December Nights
December 6 - 7, 2024
Friday - 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Forever Balboa Park
House of Hospitality
San Diego, CA 92101
The family-friendly December Nights celebration brings visitors and locals together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions, and, of course, the amazing food.
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
December 8, 2024
Girard Avenue & Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Spread some holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival. A wonderful Christmas parade lures people from all around to the sidewalks of downtown La Jolla. You'll see floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, Santa Claus, and yes ~ a camel. Church bells peal with a fly-over. There is also a Holiday Festival called Santa's Village. It features Santa visits for children, arts and crafts, games, music, and face painting.
North Pole by the Sea
December 8, 2024
Del Mar Village
Enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout the Del Mar Village North Pole Loop, including photos with Santa, letters to Santa, and other children’s activities at Del Mar Plaza, live holiday music, drink specials for adults at L’Auberge Del Mar, and holiday characters. The afternoon will culminate in a holiday tree lighting with hot chocolate for kids and a special Santa and the Grinch appearance in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5:00 p.m.
Mariachi Sol de Mexico: A Merry-achi Christmas
December 10, 2024
Balboa Theatre
868 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
Enjoy a fusion of the color and traditions of both Mexican & American Christmas songs with Mariachi Sol de Mexico’s A Merry-achi Christmas. This family-friendly show is a unique fiesta of favorite holiday tunes from both sides of the border, brought to life with the blazing sounds of a world-renowned Mariachi ensemble.
2024 Mission Bay Parade of Lights
December 14, 2024
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Discover Mission Bay
2245 San Diego Avenue #222
San Diego, CA 92110
This festive boat parade on beautiful Mission Bay takes place annually each December. Kick-off this holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and enjoy the festive holiday boats parade on the bay from designated spectator viewing areas along the parade route. It’s a night of magic, merriment, and cherished memories for the whole family. Looking to keep the holiday fun going all weekend long?
Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival
December 14, 2024
Downtown Chula Vista
353 3rd Ave
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Celebrate the holidays in Chula Vista at the Starlight Parade and Festival, a long-standing tradition in the South Bay community.
The Nutcracker
December 21, 2024
The Magnolia
210 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020
San Diego, CA 92020
San Diego Ballet presents America’s favorite holiday spectacle. Sugarplum fairies, leaping cossacks, and flurries of snowflakes swirl across the stage, in this magical journey through a young girl’s imagination. SDB’s annual production of The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and an international cast of more than 100 beautifully costumed dancers.
Christmas Dining at Dockside 1953
December 24, 2024
Bahia Resort Hotel
San Diego, CA 92109
Reserve your spot for a special Christmas Eve three-course dinner featuring dishes like beef tenderloin, bergamot duck breast, and Mediterranean sea bass, finished with a chocolate Nutella yule log. On Christmas Day, indulge in an all-inclusive buffet with fresh oysters, a custom eggs benedict station, a carving table, classic holiday sides, and desserts galore—all set to live music.
Menorah Lighting
December 26, 2024
Central Promenade
2850 Roosevelt Rd
San Diego, CA 92106
In partnership with The Chabad of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach, this magical evening promises fun for the whole family with lively entertainment and delicious packaged treats. Witness the traditional lighting ceremony and feel the warmth of community as we come together to honor this special holiday. The menorah will continue to shine brightly each night of Hanukkah in the heart of Liberty Station.
San Diego International Auto Show
December 28, 2024 - January 1, 2025
San Diego Convention Center
111 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.
