12 Things to Do for the Holidays That are Uniquely San Diego
While the holiday season in San Diego may not be your typical winter landscape, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had in our slice of paradise. Embrace the opportunity to enjoy these must-do San Diego holiday experiences.
Go Skating at The Del
Get ready for the coolest winter experience in San Diego—literally! The Hotel Del’s Skating by the Sea is back, serving up the most surreal skating scene you’ll find anywhere.
Glide across the ice as ocean waves crash nearby and palm trees dance in the breeze, all while supporting Make-A Wish® San Diego with every spin and twirl.
Catch the magic daily through December 1 (10 AM to 10 PM), then snag evening sessions Monday to Thursday (4 PM to 10 PM) and extended hours Friday to Sunday through mid-December. Starting December 18, the winter wonderland kicks into high gear with daily sessions (10 AM to 10 PM) running straight through January 5.
Want to level up your ice skating adventure? Snag a spot at the ultra-cozy Frostbite Lounge, where fire pits and plush seating create the perfect winter hangout.
Sip on festive cocktails while watching skaters glide by, or catch the sparkling scene from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, or Serẽa—each offering a front-row seat to this magical mash-up of SoCal cool and winter charm.
Hot tip: The rink opens at 6 PM on December 6 for a special event!
See the Bay Lit Up
Looking for unforgettable things to do for the holidays in San Diego? Get ready for the most mind-blowing show in town! Our bay is about to become a floating festival of pure magic when 80+ boats deck themselves out in dazzling lights for the 54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
This spectacular show hits the water on December 8 and 15, with boats going all out to showcase this year’s “Peace on Earth” theme in the most jaw-dropping ways possible.
This totally free water wonderland kicks off at Shelter Island at 5:30 PM, creating a mesmerizing trail of twinkling lights past Harbor Island (6:15 PM), Seaport Village (6:45 PM), and the Embarcadero (7:15 PM).
These floating light shows will even make a splash at Cesar Chavez Park pier before lighting up Coronado’s Ferry Landing around 7:45 PM.
Grab your crew and claim your perfect viewing spot along the bay—sprawl out on Harbor Island’s grass, or join the electric atmosphere at Seaport Village. With over 100,000 people expected to line the shores, this incredible nautical party proves why it’s the most epic holiday tradition in town. This is holiday magic cranked up to 11!
Party for the Pups in the Gaslamp
Searching for the most adorable things to do for the holidays in San Diego? The Gaslamp Quarter is going full-on festive with the cutest parade ever! On Saturday, December 14, furry friends and their humans will strut their stuff through downtown for the annual Gaslamp Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub Party.
The tail-wagging fun kicks off at 11 AM with free Santa photos, holiday vendors, and costume contests across eight categories—from parade floats to matching human-pup outfits. Want to join the parade with your four-legged bestie? Register here in advance for $25. Rather watch? Grab a prime patio spot along the route for free.
After the parade, the party continues at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (2 PM to 4 PM) with craft beers, holiday tunes, games, and contest winners. Last year’s Best in Show champs lead this year’s parade—could your pup be next year’s grand marshal?
See the Christmas Lights Around San Diego
Just because it doesn’t snow in San Diego and the temperature rarely drops below 60 degrees, it doesn’t mean that we don’t know how to get into the holiday spirit! So when you are feeling those Christmas vibes, here’s where to go to see the best Christmas lights in San Diego.
There are many neighborhoods known for their stunning light displays that you’ll want to add to your holiday to-do list. Check out our top picks here.
Browse the Holiday Market at Petco Park
Looking for next-level things to do for the holidays in San Diego? Petco Park’s Holiday Market is back and totally crushing it, transforming Gallagher Square into the most epic winter wonderland ever.
We’re talking a massive 40-foot Christmas tree, dazzling light displays everywhere, and—get this—actual snow falling every night from December 5 to 27!
The newly renovated space is absolutely popping with holiday vibes—spin on the carousel, hang with real reindeer, and snag the most Instagram-worthy holiday pics ever.
Score amazing finds from local artisans, then treat yourself to warm cider, mulled wine, and mouth-watering shortbread. Plus, the Sycuan Stage is bringing non-stop holiday entertainment, while kids can hop on the Christmas Train or meet the big guy himself—Santa’s in the house!
Just $15 for adults and $12 for kids gets you access to everything. Open select nights from 4 to 10 PM.
Hit Up Holiday by the Bay
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is going all out with the most incredible holiday celebration in town. Holiday by the Bay is turning this waterfront gem into a winter wonderland packed with festive fun.
Step into the lobby and feast your eyes on a jaw-dropping, life-sized gingerbread house. The fun explodes on weekends with special kids’ check-in perks, amazing Christmas craft sessions, and the jolliest holiday movie nights under the stars at Promenade West.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are making the Hilton their home away from the North Pole this December! Catch Santa for breakfast at Hudson & Nash, snap unforgettable photos, or join Mrs. Claus for the coziest storytime ever. Live carolers fill the air with holiday tunes, making every weekend feel like a festive party.
Craving holiday treats? Score fresh-baked cookies on weekends, sip on spectacular seasonal cocktails at Hudson & Nash and Odysea Lounge, or warm up with holiday drinks at Starbucks. And don’t miss the epic Christmas dinner and Holiday Bowl tailgate party to cap off the season.
Visit here for details.
Join the Bowl Parade on the Bayfront
The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade brings an amazing show to the bayfront on Friday, December 27 at 10 AM with the most giant balloons of any parade in the country!
This massive celebration packs the streets with world-class marching bands bringing the beats, stunning holiday floats, and drill teams serving up amazing performances along our gorgeous bay.
Over 100,000 people will line the streets for this incredible show—and the best part? Street viewing is totally free! Want the VIP experience? Snag grandstand seats here for just $30.
Early birds can kick off the festivities with the Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk along the stunning harborfront—complete with a finisher medal to show off your holiday spirit. This is pure San Diego holiday magic at its finest!
Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe
The meanest, greenest holiday legend is back at The Old Globe for its 27th spectacular year. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! transforms the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage into a snow-covered Who-ville wonderland through December 31.
This beloved musical brings all your favorite songs to life, from “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” to the heartwarming “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” Complete with every last can of Who-hash, this whimsical production continues to captivate families and prove that perhaps Christmas means a little bit more!
Celebrate Las Posadas in Old Town
Get ready for one of Old Town’s most dazzling traditions! The 66th Annual Las Posadas transforms Heritage County Park into a magical wonderland on Friday, December 13 at 7 PM, bringing centuries-old Mexican holiday traditions to life in the most spectacular way.
This isn’t your ordinary holiday celebration—we’re talking about an amazing interactive journey where you’ll follow Mary (on a real donkey!) and Joseph as they search for shelter through six stunning stations in the park.
Incredible volunteers from the Mormon Battalion Historic Site bring the story to life with beautiful narrations and call-and-response songs.
The night gets even better with live music and refreshments at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site after the main event. Want to spread some holiday cheer? Bring non-perishable food items for the Old Town Community Church food bank.
Stroll Through Little Italy
Little Italy knows how to celebrate the holidays! The whole neighborhood is decorated, lit up, and in a festive mood. Head down there in the evening without a plan and just enjoy the scene.
Stop at the Piazza for a hot toddy and some of the best people-watching in town, then pick one of the amazing restaurants for dinner. You can’t go wrong!
Go Skating and Explore Liberty Station
Liberty Station is a San Diego gem, and it shines bright during the holidays. The Rady’s Ice Skating Rink is open for business, the giant 88-foot Norfolk Pine tree is decorated for Christmas, and there is plenty of shopping and food to enjoy in the Market.
Check Out the USS Midway’s Holiday Light Festival
The USS Midway Museum is turning into the most incredible floating light festival ever with Jingle Jets. Picture 750,000 twinkling lights creating pure magic from bow to stern.
The fun explodes with themed nights. Rock your coziest PJs at the Christmas Pajama Party (December 5), or flaunt your wildest holiday gear during Ugly Sweater Night (December 8). Plus, get ready to belt out your favorite carols at Christmas Karaoke nights and unwind at the festive Jingle Mingle Happy Hour!
Catch this dazzling display through December 2 on select dates: December 1, 5, 7 to 8, 12 to 15, 19 to 23.
Snag your tickets here, with special Museum Circle Member pricing available.
Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park’s beloved December Nights is set to enchant 350,000 visitors on December 6 and 7, transforming the cultural landmark into San Diego’s ultimate free holiday celebration. Live music fills every corner, there’s global cuisine to dig into, and museums open their doors for free.
This year brings a heartwarming twist—you can spread holiday cheer by donating new socks for PATH San Diego’s unsheltered neighbors at the SDG&E booth (spot their electric truck in Plaza de Panama), Toyota Sienna Sleigh, Merge 4 booth, or Visitors Center.
Pro tip: Skip the parking hunt—rather bike, take transit, or hop on the free shuttle.
Make your plans!
You know the holiday season is going to fly by in the blink of an eye, so be sure to put these must-do San Diego holiday experiences on your calendar now!
See you there, San Diego!
