The most wonderful time of year has arrived, San Diego! Our friends at Liberty Station are spreading all kinds of holiday magic with their annual Salute the Season lineup. We’re talking twinkling lights, pics with Santa, ice skating under the stars – the full festive extravaganza!

Here’s a peek at the holly jolly happenings they’ve got on deck to make spirits bright. Rally the gang, don your gay apparel, and come soak up some seasonal cheer!

The Main Event: Tree Lighting & Festivities

Kick off the holidays in style with Liberty Station’s signature bash in the North Promenade on November 24 from 5 PM to 9 PM! We’re talking an epic 88-foot tree lighting, live tunes, Instagram-worthy Santa photo ops, festive firetruck rides, and more. Plus, a showing of that nostalgic Grinch flick to get you in the mood!

Skate Night Delight at the Rady Children’s Ice Rink

Lace up those skates for a spin on Liberty Station’s scenic rink – now open daily through January 7 from 10 AM to 10 PM! Each year, in partnership with the NTC Foundation, Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary invites the community to skate at one of San Diego’s most picturesque locations, with ALL net proceeds benefiting the Thriving After Cancer program at Rady Children’s Hospital.

And when you need a break, warm up with hot cocoa or mulled wine from one of the nearby cafes or restaurants!

Tickets can be purchased on-site or online here and include skate rental and helmets. See the website for special holiday hours.

Around The Way Girl Gallery Exhibition

Peek into a local lens with Puerto Rican photographer Delana Delgado’s solo debut exhibition. A San Diego native, Delana’s 35mm snapshots and collages capture the rich culture and traditions that shaped her artistic voice – a tribute to the women and communities that came before.

Curated by Dinah Poellnitz, the exhibit will be on display from Nov 3 through March 31 in Gallery 201 (2820 Roosevelt Rd, 2nd Floor).

Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting

Liberty Station will host this public menorah lighting in their Central Promenade to commemorate the first night of Hanukkah on December 7 at 5 PM. The FREE magical, family-friendly festivities will be complete with music, live entertainment, and the traditional lighting of the menorah.

Arts & Craft Fair at San Diego Craft Collective | December 10 | 12PM

Get a jump start on your gift list with locally made artisan goods at San Diego Craft Collective’s fair on Sunday, December 7, from 12 PM to 3 PM! The event will feature works from talented area makers plus craft demos, raffles, a free kids’ activity, and a make-&-take craft for those looking for a hands-on activity.

Browse a variety of local handmade art or consider a Craft Collective gift certificate and support our creative community while checking names off your list!

To secure a spot in one of the many workshops offered throughout the event, click here.

A $5 per person contribution is encouraged.

Holiday Pottery Workshop at Carruth Cellars

Get your creative juices flowing and hands dirty at Carruth Cellars’ Holiday Pottery Workshop on Saturday, December 16th, from 10 AM to 12 PM! Whether you’re an aspiring artisan or just love festive DIY projects, it’s the perfect chance to create a one-of-a-kind ceramic piece.

Under the guidance of Milk Oolong Studio owner, ceramicist Leah Schaperow, master intricate techniques like underglaze patterns, Mishima, and sgraffito to design a custom set of holiday mugs or a showstopping vase. Choose your fave from colorful glaze options like eye-catching orange, deep purple, and sea glass blue.

The $65 registration includes all supplies plus 10% off wine samplings to fuel your creativity. Then come back 2-3 weeks post-kiln to collect your new signature holiday pieces!

From sculpting to sipping, it’s an afternoon of festive fun at family-owned Carruth Cellars.

Nutcracker Tea Party

Indulge in dainty bites, sweet treats, and fairy tale magic at two Nutcracker Tea Party seatings on Sunday, December 17, at 11 AM and 3 PM! Watch San Diego Ballet‘s graceful dancers bring the stage to life alongside a visit from St. Nick himself.

Secure tickets here for this beloved tradition.

Ana Galena Floral Studio & Workshop

The creative new kid on the block is Ana Galena, beckoning with her radiant Floral Studio in the ARTS DISTRICT! Swing by her cheery oasis for floral chat and to check out upcoming workshops for magical, holiday-ready centerpieces.

Case in point: the Christmas Centerpiece Workshop on Tuesday, December 19, just in time to deck your halls. Choose either the 10 AM to 12 PM or 5:30 PM to 7 PM session to craft a head-turning arrangement under Ana’s guidance. For $135, you’ll get all the trimmings and expertise needed to conjure up some seasonal magic.

Hurry – slots for this popular primer sell out faster than you can say “Joyeux Noël!” Take advantage of having such a gifted new floral artist in the neighborhood and sign up! Bringing a personal touch to your holiday decor has never been so chic.

Salute the Season Outdoor Art Installations

Get in the holiday spirit with outdoor, holiday-themed art installations created by Liberty Station’s ARTS DISTRICT resident artists and in partnership with the NTC Foundation. Enjoy a self-guided tour to see each piece located on Historic Decatur Road between Barracks 19 and Liberty Public Market. This FREE installation will be on display Thanksgiving weekend through the new year.

See you there!

For details and updates on Liberty Station’s Salute the Season 2023, visit here and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

See you there, San Diego!