13 holiday events you can’t miss
Bundle up, gather the family and savor the holiday spirit San Diego-style at these 12 can’t-miss winter events.
Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado
Wednesday
The historic Hotel del Coronado is a hub of holiday entertainment in San Diego. From ice-skating by the sea to on-site theater productions, it brings a whirlwind of seasonal activities to the city. Start the season off right during the Del’s Holiday Festival on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. This special occasion will illuminate the neighborhood as the resort’s twinkling white lights burn brightly. Children can visit with St. Nick and his elves at Santa’s Village and play at holiday booths featuring games and prizes. Meanwhile, Mom and Dad can sip festive libations while enjoying a fireworks show.
December Nights in Balboa Park
Dec. 6 and 7
Balboa Park is one of the most iconic attractions in San Diego County, filled with art museums, cultural institutions, manicured gardens and historic architecture. During December Nights, the grounds become even more beautiful when adorned with thousands of dazzling holiday lights. This two-day free event is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors during its 35th consecutive year on Dec. 6 from 3 to 11 p.m. and Dec. 7 from noon to 11 p.m. December Nights prides itself in being a multicultural holiday experience with music, dance performances, museum shopping and diverse food choices.
Holiday in the Heart of Del Mar Village
Dec. 7
Del Mar Village celebrates the holiday season with a free community event filled with family-friendly entertainment right by the sea. The holiday activities kick off at 2 p.m. and include pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday cookie tasting, dance performances, a cake walk, original Dickens carolers, letters to Santa and a seaside sunset tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. The festivities take place at the western corner of Camino Del Mar/15th Street and Del Mar Plaza. Guests can also catch the showing of “Elf” at 5:15 p.m. at the L’Auberge Amphitheater.
Chula Vista Holiday in the Village
Dec. 7
Chula Vista’s Holiday in the Village is back for its second year, and it’s all going to happen along Third Avenue (from E to G streets), in Memorial Park and at E Street from noon to 5 p.m. The free event, which will be attended by Santa Claus, will feature live entertainment, including the Southwestern College Chamber Singers at noon in Memorial Park, the Chula Vista High School House of Guitars at 1 p.m. in Memorial Park, a holiday story reading by Mayor Cheryl Cox at 1 p.m. on E Street, and a live performance by Jerry Olea & the 805 Drifters at 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Park.
Ugly Sweater Holiday Bar Stroll in Pacific Beach
Dec. 7
Because it just wouldn’t be the holiday season without an over-the-top ugly-sweater party, VAVi Sport & Social Club returns with its ultimate Holiday Bar Stroll. Dress up in your most cringe-worthy threads and head to Pacific Beach on Dec. 7 at noon for a pub crawl filled with prizes and drink specials, all to benefit of AJ’s Kids. The scramble gets started at Typhoon Saloon. Tickets are $20.
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
Dec. 7
Kick off the holiday season Italian style on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Little Italy Association of San Diego and Broadstone Little Italy are teaming up to present the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village. It will be held at the Piazza Natale on the corner of West Date and India streets. Start the day at the Mercato, which will feature holiday craft, gift and food booths as well as regular farmer’s market offerings. Old Saint Nick will arrive in San Diego Fire Department’s Engine 3 at 4:30 p.m. and will meet and greet children throughout the evening. Festivities continue until 8 p.m. Buon Natale! littleitalysd.com
Encinitas Holiday Parade
Dec. 7
Head to the coast to celebrate the holiday season North County-style. The Encinitas Holiday Parade takes place along Coast Highway 101 on Dec. 7 starting at 5 p.m. More than 100 floats are expected to reflect this year’s theme of “growing holiday cheer,” celebrating Encinitas’ rich agricultural history. Before the parade, brighten your night at the tree-lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard at 5 p.m.
North Park Toyland Parade & Festival
Dec. 7
The 50th annual North Park Toyland Parade & Holiday Fair welcomes all to the cozy neighborhood starting at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7. On University Avenue between Utah and Iowa streets, cheer on the marching bands, dance groups, vintage cars, beauty queens and city officials as they glide by. Make sure you say hello to Santa Claus as he rides his red sleigh through the parade.
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
Dec. 8
Who says Halloween is the only holiday for dressing up? The Gaslamp Quarter Association hosts one of the furriest seasonal events — the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade — wagging tails on Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Dress your pooch or feline up in festive gear and enter it in this promenade, which starts on the corner of Fourth Avenue and K Street at the Gaslamp Hilton Park. The event will feature prizes for the best costumes as well as a Pet Expo filled with goodies for four-legged and two-legged creatures alike.
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Dec. 8
Nothing says Christmas in San Diego like a holiday parade with an ocean view. The 56th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival on Dec. 8 is a free, family-friendly event showcasing a festive procession of holiday floats along Girard Avenue, complete with antique aircraft flying overhead, beginning at 2 p.m. The Holiday Festival at 3:30 p.m. features photo opportunities with Santa Claus, food, music and a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 8 and Dec. 15
Although winter chill freezes lakes and creates natural ice skating rinks on the East Coast, here on the Best Coast, our waters stay warm enough to experience a bright side of holiday entertainment with the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, back for its 42nd year on two dates, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, starting at 5:30 p.m. This annual tradition, free to spectators, features a parade of more than 80 boats bedazzled in holiday lights cruising through San Diego Bay and reflecting the theme “Big Bay Toy Parade.” The parade route takes the boats from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Coronado Ferry Landing.
“So You Wish You Could Skate” at Hotel del Coronado
Dec. 10
This year, Make-A-Wish San Diego brings back the “So You Wish You Could Skate” competition, a playful amateur ice skating fundraiser to raise money for children’s wishes to come true just in time for the holidays. Many familiar media faces will perform ice skating choreography before an audience, and a lineup of local celebrity judges will decide who makes the cut. Judging will be based on costumes, music selection and entertainment value, which means we’re in for a great show. Kids in the program get front-row seats and a meet-and-greet with local celebrities. The event takes place at the Hotel del Coronado at 5:30 p.m.
La Mesa Christmas in the Village
Dec. 13 and 14
Downtown La Mesa gets all dressed up for the holidays every year, and the highlight of the season is the annual two-day Christmas in the Village event, which happens from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. A holiday parade starts at 5 p.m. both days. The free event, which will be held on La Mesa Boulevard between Spring Street and Acacia Avenue, will feature all things festive — everything from carolers and horse-drawn carriages to crafts vendors and street entertainers.
