Get ready to celebrate the season, San Diego style. From sparkling light displays over the water to festive markets, coastal parades, and holiday happenings across every neighborhood. This Holiday Guide has everything you need to make the most of this magical time of year.
1. Winter Wonder at Belmont Park
Experience Winter Wonder at Belmont Park with 1M+ lights, holiday cheer, and beachside magic.
Dates & Times:
November 15, 2025, – January 4, 2026. From 12 pm to 7 pm.
*These hours may vary, so checking the official website or social media is recommended for specific daily times, as some attractions might have different schedules, such as ornament decorating or live music.
Price:
Admission to Belmont Park is free. To ride and play, a ticket or wristband is required.
2. Skating by the Sea
Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado’s famous beachfront ice rink, featuring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Dates & Times:
December 1 – 18.
Mon-Thu, 4pm – 10pm
Fri, 2 pm – 10 pm
Sat & Sun, 10 am – 10 pm.
December 19 -January 4.
Daily, 10 am – 10 pm.
Location:
Del Coronado Hotel
Price:
$40 all ages, includes Skate Rental. $35 for Military & First responders (restrictions apply), hotel guests, and Del Club Members/Owners.
Value Skate Days: Take $5 off General Admission on select Mondays: November 24, December 1, 8, 15.
* The schedule is subject to change.
3. Holidays at LEGOLAND California
Celebrate the holidays at LEGOLAND® California! Enjoy festive shows, fireworks, LEGO® Santa & the famous LEGO® Christmas tree.
Dates & Times:
Select dates between November 22, 2025, and January 4, 2026, during regular park hours. Typically starting at 10 am on most operating days.
*Specific hours vary by date, with extended evening hours from 7:00 pm occurring from December 20–31, and some earlier closing times on select days like December 1st.
*Check the official website or park calendar for the exact hours on your chosen day, as seasonal events are included with regular park admission.
Price:
Included with regular park admission
4.Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
Holiday Wonderland returns to Gallagher Square with dazzling light displays, rides, games, photos with Santa, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and holiday crafts. All included with admission. Enjoy festive food and drinks, shop local, and soak up the seasonal magic.
Dates & Times:
Select dates, December 5-23, 2025. The event opens daily at 4 pm.
Price:
Tickets start at $18 for kids and $25 for adults.
5. San Diego Santa Run
Join the festive fun at the San Diego Santa Run, a spirited 5K dash plus a 1-mile race for kids and dogs. Dress in your holiday best and hit the streets for a lively morning filled with community cheer, costumes, and nonstop seasonal energy, fun for the whole family (fur babies included!).
Date & Times:
Saturday, December 13, 2025
5K – 8:00 AM: 8:00am
5K – 10:00 AM: 10:00am
Kids 1 Mile: 11:30am
Dog 1 Mile: 12:00pm
PB Holiday Parade: 1:00pm
Location:
912 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Price:
– 5 K registration: $54.99 (includes all fees)
-Kids’ 1-Mile: $34.99
-Dog 1-Mile: $34.99
*Pricing is subject to change and may vary as the event date approaches.
6. Lightscape: San Diego Botanic Garden
Experience holiday magic at Lightscape, San Diego Botanic Garden, where sparkling lights, festive music, and illuminated gardens create a winter wonderland for all ages.
Dates & Times:
November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
The event hours are from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with the gates closing at 9:00 PM and the grounds closing at 10:00 PM. Entry times are scheduled every 15 minutes.
*Note: closed November 27 and December 24 & 25
Price:
Tickets start at $28 for adults and $18 for children (ages 2 and under are free). Prices vary based on date. Discounts available for military and SDBG Members. Anytime, Access tickets are offered at a flat rate (not eligible for Member discounts).
*Parking: Advance purchase parking is available for $10 (standard days) or $15 (peak days) per vehicle. On-site parking is limited and subject to availability at $20–$25 per vehicle.
7. San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells
Familiar holiday traditions take on a wild twist at the Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration. The Zoo will be aglow with holiday cheer and decorations, music, joyful roaming entertainers, and special food items and sweets. During Jungle Bells festivities, the Zoo closes at 8 p.m.
Dates:
December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location:
San Diego Zoo
Price:
Included with regular San Diego Zoo admission
8. Holiday Parades
PB Holiday Parade
A lively Pacific Beach tradition featuring festive floats, marching bands, local performers, and holiday cheer.
Date & Time:
December 13, 2025, at 1 pm
Location:
Along Garnet Ave. From Haines St. to Bayard St.
Price:
Free to watch
*Pro tip: Please arrive early, as it gets crowded at the top location
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Date & Times:
December 14 and 21, 2025. From 5:30 to 9 pm
Location
-Shelter Island (start of parade): 5:30 pm
-Harbor Island: 5:45 – 6:15 pm
-Seaport Village: 6:20 – 6:45 pm
– The Embarcadero: 6:50 – 7:15 pm
-Pier at Cesar Chavez Park: 7:20 – 7:30 pm
-Ferry Landing on Coronado: 7:40 pm
Price:
Free to watch
*Pro tip: Please arrive early, as it gets crowded at the top location
11. Holiday Musicals & Shows
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is a festive, family-friendly favorite that brings the classic story to life on stage. Now in its 28th year, the whimsical production features beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” A perfect holiday outing filled with music, laughter, and Christmas cheer.
Dates:
November 5 – December 31, 2025
Venue:
Old Globe Theater
Address:
1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Price:
Regular ticket prices start at $43, and children (17 years and under) ticket prices start at $34
The Nutcracker – City Ballet of San Diego
City Ballet of San Diego presents a magical production of The Nutcracker with choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich and live music by the City Ballet Orchestra and Chorus.
Dates:
December 20-23, 2025
Venue:
California Center for the Arts – Concert Hall
Address
340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
Price:
Tickets $77–$190
Noel Noel at The Rady Shell
A San Diego Symphony holiday tradition with favorite songs, sing-alongs, and performances by the Symphony Orchestra, Master Chorale, and Children’s Choir.
Dates:
December 19-21, 2025
Venue:
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Address:
1200 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Price:
Pricing varies by seating section
12.Holiday Markets
The Mission Bay Beach Club
Date & Time
Dec 13, 2025. From 9 am to 5pm
Location:
2688 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Price:
Free admission
Plan your Holiday Trip
San Diego in the fall is bursting with activities that blend coastal charm, cultural traditions, and family fun. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, raising a glass at Oktoberfest, or honoring ancestors at Día de Los Muertos, there’s no shortage of ways to make autumn memorable.
Book your stay and start planning with NXT Vacation.
Event dates and details are subject to change. Please confirm with official event websites before attending.
