From cozy beach nights and festive food, to Santa’s workshop and parades of lights, SoCal has something for everyone this holiday season. Get in the festive spirit by checking out these San Diego holiday events:
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: December 10 & 17
Where: Shelter Island (start of parade route)
Price: FREE
The 46th Annual San Diego Bay Parade draws more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors each year and it’s a jolly holiday experience for all ages. The parade consists of approximately 80 festively decorated boats gliding along San Diego’s scenic coastline, and this year’s theme is “Arrrgh. A Pirate’s Christmas.” The iconic holiday boat parade starts at 5:00 p.m. at Shelter Island and ends at Ferry Landing on Coronado at approximately 7:00 p.m.
ProTip: Treat yourself to a holiday getaway at Coronado Beach Resort to be next to all the festive fun!
December Nights at Balboa Park: December 1 & 2
Where: Balboa Park, San Diego
Price: FREE
December Nights is San Diego’s largest free festival and the perfect way to ring in the holiday season. Invite your friends and family to enjoy festive food from around the world and attractions throughout the park, including complimentary admission to Balboa Park museums.
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade: December 10
Where: Gaslamp Quarter
Price: FREE
Looking for the Purr-fect way to celebrate the holidays? The 10th Annual Holiday Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade is for those who like to deck their paws with holiday cheer. Watch this adorably festive pet parade jingle all the way through the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Furry, feathered, and scale-y companions don their favorite costumes as they parade through town with their owners. The parade is followed up with a Pet Expo.
Holiday Festival at Hotel Del Coronado: December 6
Where: Hotel Del Coronado
Price: FREE
Along with (ice) Skating by the Sea on the beach, join Hotel Del Coronado for a special family Holiday Festival where there will be Santa’s Village with games, photos with Santa and his elves, and holiday performances by schools from across Coronado. The night finishes with a spectacularly festive fireworks display on the Del Beach, too! It’s the perfect way to ring in the holiday season with a bang.
Santa by the Sea: December 3
Where: Del Mar Village
Price: FREE
Bring the whole family to see Santa by the Sea for great photo opportunities, along with a Letters to Santa Workshop, live music, and an annual tree lighting ceremony! This holiday event in the scenic city of Del Mar is a must-see of the season.
ProTip: Stay at Villa L’Auberge to be a short stroll to the Del Mar Village for the merriest holiday experience.
Oceanside Parade of Lights: December 9
Where: Oceanside Harbor
Price: FREE
From fishing boats and sail boats, to kayaks and yachts all decked out for the holiday season, watch the delightful procession of boats and waving Santa’s from the harbor at Oceanside’s Parade of Lights!
ProTip: Get cozy just steps from the sand and the Oceanside pier when you stay at Southern California Beach Club.
Holidays at Legoland: November 18 through January 1, 2018
Where: Legoland, California
Price: Park Admission
Experience the festive magic of the Holidays at Legoland! From music and twinkling lights, to live entertainment and hanging out with Lego friends and life-sized Lego Brick Santa, it’s a fun holiday celebration for the whole family.
ProTip: Plan a getaway to Grand Pacific Palisades in Carlsbad to be walking distance to the jolly holiday festivities.
Get all spruced up for the holidays by staying close to the festivities when you vacation at Coronado Beach Resort, Villa L’Auberge, Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, Grand Pacific Palisades, and Southern California Beach Club. Book online or call a Vacation Specialist at (877) 477-7368