Even though the streets are lined with palm trees and the thermostat doesn’t drop below 50 degrees, San Diego offers many holiday festivities for all to get into the Christmas spirit. Ice skating by the beach and seeing Santa Claus surf are only a few activities unique to the southern California area.
While some plan to stay home for the holidays, we’ve accumulated a list of activities for you and your friends and family to thoroughly enjoy a San Diego Christmas.
1. Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Not many people can say they’ve ice skated along the Pacific Ocean. From Nov. 21 to Jan 5, 2025, the historic Hotel del Coronado entertains with Skating by the Sea, an ice skating rink open to the public, along with many other holiday activities. Next to the rink is the Frostbite Lounge, where visitors can admire skaters, the view, and indulge in the hotel’s award-winning cuisines.
If you’re missing the ambiance of a cooler climate, the Hotel del Coronado also entertains with their “At First Light” Lightshow Spectacular. The lighting of Norfolk Island Pines is orchestrated to music and accompanied by snow flurries, embodying a winter wonderland.
2. December Nights in Balboa Park
December Nights in Balboa Park is the largest free holiday festival in San Diego. From Dec. 6-7, visitors are invited to the city’s 1,200-acre backyard. The park is home to 18 museums, all offering complimentary admission from 5-9 p.m. during the festival, fruitful gardens, and Spanish Colonial architecture. For entertainment, live music, food trucks, and craft vendors line the park’s pathways, all enhancing the communal atmosphere.
3. Dr. Suess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas At Old Globe Theatre
From Nov. 6 to Dec. 31, the Old Globe Theatre is showing its 26th annual production of The Grinch. Immerse yourself in the snow-covered Whoville to see your favorite Dr. Suess characters save Christmas!
4. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
From Nov. 15 to Jan. 5, SeaWorld hosts its annual San Diego Christmas Celebration, where visitors can walk through artificial snow, acres of decorations, and a tunnel of lights on their way to their favorite exhibits. Christmas shows involving live music, fireworks, and laser light shows are also offered.
SeaWorld houses a 30-foot Christmas tree, which is incomparable to the park’s 320-foot SkyTower ride. During the holiday season, SkyTower is deemed the “Tree of Lights” and is decorated with lights and a star. The leisure ride takes participants up to a 360-degree view of the San Diego area.
5. LEGOLAND® Holiday Events
While joy can be found in Legoland year-round, their multiple holiday events elevate the park’s experience. On select dates from Nov. 18 to Jan. 7, LEGOLAND® will have plenty of seasonal entertainment for visitors. Holiday characters will be present for hugs and pictures, the park will set up its 30-foot tall Lego Christmas tree with 400 plus ornaments, and seasonal shows, food, and drinks will be available.
6. Botanic Garden Lightscape
From Nov. 15 to Jan. 5, the San Diego Botanic Garden hosts Lightscape, a mile-long walking trail enhanced by holiday lights, sculptures, and art installations. Lightscape has historically been held in London, New York, Melbourne, and Chicago, and is being held in the garden’s 37-acre Encinitas property this year. A picturesque moment is guaranteed within the million-plus twinkling lights, from the Cathedral of Light to the Star Tunnel and Fire Garden. So visitors can stay warm, hot cocoa and marshmallow roasting stops are offered along the trial.
7. Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
On Dec. 27, the Port of San Diego hosts its annual Holiday Bowl Parade. Giant balloons, marching bands, floats and drill teams parade down the San Diego waterfront as a reflection of the holiday season. The event has been referred to as “America’s Largest Balloon Parade” and often draws well-known San Diegans to participate in the parade.
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade is also accompanied by the Port of San Diego Game Day 5K Run/Walk. Athletes will be encouraged by over 100,000 spectators and enjoy the festive parade following the 5k’s completion.
8. Nutcracker Ballet at Civic Theatre
From Dec. 13-22, San Diego’s Civic Theatre presents The Nutcracker, featuring the San Diego Symphony and students of the Golden State Ballet Academy. For over a century, the two-act ballet has been cherished for its magnificent costumes, sets, and performances.
Looking for a bite to eat before the show? Civic Theatre is within walking distance from Downtown’s Gaslamp District, which offers plenty of dining options.
9. Starlight Circle
If you’re looking for a laid-back Christmas excursion, take a quick drive to the Starlight Circle neighborhood in Santee. Over 75 homes are decorated with extravagant light displays, with many of their owners serving homemade snacks and hot cocoa. Visitors can choose to drive or walk through the neighborhood and can enjoy the show every night until Dec. 26. More information can be found here.
10. Liberty Station Ice Skating Rink
If you want to swap the ocean view for some ice, the Liberty Station ice skating rink is a great destination. Only 10 minutes away from PLNU’s campus, the rink is open from Nov. 21 to Jan. 5 and is a great way to give back to the community. The rink benefits the Thriving After Cancer Program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
11. USS Midway Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting
This holiday season, experience a magical evening at the USS Midway Museum's 2nd Annual Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration! The USS Midway will be transformed into a festive light show at sea, featuring over 750,000 twinkling lights accompanied by music, delicious treats, and more!
12. Holiday Classics at Regal Cinema
This holiday season, Regal Cinemas in San Diego will play five holiday classics every weekend before Christmas. With tickets costing only $5, this is the perfect opportunity to see your favorite Christmas characters on the big screen.
13. Light at the Lakes Holiday Event
From Nov. 30 to Dec. 28, Light at the Lakes will be held at the Santee Lakes. The drive-thru event spanning a mile will showcase more than 35 vibrant twinkling light exhibits synchronized to music broadcasted through your car radio. Expect an array of distinctive winter scenes that twinkle, swirl and dance in harmony with holiday tunes.
14. OB Christmas Tree
The best Christmas trees are the imperfect ones … right? Seeing the OB Christmas tree is an unconventional way to celebrate Christmas in a summer city. Located on the beach at the end of Newport Avenue near Ocean Beach Pier, the tree is decorated in OB fashion with beach balls, peace signs, and candy canes.
15. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Not far from PLNU’s campus is a holiday parade that takes not to the streets, but the sea. This year, the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights theme is “Peace on Earth.” The parade will be held on Dec. 8 and 15 and will start at Shelter Island and end at the Ferry Landing on Coronado.
16. New Year’s Eve Fireworks
On New Year’s Eve at midnight, fireworks can be seen bursting into the night sky throughout downtown San Diego. Get a clear view from one of several spots including Embarcadero Marina Park South, behind the Convention Center, the USS Midway Museum, and Seaport Village.
Looking for More Winter Fun?
Take a look at our top coffee shops in San Diego for a sweet treat to enjoy between the festivities this season!