Hang the holly and grab the garland because it’s holiday season in San Diego, and that means deals on food and drinks, family fun and gift shopping all month long.
Parades
Experience Newport Avenue lined with oh-so-many colorful characters from the Point Loma Marching Band, gymnasts in eye-catching costumes, the VW Beetle club, and much more. The bearded man himself, Santa Claus, will also make an appearance.
When: Dec. 7
Price: Free
Ocean Beach
It’s all happening here—local schools’ marching bands, historic vintage cars, creative floats made by local groups, and Santa rolling up in a fire truck. After the parade, take a photo with Santa under the North Park sign and stop by the North Park Christmas Tree Lot.
When: Dec. 8
Price: Free
3927 Utah Street
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Join this time-honored holiday tradition brought to you by the boating, following the theme of Comic-Con on the Bay. The procession is made up of about 80 lavishly decorated boats.
When: Dec. 8 and 15
Price: Free
San Diego Bay
Lights
On Friday night, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer kicks-off December Nights by illuminating the holiday lights in Balboa Park by flipping a candy cane switch in the Organ Pavilion. Enjoy the lights, food and entertainment these two days entail!
When: Dec. 6 and Dec. 7
Price: Free
Balboa Park
This street in quaint Point Loma makes a big statement with large and bright Christmas light displays. Take a stroll to see this year’s efforts.
When: All December long
Price: Free
3616 Garrison St
Swing by Santee for “Starlight Circle,” a massive neighborhood Christmas lights display. Many of the displays follow a theme like “Star Wars” or superheroes and sometimes residents sell holiday goods like cookies and hot cocoa to visitors strolling through the neighborhood.
When: All month long
Price: Free
East and West Glendon Circle
This neighborhood does Christmas right: Fairway Village lights up the holiday season with lots of twinking lights and displays. On Dec. 21, the nabe hosts a public block party complete with hot chocolate, cider, music, lights, and cookies. Santa Claus may ride in on a big red fire truck (dependent on weather—and the workload at the North Pole, of course). Some families play holiday movies on the sides of their houses, no tickets necessary.
When: Dec. 1–Jan. 1
Price: Free
Fairway Village
Tree Lightings
San Diego’s Little Italy is getting a 25-foot tree to star in its own Christmas village. But tree designer, Joshua Hubert, left the real pine at home and instead used a glass-like material to create this one. Each panel is individually hung to swing like fringe on the tree. The display will be lit by 1,000 LED bulbs, creating a three-dimensional effect with animations.
When: Dec. 7
Price: Free
Little Italy
SeaWorld’s Happiest Christmas Tree Lighting
Head to Rudolph’s Christmastown at 5 p.m. for the lighting of the park’s Happiest Christmas Tree. Rudolph and friends lead a sing-along ceremony, illuminating the 40-foot animated tree, which dances and lights up to classic songs from the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” TV special.
When: Through Jan. 5
Price: Free with admission to park
500 SeaWorld Drive
Presents
Holiday Walkabout in South Park
Get into the spirit and support the businesses in South Park during this holiday season. Stores like Native Poppy and Graffiti Beach will have sweet sales to take advantage of and Fernside will have all-day cocktail specials.
When: Dec. 7
Price: N/A
South Park
Holiday Fair from Makers Arcade
Both days of this fair will be full of makers, live music, free make-and-take craft, a photo booth, delicious food and cocktails. Swing by Broadway Pier for this one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
When: Dec. 7-8
Price: $5 admission
1000 North Harbor Drive
Holiday Happenings
Winter Nights at Westfield UTC
Westfield UTC is transforming into a winter wonderland complete with lights, carols, musical performances, story time, photos with Santa, holiday sips and savory treats, along with family-friendly crafts and activities.
When: Dec. 7
Price: Free
4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite E-25
La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village
Friends and family can take part in the fun with live music, cozy fires, dancing, craft vendors, live entertainment, food, and a massive kids area. Santa will be in town to take pictures with little ones for the perfect greeting card.
When: Dec. 13-14
Price: Free
La Mesa Village
Winter Wonderland at The Grand
Local families and resort guests can ride the Ferris wheel or carousel, snap a selfie with Santa in front of a 25-foot tree, and make some s’mores by the fire. There will also be an ice rink with over 5,000 square feet of ice for open skating as well as special shows.
When: Nov. 30–Jan. 1
Price: $20 per car for parking, $30-$35 for ice skating including skate rentals
5300 Grand Del Mar Court
Just because there’s no snow doesn’t mean there’s no ice. Coronado’s beachfront rink offers beautiful views of the Pacific to benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego.
When: Nov. 29–Jan. 5
Price: $25-$35
1500 Orange Avenue
Dreamy December Drinks
Holiday Pop-Up Bar: Huntsman’s Tinsel Tavern
This speakeasy is fit for Santa and his hard-working elves. The Huntsman’s Tinsel Tavern is cooking up Christmas cocktails, like the roast-your-own marshmallows and faux-snow will be falling on the patio while you cozy up in blankets as Jack Daniels nips at your nose.
When: Starting Dec. 6
Price: N/A
5951 Linea Del Cielo
Bankers Hill Bar and Restaurant Holiday Cocktail
Try Up To Snow Good, a cocktail of Malahat Spiced rum, apple brandy, Amaro Montenegro, allspice dram, black walnut bitters, egg white, and housemade apple cider reduction garnished with nutmeg and cranberries.
When: All of December
Price: $12
2202 4th Avenue
Scripps Performing Arts Academy is takes on Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” so grab the little ones for a sip and a show.
When: Dec. 22–Dec. 23
Price: $45-$72
5300 Grand Del Mar Court
Festive Feasts
Hanukkah Dinner at A.R. Valentien
Celebrate Hanukkah at A.R. Valentien, located at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Executive Chef Jeff Jackson curated a four-course “Festival of Lights” prix fixe menu featuring tradition-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
When: Dec. 22-30
Price: N/A
11480 North Torrey Pines Road
Rare Society
Rare Society Christmas Eve Dinner
Spend Christmas Eve in University Heights at the new steak house, Rare Society. They’ve rolled out a new holiday cocktail menu featuring festive takes on classic drinks including a boozy eggnog, holiday Old Fashioned and Too Many Zooz (bison grass vodka, herbal liquor, sparkling wine, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and bitters).
When: Dec. 24
Price: N/A
4130 Park Boulevard
The Westgate Christmas Day Holiday Buffet
It’s buffet time at The Westgate in the beautiful Le Fontainebleau Room from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. And if you want an extra little something, bottomless house wine and champagne are available for an additional $20.
When: Dec. 25
Price: $40-$99
1055 2nd Avenue
Hornblower Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise
Spend Christmas Eve on the water with a holiday buffet, entertainment from holiday carolers, and scenic views of the bay.
When: Dec. 24
Price: $64-104
Meet at: Pier 1 Hornblower Landing: 1800 N Harbor Drive
Your Guide to the 2019 Holiday Season in San Diego
Photo by Boyd Harris
