San Diego: A Sunny Place to Spend Christmas
With its reliably sunny weather and wide range of attractions, San Diego makes a unique and memorable Christmas destination. Forget snow drifts and sub-zero temperatures; picture palm trees twinkling with lights and holiday festivities with a coastal vibe.
Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or planning a family trip, San Diego has something for everyone during the holidays. From traditional Christmas celebrations to unique coastal experiences, you’ll find a wide array of events.
This guide explores the best of Christmas in San Diego, from theme park extravaganzas and neighborhood festivities to dazzling light displays and special dining options. We’ll also provide practical tips for planning your visit, including information on discounts, parking, and event schedules, so you can make the most of the season.
And don’t worry about finding things to do on Christmas Day itself! San Diego embraces the holiday spirit with many attractions, including zoos, theme parks, and museums, offering Christmas-themed experiences. We’ll highlight key events and activities, including the popular Holiday Bowl and its associated festivities, so you can create lasting memories this Christmas in San Diego, California.
Theme park extravaganza: Christmas at San Diego’s top attractions
San Diego’s theme parks go all-out for the holidays, with many remaining open on Christmas Day. Here’s what you can expect.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
With more than a million Christmas lights, SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays. You can enjoy festive shows, holiday decorations, and seasonal treats as you wander through the park.
Don’t miss the 30-foot Christmas tree and the 320-foot SkyTower “Tree of Lights.”
SeaWorld is open on Christmas Day, but be sure to check their website for updated event schedules and showtimes.
Holidays at LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND gets into the holiday spirit with a massive LEGO Christmas tree that’s around 30 feet tall and made from thousands of DUPLO bricks.
The park offers holiday-themed attractions and events throughout the season. LEGOLAND® California Resort is generally open through January 5th.
This is a great place for families with younger children. Save time by purchasing your tickets online in advance.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park offer unique holiday experiences with festive decorations and special events.
Jungle Bells at the Zoo is included with your admission ticket. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. The Safari Park is open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Keep an eye out for discounted tickets and promo codes to save on 1-Day passes.
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place San Diego
For the little ones, Sesame Place offers “A Very Furry Christmas” celebration, open noon – 6 p.m. on Christmas Day.
This park is geared toward younger children, with Sesame Street-themed holiday fun.
Balboa Park: A Holiday Hub
If you’re in San Diego for the holidays, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at Balboa Park, which really goes all-out for the season. Here are a few things you can expect:
December Nights: A San Diego Tradition
One of the biggest holiday celebrations in the area is December Nights in Balboa Park. This free event is a feast for the senses, with food, entertainment, and cultural exhibits galore. Locals often call it the crown jewel of San Diego Christmas events.
December Nights is an extremely popular event, so you’ll want to plan your parking situation ahead of time. One tip is to download the event app and pre-order your food. This will save you time standing in line and give you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Other Holiday Offerings in Balboa Park
Beyond December Nights, Balboa Park has even more to offer during the Christmas season:
- The Balboa Park Miniature Train is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, making it a fun option for families with young children.
- Many of the museums in Balboa Park keep their doors open on Christmas Eve. Check the websites of the museums you want to visit to confirm their hours.
- There’s lots of outdoor entertainment to enjoy in the park.
Neighborhood Cheer: Parades, Tree Lightings, and Community Events
San Diego’s neighborhoods really get into the holiday spirit. Here’s how you can join the fun:
Holiday Parades
From the bay to the beach, you’re sure to find a parade that will fill you with holiday cheer:
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: This festive boat parade features boats decked out in lights and holiday decorations, all cruising along the bay.
- Oceanside Parade of Lights: Oceanside puts on a community parade.
- Ocean Beach Holiday Parade: Head to quirky Ocean Beach for a festive parade.
- La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival: La Jolla hosts a traditional Christmas parade.
- Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade: On December 27th, this parade features giant balloons, marching bands, and floats, and it often includes appearances by well-known San Diegans.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Many San Diego communities host tree lighting ceremonies, which are often accompanied by festive music, food, and activities.
- San Diego’s Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village: Little Italy hosts a festive event that includes a Christmas market with unique crafts and produce. The Little Italy Christmas Market has more than 150 stalls where you can buy one-of-a-kind gifts.
- Chula Vista Tree Lighting: Chula Vista hosts a community tree lighting event.
- North Pole by the Sea — Del Mar Village And Tree Lighting: Del Mar Village hosts a tree lighting ceremony.
Other Family-Friendly Events
Here are some other events that are sure to delight, whatever your age:
- Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village in Downtown San Diego: It’s a unique San Diego experience to see Santa arrive in board shorts!
- Liberty Station’s Salute the Season: Liberty Station hosts a series of holiday events.
- Coronado Holiday Parade and Open House + Santa: Coronado hosts holiday events.
Festive dining and hotel celebrations
From festive feasts to twinkling lights, San Diego rolls out the red carpet for the holidays.
Christmas dining in the Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter offers a vibrant backdrop for your Christmas celebrations. Many of the restaurants in the Gaslamp offer special holiday menus and decorations, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in a festive atmosphere. Be sure to book your Christmas dinner reservations well in advance, as these popular spots fill up quickly.
Holiday events at San Diego hotels
Several of San Diego’s iconic hotels transform into winter wonderlands during the holiday season. Here are a few to consider:
- Hotel del Coronado: This historic hotel, built in 1888, goes all out for Christmas, with “Skating by the Sea,” gingerbread house decorating, Santa photo ops, and holiday movies on the beach. “Skating by the Sea” typically runs from late November to early January.
- The Grand: Offers holiday events and decorations.
- La Valencia in La Jolla: This elegant hotel traditionally hosts a tree lighting and other holiday events. Check their website for 2024 dates.
- Lafayette Hotel: Provides Christmas Dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a special Christmas brunch, a traditional holiday dinner, or a festive place to stay, San Diego’s hotels and restaurants offer a range of options to make your holiday season merry and bright.
Light Up the Night: Holiday Light Displays
San Diego knows how to light up the night. Here are some of the best places to see holiday lights:
Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas turns into a winter wonderland with its Lightscape Christmas light display. The 37-acre property has around 5,300 different kinds of plants, and they all look that much prettier when they’re lit up with holiday lights.
Lightscape has been a sell-out event in several cities, so book your tickets early. Wear walking shoes, because you’ll be covering a lot of ground.
Neighborhood Christmas Lights
Some San Diego neighborhoods go all out with their Christmas lights. Here are a few to check out:
- Candy Cane Lane (Poway): This neighborhood is famous for its over-the-top Christmas light displays.
- Christmas Card Lane (Rancho Penasquitos): Another neighborhood where the residents really get into the spirit with their lights.
- Belardo Lights (Tierrasanta): A Tierrasanta home with a popular light display.
- Garrison Street (Point Loma): Another street known for its Christmas lights.
Ice skating, cruises, and train rides: More holiday fun
Beyond the beaches and balmy weather, San Diego puts on a festive show during the holidays. Here are a few more ways to celebrate.
Outdoor ice skating rinks
Who needs snow when you can skate by the sea?
- Hotel Del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea. From November 21st to January 5th, 2025, you can lace up your skates and glide across the ice with breathtaking ocean views. Coronado Island is a quick 20-minute trip from downtown San Diego.
- Liberty Station Ice Skating Rink. This rink at Liberty Station is also open from November 21st to January 5th.
- Viejas Ice Rink. Head to Viejas Casino & Resort for another outdoor ice skating experience.
- Rady Children’s Ice Rink. Enjoy a seasonal ice rink with the proceeds helping Rady Children’s Hospital.
Cruises and train rides
Looking for a unique way to soak in the holiday spirit?
- San Diego Bay Cruises. Enjoy festive dining experiences right on San Diego Bay. A dinner cruise gives you a one-of-a-kind perspective on the holiday season.
- North Pole Limited Train Ride. All aboard for a holiday-themed train adventure!
- San Diego Trolley’s Holiday Lights Tour. Hop on a trolley and tour the city’s dazzling holiday light displays.
- Coaster Holiday Express Train Ride. This popular event tends to sell out quickly, so plan ahead!
What’s open on Christmas Day in San Diego?
If you’re in San Diego for Christmas and looking for something to do, you’re in luck! Many of the city’s most popular attractions stay open on December 25th, including museums, zoos, theme parks, and beaches.
Here’s a quick list of attractions that have been open on Christmas Day in years past:
- San Diego Zoo (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (until 5 p.m.)
- LEGOLAND® California Resort (open through January 5th)
- SeaWorld San Diego (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Sesame Place “A Very Furry Christmas” (noon – 6 p.m.)
- Balboa Park Miniature Train (11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Maritime Museum of San Diego (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Cabrillo National Monument (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Also, San Diego’s public parks, golf courses, and skateparks usually keep their doors open on Christmas, though they may operate on holiday hours.
Wrapping Up
From Legoland’s holiday celebrations to neighborhood parades and twinkling light displays, San Diego offers a wide array of things to do during the Christmas season. The city’s famously mild climate makes it ideal for outdoor activities and festive gatherings, so you can enjoy the holiday spirit without shivering.
To make the most of Christmas in San Diego, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Check event schedules, book tickets in advance for attractions, and plan for parking, which can be tricky, especially on weekends. Look for discounts and promotions to save money on attractions and special events.
Whether you’re a San Diego local or visiting from out of town, you’re sure to find plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas in this beautiful coastal city. Grab your family and friends and get ready for a unique and festive holiday season.