Holiday Events in San Diego for the Whole Family

Due to our beautiful city and and all its sights paired with the wonderful weather, San Diego residents often have their family members travel to town to celebrate the holidays. Many families often look for ways to get into the holiday spirit with something the whole family can enjoy. We've gathered up a list of San Diego's most family-friendly holiday events! Here are some great holiday events to participate in while enjoying the Southern California atmosphere San Diego has to offer.

Places to View Christmas Lights in San Diego

One way to get into the holiday spirit is to take the family out to see how San Diego decorates the city with lights.

The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed at night from 5pm-9pm on December 5-23rd and 26 to Jan 5th. Lights Scape, making this garden a type of magical winter wonderland. Not only is it a sight to see, but there is also entertainment, food, coffee and holiday crafts for the entire family to enjoy. For those that do not want to walk through the garden to view the displays, you can take the horse drawn carriage around instead.

Mission Bay and San Diego Bay both do a Christmas light show every season. This year, Mission Bay has their show on December 12th from 6pm-9pm. The boats are decorated, and they sail around Mission Bay starting from the Quivira Basin. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights goes from December 13th to 20th at 5:30pm. This year, it has a Christmas around the world theme.

Many San Diego communities light up their streets for locals to drive through and take in the view, such as Garrison Street, Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Panasquitos, and the Seaside community in Point Loma.

Theme Parks and Holiday Events!

Many of San Diego's famous theme parks are putting on something special for the holidays!

The San Diego Zoo is doing their Jungle Bell Nights from December 14th to January 5th, 2024. Lighted animal sculptures are found throughout the park, and kids can meet Santa. Guests can ride the lit-up trolley around the park or enjoy one of the acrobatic elf trampoline shows available.

Sea World is putting on their Wintery Wonderland event from November 21st to January 3rd. This wonderland transforms the usual Pets Rule and Dolphin Island shows into Christmas-themed performances. Kids can meet Santa in his cottage or even have breakfast with him and Shamu, with a reservation. If four-legged creatures are more your thing, guest can meet two of Santa's reindeer in the park. VIP access can get you in to watch the live Sesame Christmas Show.

Petco Park will also be lighting up for the holidays in their Holiday Wonderland Celebration. On December 4-6, 11-13, and 18-23 from 4:30pm-9:30pm, they have a set up for children to slide down a snow hill. So bring snow cloths and take photos with Santa! Don't forget to view the 40’ tree they have on display!

Ice Skating in San Diego?!

Ice skating is not something you would think to find in San Diego, but some venues bring that winter time activity to our city. The Hotel del Coronado offers ice skating by the sea, where the rink is only a few steps from the sand. Families can enjoy the view of the ocean in front of them and the white lights that decorate the hotel behind them. Out-of-town guests can take in the view of one of our favorite beaches and tour the famous Hotel del Coronado. This hotel also offers beach bonfires with s'mores. Many times, elves come out and help with the roast!

Liberty Station has outdoor ice skating as well, called "Fantasy on Ice". Viejas Outlets also offers outdoor ice skating as a fun activity to do in between shopping.

San Diego Holiday Shows

Many of our theaters put on holiday performances that get the whole family in the holiday spirit. The Old Globe is showing Dr. Seuss’s "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" from December 1st-26th. Before or after the show, your guests can see all of the sights Balboa park has to offer, from the museums, to the gardens.

The Cygnet Theatre is presenting "A Christmas Carol" from November 27th-December 27th at the Old Town Theatre in San Diego. Don't just enjoy the show, but take advantage of the shopping and sites in Old Town as well!

Holiday Pops: Cirque Musica has the Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular on December 17-19th at Copley Symphony Hall at 8pm. They perform amazing acrobatics to holiday music performed by a live symphony. Copley Theater is located in downtown, so treat your family to dinner in the Gaslamp District and show off the heart of our city!

With these holiday events taking place this season, your family can get a taste of San Diego!