All of the events, parades, activities, festivals, performances and more taking place throughout San Diego County throughout the 2021 holiday season.

EVENTS

Lemon Grove’s Annual Holiday Bonfire | December 3 from 4:30 – 8:30pm

Lemon Grove's Annual Bonfire! This year will mark the 24th anniversary that the City has come together to host this tremendous event. Dress warm, come out with family to enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. Bring some friends to listen to live music. With all the wonderful activities you will be sure to work up an appetite. Stop by and check out the many food booths throughout the event. Details HERE >>

Balboa Park’s Taste of December Nights | December 3 – 5 from 11am – 10pm daily

Due to the potential uncertainty of public health conditions at the time of December Nights, and out of an abundance of caution, the City has made the decision to expand upon the 2020 successful drive-through experience, "Taste of December Nights," for this year's event. The three-day event will take place on Friday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will feature some of your favorite food vendors, food trucks, and entertainment from past December Nights in a festive drive-through setting at the Inspiration Point parking lot near Balboa Park. All County and State safety protocols will be strictly enforced. Customers must remain in their cars. Details HERE >>

La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village | December 4 from 12 – 9pm

The 6th annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will once again be ringing in holiday cheer for everyone far and near on Saturday December 4th from 12pm – 9pm. La Mesa Village friends and family will have the chance to take part in FREE festive fun with live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities, and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop! Details HERE >>

National City - Christmas Craft Fair at the Historic Stein Farm | December 4 from 2 – 7pm

Stein Farm, an historic and working farm in National City, is hosting its 4th annual Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, December 4 from 2-7 There will be more than 25 food and craft vendors as well as the opportunity to feed farm animals and visit with Santa. Santa will be available for photos and Christmas gift requests from 4:30-6pm Stein Farm is located at 1808 F Avenue National City 91950

Fallbrook Christmas Parade "Miracle on Main" | December 4 from 5 - 7pm

The 40th Annual Fallbrook Christmas Parade will feature lighted floats, music, dancers, marching bands, classic & specialty vehicles, and of course Santa Claus! Details HERE >>

Imperial Beach “Grinchmas” Holiday Artisan Market | December 4 from 11am – 5pm

The IB Artisan Market is the perfect place where you will find retailing handmade artisan crafts, painting and much more, located in the beautiful city of Imperial Beach right across from Pier South Resort Hotel. Details HERE >>

Vista Christmas Parade | December 4 starting at 1pm

The theme this year will be "Come Together" as we commemorate our Vista community coming back together for this family friendly event. Details HERE >>

Carlsbad - Holiday at the Rancho | December 4 from 5 - 8pm

Blending holiday spirit with a bit of western history, the City of Carlsbad will celebrate the season at its Holiday at the Rancho event at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, located at 6200 Flying L.C. Lane. The event will feature a 14-foot tree lighting, arts, crafts, a 'plush' snowball fight, entertainment, holiday shopping, cookie decorating and more. Details HERE >>

Hanukkah Train and Celebration at Old Poway Park | December 5 starting at 4pm

Join Chabad of Poway in celebration of the 8th night of Hanukkah. First train departs at 4:10 pm. Menorah lighting at 4:40 pm. Enjoy hot latkes, donuts, dreidel giveaways, chocolate gelt, kids crafts and fun for the whole family. 14134 Midland Rd., Poway. Details HERE >>

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival | December 5 from 11:30 am – 4pm

This year’s theme for this annual holiday tradition is "Spirit of La Jolla" - Celebrating our Hometown Heroes. Details HERE >>

San Marcos Holiday Market | December 5 from 10am – 4pm

Get ready to eat, drink and be merry at the annual San Marcos Holiday Market at North City! The beloved open-air market returns to North City on Sunday, December 5, from 10am to 4pm. Shop for holiday gifts, decorations, pre-packaged food and treats, and indulge in a variety of delicious hot food from over 100 local artisans and crafters. The fun doesn’t stop there, take the little ones over to the kid’s zone while you delight in some cheerful live music. This event is for everyone to enjoy, even Santa Claus will be paying a special visit.

The Holiday Market is free and is located at 251 North City Drive, off Hwy 78 & Twin Oaks Valley Road.

Pacific Beach Crazy Christmas Holiday Bar Crawl | December 10 from 5pm – 2am

The PB Crazy Christmas Bar Crawl begins in PB Local and will continue to Waterbar, 710 Beach Club, Break Point, Mavericks, with the final stop and after party hosted by Duck Dive, where a $200 cash prize will be awarded to the Most Holiday Festive/Best Dressed!

Early-bird tickets, $20, will be available November 22nd – December 5th. Regular tickets, $25, will be available December 6th – December 10th. 100% of ticket proceeds will go to Big Josh Foundation and support their amazing work, and tickets include drinks specials and swag throughout the day.

Pacific Beach Holiday Parade & San Diego Santa Run | December 11 starting at 9am

-San Diego Santa Run is BACK! We are excited to announce that registration is now open for 9th Annual San Diego Santa Run on Saturday, December 11th! Over 20,000 Santas have participated in previous years but we are preparing to make this year our LARGEST Santa Run yet! Tell your friends, family and neighbors we are filling the streets of Pacific Beach with a Sea of Santas this December! Details HERE >>

-One of San Diego’s oldest holiday parades that runs from Garnet Ave and Haines Street toward Bayard. The parade directly follows the Santa Run. Details HERE >>

Liberty Station – Nutcracker Tea Party with the San Diego Ballet | December 11

Liberty Station welcomes the community to partake in the magic of the holiday season at its 4th annual Nutcracker Tea at the Liberty Station Conference Center on Saturday, December 11 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. and from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

An addition to the community's Salute the Season festivities, this seasonal, family-friendly event will encompass hot cocoa and cookies; a narrated, interactive performance of The Nutcracker by San Diego Ballet; a visit from Santa; and more! The Nutcracker Tea Party is a fully immersive experience; performers will be telling the classic story of The Nutcracker directly to the audience. Details HERE >>

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | December 12 and 19 starting at 5:30pm

The 50th Annual Parade of Lights returns to the San Diego Bay with “The Twelve Days of Christmas” theme. The parade route starts at Shelter Island and travels west past Harbor Island, then south along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Cesar Chavez Park before turning parallel with the Coronado Bridge to the west side of the bay. The parade then proceeds past the Coronado Ferry Landing to the finish line. It takes about two hours to complete the procession and there are many comfortable waterfront viewpoints along the route. Details HERE >>

Julian’s Country Christmas Light Parade | December 18 starting at 5:45pm

The mountain town of Julian started a new tradition in 2020, a light parade on Main Street. "What brought the community together turned into a wonderful, fun experience for all in attendance. So much so that we had to plan it again in 2021 and we hope for years and years to come.” Join us on Main Street Julian for a small town celebration of holiday lights on cars, trucks and any other street legal vehicle you can imagine. NOTE Main Street will not be closed for this parade. Details HERE >>

Gaslamp Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub | December 19 at 1 pm

Bring your favorite 4-legged friend and the whole family to the beloved Pet Parade on Sunday December 19. Festive costumes encouraged. After you parade down 5th Avenue, enjoy some craft beer at our Pups in the Pub Paw-ty. Details HERE >>

Holiday Bowl at Petco Park | December 28

Join us for the first-ever SDCCU Holiday Bowl at Petco Park! Tickets are on-sale now to watch the best of college football with an incredible match-up between the Pac-12 and the ACC in downtown San Diego. Seats are selling fast so be sure to reserve yours now! Tickets HERE >>

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

Carlsbad - Winter WonderLights Holiday Light Show | December 3 – 4 & 10 – 11 from 5 – 7pm

Enjoy Winter WonderLights, a magical holiday light show at The Forum Carlsbad, every Friday and Saturday night. The light show will be choreographed to your favorite holiday music and we’ll have Magical Snowfall throughout the center. We’ve expanded the area where the light show will be performed, so no matter where you are in The Forum, you can enjoy the show. Details HERE >>

Holidays at the Helen Woodward Animal Center | December 3 – 18 (select days)

-St Nick at Night is the more intimate, prelude event of the weekend Wild Winter holiday family event! It includes hands-on animal encounters, a cute craft, group story time with Santa, a sweet treat for the little ones, and a safe setting to play!

-Wild Winter includes hands-on animal encounters, cute crafts, a visit with Santa, a gift for the little ones, and a safe setting to play!

Details HERE >>

Carlsbad – Santa’s Secret Garden | December 4 – 19 (select days)

Bring the children for Visits with Santa in his Secret Garden located behind the Christmas Tree next to Paper Source. Santa will be available every Saturday and Sunday, December 4 through December 19 from 1pm to 4pm. The Winter Fairy will be on hand to welcome guests. Be sure to bring your cameras. There is no cost to Visit Santa at The Forum Carlsbad. Book your visit HERE >>

Encinitas - Botanic Garden Holiday Wonderland | December 4 – 30 (select days)

The annual winter event, Botanic Wonderland at San Diego Botanic Garden, has become a local favorite tradition. The nighttime festivities provide families and friends the opportunity to stroll through the garden to enjoy outdoor holiday lighting and activities in a safe and carefully organized setting.

Botanic Wonderland transforms the garden into a unique, winter experience and we are excited to welcome you and your group to enjoy it during an exclusive evening! Details HERE >>

Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station | Now - January 9 from 10am - 10pm

This annual outdoor ice rink is helps raise funds for the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Prices range $13–$15; includes skate rental and helmet. Closed December 25. Details HERE >>

The Coaster Holiday Express | December 4 – 5 and 11-12

The North County Transit District (NCTD) COASTER Holiday Express offers families a magical 65-minute round trip from Oceanside to Solana Beach on a festively decorated COASTER train. During the ride, families and children of all ages can expect to sing along with carolers, receive toys from holiday characters and wish lists for Santa. Santa will also make his way through the train to meet with children and take pictures.

The Holiday Express will depart from the Oceanside Transit Center, 205 S. Tremont St., Oceanside, CA 92054. Details HERE >>

Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Now – January 2 (select days)

See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Holiday tunes set the mood, and seasonal food treats tempt you throughout your journey. Details HERE >>

Sea World Christmas Celebration | Now – January 2

Bring your family together for the eye-catching spectacle, priceless traditions, and fun-filled surprises of SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration. The holidays are meant to be merry and bright, and that’s exactly what you’ll find as this beloved event returns with more wondrous moments than ever.

See a dazzling new Christmas cirque show or meet Santa, Rudolph and your favorite Sesame Street friends. Feel the snow falling and watch the sky light up with holiday fireworks. Find photo-perfect moments across acres of beautiful decorations, including a towering 30 foot, twinkling Christmas tree and a music-activated tunnel of lights. All the while, savor delicious candy-topped hot chocolate and other treats for all ages. Details HERE >>

Holidays at LEGOLAND | Now - January 2

Enjoy live entertainment, twinkling lights twinkling lights and nightly tree lightings of the LEGO Christmas tree decked out with LEGO ornaments. Activities are included with admission. Details HERE >>

Beachside Winter Wonder at Belmont Park | Now - January 2

On weekends in December, this 96-year-old beachside park will offer a day-and-night experience, featuring 15-foot-tall holiday-themed sculptures, Christmas Tree Farm, Seasonal Character appearances, Holiday Movie Nights, face painting and balloon art; plus, Illuminated Winter Nights when the sun goes down. Take a walk-through Winter Wonder with our new interactive Holiday Map filled with festive fun at every stop! Details HERE >>

Holiday Market at Petco Park | Now – December 24

In its second year at Petco Park, the popular market will be bigger and better this year with even more food, beverage and artisan vendors. The Holiday Market in Gallagher Square is a fun and festive night for the whole family. This year’s market will feature local and European artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverage, Santa and other holiday characters! Holiday festivities will run from November 29 - December 24, 2021. Details HERE >>

Seas ‘n’ Greetings at the Birch Aquarium | Now – December 31 (closed 12/25)

Experience the magic of the holidays in the underwater world at Birch Aquarium during our month-long holiday celebration featuring SEAsonal decor, music, and activities for the whole family, daily from 9am – 5pm. Enjoy fun, festive photo opportunities throughout the aquarium, an interactive scavenger hunt, complete with prizes for the littlest guests— and holiday card worthy ocean views! Details HERE >>

North Pole Limited Train Rides | Now – December 22 (select days)

The famous North Pole Limited returns to celebrate the holiday season. This special holiday production is offered with the help of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association’s volunteers in cooperation with Mountain Empire and Bonita Vista Valley High Schools. Once onboard the North Pole Limited, enjoy your favorite Christmas carols and listen to a popular Christmas story. The North Pole Limited will stop at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus who will visit with all passengers on the train on our way back to the Campo Depot. Details HERE >>

Holidays at Hotel Del Coronado |Now – January 2

Celebrate coming Home for the Holidays as America’s beachfront legend transforms into a classic winter wonderland. The iconic resort shimmers and shines as its signature red turrets are draped in thousands of sparkling lights with towering Christmas trees, snowy surprises and garlands galore filling the property with holiday cheer. This year will include the return of a spectacular two-story lobby tree and beachfront ice rink at Skating by the Sea®, as well as the debut of a new holiday light show on the Founders Lawn. Details HERE >>

Holiday Nights at Viejas Outlets | Now – January 2

Lace up those skates and glide across Southern California’s Largest Outdoor Ice Rink. Visit Santa to learn who’s been naughty and nice (11/26 -12/19). Soar gleefully over the Viejas Outlets as you enjoy a birds-eye view of Holiday Nights on the tallest Ferris wheel in the region. Experience the sights, sounds and snow, during the magical fountain shows. Wander the pathways featuring thousands of lights for that perfect family photo. Details HERE >>

Magical Snowfall and Holiday Photo Wonderland | Now – December 24 (select days)

Village Walk at Eastlake is hosting free activities Thursday – Sundays, including enchanted snow flurries, choreographed lights and seasonal music and life-size photo props of Santa, Elsa and Olaf. Details HERE >>

Snow N Glow Holiday Festival & Holidays In Your Car at Del Mar Fairgrounds | Now – January 2 (select dates)

Three attractions designed to make your Holiday Spirit Bright! Snow tube down the snow hill on a path of real snow, walk through a million festive lights, or experience a separate holiday light display from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Details HERE >>

Jungle Bells and ‘Aurora’ Light Show at the San Diego Zoo | December 10 – January 2 (select days)

This year's Jungle Bells brings the return of Aurora—a magical and spectacular experience with lights, 3D projections, and music. Also enjoy traditional lighting displays, musical performances and entertainment, visits with Santa (through December 25), tasty holiday treats, and much more. 'Tis the season to celebrate—join us for holiday cheer! Details HERE >>

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