As the Christmas season approaches and the month of December brings in the holiday spirits and the reasons to celebrate, the city of San Diego would be buzzing with so many events and activities. If you’re searching for ideas to help you get in the holiday spirit, here are just some of the fantastic holiday events in San Diego this December that will help you experience the best season ever.
1. December Nights
When: Dec 2 – 3 | 3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Where: Balboa Park
Join us on Dec. 2 and 3 for the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.
More info here: WEBSITE
2. Encinitas Holiday Parade
When: Dec 3 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Where: Coast Highway
The Encinitas Holiday Parade Committee is excited to announce the 2022 parade theme is “Classic Encinitas”. From cars to fashion to music, and Encinitas legends, lore and tradition, at the 2022 parade we’ll see our parade entries go all out representing what “Classic Encinitas” means to them. Look forward to a blast from the past and a holiday celebration for ages! The Parade Committee is also happy to name Encinitas’ own, Warren Raps as the 2022 Parade Grand Marshal. Give Warren a wave and a holler as he cruises the parade route at this year’s parade.
More info here: WEBSITE
3. Starlight Nights
When: Dec 4 | 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Downtown Chula Vista
Ring in the holidays in style this year as you hop on Santa’s Holiday Train and ride through Downtown Chula Vista, shop from unique local businesses at the Holiday Market curated by the Third Avenue Village Market and Las Jefas Market, enjoy live music from the main stage at Memorial Park, and take your official holiday family photo with Santa himself for free!
More info here: WEBSITE
4. Poway’s Christmas in the Park
When: Dec 9 | 4:30 – 8:30 PM
Where: Old Poway Park
Poway’s Christmas in the Park is a unique way to bring holiday delights to your family this holiday season with the magic of an old-fashioned tradition. Enjoy live music, visit with Santa, purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your Christmas shopping at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time ride around the park.
More info here: WEBSITE
5. San Diego Santa Run 5K and 1 Mile Race
When: Dec 10 | 9:00 AM
Where: Garnet Avenue, San Diego
Come out in your finest Christmas attire as you take part in the annual San Diego Santa Run, a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Over 20,000 Santas have participated in previous years but we are preparing to make this year our LARGEST Santa Run yet! Tell your friends, family and neighbors we are filling the streets of Pacific Beach with a Sea of Santas this December!
More info here: WEBSITE
6. Family Night/Holiday Special
When: Dec 18 | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
1st Show – Doors 1 PM, Pianos 1:30-3:30 PM
2nd Show – Doors 4:30 PM, Pianos 5-7 PM
Where: The Shout House
Bring the whole family for a family friendly dueling piano show. Our Annual Holiday Special is a fun event for the whole family. Table reservations will sell out quickly so don’t miss out! Special visit from Santa. Prize for BEST Holiday Outfit!
More info here: WEBSITE
7. City Ballet’s: The Nutcracker
When: Dec 21-23 | 7:30 PM-9:00 PM
Where: California Center for the Arts
A magical theatrical ballet experience for the family! The Nutcracker is the classic Victorian-era story of the adventures of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Herr Drosselmeyer, and the Sugar Plum Fairy told through a magical theatrical experience to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Young and old alike will be captivated by Elizabeth Wistrich’s choreography, the exquisite costumes, and grand sets. Let your childhood dreams return and inspire you to imagine a bygone time.
More info here: WEBSITE
8. Christmas Day Dining Cruise
When: Dec 25 | 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Flagship Cruises & Events
Celebrate with Flagship Cruises on Sunday, December 25, 2022, for our scenic Christmas Day dining cruise. Experience our beautifully festive vessel as you sip complimentary champagne, revel in the breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline, and enjoy live holiday music. Reserve today!
More info here: WEBSITE
9. San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl
When: Dec 28 | 5:00 PM
Where: Petco Park
The SDCCU Holiday Bowl is America’s Finest Bowl Experience! Find out how to be a part of this signature San Diego event between some of college football’s most competitive conferences, the ACC and the Pac-12. Don’t miss the electrifying pageantry, excitement and football thrills this year!
More info here: WEBSITE
10. Kids’ New Years Eve at LEGOLAND
When: Dec 31 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: LEGOLAND California
“Midnight” comes early for families at LEGOLAND California Resort, celebrating the New Year together without missing their bedtimes. Join in the festivities and celebrate the New Year early with rides, activities, and a whole lot of fun. Celebrate with an early fireworks display illuminating the sky and welcoming in 2023.
More info here: WEBSITE
