San Diego Christmas occasions and vacation actions in 2024 characteristic the return of widespread annual traditions and a few new festive enjoyable. They embrace alternatives to see Santa Claus, festive lights, Christmas tree lightings, and iconic vacation performances like The Nutcracker and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
I reside in right here and have listed over 60 festive occasions to have a good time Christmas in San Diego at San Diego lodges, theme parks, neighborhoods, and different San Diego points of interest across the county to assist get your vacation spirit on. I can’t wait to attend!
San Diego Christmas Occasions at Theme Parks & Sights
Earlier than visiting any San Diego theme park, museum, or different attraction through the vacation season, verify their occasion schedule to see what could be occurring on the day you go. There’s loads of festive enjoyable in retailer.
Balboa Park’s December Nights (Prime Decide)
The crown jewel of San Diego Christmas occasions is Balboa Park December Nights. The most important 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, additionally open their doorways freed from cost through the occasion.
December Nights festivities within the park embrace carolers, reside music, vacation mild shows, theater and dance performances, and scrumptious meals from all over the world for a real Christmas in San Diego celebration.
Plan Parking Forward of Time
December Nights parking will not be difficult in the event you plan for it. Go to the occasion web site for particulars on tons, shuttles, drop-off factors, bike valets, public transportation, and different ideas.
Jungle Bells on the San Diego Zoo
Spend your December nights on the wild facet on the annual Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo. This San Diego Christmas celebration consists of a possibility to go to Santa, colourful mild shows, Santa’s acrobatic elves, and way more within the evenings.
1-Day Move— Use my Unique Promo Code!
Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate with a cellular or printed ticket. Legitimate for one 12 months from the acquisition date.
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Get All San Diego Reductions by Electronic mail
You can even obtain my San Diego Zoo promo code and checklist of theme park, tour, and sightseeing go reductions to be despatched to you. Request by e mail.
See additionally: 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, benefit from the Christmas parade, skip alongside the tunnel of lights to music, or snap a photograph below the 30-foot Christmas tree.
Along with the particular holiday-themed animal exhibits, the park shall be brimming with yuletide cheer, and you’ll even take pictures with Santa Claus. All of the festivities may be loved amongst multiple million low-energy Christmas lights all through the park.
A Few Suggestions from My Final Go to
I actually like this occasion. A lot of the vacation actions are within the late afternoon or night so you might not need to come very first thing within the morning. The traces for meals may be lengthy so that you’ll need to order via the app or plan forward slightly to reduce wait time. For those who see a brief line, it would be best to duck relatively than wait!
See additionally: 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 ft tall, it’s constructed out of 1000’s of forest inexperienced DUPLO® bricks and has 400+ LEGO ornaments.
The complete resort shall 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 embrace reside leisure and ‘snowfall’.
This 12 months’s particular vacation occasions additionally embrace the sing-and-dance present Jingle Jamboree, Benny’s Ugly Sweater Social gathering, and As soon as Upon a Brick-Mas with the Bagsy and Sweeps characters. Additionally, don’t overlook about Youngsters’ New 12 months’s Eve, the place the LEGO ball drops at 6 p.m.
Tip: Now we have numerous recommendation for getting discounted LEGOLAND California tickets
Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
You’ll need to keep on the San Diego Zoo Safari Park after darkish to sip gourmand sizzling chocolate when you stroll via colourful mild shows. Vacation leisure, together with music, reside performances, storytelling, stilt walkers, and extra spherical out the vacation cheer. Wild Holidays takes place on choose dates from the top of November via the top of December 2024.
1-Day Move — Use My Promo Code for a Nice Deal!
Skip the ticket line and go straight to the gate with a cellular or printed ticket. Legitimate for one 12 months from the acquisition date.
Discounted worth: $66/ages 12+ and $56/ages 3–11
Use promo code lajollamom for $8 off!
Get All San Diego Reductions by Electronic mail
You can even obtain my San Diego Zoo Safari Park promo code and checklist of theme park, tour, and sightseeing go reductions to be despatched to you. Request by e mail.
See additionally: Purchase Low cost San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place San Diego
Sesame Place San Diego transforms right into a festive wonderland together with your favourite characters for A Very Furry Christmas. Highlights embrace Elmo’s Christmas Want Present, the Sesame Road Christmas Cavalcade, and particular eating with Elmo & Mates.
Every night sparkles with the Grand Illumination Ceremony of the park’s 24-foot Christmas tree. Friends may also take pleasure in vibrant shows of Christmas lights, enjoyable picture alternatives with Santa, and distinctive actions such because the Golden Present Hunt in addition to holiday-themed exhibits and dance events.
Lightscape — San Diego Botanic Backyard
That is undoubtedly probably the greatest of all of the San Diego Christmas occasions. The internationally acclaimed present Lightscape, is again on the San Diego Botanic Backyard for the third 12 months working, and for good purpose.
A one-mile strolling path will weave all through the backyard with attractive illuminated artwork sculptures, a vacation music-activated tunnel, hearth, and creative installations.
This restricted engagement bought out solely in London, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, so don’t miss out! The present runs on choose dates.
Suggestions for the Stroll
Put on strolling sneakers. There are a few slight inclines to navigate however it’s not too unhealthy. I like strolling right here for train.
Winter Marvel at Belmont Park
Our seaside amusement park has rather a lot happening in celebration of Christmas in San Diego. It begins with over 1,000,000 twinkling lights and continues with weekend DJ Jingle Jams within the afternoon, loads of festive treats, vacation face paint, and a Christmas themed cocktail pop-up known as Miracle at Draft.
Vacation Season Ballets and Christmas Exhibits
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Come to The Previous Globe Theatre for the beloved annual efficiency of Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The whimsical musical is again for its twenty seventh season, that includes favourite songs like “You’re a Imply One, Mr. Grinch,” and extra.
San Diego Symphony Noel Noel at Rady Shell Household Concert events
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.
The Nutcracker Ballet by Metropolis Ballet
This Christmas season, Metropolis Ballet dancers will take company on a unprecedented journey to the magical Land of the Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Performances will happen on the California Middle for the Arts in Escondido.
Eating & Vacation Occasions in San Diego Lodges
Most of our San Diego lodges could have some vacation occasions and decor on faucet, particularly our luxurious lodges and resorts. Whether or not you’re a vacationer or a resident, they’re wonderful locations to get into the Christmas spirit, whether or not it’s only a fast cease in to take a household picture in entrance of an enormous tree and different festive decorations.
Holidays at Resort del Coronado
We love the vacation season on the Resort del Coronado because it bustles with vacation enjoyable and Christmas actions for everybody. It’s the most booked resort in our native portfolio partially as a result of they do such an incredible job with seasonal actions.
The occasions on the Resort del Coronado embrace a vigorous mixture of actions reminiscent of Skating by the Sea (beginning November 21), Gingerbread Home adorning, pictures taken with Santa, and vacation films on the seashore. Collect your family and friends and hire a beachside firepit for a Jingle Roast of s’mores. Or go all out and hire certainly one of their wonderful Beachside Igloos for the last word vacation expertise by the Pacific Ocean.
This 12 months, the entire resort has a ‘Lights, Digicam, Vacation!’ theme and shall be decked out in Previous Hollywood fashion.
Contact Me if You Need to Keep In a single day
Do you know that I’m the highest referred to the resort? Which means I do know A LOT about it and it is best to learn my Resort del Coronado critiques and e book in utilizing our VIP advantages that we will add at no additional value to you.
See additionally: Issues to Do on the Resort del Coronado Throughout the Holidays
Holidays at The Grand
Come to Fairmont Grand Del Mar for Holidays at The Grand, a festive San Diego Christmas occasion that includes memorable eating experiences, seasonal meals, a 25-foot Christmas tree, out of doors Glice skating (synthetic ice), a Nutcracker Tea, s’mores round a firepit, and way more for residents and resort company.
Contact Me if You Need to Keep In a single day
Do you know that I’m the highest referred to the resort? Which means I do know A LOT about it and it is best to learn my Fairmont Grand Del Mar critiques and e book in utilizing our VIP advantages that we will add at no additional value to you.
See additionally: The place to Have Christmas Dinner in San Diego & 10 Issues to Do at Fairmont Grand Del Mar Throughout the Holidays.
Tree Lighting & Occasions at La Valencia in La Jolla (2024 TBD)
These are 2023 particulars. A tree lighting ceremony shall be held at La Valencia San Diego of their La Sala Lounge with heat vacation drinks, a Christmas carol or two, do-it-yourself cookies, and crafts for teenagers.
Their vacation tea sells out yearly, so make reservations ASAP to take pleasure in DAMMANN Frères teas paired with scones, tea sandwiches, assorted mini pastries, a glass of bubbly (one is included), and extra.
And, after all, you’ll be capable of take pleasure in particular multi-course Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners.
Neighborhood Parades, Tree Lightings, and Different Household-Pleasant Occasions
And practically each neighborhood could have some actions through the vacation season which might be free to attend. These are the preferred.
San Diego’s Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
The Little Italy Affiliation will shut down India Road from W. Cedar to W. Grape Road for a Christmas celebration that includes a Christmas Village, vacation decorations, a pop-up vacation market, reside music, youngsters’ arts and crafts, and visits with Santa Claus.
At 4 p.m., take the youngsters to take pictures 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 Road shall be decked out in glowing lights all through the season, along with 10-foot nutcrackers on avenue corners.
Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village in Downtown San Diego
It’s not Christmas in San Diego with out visiting Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village for a day of vacation cheer and merriment.
The meet-and-greet with Surfin’ Santa begins together with his arrival by way of watercraft, a festive parade alongside the boardwalk adopted by pictures, reside music, and leisure. On the finish of the occasion, he’ll stroll company over to Malibu Farm for some snowfall.
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 embrace the Vacation Tree Lighting, the Nutcracker Tea Social gathering, Hannukah Menorah Lighting, the Rady Youngsters’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station, and the Marine Band San Diego Vacation Live performance.
Ice skating internet proceeds profit the Thriving After Most cancers program within the Rady Youngsters’s Hospital’s Peckham Middle for Most cancers and Blood Issues (extra on this under).
Coronado Vacation Parade and Open Home + Santa
Kick off Christmas in San Diego with the forty ninth annual Coronado Vacation Parade and Open Home. Begin at Ferry Touchdown, stroll down Orange Ave to Resort del Coronado, watch the Parade, take part in vacation sing-a-longs, and watch the normal lighting of a Christmas tree in Rotary Park.
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 blinding tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, carolers, and humanities and vacation crafts.
Plus, you’ll take pleasure in free parking in Del Mar Village do you have to store there through the vacation season.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights options greater than 80 non-public boats adorned with vacation lights and crusing alongside the waters of San Diego Bay. This 12 months’s theme is Peace On Earth.
The Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Coronado Ferry Touchdown (an enthralling assortment of reward retailers, artwork galleries, and eating places) provide wonderful shore viewing. Regardless of the place you view, don’t miss the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
Parade Route Arrival Occasions
For one of the best viewing, head to those spots on the approximate instances under:
- 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 dinghies will gown up for the vacations for an genuine Christmas in San Diego whereas circling Oceanside Harbor for the Oceanside Parade of Lights.
The perfect viewing level is alongside Oceanside Harbor, close to the fishing dock and police station.
Ocean Seashore Vacation Parade
Attendees on the annual Ocean Seashore Holiday Parade will see marching San Diego bands, bikes, attractive floats, the VW Beetle membership, basic Woodies, and extra cruise down Newport Avenue.
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Vacation Pageant
The La Jolla Christmas Parade marches down Girard Avenue to Prospect Road and ends on the La Jolla Recreation Middle. This 12 months’s theme is “Palm Timber and Poinsettias – A California Christmas”
The Vacation Pageant with leisure and pictures with Santa, happens earlier than the parade on the Christmas Village in entrance of the Athenaeum.
Plan La Jolla Visits Accordingly
There are avenue closures so attending to a number of the La Jolla lodges on today is slightly difficult however worthwhile for the enjoyable.
La Mesa’s Vacation within the Village
The pleasant downtown of La Mesa is reworked right into a Victorian wonderland throughout its old style Vacation within the Village.
The family-friendly takes place alongside La Mesa Boulevard in downtown La Mesa. Little ones can play within the large youngsters’ space, get pictures with Santa, and all of the household can take pleasure in craft distributors, hearth pits, and reside music leisure. This 12 months may also characteristic artificial ice skating.
Chula Vista Tree Lighting
Begin the vacation season in Chula Vista with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Memorial Park on Third Avenue. Be a part of metropolis officers and neighborhood leaders for a night celebrating the beginning of the season. The occasion options remarks from native leaders, the lighting of the long-lasting Christmas tree, and reside carolers including to the vacation ambiance.
Friends can even discover the Downtown Chula Vista Farmers Market, which could have prolonged hours from 3 p.m. to six p.m., providing vacation bites, drinks, and distinctive purchasing from native distributors.
Starlight Parade & Pageant (Additionally in Chula Vista)
The Starlight Parade & Pageant will happen alongside Third Avenue. Watch native teams in vacation floats, put on your favourite festive sweater, and revel in Chula Vista’s seasonal celebration.
It’s an excellent alternative to help native companies and benefit from the vacation spirit in South Bay’s vigorous neighborhood.
Port of San Diego Vacation Bowl Bash + Parade
For those who love bands, you’ll need to take a look at 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 incredible reside music, there shall be meals, giveaways, video games, and enjoyable for your entire household. Insider tip: Soar on one of many Previous City Trolley Excursions when you’re there!
Vacation Bowl Parade
America’s largest balloon parade is again on the Vacation Bowl parade! Floats, balloons, and marching bands are simply a number of 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).
Gaslamp Pet Parade & Pups within the Pub Social gathering
That is certainly one of my favourite Christmas in San Diego traditions! Prepare for some significantly cute pets (largely canine) to stroll the Gaslamp Quarter of their most interesting vacation gear. There shall be a great deal of distributors, free pictures with Santa and buddies like Rudlph the Pink-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty.
Then head over together with your canine to Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter for a celebration with video games and way more from 2–4 p.m.
Poway’s Christmas within the Park
Previous Poway Park is the situation of this conventional, old style Christmas celebration. At Poway’s Christmas within the Park, company can take pleasure in a go to from Santa, reside music, theater performances, meals, treats, crafts, and even an opportunity to get on board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time experience across the park.
A free shuttle can also be obtainable to and from the occasion from the Poway Metropolis Corridor car parking zone and the Poway Grownup Faculty car parking zone. Admission can also be free.
San Diego Christmas Markets
Yearly, plainly Christmas in San Diego consists of huge and small vacation markets.
Vacation Market at Petco Park
This December, expertise the Vacation Market at Petco Park—a family-friendly Christmas wonderland that includes enchanting mild shows, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and loads of vacation cheer. Youngsters can take pleasure in rides on the Christmas Practice via Gallagher Sq., a grand carousel, and an all-new playground and play space.
Meet Santa, reside reindeer, and different vacation characters for festive picture alternatives (included in admission), and revel in reside leisure on choose nights on the Sycuan Stage. It’s additionally a vacation shopper’s paradise, with artisanal distributors providing distinctive stocking stuffers and handcrafted presents. For these craving festive treats, there’s sizzling cider, mulled wine, shortbread, and different seasonal favorites.
Out of doors Ice Skating Rinks in San Diego
Resort Del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea
Go ice skating simply steps from the seashore within the quintessential Christmas in San Diego expertise on the Resort Del Coronado. Skating by the Sea partially advantages Make-A-Want San Diego.
Viejas Ice Rink
The most important out of doors rink in Southern California is right here in San Diego on the Viejas Retailers’ out of doors rink — it’s even greater than the one at Rockefeller Middle in New York Metropolis.
Rady Youngsters’s Ice Rink
The Rady Youngsters’s Ice Rink is positioned at Liberty Station. All proceeds from this occasion profit the Peckham Middle for Most cancers and Blood Issues at Rady Youngsters’s Hospital of San Diego. Skate leases and helmets are included in your admission worth.
Cruises and Practice Rides for the Holidays
Hop onboard festive cruises and enjoyable practice rides to have a good time the vacations in San Diego to take pleasure in mild shows, decorations and scrumptious meals whereas creating lasting recollections. Listed here are some widespread choices:
San Diego Bay Cruises
Metropolis Cruises gives nearly too many vacation cruises to rely together with particular eating cruises on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New 12 months’s Eve and New 12 months’s Day. I counsel trying out the calendar on-line to see if one piques your curiosity.
North Pole Restricted Practice Trip
Take a magical journey from Campo Depot to the North Pole on this festive practice experience. Passengers will take pleasure in sizzling chocolate, cookies, and vacation tales whereas touring via the backcountry to select up Santa and Mrs. Claus who will greet each passenger because the practice travels again to Campo Depot.
San Diego Trolley’s Vacation Lights Tour
Hop on the San Diego Trolley for a narrated tour of the town’s finest vacation lights and decorations. With vacation music taking part in within the background, this tour is a enjoyable and festive technique to see San Diego’s vacation cheer.
Coaster Vacation Categorical Practice Trip (Offered Out)
Board the Coaster in Oceanside for a 60-minute experience to Solana Seashore and again with Santa and carolers. It’s bought out, however bookmark it for subsequent 12 months.
Take Photos with Santa for Christmas in San Diego
Buying Malls
For those who head to certainly one of many San Diego purchasing malls, Santa shall be there till Christmas Eve throughout mall hours.
- Westfield UTC
- Style Valley (within the mall and in addition 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 excellent breakfast, so meet him at Style Valley Mall for a breakfast feast and vacation treats within the final vacation occasion on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 10 a.m.! Get pleasure from mimosas, sizzling chocolate, brioche French toast, scrambled eggs with creme fraiche, and extra at Neiman Marcus. Now we have been to the occasion previously. Skilled pictures are taken and normally included in the price of breakfast.
Santa at Different Locations Talked about on this Put up
Santa will make appearances at different occasions and locations on this checklist, however listed below are just a few reminders:
- San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Seaport Village
- SeaWorld San Diego
Neighborhood Christmas Lights in San Diego County
Take a drive via these San Diego neighborhoods to see homes decked out in lights past perception. It is a brief checklist of many locations to have a good time Christmas in San Diego — and it’s free to do, because of beneficiant residents wishing everybody who visits a Merry Christmas.
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.
Christmas Card Lane (Rancho Penasquitos)
This San Diego neighborhood show is thought for larger-than-life illuminated Christmas playing cards and different lights adorning the houses.
Belardo Lights (Tierrasanta)
It’s only one home, however it’s effectively value seeing. The thought began in 2006 as a approach for the Schmika household to offer a light-weight present for his or her two autistic sons. Whether it is raining, verify the web site (not up to date for 2024 but so verify earlier than you go) to see if the lights shall be off. The lights are set to music you may take heed to on FM 106.1.
Garrison Road (Level Loma)
These high-end San Diego houses are dense with brightly-colored Christmas lights. Drive via or stroll round … it’s your alternative. Strolling round here’s a custom for a lot of San Diego households (together with mine).
What’s Open on Christmas Day in San Diego
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do on Christmas Day in San Diego, you’re in luck. Along with varied eating places, film theaters, and the native resort vacation actions, a number of points of interest, parks, and actions shall be open. These embrace:
- San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Each parks are open on Christmas Day with particular animal encounters and festivities.
- Balboa Park: Lots of Balboa Park’s museums, gardens and points of interest are open on Christmas Day, together with the San Diego Museum of Artwork and the San Diego Pure Historical past Museum.
- San Diego Botanic Backyard: The gardens and night lightscape of vacation lights and decorations is open on Christmas Day. Simply bear in mind you want a timed ticket.
- USS Halfway Museum: Go to the USS Halfway Museum on Christmas Day for the same old reveals and actions, plus a holiday-themed scavenger hunt.
See additionally:
What’s your favourite factor to do in San Diego through the holidays? Please go away a remark with something lacking from this checklist! And don’t overlook that we’ve Lunar New 12 months San Diego occasions to stay up for shortly after the winter holidays. Merry Christmas and Blissful Holidays to you and your households!
