If you’re planning on visiting San Diego, you might be looking for some fun Christmas activities. From the Rady Children’s Ice Rink to the La Jolla Christmas Parade, you’ll find a variety of ways to spend your holiday season in San Diego.
La Jolla Christmas Parade
The La Jolla Christmas Parade is an annual event. It is a family friendly event that features a number of floats, bands, and even a visit from Santa. In addition to the floats and bands, there are a variety of activities for the kids including face painting, photo opportunities with Santa, and arts and crafts.
The parade is organized by the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival Foundation. This organization is a non-profit group. They produce the annual holiday festival and organize the parade.
Although the parade has changed over the years, it remains one of the best holiday events in San Diego. The event features a variety of activities, including a giant Christmas tree, nightly light shows, and more. A parade of lights is also held at several different locations throughout the city.
Among the parade’s most notable attractions are the floats, bands, and equestrians. Several local businesses are participating in the parade, including Birch Aquarium, Gillispie School, and the Rotary Club.
Several other community organizations have partnered with the Parade Committee to provide fun activities. For example, Yidishland California has teamed up with the La Jolla Historical Society to provide miniature structures.
The Holiday by the Bay is also a good time to check out the oversized Christmas tree on the Pier. Another must-see is the tree lighting ceremony. There are also several light displays on the Bayfront Pier.
Lastly, don’t miss the Old Black Goose, a classic 1915 Black Packard convertible. Santa will ride this ride as a part of the festivities. These rides will be available until December 24.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade is a wonderful and free event for the entire family. However, if you’re planning on attending, be sure to come early. Many streets will be closed for the event, and parking will be extremely limited.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is home to many things to do in San Diego during the holiday season. This includes the annual December Nights event. The December Nights display is the largest free festival in San Diego. You can see the tree lighting, enjoy live music and entertainment, and browse through vendors selling handmade crafts.
December Nights has four stages of entertainment. For the kids, there is a family zone that features a video game area, a scavenger hunt and holiday card making stations. There is also a lighted sleigh display that is put together by city workers.
The most impressive thing about December Nights is the amount of people that attend. Over 300,000 visitors attend each year. It is also the largest free community festival in San Diego.
In addition to the usual exhibits and attractions, there are plenty of local businesses hosting festive events. Some of the more popular ones include a breakfast with Santa, a menorah lighting, and a holiday parade.
Other San Diego holiday events include walking through light displays and markets, and thousands of Santas logging the most miles in a marathon. Several museums also suspend their normal operating hours during December Nights.
The Holiday Lights Festival is also a big draw. Visitors can watch gorgeous costumed performers and enjoy people watching. While the park isn’t large, it does have its own micro-light show that isn’t to be missed.
The Christmas Tree is also an important part of the holiday season. There are many trees in the city, including the one in the museum of natural history. A living tree in the Speckles Organ Pavilion is also an interesting way to celebrate the holiday.
Rady Children’s Ice Rink
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station in Point Loma is back for the holiday season. This year’s rink will run from November 17 through January 8, with all net proceeds benefiting the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
The rink will be open on Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. Admission includes skate rentals and helmets. Kids can get in the spirit of the season by skating to holiday music.
There are also special events at the ice rink, including Rady Children’s Auxiliary Day, Gulls Night, and iHeart Rady Children’s Night. Parents can also pick out gifts for their kids at the Holiday Book and Toy Store. Ticket sales have raised more than $2 million for the Thriving After Cancer program at the Rady Children’s Hospital.
There are other activities that will help you and your family stay in the holiday spirit, such as attending a special event at the San Diego Zoo. In addition to the zoo’s holiday fun, the zoo will feature a winter-themed show, roaming entertainers, and storytellers.
Another fun Christmas activity is to visit LEGOLAND(r). They have a 30-foot fully decorated tree made from LEGO(r) and they offer seasonal shows and holly jolly treats. You can also take your children for tea with Santa, or enjoy a Victorian Tea.
Liberty Station is a great place to ring in the holiday season. It offers a little bit of everything: a holiday feel, music, a skate area, and a palm tree view. Plus, with more than two million raised from donations, ticket sales, and sponsors, you know your money is going to good use.
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
The SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration is a fan favorite event. It is an immersive experience spanning more than 100 acres of beautifully decorated areas, including a sea of holiday lights when the sun sets. You will also get to enjoy festive food, drinks, and live entertainment.
SeaWorld San Diego’s 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights is the largest Christmas tree in Southern California. This show will feature more than 30 carols and will be performed nightly.
Clyde and Seamore’s Christmas Special is a great family show for all ages. This performance features trainers and popular characters. There are songs, dancing, and much more!
SeaWorld at Christmas has a variety of shows, including Santa’s Christmas Village, Dolphin Island Christmas, and Dolphin Days. Plus, SeaWorld at Christmas offers a festive shopping experience. You can find unique gifts for friends and family.
If you are looking for a fun family vacation, check out the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration. This is a fan favorite event with fun holiday surprises and priceless traditions.
SeaWorld’s holiday celebrations start in November and continue through January. You can take advantage of special holiday ticket offers for local residents. These include a SoCal Annual Pass for less than $100. For more information, visit the SeaWorld website.
Guests can purchase tickets for the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration in advance. To avoid a wait, plan to arrive at the park at least an hour before the official opening. Make sure to dress in layers.
During the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration, you will meet Santa Claus and his reindeer. You can also take photos with them. Additionally, SeaWorld will have a colorful laser light show.
Little Italy Christmas village
If you’re looking for fun and festive things to do this holiday season, look no further than San Diego’s Little Italy. This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of downtown and boasts plenty of festive decorations.
While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the Little Italy Holiday Market, which is held every Wednesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This event features a host of locally made gifts and goodies, as well as sample food.
The tree at the Liberty Station will also be lit up. You’ll be able to take pictures with Santa, and enjoy free live entertainment. There will also be a screening of the Grinch movie.
Other notable Christmas events include the parade of lights, which starts at Shelter Island and ends at Harbor Island. It’s a fun way to see the city light up, and a great excuse to shop.
Another festive event is December Nights in Balboa Park. The festival is the largest community festival of its kind in the city. Over 300,000 people attend this annual holiday fete. They’ll have plenty of light displays, musical performances, and theatrical performances.
Finally, you won’t want to miss the 88-foot Norfolk pine tree at the Liberty Station. Not only will the tree be decorated with holiday cheer, but it will feature a screening of the Grinch, as well as free entertainment.
Several other holiday events are taking place throughout San Diego over the course of the next few weeks. Be sure to check out the Maritime Museum, which is the world’s largest maritime museum. In addition to the nautical displays, you’ll also find a massive collection of vessels.
And don’t forget to stop by the Old Globe Theatre to catch the How the Grinch Stole Christmas show. It’s been a San Diego institution since early November, and it sells out.https://www.youtube.com/embed/MXlCXKC_XhU
christmas things to do in san diego
1. Top 10 Christmas Activities in San Diego for a Joyful Holiday Season
The holiday season is a magical time of year, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in sunny San Diego! Here are 10 festive things to do in America’s Finest City to get you into the holiday spirit:
1. Ice skate at Horton Plaza. Located in the heart of downtown, Horton Plaza is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with an outdoor ice skating rink. Admission is just $10 for adults and $7 for kids, and skate rentals are available on site.
2. Visit the San Diego Zoo. The world-famous zoo is even more magical during the holidays, with festive decorations and special events like animal enrichment sessions and holiday-themed shows.
3. See a holiday show at the Old Globe Theatre. The Old Globe’s annual production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a must-see for all ages. Or catch a performance of A Christmas Carol, another holiday classic.
4. Go on a holiday lights tour. San Diego is aglow with festive holiday lights during the holidays, and there are several ways to see them. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Balboa Park, or take a narrated tour aboard an old-fashioned trolley.
5. Enjoy holiday treats at the Hotel del Coronado. The historic Hotel del Coronado is a holiday tradition for many San Diegans. Enjoy holiday-themed afternoon tea in the Victorian Tea Room, or indulge in a festive cocktail at one of the hotel’s restaurants or bars.
6. Shop at the Del Mar Holiday of Lights. This annual holiday market features over 100 vendors selling everything from holiday decorations to handmade gifts. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts for your loved ones.
7. Take a holiday boat ride. San Diego’s harbor is even more beautiful during the holidays, and there are several boat tour companies offering holiday-themed cruises. Enjoy the festive lights and decorations from the water, and maybe even spot a dolphin or two!
8. See the Nutcracker ballet. The San Diego Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many families. Set to Tchaikovsky
2. Celebrate the Holidays in San Diego
When it comes to celebrating the holidays, there is no better place to be than San Diego. From festive Christmas lights to holiday-themed events, there is something for everyone to enjoy in America’s Finest City. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the holidays in San Diego:
One of the best things about the holidays in San Diego is the weather. While the rest of the country is dealing with cold temperatures and snowy conditions, San Diegans can enjoy mild weather and beautiful sunshine. This makes it the perfect time of year to get out and explore all that the city has to offer.
One of the best ways to take advantage of the good weather is to go on a holiday lights tour. San Diego is home to some of the best Christmas lights displays in the country. From the massive display at the San Diego Zoo to the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, there are plenty of places to see festive lights.
Another great way to enjoy the holidays in San Diego is to attend one of the many holiday-themed events taking place around the city. From holiday markets to concerts and shows, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a more traditional holiday experience, you can also take a ride on the San Diego Trolley to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks decked out in holiday lights.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays, San Diego is the perfect place to do it. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
3. 10 Fun Christmas Things to Do
The holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends, and there are plenty of fun things to do in San Diego to get everyone in the Christmas spirit! Here are 10 of our favorite festive activities:
1. Ice skate at Hotel del Coronado: This iconic San Diego hotel transforms its grand lawn into a festive outdoor skating rink complete with holiday music and views of the Pacific Ocean.
2. See the Nutcracker at Balboa Theatre: The San Diego Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition for many locals.
3. Go on a holiday lights tour: There are plenty of ways to see the best holiday light displays in San Diego, whether it’s by car, bike, or even boat!
4. Visit Santa at Seaport Village: Every year, Santa Claus sets up shop at Seaport Village to take photos and hear holiday wishes from good girls and boys.
5. Attend a holiday concert: San Diego is home to many great concert venues, and during the holidays, many of them host special holiday-themed concerts.
6. Take a holiday-themed cooking class: Learn how to make traditional holiday dishes like tamales or gingerbread houses at one of San Diego’s many cooking schools.
7. Go on a holiday shopping spree: San Diego is a shopper’s paradise, and there are plenty of holiday markets and pop-up shops to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
8. See a holiday movie at the San Diego Zoo: Every year, the San Diego Zoo screens a lineup of family-friendly holiday movies on a big screen in front of the zoo’s main entrance.
9. Attend a holiday parade: San Diego is home to several holiday parades, including the popular Holiday Bowl Parade and the Downtown Holiday Parade.
10. Make a holiday craft: Get into the holiday spirit by making your own decorations at one of San Diego’s many craft stores.
4. Don’t Miss Out on These Must-Do Christmas Events in San Diego
Looking for something fun to do this Christmas season? Check out these four can’t-miss events in San Diego!
1. San Diego Symphony’s Winter Pops
Experience the joy of live music at the San Diego Symphony’s Winter Pops series! This year’s lineup features festive favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “White Christmas,” plus a special holiday sing-along. Concerts take place December 14-16 at Symphony Hall in downtown San Diego.
2. Holiday in the Park at SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s annual Holiday in the Park celebration is a must-do for families! Enjoy holiday-themed shows, decorations, and special holiday food and drinks throughout the park. Holiday in the Park runs from December 15-31.
3. San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells
See the San Diego Zoo in a whole new light at Jungle Bells, the zoo’s annual holiday event! Enjoy holiday-themed lights and decorations, meet Santa and his reindeer, and see the animals enjoy special holiday enrichment activities. Jungle Bells runs from December 14-31.
4. Old Town’s Holiday in the Square
Celebrate the holidays Old Town style at Holiday in the Square! This festive event features live entertainment, holiday shopping, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Holiday in the Square runs from December 1-23.
5. Where to Find the Best Christmas Lights and Decorations in San Diego
The holidays are a special time of year where we get to celebrate with our loved ones, and what better way to do that then by decorating our homes with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations? If you live in San Diego, then you’re in luck, because there are plenty of great places to find Christmas lights and decorations. Here are five of the best places to find Christmas lights and decorations in San Diego:
1. The San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is a great place to find Christmas lights and decorations. Every year, the zoo deck the halls with beautiful lights and decorations, and they even have a special light show that you can watch.
2. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is another great place to find Christmas lights and decorations. Every year, the park is lit up with beautiful lights, and there are also a variety of different events that you can attend.
3. Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is a great place to find Christmas lights and decorations. The whole town is decked out with lights and decorations, and there are also a variety of different events that you can attend.
4. Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a great place to find Christmas lights and decorations. The whole village is decorated with lights and there are a variety of different shops that you can visit.
5. The San Diego Botanic Garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden is a great place to find Christmas lights and decorations. The garden is decorated with beautiful lights and there are also a variety of different events that you can attend.
6. Shop Local and Support Small Businesses at San Diego’s Christmas Markets
Looking for a unique and memorable Christmas gift? Or just wanting to do some Christmas shopping in a festive atmosphere? Then make sure to check out one of San Diego’s many Christmas markets!
Not only are these markets a great place to find unique gifts, but by shopping at them you’ll also be supporting small businesses. And what could be more festive than that?
Here are six of the best Christmas markets in San Diego:
1. The Little Italy Tree Lighting & Toy Drive
Head to Little Italy on December 2nd for their tree lighting ceremony, which will also feature a toy drive and performances by local choirs. Afterward, stick around to do some shopping at the Little Italy Mercato, which will have extended hours for the occasion.
2. The Hillcrest Craft Fair
On December 8th, over 150 vendors will be set up in the parking lot of the Hillcrest DMV offering everything from handmade jewelry to vintage finds. This is a great market for those who like to do their Christmas shopping in one place, as there will be something for everyone.
3. The Ocean Beach Holiday Art & Craft Fair
Looking for something a little more low-key? Then check out the Ocean Beach Holiday Art & Craft Fair, which takes place on December 8th and 9th. This market features around 50 vendors selling handmade goods, so you’re sure to find something unique.
4. The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Street Fair
On December 9th, head to the Gaslamp Quarter for their annual pet parade and street fair. This festive event is a great place to find gifts for the animal lovers in your life, with proceeds going to local animal shelters.
5. The North Park Toyland Parade & Festival
On December 15th, North Park will be transformed into a Toyland wonderland with a parade, festival, and snowfall. This is a great event for families, and it’s also a great place to do some Christmas shopping for kids.
6. The Julian Christmas Market
For a festive day trip, head to Julian on December 15th for their Christmas market. This market features over 100
7. Experience the Magic of Christmas in San Diego with These Fun Activities
The holidays are a special time of year, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in beautiful San Diego. With its mild weather and stunning scenery, San Diego is the perfect place to enjoy all the magic of Christmas. From festive holiday events to charming Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are seven of the best ways to experience the magic of Christmas in San Diego.
1. Attend an Old Town Holiday Celebration
Old Town San Diego is the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. Every year, the historic district comes alive with a festive holiday celebration. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance performances, and traditional Mexican holiday foods. There’s also a beautiful holiday market, where you can find unique gifts for your loved ones. The Old Town Holiday Celebration is the perfect way to get a taste of San Diego’s rich cultural heritage.
2. Visit the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and for good reason. The zoo is home to over 3,700 animals, including many rare and endangered species. During the holidays, the zoo is even more magical, with festive decorations and special holiday-themed events. The San Diego Zoo is the perfect place to enjoy a festive day out with the family.
3. Go Ice Skating at Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most beloved landmarks. During the holidays, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with an outdoor ice rink and a beautiful holiday market. Visitors can skate under the stars, enjoy live music, and find unique gifts for their loved ones. The Balboa Park ice rink is the perfect place to enjoy a festive evening out with friends.
4. See the Nutcracker at the California Ballet
The California Ballet is one of the leading ballet companies in the United States. Every year, the company puts on a stunning production of the Nutcracker. The ballet is set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and features beautiful costumes and sets. The California Ballet’s Nutcracker is the perfect way to experience the magic of Christmas.
5. Shop at a Christmas Market
8. Get into the Holiday Spirit with
Looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit? San Diego has plenty of festive activities to help get you in the mood for Christmas. From holiday lights displays to festive markets, here are 8 great ways to get into the holiday spirit in San Diego.
1. Visit the San Diego Zoo during their annual Jungle Bells event. This year, the event runs from December 14th-23rd and features holiday lights, live entertainment, and special animal enrichment activities.
2. Take a stroll through Balboa Park and see the beautiful holiday lights on display. The park is open until 9 pm every night, so you can enjoy the lights after a long day of work or school.
3. Check out SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, running from December 16th-31st. The event features holiday lights, shows, and special holiday-themed animal encounters.
4. Head to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the annual San Diego County Fair, which runs from June 7th-July 4th. The fair always has a great selection of food and rides, and this year’s theme is “Oz-some Summer Fun.”
5. Visit the Mission Beach Boardwalk to see the holiday lights and decorations. The boardwalk is open daily from sunrise to sunset, so you can enjoy the lights any time of day.
6. Browse the holiday markets for unique gifts and decorations. San Diego has several great markets to choose from, including the Little Italy Mercato (open every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm) and the Hillcrest Farmers Market (open every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm).
7. Attend one of the many holiday concerts and performances happening around the city. The San Diego Symphony performs holiday concerts throughout December, and the San Diego Opera will be performing “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on December 8th, 9th, and 10th.
8. Go ice skating at the San Diego Ice Arena. The arena is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm, and offers public skating sessions, as well as lessons for all levels.
Whether you’re looking for festive lights, markets
