This Weekend In San Diego 12/13-12/15

By Alyssia Baldan | December 12, 2019

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! San Diego has a fun way of celebrating the holiday season, such as beachside ice skating, an illuminated boat parade, the annual Santa Run, and much more! Check out what is in store this weekend as we countdown the days until Christmas and celebrate the holidays, San Diego-style!

Friday, December 13

Skating by the Sea at the Hotel Del Coronado

Kick-off your Friday night at Coronado’s beautiful beachfront ice rink that features stunning views of the Pacific. The price is $30 per person online or $35 at the door and benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Botanic Wonderland Holiday Nights in the Garden

Celebrate your favorite holiday traditions in the garden! The San Diego Botanic Garden is putting on a fun family-friendly festival from 5-8:30 pm during select dates, featuring live entertainment, face painting, hot chocolate and much more. The price is $20 for adults and $12 for youth.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry Holiday Celebration at the La Jolla Community Center

Enjoy a fun evening of shopping, live music, dinner and holiday cocktails from 7-9 pm at the La Jolla Community Center. Doors open at 5 pm to start your holiday shopping. The cost to attend is $15 for non-members.

4th Annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village

With the holidays quickly approaching, the 4th Annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will once again be ringing in holiday cheer for everyone far and near! Starting Friday, December 13th through Saturday, December 14th in the La Mesa Village, friends and family will have the chance to take part in the FREE festive fun with live music, cozy fires, dancing, craft vendors, food, and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop! Come by ready to shop, dine, and bask in La Mesa’s joyful atmosphere as this honored tradition transforms the town into a Winter Wonderland for the whole family!

Saturday, December 14

Toast of Gaslamp

The Toast of Gaslamp is a self-guided walking tour of participating Gaslamp Quarter bars & restaurants on Saturday, December 14^th, 2019, from 1 -5 pm. Gather your pals for an afternoon of tasting, toasting, and shopping with 20 sips, 20 bites, and 10 shopping deals. Plus, don’t miss the festive afterparty hosted at The Smoking Gun.

The Annual San Diego Santa Run

The Annual San Diego Santa Run is a holiday experience like none other in San Diego! The event will consist of a series of runs that will take place on Garnet Ave. featuring a 5K fun run and 1 mile run waves that include run with your dog, kids run, and a competitive wave. Come out in your finest (or ugliest) Christmas attire as you take part in this one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Then stick around to watch the annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade!

Jungle Bells San Diego Zoo

Enjoy a wild wonderland at the San Diego Zoo, with live performances and festive foods. Santa will be on hand before Christmas to visit the youngsters, with some of his elves to keep things hopping with an energetic trampoline performance. Tickets are $58 for adults and $48 for kids ages 3-11, the park will be open from 9 am-8 pm.

Old Town Holiday in the Park

Fiesta de Reyes invites you to enjoy the holiday spirit with festive decorations for you and your family to enjoy. The traditional Las Posadas procession will begin at 5:00 pm. Based on the story of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem, this event has been part of Old Town San Diego’s celebration of Christmas for 68 years. Following the procession, there will be a piñata for children. The day’s festivities will wrap up with a campfire and s’ mores in the Plaza.

Exploring the Spiritual Path

Join the Dharma Center for a class of meditation and mindfulness. At 11 am in Ocean Beach, others will be guided through a spiritual practice that is about discovering divine nature.

Sunday, December 15

Celebrate the World: A Holiday Variety Show

Pt Loma Playhouse invites you to explore the holiday traditions of other countries and cultures around the world through music, dance and personal stories. The journey ends in America where some familiar holiday music will be performed this Sunday at 7 pm. The cost to attend is $10 per person.

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

The 12th Annual Pet Parade is back! Bring your furry animal and jolly all the way through Gaslamp from 12-5 pm. Attendees will receive a goodie bag full of fun samples, toys, coupons, and other gifts for your festive fur friends.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Decorate your boat or be a spectator at the 47th annual San Diego Parade of Lights taking place on the San Diego Bay. The parade will begin at 5 pm off of Shelter Island and will sail through Harbor Island, Seaport Village and end at the ferry landing on Coronado at 7 pm.

The Nutcracker at the Copley Symphony Hall

San Diego’s favorite holiday event comes back to town this Sunday evening at 5:30 pm. The play will feature more than 100 beautifully costumed dancers, sugarplum fairies and snowflake swirl across the Symphony Hall stage. General admission tickets are between $49-$134.