Holiday Happenings in San Diego

This year, there are tons of holiday events happening around San Diego. From parades to light displays, don’t miss out on these awesome holiday events.

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village – Saturday, Dec. 1 (4-8pm)

Little Italy is closing down several streets for its annual Christmas celebration featuring horse and carriage rides, a Christmas tree lighting, holiday pop-up market, and more. They’ll also have their traditional 25-foot tower of over 1,000 poinsettias lit up for all to see.

Holidays By The Bay – Nov. 21 – January 25 (5 – 11pm)

This waterfront adventure park is located in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Holidays By The Bay will include A 100-foot-long Reindeer Run Ice Slide, cookie decorating, hourly light shows, and more. 

Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus – Saturdays, Dec. 8 & 15 (8:30-10am)

Bring the kids along for a nice breakfast with Santa! Taking place at the Zodiac Restaurant inside Neiman Marcus, after breakfast, all attendees will have the chance to take pictures with Santa. A professional photographer on-site will print your photos once done.

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo – November 21 – January 5

The San Diego Zoo is getting in on the holiday spirit with its annual Jingle Bells celebration. This holiday extravaganza includes opportunities to sit with Santa, experience a 4-D Polar Express train ride, and more!

Balboa Park December Nights – Friday, Dec. 7 & Saturday, Dec. 8

In its 41st consecutive year, this two-day holiday celebration pulls no stops with tons of food, entertainment, and fun. Free to all attendees, Balboa Park December Nights includes carolers, live music, light displays, dance performances and more.

Garden of Lights at the San Diego Botanic Garden – Dec. 1 – Dec. 23, Dec. 26 – Dec. 30 (8:30pm)

The stunning San Diego Botanic Garden lights up for the holidays after dusk. This rustic-inspired event will feature horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, and of course, an appearance from Santa. Adults will be able to enjoy mulled wine and much more. Tickets will cost $18 for adults and $5 for children.

Hotel Del Coronado Skating by the Sea – Nov. 22 – Jan. 1 

Ice skating next to the beach? Yep, the Hotel Del Coronado has it. Enjoy a night of sliding on the ice, with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego Tickets are $30 per person with free skate rentals.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – Dec. 9 & 16 (5 – 9pm)

The 46th annual Parade of Lights will feature nearly 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights sailing along the San Diego Bay.

Poway Christmas in the Park – Saturday, Dec. 8 (3:30 – 8:30pm)

This holiday event features everything you could want, including train rides, live music, theatre performances, food, crafts, and more. A free shuttle will be available to and from the event, making getting there a breeze.

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade – Dec. 16 (12 – 5pm)

Pets deserve to get into the holiday spirit too! Pet owners and their pets can dress up and march down the decorated streets of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Participation is $15 per pet if pre-paid and $20 on the day of the event.