San Diego holiday spirit guide 2025: lights, cheer, and community

San Diego’s holiday season sparkles in countless ways — from glowing gardens and festive parades to historic village markets, menorah lightings, and immersive experiences that feel almost magical. Whether you’re seeking an evening stroll under twinkling lights, a lively community celebration, or a cozy coastal holiday outing, this guide highlights the must-see destinations that bring the season to life across the county.

Coastal & Waterfront Magic

Along the waterfront, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights dazzles with more than 80 decorated boats gliding across the bay. This year’s parade takes place on Dec. 14 and 21, starting at 5:30 p.m. from Shelter Island and following a route past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Cesar Chavez Park Pier, and ending at Coronado Ferry Landing. The event is free to watch and remains one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions.

Nearby, the San Diego Zoo welcomes guests to Jungle Bells from Dec. 19 through Jan. 4 (excluding Dec. 24), when illuminated animal sculptures, performers, and seasonal music transform the paths into a festive nighttime walk.

Gardens Aglow

The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas lights up for Lightscape, running through Jan. 4 with timed entry. The one-mile trail winds through glowing archways, sculpted flora, and artistic light installations. Seasonal treats and cocktails add to the evening atmosphere.

Balboa Park December Nights

December Nights brings festive cheer to Balboa Park with two full days of holiday programming on Dec. 5 and 6. Visitors can explore decorated park pathways, catch live performances at multiple venues, and sip seasonal drinks from pop-up vendors. Early evening is an ideal time to explore the quieter corners of the park before the crowds build.

Christmas with the Animals at Lions Tigers & Bears

At the Alpine sanctuary, 60 rescued exotic and domestic animals celebrate the season during the annual Christmas with the Animals event on Dec. 13 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Guests can watch the animals open their specially wrapped holiday presents while enjoying the sparkling Festival of Lights, fresh winter air, raffles, holiday music, visits from Santa, and food trucks serving hot chocolate and seasonal treats. Tickets tend to go quickly, and reservations are encouraged.

Holiday Train Adventures

For a nostalgic family experience, the North Pole Limited at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo runs Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. The 90-minute excursion includes hot chocolate, caroling, storytelling, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Departures vary throughout the season.

Markets & Village Lights

Petco Park’s Holiday Wonderland lights Gallagher Square on select dates Dec. 5 to 23, with a towering Christmas tree, snowfall moments, sparkling tunnels, and live entertainment.

The Gaslamp Holiday Market, held on select Thursdays in December, features more than 40 local artisan vendors.

In Lakeside, the Spirit of Christmas celebration on Dec. 6 brings tree lighting, performances, and community holiday traditions.

Santa’s Storytime Brunch, La Jolla
Details: La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla
Brunch in the Mediterranean Room with Santa, featuring items like the La V Cinnamon Roll, Chorizo Benedict and Chilaquiles. Includes storytime, holiday wishes and photo ops with Santa.
Reservations: OpenTable

San Marcos Chamber’s Holly Jolly Holiday Market

North City in San Marcos hosts its annual market on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering more than 175 vendors with handcrafted goods, bath and beauty products, specialty foods, and home décor. Santa appears throughout the day, and live holiday music adds to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can also sample offerings from North City eateries, including French pastries, globally inspired dishes, pizza, sliders, ice cream, empanadas, vegan treats, and local wines.

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party

On Dec. 13, the Gaslamp Quarter hosts its annual pet parade and after-party. Pets in festive costumes strut beneath the Gaslamp Archway, with awards for Best Holiday Spirit, Best Matching Costumes, and Best in Show. The celebration continues with live music, craft beer, games, boutique shopping, and holiday photo opportunities.

Community Parades & Tree Lightings

Neighborhood celebrations take place throughout the region. Liberty Station lights its iconic Norfolk pine on Nov. 28 with Santa visits, firetruck rides, and live music.

In Julian, the Country Christmas Festival fills the town square on Nov. 29.

On Dec.6, the Chula Vista Starlight Parade brings more than 100 illuminated floats and marching bands to the South Bay.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, La Jolla

Details: La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla
Cookie decorating, letters to Santa, and a performance by UC San Diego’s Madrigal Singers. Open to the public. Dining reservations are recommended for the Mediterranean Room and Ocean View Terrace. Wednesday, Dec. 4; festivities begin at 4:30 p.m., tree lighting at 6 p.m.

Neighborhood Displays

Holiday lights brighten local communities from East County to the coast. Village Walk in Chula Vista lights nightly from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21.

Del Mar Highlands Town Center features a surfboard Christmas tree and synchronized lights. Santee’s Trolley Square holds its tree lighting and snow-sledding event on Nov. 21.

Downtown El Cajon launches its holiday lights on Nov. 29 with train rides, entertainment, vendors, children’s activities, and Santa photos.

Throughout December, neighborhoods such as Candy Cane Lane in Poway, Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Peñasquitos, Fairway Village in Carmel Mountain Ranch, Eureka Lights in Escondido, and Rockdale Place in San Marcos host elaborate light displays and synchronized shows.

Vista, La Jolla, Scripps Ranch (including Merry-tage Court), Carlsbad, and Ramona also offer festive neighborhood drive-through experiences.

Holiday Shows & Performances

TERI Players Present “A Christmas Carol,” an inclusive production featuring adult performers with special needs from the TERI Campus of Life. Shows run Dec. 16 and 17 at The Bornemann Theatre in San Marcos, blending heartfelt acting, humor, and multimedia film elements in a sensory-friendly environment. Guests can enjoy pre-show dining at TERI Common Grounds Café.

Mavericks Beach Club is showing holiday movies on Tuesdays throughout the month of December. Dec. 2 is Home Alone, Dec. 9 is Love Actually, Dec. 16 is The Grinch, and Dec. 23 is ELF. Mavericks’ free movie nights are at 21+, and viewers can enjoy half off all drinks from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Movies begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., and Mavericks will be offering complimentary gift wrapping during the movie.

Poolside Movie Nights, La Jolla
Details: La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla
Dog-friendly holiday movie nights with blankets, themed cocktails and poolside fare available for purchase.
– Dec. 3: White Christmas
– Dec. 10: Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town & Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
– Dec. 17: Home Alone
Pup Pass: $5 (proceeds support San Diego Humane Society). Lounge chairs first-come, first-served.

Hanukkah & Kwanzaa Celebrations

Hanukkah is celebrated across the county with menorah lightings, including Liberty Station’s public menorah on Dec. 14 and nightly ceremonies at the Hotel del Coronado. Kwanzaa events take place Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 at community centers and cultural institutions throughout the region.

Chanukah Celebration, La Valencia, La Jolla

Details: La Valencia Hotel – Med Patio, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla
Hosted by the Chabad of La Jolla with live music, menorah kits, latkes, doughnuts, dreidels, holiday gifts, and more. Open to the public. Sunday, Dec. 14; 5 to 9 p.m. Free.

Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

To make the most of holiday outings, aim for weekdays when places like Petco Park or December Nights are less crowded. Bundle activities when possible — such as combining a train ride with a neighborhood light tour — and bring layers, blankets, and a thermos of cocoa for comfort. Planning routes ahead can help maximize time and reduce stress.

San Diego’s holiday season offers lights, stories, and shared moments that weave communities together. Whether you’re watching a glowing boat parade, riding a vintage train, or wandering through a garden lit in color, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the magic of the season.