Winter in San Diego: The Ultimate Holiday Guide
San Diego may be known for its sunny beaches and beautiful weather, but the city also transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. From festive lights and cozy outdoor gatherings to holiday parades and unique seasonal events, San Diego has a ton of activities perfect for locals and visitors. Here’s your ultimate holiday guide to things to do this winter in San Diego!
Top Things to Do This Winter in San Diego
Balboa Park December Nights
- What to Expect: San Diego’s largest free community festival, December Nights, returns to Balboa Park this year, lighting up the area with twinkling holiday lights, multicultural performances, and delicious food from around the world. Don’t miss the festive performances and the beautifully decorated museums, many of which offer free admission during the event!
- When: Early December (dates vary each year)
- Where: Balboa Park
Seaport Village Holiday Lights and Sights
- What to Expect: Seaport Village takes on a festive flair with holiday lights, live music, and holiday-themed photo ops. Families can enjoy face painting, live performances, and even appearances by Santa Claus. The ultimate Winter in San Diego activity! Make sure to grab a seasonal treat or do some holiday shopping in the unique waterfront stores.
- When: Late November through December
- Where: Seaport Village
Holiday Bowl and Holiday Bowl Parade
- What to Expect: Known as the “Nation’s Largest Balloon Parade,” this parade takes over Harbor Drive with giant helium balloons, marching bands, floats, and thousands of spectators. The excitement continues with the Holiday Bowl, where teams from the PAC-12 and ACC conferences go head-to-head in a thrilling college football matchup.
- When: Parade in late December; Bowl Game on December 27
- Where: Downtown San Diego (parade); Petco Park (game)
Ice Skating by the Sea at the Hotel del Coronado
- What to Expect: San Diego may not see snow, but you can still enjoy ice skating at the iconic Hotel del Coronado! Their oceanfront ice rink offers a unique experience with spectacular views of the Pacific. After skating, warm up with hot cocoa by one of their cozy beachside fire pits.
- When: Late November through early January
- Where: Hotel del Coronado
San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells
- What to Expect: The San Diego Zoo transforms into a holiday haven with festive decor, light displays, and unique animal experiences during Jungle Bells. Explore lighted trails, visit Santa’s igloo, and catch holiday-themed performances perfect for families with kids.
- When: Mid-December through early January
- Where: San Diego Zoo
Holiday Market at Petco Park
- What to Expect: This European-style holiday market features a variety of seasonal goodies, from artisan gifts to German food and festive treats. With over 100 vendors, you can get your holiday shopping done while enjoying live music, light displays, and holiday photo ops.
- When: Select dates from through December
- Where: Petco Park
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
- What to Expect: La Jolla’s holiday parade is a charming local tradition, complete with floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa. Don’t miss the festival with holiday crafts, live music, and a tree lighting ceremony in the heart of La Jolla.
- When: Early December
- Where: Downtown La Jolla
Little Italy’s Christmas Village and Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect: Little Italy lights up with Italian-themed holiday décor, food vendors, a Christmas village, and a massive tree lighting ceremony. Stroll the cobblestone streets to soak in the charm of one of San Diego’s most festive neighborhoods.
- When: Early December
- Where: Little Italy, San Diego
Holiday Wine Tasting in Ramona Valley
- What to Expect: Cozy up with holiday-themed wine tastings at some of San Diego’s most picturesque wineries in Ramona Valley. Enjoy special winter releases and holiday pairings while taking in the scenic vineyard views. Many wineries also offer festive live music and seasonal decorations that enhance the holiday spirit.
- When: Weekends in December
- Where: Ramona Valley, various wineries
Mission Bay Parade of Lights Boat Cruise
- What to Expect: While San Diego’s famous Parade of Lights takes place on San Diego Bay, you can enjoy a more relaxed version on Mission Bay. Join a festive boat cruise to watch decorated boats sail by, or rent a paddleboard and experience the glow of holiday lights reflecting off the water.
- When: Mid-December
- Where: Mission Bay
Old Town Las Posadas Celebration
- What to Expect: Experience a slice of history and Mexican holiday tradition with Las Posadas, a lively reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Old Town’s version of Las Posadas features carolers, candlelit processions, and traditional holiday treats, creating an immersive cultural experience that’s both festive and heartwarming.
- When: Dec 8
- Where: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Hot Chocolate Hike at Cowles Mountain
- What to Expect: If you’re looking for a way to warm up and enjoy San Diego’s scenic views, try a “hot chocolate hike” up Cowles Mountain. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and climb to the summit, where you can sip your warm drink while soaking in panoramic views of the city and ocean. Early mornings or evenings add a magical quality to the experience.
- When: Early mornings or at sunset, December through January
- Where: Cowles Mountain, Mission Trails Regional Park
Carlsbad Flower Fields Holiday Lights
- What to Expect: While the flower fields in Carlsbad are famous in spring, they host a holiday lights display in winter. Stroll through light installations, visit Santa’s workshop, and even enjoy festive-themed activities like wagon rides and seasonal photo ops. It’s a lesser-known winter wonderland with an added botanical twist.
- When: Select dates in December
- Where: Carlsbad Flower Fields
Encinitas Botanical Garden’s Lightscape
- What to Expect: The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas turns into a dazzling Garden of Lights with more than a million holiday lights illuminating its lush landscapes. The garden offers live music, holiday crafts, and even snow, creating a serene yet festive escape from the city’s holiday hustle.
- When: Select evenings in December
- Where: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
Holiday Gondola Cruises
- What to Expect: A holiday themed gondola cruise through the canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays. Up to 14 passengers can ride together on one boat. Wine, non-alcoholic beverages and chocolate truffles are available for purchase.
- When: Dec 1 – Dec 23
- Where: The Gondola Company, Coronado
All That Jazz Lightshow Spectacular
- What to Expect: A complimentary 10-minute show takes place every 30 minutes from 5-9pm nightly. Open to the public (no reservations needed).
- When: Nov 21-Jan 5
- Where: Hotel Del Coronado
Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink
- What to Expect: Lace up your skates to celebrate the sights and sounds of the holidays. The Viejas Ice Rink includes free skate rentals for every 90 minute session.
- When: Nov 1- Jan 5
- Where: Viejas Resort & Casino, Alpine
Holidays at LEGOLAND
- What to Expect: It’s time for Holidays at LEGOLAND, where the Resort is bursting with holiday cheer and festive decor!
- When: Nov 23- Jan 5
- Where: LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
Holiday in the Village
- What to Expect: A La Mesa Holiday tradition! La Mesa Holiday in the Village is a FREE event featuring live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities and a kids area. Visitors can walk the streets of La Mesa’s historic downtown, local craft vendor stands, then cozy up with artisan and craft food and snack specialties. Friends and family can relax by the fire pits while enjoying holiday caroling and fun live entertainment from local schools, clubs and more!
- When: Dec 14, 12-9PM
- Where: La Mesa Village, La Mesa
Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival
- What to Expect: Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Chula Vista at the 60th Annual Starlight Parade and Festival! The City of Chula Vista invites you to this beloved South Bay tradition, which will light up Third Avenue with dazzling floats, joyful participants, and activities for all ages. There will also be new twists on this long-standing favorite event, including a holiday movie showing at the Memorial Bowl.
- When: Dec 14
- Where: Downtown Chula Vista, Chula Vista
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
- What to Expect: This three-day event will be held Friday, December 6, Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8. Wrapping up on Sunday evening with the Parade of Lights, visitors will be able to shop the vendors and sip hot chocolate on the pier as the lit-up parade boats pass by. Tickets are $6 presale or $7 at the door and include access to the shopping hall with over 140 handmade vendors, cocktail/mocktail and beer bars, food truck court, photo booths, make-and-take stations, live music and interactive art and play areas.
- When: Dec 6-8
- Where: Broadway Pier, San Diego
North Pole by the Sea
- What to Expect: Get into the holiday spirit in Del Mar Village! Enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout the Del Mar Village North Pole Loop, including photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and other children’s activities at Del Mar Plaza, live holiday music, drink specials for adults at L’Auberge Del Mar, and holiday characters.
- When: Dec 8
- Where: Del Mar, San Diego
Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting
- What to Expect: This year the Country Christmas Tree Lighting will be at the new Town Square location on the corner of Main Street and Washington. Music and Holiday Performances will be throughout the afternoon, with a Christmas Market and Santa meet and greet.
- When: Nov 30
- Where: Julian Town Square, Julian
OB Holiday Parade
- What to Expect: For more 40 years, our quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted one of the best Holiday Parades in Souther Californial. On the first Saturday in December, Newport Avenue is lined with colorful OBceans and visitors all eagerly awaiting the commencement of the 44th Annual OB Holiday Parade at Sunset!
- When: Dec 7
- Where: Mission Bay and Beaches, San Diego
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
- What to Expect: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
- When: Nov 6-Dec 30
- Where: The Old Globe Theater, San Diego
Santa Train North Pole Limited
- What to Expect: All aboard the North Pole Limited! Your magical journey begins at the festive Campo Depot, where you’ll collect your tickets in our historic waiting room. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to receive your tickets, explore our holiday gift shop, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Once onboard the North Pole Limited, prepare to be enchanted! Our jolly elf crew will entertain you with holiday sing-alongs, festive stories, and delicious hot chocolate and cookies. As the train winds through the breathtaking backcountry, keep your eyes peeled for the North Pole, where we’ll pick up Santa and his lovely Mrs. Claus! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a 90-minute adventure filled with holiday cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with every passenger on the train as we make our way back to Campo Depot. It’s a magical experience you won’t forget!
- When: Nov8 24 – Dec 18
- Where: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum – Campo Depot
Jingle Jets
- What to Expect: A new holiday tradition in San Diego, The USS Midway Museum decks out the carrier from bow to stern with hundreds of thousands of twinkling and shimmering lights to celebrate the holiday season with “Jingle Jets,” a festive lighting experience.
- When: Select Dates Nov 22 – Dec 23
- Where: The USS Midway Museum
