. December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Seatings accessible between 11–11:30 a.m. every day
And, in fact, you’ll have the ability to get pleasure from particular multi-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners.
Christmas in San Diego Neighborhood Parades, Tree Lightings, and Different Occasions
And almost each neighborhood may have some actions throughout the vacation season. These are the preferred.
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
The Little Italy Affiliation will shut down India Avenue from W. Cedar to W. Grape Avenue for a Christmas celebration that includes a Christmas Village, vacation decorations, a pop-up vacation market, reside music, children’ arts and crafts, and visits with Santa Claus.
At 4 p.m., take the children to “Santa’s Dwelling Room” to take photographs and chat with Santa. At 6:30 p.m., a Christmas tree lighting will happen on the Piazza Della Famiglia on W. Date and India Streets.
India Avenue can be decked out in glowing lights all through the season, along with 10-foot nutcrackers on road corners. Saturday, December 2, from 4–8 p.m.
Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village
It’s not Christmas in San Diego with out visiting Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village for a day of vacation cheer and merriment at Tuna Harbor Pier!
The meet-and-greet with Surfin’ Santa begins together with his arrival by way of watercraft, a festive parade alongside the boardwalk adopted by photographs, reside music, and leisure.
Nevertheless, you’ll be able to greet him for breakfast the day earlier than at Malibu Farm, adopted by some gingerbread home adorning for all ages. You’ll want to purchase tickets by Malibu Farm.
- Friday, November 24 (breakfast)
- Saturday, November 25, from 1–5 p.m.
Liberty Station’s Salute the Season
The annual Salute, the Season at Liberty Station, options a number of San Diego occasions all through the vacation season.
Salute the Season occasions embody The Nutcracker Tea Occasion, Hannukah Menorah Lighting, and Rady Kids’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station. Ice skating internet proceeds profit the Thriving After Most cancers program within the Rady Kids’s Hospital’s Peckham Middle for Most cancers and Blood Problems (extra on this beneath).
Coronado Vacation Parade and Open Home + Santa
Kick off Christmas in San Diego with the forty eighth annual Coronado Vacation Parade and Open Home. Begin at Ferry Touchdown, down Orange Ave to Resort del Coronado, then watch the Vacation Parade, take part vacation sing-a-longs, and watch the standard lighting of a Christmas tree in Rotary Park. Admission is free. Friday, December 1.
North Pole by the Sea — Del Mar Village And Tree Lighting
This annual Del Mar Village Affiliation occasion, North Pole by the Sea, delights San Diego households with a stunning tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, carolers, and humanities and vacation crafts. Complimentary admission. December 3, 2023 from 1–5 p.m.
Plus, you’ll get pleasure from free parking in Del Mar Village must you store there throughout the vacation season. Get extra particulars in regards to the holidays in Del Mar.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 53rd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights options greater than 80 personal boats adorned with vacation lights and crusing alongside the waters of San Diego Bay. This 12 months’s theme is Christmas Traditions Across the World.
The Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Coronado Ferry Touchdown (an enthralling assortment of reward retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places) provide glorious shore viewing. Irrespective of the place you view, don’t miss the San Diego Bay Parade of lights Sundays, December 10 and 17, from 5:30–9 p.m.
The approximate parade route and time of arrival are as follows:
- Shelter Island (begin of parade): 5:30 p.m.
- Harbor Island: 6:15 p.m.
- The Embarcadero: 6:45 p.m.
- Seaport Village: 7:15 p.m.
- The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park: 7:30 p.m.
- Ferry Touchdown on Coronado: 7:45 p.m.
Oceanside San Diego Parade of Lights
Fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, kayaks, and dingys will gown up for the vacations for an genuine Christmas in San Diego whereas circling Oceanside Harbor.
the Oceanside Harbor on the Oceanside Parade of Lights. The very best viewing level is alongside Oceanside Harbor, close to the fishing dock and police station. December 9 from 7–9 p.m.
Ocean Seaside Vacation Parade
Attendees on the annual Ocean Seaside Holiday Parade will see marching San Diego bands, bikes, attractive floats, the VW Beetle membership, traditional Woodies, and extra cruise down Newport Avenue. Saturday, December 2, from
5 p.m.
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Vacation Pageant
The La Jolla Christmas Parade marches down Girard Avenue to Prospect Avenue and ends on the La Jolla Recreation Middle. This 12 months’s theme is “Grand Ole Christmas.”
The Vacation Pageant with leisure and photographs with Santa happens earlier than the parade on the Christmas village in entrance of the Athenaeum from 11.30 a.m.–1 p.m, after which 3.30 p.m–4 p.m. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 3.
La Mesa’s Vacation within the Village
The pleasant downtown of La Mesa is remodeled right into a Victorian wonderland throughout its old school Vacation within the Village.
The family-friendly occasion options carolers and road entertainers alongside La Mesa Boulevard. Company can go to Santa’s Toy Store, take photographs with Santa, and revel in craft distributors, fireplace pits, and reside music leisure. Saturday, December 2, from 12–9 p.m.
Port of San Diego Vacation Bowl Bash + Parade
When you love bands, you’ll wish to try the Snapdragon Vacation Bowl Bash, the place two college bands face off within the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego within the final battle of bands. Along with unbelievable reside music, there can be meals, giveaways, video games, and enjoyable for your entire household. Insider tip: Leap on one of many Outdated City Trolley Excursions whilst you’re there! Tuesday, December 26, 5-8 p.m.
America’s largest balloon parade is again on the Vacation Bowl parade! Floats, balloons, and marching bands are simply among the choices on this colourful vacation parade alongside San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. The parade kicks off with the annual Vacation Bowl 5K Run/Stroll alongside San Diego’s harbor entrance (and each participant receives a medal upon finishing). Wednesday, December 27. Time TBD.
Poway’s Christmas within the Park
Poway’s Christmas within the Park has added a second date for the 2023 festivities. Outdated Poway Park will is the placement of this conventional old school Christmas celebration. Company can get pleasure from a go to from Santa, reside music, theater performances, meals, treats, crafts, and even an opportunity to get onboard the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time experience across the park.
A free shuttle can be accessible to and from the occasion from the Poway Metropolis Corridor car parking zone and the Poway Grownup College car parking zone. The shuttles run from 3 p.m.–9 p.m. Admission can be free. Friday, December 8, from 5:30–8:30 P.M., and Saturday, December 9, from 3:30–8:30 P.M.
Outside Ice Skating Rinks in San Diego
Resort Del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea
Go ice skating simply steps from the seaside within the quintessential Christmas in San Diego expertise on the Resort Del Coronado. Skating by the Sea partially advantages Make-A-Want San Diego.
- Date: November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024
- Instances: Examine the web site, as they fluctuate by the day.
- Value: TBD per individual with free skate leases on-line
Viejas Ice Rink
The biggest outside rink in Southern California is right here in San Diego on the Viejas Retailers’ outside rink — it’s even greater than the one at Rockefeller Middle in New York Metropolis.
- Date: From November 3, 2023
- Instances: Dates and occasions fluctuate. Please test calendars on the hyperlink above.
- Value: $20 for ages 12 and beneath and $22 for ages 13 and older.
Rady Kids’s Ice Rink
The Rady Kids’s Ice Rink is situated at Liberty Station. All proceeds from this occasion profit the Peckham Middle for Most cancers and Blood Problems at Rady Kids’s Hospital of San Diego. Skate leases and helmets are included in your worth of admission.
- Dates: Saturday, November 16 at 4 p.m. –Sunday, January 7, 2024
- Instances: Monday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (the ice is cleared 5-5:30 and seven:30-8 for Zamboni ice resurfacing every day)
- Value: $20/grownup, $15/baby/army/teams of 20 or extra
You should purchase tickets on-line or onsite.
Take Footage with Santa for Christmas in San Diego
Procuring Malls
If headed to one in every of many buying malls in San Diego, Santa can be there till Christmas Eve throughout mall hours.
- Westfield UTC
- Trend Valley (within the mall and likewise at JC Penney)
- Grossmont Middle
- Parkway Plaza
- The Discussion board Carlsbad
And there are numerous others.
Go to Santa at Neiman Marcus
Even Santa Claus can’t resist an amazing breakfast, so meet him at Trend Valley Mall for a breakfast feast within the final vacation occasions! Get pleasure from mimosas, sizzling chocolate, brioche french toast, scrambled eggs with creme fraiche, and extra at Neiman Marcus. We have now been to the occasion prior to now. Skilled photographs are taken and normally included in the price of breakfast. It appears to be like waitlisted on December 9. You possibly can get on the wait listing.
Santa at Different Locations Talked about on this put up
Santa will make appearances at different occasions and locations on this listing however listed here are a couple of reminders:
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Seaport Village
- SeaWorld San Diego
Neighborhood Christmas Lights in San Diego County
Take a drive by these San Diego neighborhoods to see homes decked out in lights past perception. This can be a quick listing of many locations to have a good time Christmas in San Diego — and it’s free to do, due to beneficiant residents.
Sweet Cane Lane (Poway)
It’s a cul-de-sac themed just like the North Pole, besides proper right here in San Diego. Every home right here is estimated to have over 50,000 lights. Location: Hickory Court docket, Hickory Avenue, off Twin Peaks Street and Silverset St. Additionally Contains Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct.
Christmas card Lane (Rancho Penasquitos)
This San Diego neighborhood show is understood for larger-than-life illuminated Christmas playing cards and different lights adorning the properties. Location: Ellingham Avenue and Oviedo Avenue, simply off Black Mountain Street
Belardo Lights (Tierrasanta)
It’s only one home, but it surely’s properly price seeing. The thought began in 2006 as a method for the Schmika household to supply a lightweight present for his or her two autistic sons. Whether it is raining, test the web site to see if the lights can be off. Location: 5306 North Belardo Drive
Garrison Avenue (Level Loma)
These high-end San Diego properties are dense with brightly-colored Christmas lights. Drive by or stroll round … it’s your selection. Location: Garrison Avenue close to Chatsworth
See additionally:
What’s your favourite factor to do in San Diego throughout the holidays? Please depart a remark with something lacking from this listing! And don’t overlook that we have now Lunar New 12 months San Diego occasions to stay up for shortly after the winter holidays.
