Things to do in San Diego for Christmas 2017

There’s nothing like December to spur everyone into holiday cheer. Whether it’s the lights on the houses or the Christmas tunes on every other station, the whole town is looking for good times with good people. Lucky for us, San Diego loves to provide some great holiday-themed festivals to give us a holiday experience unlike anything else. If you want a little extra holiday cheer, make sure you check out some of these unique holiday events and festivities.

SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration

November 21, 2017–January 3, 2017

One of San Diego’s most famous theme parks won’t be outdone this holiday season: SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration is under way! See Shamu, Santa and over one million shimmering lights this season for a magical sea life experience unlike any other. And the best part? Buy a 2016 SeaWorld Fun Card for the Christmas festivities this year and you’ll gain access to SeaWorld through the end of 2016.

Feel the rush as you watch the "Dolphin Island Christmas" show. Stop by to see "A Sesame Street Christmas," where you and your family can discover the true meaning of the holiday. Don’t miss the KyXy Tree Lighting Ceremony each night leading up to December 25th at 6:00 PM. Visit Santa’s Christmas Village to see Mrs. Claus, Santa’s elves and even those famous reindeer. There is no shortage of live entertainment, magical wonder and holiday food for you and your family to enjoy at SeaWorld San Diego.

And don’t forget, SeaWorld San Diego will replace their Orca Whale Performances in 2018, so this is one of your last chances to see Shamu perform in his holiday special event, "Shamu Christmas Miracles," a show that reflects the everyday miracles that surround us through stunning musical displays and amazing killer whale performances.

Holiday Snow Days & Winter Nights at Legoland® California

November 21st, 2017–January 3, 2018

Legoland® California began ringing in the holidays on November 21st as it transformed into a winter wonderland filled with more real snow than ever before. Make sure you dress for the occasion and wear warm clothes; that means you should remember to bring your mittens, gloves, sweaters, and beanies so that you can enjoy all the fun that Legoland® California has to offer in the most comfortable, classic, winter style.

Beginning November 30th, you can catch all the wonder of Legoland® California’s Nightly Tree Lighting Ceremony. Watch with wide eyes as the world’s tallest LEGO® Christmas Tree brightens up the California sky every night. Standing over 30 feet tall and consisting of over 245,000 forest green DUPLO® bricks, the tree lighting ceremony is a sight you don’t want to miss. Plus, you can visit with Santa and snuggle up to watch the fireworks streak across the California sky.

But Christmas isn’t the only holiday that LEGOLAND® celebrates. Bring the family to the LEGOLAND® California Resort’s Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st, 2017 for a fun-filled festival that lets kids ring in the new year without having to stay up past their bedtime. Celebrate the coming of 2018 with a giant LEGO® brick that drops 22 feet into 2018, followed by a fireworks display at 6:00 PM. Plus, live music and entertainers will make you feel like you’re in New York’s Times Square for all the fun.

San Diego Zoo’s "Jungle Bells"

December 12, 2017–January 3, 2018

The San Diego Zoo is excited for their best Jungle Bells celebration yet. Experience all the wonder as the zoo is transformed into a wild wonderland of shining lights, performances and delicious food. The animals even get into the holiday spirit as they participate in special festive events.

The San Diego Zoo just bursts with holiday cheer this season. The entrance will glisten with twinkling lights that welcome guests with a breath of holiday togetherness. Thousands of bulbs will adorn the toog tree in the Front Plaza, which comes alive with lights and music during the Celebration of Lights. Hear the classic poem "The Night Before Christmas" like you’ve never heard it before, told by the Zoo’s own Dr. Zoolittle. You can catch the "Jungle Bell Rock," dance to the Jingle Brass performances, and even take pictures with Santa himself inside an igloo.

With the sights, sounds and great food that the San Diego Zoo has to offer, you and your family will be certain to make memories that will last for holidays to come.

44th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

 December 13th and 20th 

The San Diego Bay is one of the unique aspects that makes our city great. It helps our economy by providing ports for goods, it keeps us safe with the naval vessels that secure our country, and on December 13th and 20th, you will see it shine like never before. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a spectacle that you will remember for a lifetime. 

Each year, the Parade of Lights entertains a theme, and this year’s theme is "Christmas Around the World." Nearly 80 vessels will be adorned with festive lights and displays honoring this theme as they make their way from Shelter Island with stops at the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the Ferry Landing in Coronado. The entire map is displayed on the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights website, complete with the perfect viewing points for you to catch the whole show.

The event kicks off at 5:30 PM and lasts two hours from any point on the route. Traffic is going to be heavy, so make sure you get there early for a good view.

The Poinsettia Bowl in the Gaslamp Quarter

 December 21, 2017

Experience the wonder of your local community’s holiday spirit at the Poinsettia Bowl on December 21st, starting at 6:00 PM. This annual event features marching bands and spirit squads from competing universities parading through the Gaslamp Quarter and performing holiday classics. Starting from opposite ends of the Quarter, they will meet up in the middle where an intense Battle of the Bands will commence, including a heart-thumping drum–off where each university will display their skills.

After the battle, both sides will unite to finish the night with more holiday favorites. This event brings together the community and local universities in a holiday–styled celebration of unity and togetherness. This event is free to the public and sponsored by the San Diego County Credit Union.

From all of us here at FINE Magazine, we thank you for letting us be your guide to all the holiday festivities going on around our city. We hope you have a great end of the year and are excited to welcome you into 2018 next month.