Balboa Park December NightsJoin the festivities during Balboa Park December Nights, a two-day holiday celebration of food, entertainment and fun. The sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air as the museums and cultural institutions in Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park, open their doors free of charge. Festivities include carolers, live music, light displays, theater and dance performances, and delicious foods from around the world.Dates:December 1-2, 2017
Coronado Holiday Parade & Open HouseSanta arrives via the Ferry at the Coronado Ferry Landing, a festive parade follows down Orange Avenue and Santa lights the Christmas Tree in Rotary Plaza during the Coronado Christmas Parade & Open House.Date: December 1, 2017
Spreckels Organ PavilionEnjoy free organ concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park beginning at 2:00 PM each Sunday. The Organ Pavilion features the world's largest outdoor pipe organ, a San Diego landmark for over 90 years, where organists resound holiday favorites, waltzes and show tunes from the organ's monstrous 32-foot lead alloy pipes.Dates:Ongoing
Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland FestivalHoliday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland Festival at the California Center for the Arts, Escondidobrings the North Pole to the heart of Escondido. Children will have the chance to frolic in real snow, decorate their very own Christmas cookies, and create fun, hand-made gifts for their loved ones. At dusk, the Winter Wonderland Forest comes alive with twinkling lights, and no one will be able to resist the holiday spirit!Date: December 2, 2017
North Park Toyland ParadeExperience the unique sights and sounds of the annual North Park Toyland Parade. Enjoy marching bands, floats, vintage cars, dance groups, beauty queens, city officials and Santa in this popular community celebration.Date:December 2, 2017
Little Italy's Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyCelebrate the season during Little Italy's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and see the unique Christmas Tree - a 25-foot tower of 1,000+ gorgeous Poinsettias. Enjoy the community's festive decorations, live music and entertainment, snacks, holiday beverages and more!Date: December 2, 2017
Starlight ParadeCelebrate the Season in Downtown Chula Vista! The Chula Vista Starlight Parade is a great way to kick-off the holiday season and get in the festive spirit!Date:December 2, 2017
Encinitas Holiday ParadeThousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101.Date: December 2, 2017
Ocean Beach Holiday ParadeCome find out what the locals have known for 30+ years - Santa would rather be in the quaint little surfing village of OB at the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade.Date:December 2, 2017
Old Town Holiday in the Park & Las PosadasSee Old Town State Park decked out for the season during Old Town Holiday in the Park & Las Posadas. On Saturdays and Sundays, learn how residents celebrated the holidays in the 1800s with candlelight tours, holiday singers, live performances and complimentary refreshments. Las Posadas procession begins at 4:45 PM on December 10th.Dates: December 2-17, 2017
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-OffBring the whole family to a unique neighborhood event featuring a chili cook-off between more than 40 of the celebrated restaurants of South and North Park. At the SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off, you can pick out your own hand-spun ceramic bowls then sample chili from the local restaurants. You can also shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and enjoy free live music, kids' games and activities, gourmet food trucks, a beer garden featuring local craft beers and more.Date:December 3, 2017
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday FestivalSpread some holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival in December in downtown La Jolla. The event includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and an appearance by Santa Claus.Date: December 3, 2017
La Mesa's Christmas in the VillageThe Village is transformed into a Victorian Wonderland during La Mesa's Christmas in the Village with carolers, snow, a 15' Christmas tree, Santa and more.Dates:December 9-10, 2017
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole ChristmasTake a walk around Balboa Park and discover its beautiful architecture. Be sure not to miss the "Whoville" decorations in the plaza outside the Old Globe Theatre, which are on display to coincide with the theatre's annual holiday production ofDr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!Dates: November 4 - December 24, 2017
Poway's Christmas in the ParkCelebrate holiday cheer with Poway's Christmas in the Park. The event features a tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, train rides, live music, theatre performances, food, treats, crafts and more.Date: December 9, 2017
Oceanside Harbor Parade of LightsWatch the season sail by at the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. The popular parade circles the harbor and features a wide variety of boats, brightly decorated for the holiday season.Date:December 9, 2017
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of LightsDelight in the festive gatherings along the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Dozens of brightly illuminated powerboats and sailboats parade along Mission Bay.Date: December 9, 2017
Gaslamp Holiday Pet ParadeEnjoy the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. Owners and their dressed-up pets march down the decorated streets of the neighborhood, ending at a Pet Expo featuring an award-ceremony for best-dressed pups.Date:December 10, 2017
Port of San Diego Bay Parade of LightsEnjoy the twinkling waters of the San Diego Bay and more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights for the annual Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights over two weekends in December. Great views are available on dry land from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Marina Park and Coronado's Ferry Landing.Dates: December 10 & 17, 2017
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl ParadeGaze up at the massive balloons during the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, the country's largest balloon parade. Floats, balloons and marching bands are just some of the offerings in this colorful holiday parade along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego.Date:December 28, 2017
Hotel del CoronadoCross the Coronado Bay Bridge and make your way to the Hotel del Coronado to marvel at the illuminated hotel and the popular and beautifully decorated tree in the hotel lobby.Dates: All December
JulianDrive to the mountain town of Julian for a warm mug of hot apple cider and a delicious piece of Julian's legendary homemade apple pie. On Saturdays, stroll through the quaint neighborhood streets and enjoy the sounds of wandering Christmas carolers and a living nativity scene.
Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkDrive to the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to marvel at wildlife and a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers amidst the desert warmth. Anza-Borrego is located just two hours from San Diego via Highway 78 and Interstate 8.
Mount LagunaExperience a white Christmas in San Diego when you make the scenic, one-hour drive to the top of Mount Laguna. Sled down mountain slopes, build snowmen and have snowball fights (weather conditions permitting).
Whale WatchWhale watch from the shores and cliffs ofPoint Loma, as California gray whales migrate south to the warm-water breeding grounds off the coast of Baja, California. Spectators can catch a spectacular show during December through March when these majestic mammals pass through the waters off San Diego's coastline.
Cabrillo National MonumentExplore the tide pools in Point Loma when the tide is low to see some of the magnificent creatures of the sea. Point Loma tide pools are located just south of the tip of Cabrillo Point near the Cabrillo National Monument.
San Diego BeachesTake a walk along one of San Diego's 70 miles of beaches, all free and open to the public. Collect seashells for decorating special holiday gifts or just enjoy the magnificent Pacific Ocean.
Mt. Soledad Veterans MemorialTake a drive to the top of Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla for a panoramic view of the city all spruced up in holiday finery. Along the way, take a peek at the beautifully decorated homes in this exclusive community.