Heading south for the winter sounds like a great plan to avoid freezing temperatures, and San Diego is a fantastic destination for spending Christmas and New Year, whether you’re alone or with family. Known for its beautiful coasts and warm weather, the city is a natural paradise and home to both the San Diego Zoo and its own SeaWorld San Diego. It’s also home to numerous bird species and considered the “birdiest” city in the United States, attracting plenty of birdwatchers. But even if you’re not in “America’s Finest City” in search of feathered creatures, there are still plenty of things to enjoy during the winter holidays. If you’re curious, read on and check out this list of the top things to do at Christmas in San Diego, California.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Take a classic trolley ride in the Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
For a fun-filled night out in San Diego’s Old Town, take the Old Town Trolley tour. Chow down on holiday tamales while sipping some margaritas to get your Christmas spirit up and running. Part of the tour will show you Embarcadero, the gardens of Balboa Park, and the Christmas lights attractions of Seaport Village. There’s also a Christmas carol sing-along for those who want to show off their singing skills.
Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
Address: 4010 Twiggs St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Old Town Trolley Tours
Opening hours: Dec. 5 - Dec. 30: hours vary (closed on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26)
Price: $30 for adults; $25 for children aged 4–12
2. Shop and dine at the festive Holiday Market at Petco Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
During the holidays, Petco Park holds a Christmas fair full of holiday cheer. The market features shops from local artisans showcasing their crafts, food stalls with seasonal foods and drinks, and a merry-go-round. Don’t forget to take pictures with Santa Claus and other mascots while you’re here!
Do note that your tickets will have specific entrance times, but once inside you, can stay for as long as you like.
Holiday Market at Petco Park
Address: Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Holiday Market at Petco Park
Opening hours: Dec 1 - 23: 4pm - 10pm
Price: from $10
3. Welcome the holiday spirit at Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A beloved annual tradition, Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village unites residents and tourists in San Diego to officially welcome the coming Christmas festivities. Held at the Piazza della Famiglia, the affair features live music, a 25-ft (7.6-m) Christmas tree, and a family-friendly ambiance.
If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones, Christmas Village has shops and stalls from local vendors for you to check out.
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Address: 523 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Opening hours: Dec. 3: 4pm - 8pm
4. Watch the twinkling lights aboard a Christmas Eve dinner cruise
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Stay local this Christmas with Flagship Cruises & Events. Start a new tradition that celebrates all the reasons to...
Posted by Flagship Cruises & Events on Monday, December 9, 2019
One of the more unique experiences you can have in San Diego is a luxurious dinner cruise while the California sun sets on the horizon. The menu offers several starters, a vegetarian entrée option, and an indulgent dessert. On your voyage, you’ll see some of San Diego’s marine vistas, such as Maritime Museum of San Diego, North Island Naval Air Station, and the mighty U.S.S. Midway Aircraft Carrier.
Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise
Address: 990 North Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise
Opening hours: 6:30pm - 9pm (boarding time at 6pm)
Price: from $94.50 for adults; from $56.70 for children ages 4–12
5. Relive the classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" performed onstage
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We wish a very happy Who-ville opening night to the company of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Posted by The Old Globe on Sunday, November 14, 2021
Watching Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” has become a Christmas tradition for many people worldwide, and the performers at The Old Globe have skillfully adapted the holiday classic into a delightful stage play. Watch as familiar faces from Whoville are brought to life during the performance. If you’re big fan of the Grinch or Dr. Seuss’s other works, you’re sure to find this adaptation to be a magical treat.
Dr. Seuss’s "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Opening hours: Nov. 9 - Dec. 31: hours vary
Price: from $24
6. Marvel as San Diego Bay lights up from the Parade of Lights
For a few days each year, San Diego Bay is alight as scores of delightfully decorated boats embodying the Christmas spirit traverse the waters, bringing wonder and cheer to crowds of visitors and onlookers. There’s a different theme every year, so even the locals don’t know what to expect from their friends and neighbors participating in the parade. This year, the theme is FantaSEA on the Bay, so be sure not to miss out.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Address: Shelter Island, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (starting point)
Website: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Opening hours: Dec. 11 and 18: from 5:30pm
7. Take a walk on the wild side at San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells
If you love animals, make sure to visit San Diego Zoo and check out the Jungle Bells holiday show. There’s plenty of entertainment beyond meeting the zoo’s animals, as the grounds and facilities are transformed to provide an enchanting experience.
Brass bands and troubadours will play holiday favorites, while high-flying acrobats will wow the crowds with gravity-defying stunts. Once the sun sets, the trees will light up and dance to Christmas songs. If you happen to meet some friendly sprites, follow them to find the magical Aurora lights and sound spectacle.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Jungle Bells
Opening hours: Dec 9 - Jan 1: 9am - 8pm; Dec 24: 9am - 5pm
Price: from $63 for adults; from $53 for children ages 3–11
8. Join the mirth and merrymaking at Balboa Park's December Nights
As San Diego’s biggest free holiday festival, Balboa Park’s December Nights invites locals, newcomers, and visitors to be merry together. Browse for gifts and souvenirs in the stalls and shops of locals or try the city’s specialties and even some foreign delicacies. You also shouldn’t miss the live entertainment, as different acts will perform on the five public stages.
If you’re going, don’t forget to bring the whole family because they’re sure to enjoy everything the festival will offer.
Balboa Park's December Nights
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Balboa Park December Nights
Opening hours: Dec 2: 3pm - 11pm; Dec 3: 11am - 11pm
9. Have an elegant afternoon at The Westgate Hotel's Winter Wonderland Tea
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
GIVEAWAY Yule be sorry if you don't enter today's giveaway! A tradition here at The Westgate, we invite you to join us...
Posted by The Westgate Hotel on Monday, December 9, 2019
The holiday season isn’t only about merrymaking with friends and family. If you’re in the mood for a sophisticated afternoon of holiday activities, drop by The Westgate Hotel’s Winter Wonderland Tea service. Savor the flavors and aromas of premium teas served with scrumptious sandwiches and pastries while listening to the gentle music produced by a harpist.
If you’re planning to attend with children, the establishment recommends the Santa’s Storytime Tea event.
Winter Wonderland Tea
Address: 1055 Second Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Winter Wonderland Tea
Opening hours: Nov 25 - 27, Dec 1 - 4, 8 - 11, 15 - 23, 26 - 31, Jan 1: 2:30pm - 5pm
Price: from $74
10. Be thrilled at the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
Enjoy special holiday festivities at SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration! The park’s classic attractions, such as dolphin and sea lion shows, are given a jolly spin, and Santa himself will make an appearance. You’ll also be delighted by the holiday treats and gifts you’ll find in the market portion. In addition, nothing will get you in the Christmas spirit like the live entertainment you’ll find inside the park.
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
Address: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, USA
Website: Seaworld Christmas Celebration
Opening hours: Nov 14 - Jan 8: hours vary
Price: prices vary
San Diego has plenty to offer during the holidays
Although San Diego is most known for its warm weather and beautiful coast, it also has many holiday-themed attractions to keep you entertained. If you’re in town during this season, check out this list of the top things to do at Christmas in San Diego, California, to make cherished memories with your family.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
