San Diego's Best Holiday Events for Families

San Diego's Best Holiday Events 2024

Deck the season with all things merry and bright using our calendar filled with San Diego's biggest and brightest holiday events and attractions! San Diego is bursting with holiday cheer from Christmas tree lightings and Hanukkah celebrations to festive parades and New Year's Eve celebrations. Start planning your family adventure today!

*Information is subject to change. Make sure to check websites or call for updated hours and dates of operation.

Featured Events 2024

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular. Eight days of holiday fun with holiday light trail, glice skating, Frosty’s Fun Zone and more. Dec. 13-15, 20–23 & 26, 4–9 pm. $18.95–$24.95; 3 & under free. Parking, $20. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Tickets: www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” A wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Select dates through Dec. 31. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org

“A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays.” Select dates through Dec. 22. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org

Critters Save Christmas. Animal encounters, crafts, cookie decorating and more. Dec. 1 & Dec. 13–15; 9 am–4 pm. $8.90–$17.75. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. Register for one hour journey: www.animalcenter.org

FREE Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall. Falling snow, dancing lights and more. Fri.–Sun. through Dec. 22, 6 & 7 pm. Village Walk at EastLake, 884 Eastlake Pkwy. www.shopvillagewalk.com

FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree, enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo and more. Daily, 10 am–9 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

FREE Julian’s Country Christmas. Santa meet and greet Dec. 7, (10 am–4 pm), sing-along, (6:15 pm) and light parade (6 pm). Main Street. www.juliancountrychristmas.com

“Noel Noel.” Christmas classics, sing-alongs, holiday cheer and jolly spirit. Dec. 13-15. Starting at $39. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave. www.sandiegosymphony.org

“Night of Christmas.” Christmas spectacular featuring classic carols, fireworks, breathtaking aerialists and more Dec. 7-8, 4 & 7:30 pm. Starting at $29. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way. www.theshell.org

FREE Santa Day at the Super Dentists. Photos with Santa, giveaways and more. Check website for schedule. www.thesuperdentists.com/Santa-Visits

“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet.” An all-star cast that blends world class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes and stunning acrobatics. Dec. 16, 7 pm. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave. www.sandiegosymphony.org

Science Club: Gingerbread Engineering. Use household ingredients to learn about chemical reactions, states of matter and more. Girls only, Dec. 8, 10 am–noon; all scientists; 1–3 pm. $18. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. www.fleetscience.org

City Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” Through Dec. 23. Starting at $46. California Center for the Arts Escondido. www.artcenter.org

Polar Express Family Day. Crafts, exhibits and the classic film “The Polar Express.” Dec. 21, 10 am–4 pm. $12–$20, 12 & under free. San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Balboa Park. www.sdmrm.org

Looking for San Diego's biggest and brightest holiday light displays? Search through our interactive Map of Christmas Lights!

tuesday | 24

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise. Light up your Christmas Eve with a special dining cruise. 6:30–9 pm. 990 N. Harbor Dr. Tickets: www.flagshipsd.com

Winter Wonder at Belmont Park.  See Dec. 22.

Jingle Belle Family Cruise. See Dec. 22

Rady Children’s Ice Rink. Kick off holiday festivities and give back to San Diego families dealing with childhood cancer. Open daily through Jan. 5, 10 am–10 pm. $15–$20; includes skate rental and helmets. Central Promenade, ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. www.rchicerink.org

FREE “All That Jazz” Light Show Spectacular. Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with lively holiday jazz and snow flurries. Nightly every 30 minutes, 5–9 pm. Through Jan. 5. Hotel Del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com

Looking for San Diego's biggest and brightest holiday light displays? Search through our interactive Map of Christmas Lights organized by neighborhood!

wednesday | 25

Christmas Day

Hanukkah Begins

Christmas Day Brunch Cruise. Celebrate Christmas on the water. 11 am–1 pm. $79.90–$99.90; 3 & under free. Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr. www.cityexperiences.com

Rady Children’s Ice Rink. See Dec. 24.

Chabad of Encinitas Block Party. Dec. 25, 3-5 pm. Music, arts & crafts, dreidels, doughnuts, hot latkes and games. RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for address. www.chabadatlacosta.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3147397/jewish

Jungle Bells. The Zoo will be aglow with holiday cheer and decorations, spectacular Holiday Light Treks, amazing entertainment and merry experiences. Through Jan. 5 (except Dec. 24). Included with admission. San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr. Tickets: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells

thursday | 26

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular. Eight days of holiday fun with holiday light trail, glice skating, Frosty’s Fun Zone and more. Dec. 20–23 & 26, 4–9 pm. $18.95–$24.95; 3 & under free. Parking, $20. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Tickets: www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com

FREE Snapdragon Bowl Bash. Family fun, interactive games, giveaways and more. 5–7 pm. Fifth & Market, Gaslamp Quarter. www.holidaybowl.com

FREE Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Live music, kosher bites and the lighting ceremony. 5–8 pm. One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Pl. www.onepaseo.com

FREE Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting. Entertainment, treats and the traditional lighting of the menorah. 5–8 pm. Central Promenade, Liberty Station, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd. www.libertystation.com

Jungle Bells. See Dec. 25.

Wild Holidays at the Safari Park. Go on an expedition of light and travel through places that glow, shine and twinkle with holiday cheer with fanciful characters, musical entertainment and more. Select nights through Jan. 5. Included with admission. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. https://sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays

Winter Wonder at Belmont Park. Over one million twinkling lights guiding you through an unforgettable experience of holiday cheer. Through Jan. 5. 3146 Mission Blvd. www.belmontpark.com/winter-wonder

Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour. Sing-along caroling with elf conductors while viewing festive holiday sights. Dec. 26–30. 4010 Twiggs St. Tickets: www.trolleytours.com

Looking for San Diego's biggest and brightest holiday light displays? Search through our interactive Map of Christmas Lights organized by neighborhood!

friday | 27

Holiday Bowl festivities! Watch the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (FREE), America’s largest balloon parade with marching bands and floats along Harbor Dr., 10 am. Join the 5K Walk/Run ($45) at Harbor & Ash at 9:45 am. Cheer on the ACC vs. Pac 12 in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl matchup, followed by the 101.5 KGB Sky Show. 5 pm at Snapdragon Stadium. Details and tickets at www.holidaybowl.com.

Jungle Bells. See Dec. 25.

Rady Children’s Ice Rink. See Dec. 24.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Christmas shows, tunnel of lights, meet Santa & Rudolph, parades and more. Through Jan. 5. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. Tickets: www.seaworld.com/sandiego

Looking for New Year's Eve plans with the fam? Get ready to dance, party and play at one of San Diego's family-friendly New Year's events. Find out more here!

saturday | 28

FREE Hanukkah Under the Stars. Dec. 28, 5–7 pm. Celebrate the season with a menorah lighting at 5:30 PM, in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel. Live entertainment by DJ Benji, family-friendly crafts and photo opportunities with the menorah display. Savor kosher donuts and indulge in the a dessert bar featuring treats from local eateries (while supplies last). 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Nordstrom Rack Court. www.mission-valley.com/event/hanukkah-under-the-stars/2146501439

Nutcracker Tea. Following tea, the talented dancers from Scripps Performing Arts Academy present the timeless holiday ballet. Through Dec. 29, 11 am & 2 pm. $88–$170. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct. Reservations: www.granddelmar.com

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. See Dec. 27.

Winter Wonder at Belmont Park. See Dec. 27.

sunday | 29

FREE Chanukah Celebration. Lighting of the Menorah, family activities and more. Dec. 29, 4:30–6:30 pm. The Forum Carlsbad, 1905 Calle Barcelona. www.chabadatlacosta.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3147397/jewish/

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” See Dec. 28

Nutcracker Tea. See Dec. 28.

Wild Holidays at the Safari Park. See Dec. 28.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. See Dec. 27.

Winter Wonder at Belmont Park. See Dec. 27.

monday | 30

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 5. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

Chanukah at Carlsbad Premium Outlets. Live music, Menorah lighting, donuts, latkes and crafts. Dec. 30, 4:30-6:30 pm. 5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. www.chabadatlacosta.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/3147397/jewish/

Looking for New Year's Eve plans with the fam? Get ready to dance, party and play at one of San Diego's family-friendly New Year's events. Find out more here!

tuesday | 31

New Year's Eve

Glow BIG Noon Year Celebration. Family-friendly entertainment, games, bounce houses and more. 10 am–1 pm. $25–$40. AleSmith Brewing, 9990 AleSmith St. www.noonyear.com

Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland. Live music, entertainment and a special New Year’s countdown at 6:45 pm. Included with admission. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

Rockin' 2025 New Year's Eve Party at Corvette Diner. Dance into the New Year at Corvette Diner. Join us for an unforgettable night with the diner’s DJ spinning the hottest tunes and balloon artists adding to the fun. Count down to the Big Apple’s ball drop at 9 pm, followed by our own balloon drop and toast to ring in the New Year. 2965 Historic Decatur Rd. www.dinersd.com/happenings

Mega 2025 Noon Year Celebration. Bring a swimsuit and join the fun at Plunge San Diego's annual MEGA Noon Year Celebration event. Enjoy balloon drops, live D.J., games, giveaways and more. Dec. 31, 10:30 am- 1 pm. Plunge San Diego, 3115, Ocean Front Walk. www.tickettailor.com/events/plungesandiego1/1431099

New Year's Eve Grape Drop. Enjoy face painters, carnival games, giant slide, ice skating, live music and dancing, drone light show and Grape Drop. Dec. 31, 6-10 pm. Old Town Civic Center, 41000 Main St., Temecula. www.visittemeculavalley.com/event/new-years-eve-grape-drop/629

Masquerade at the Marsh. Get ready for an evening of fun, adventure, and surprises featuring scavenger hunts and activities that teach about the power of camouflage, encounters with some of your favorite animal ambassadors, a mingling magician, our classic silent disco, a 360-degree photo booth, a variety of food and drinks available for purchase and so much more! Dec. 31, 6-9 pm. The Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr., Chula Vista. www.thelivingcoast.org/programs-events-upcoming-events/new-years-eve-masquerade-at-the-marsh/

wednesday | 1

New Year's Day Pajama Party at Corvette Diner. 11:30 am-3 pm. Pajama contest: 1 pm. Wear your favorite pajamas to Corvette Diner and enjoy a $5 gamers garage card, brunch specials, $5 mimosas, bloody marys and sparkling cider. 2965 Historic Decatur Rd. www.dinersd.com

Winter Camps 2024

Winter Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Dec. 20-Jan. 3, 2025. Preschool-6th grade. No camps on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Daily sign-ups available. https://animalcenter.org/winter-break-critter-camp-2/

Camp Kroc Winter Camps. Dec. 23, 26 and 27 and Dec. 30-Jan.3 (no camp Jan. 1). https://sd.kroccenter.org/kroc-san-diego/camp/

STEM Camp at Fleet Science Center. Registration now open. www.fleetscience.org/events/camps

Little Fish Comic Book Studio. Little Fish’s camps are specialized, highly engaging experiences designed specifically for teens and pre-teens! Our next camps are: Kidz Comic Camps and DnD Winter Campaign. Applications can be returned in-person by mail or email, or you can fill out the online Google Form HERE. www.lilfish.us/camps

San Diego Junior Theatre. Winter camps are open to current K-6th grade students. All campers should attend camp in closed-toe shoes and clothing they feel comfortable moving in. Campers should bring a water bottle, sack lunch and two snacks. Camp day begins at 9 am and ends at 3 pm. Campers may be dropped off as early as 8:15 am. We also provide an optional Aftercare program from 3-5 pm for just $20 per day. www.juniortheatre.com/classes/programs

Things change and some activities require reservations or have limited space, so don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.

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Updated: December 2024