Events from January 01, 2026
-
On January 01, 2026At San Diego Botanic Garden Categories: Holiday“Lightscape.” This mile-long, illuminated trail has been reimagined with vibrant new installations from artists from around the world, plus a few returning favorites that continue to dazzle. Through Jan. 4, 5–10 pm. $18–$28; 2 & under free. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbg.org -
On January 01, 2026At SeaWorld San Diego Categories: Holiday, Amusement ParksSeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Where holiday traditions are made, with delicious food, stunning live shows, delightful holiday shopping and joyous entertainment. Select dates through Jan. 4. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworld.com -
On January 01, 2026At Liberty Station Categories: Holiday, SkatingRady Children’s Ice Rink. Kick off holiday festivities and give back to San Diego families dealing with childhood cancer. Open daily through Jan. 4, 10 am–10 pm. $15–$20; includes skate rental and helmets. Legacy Plaza, ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, 2875 Dewey Rd. www.rchicerink.org -
On January 01, 2026At Hotel del Coronado Categories: Holiday, SkatingSkating by the Sea. Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado's famous beachfront ice rink featuring stunning views of the Pacific and benefitting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Daily through Jan 4. 1500 Orange Ave. Tickets: www.hoteldel.com -
On January 01, 2026At Hotel del Coronado Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Oz Lightshow Spectacular. Experience the magic of the season as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show set to an Oz-inspired soundtrack and a finale of snow flurries. Nightly every 30 minutes, 5–9 pm. Through Jan 4. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com -
On January 01, 2026At LEGOLAND California Resort Categories: Holiday, Amusement ParksHolidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 4. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego Zoo Safari Park Categories: HolidayWild Holidays at the Safari Park. Go on an expedition of light and travel through places that glow, shine and twinkle with holiday cheer. Select nights through Jan. 4. Included with admission. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. https://sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays -
On January 01, 2026At Belmont Park Categories: HolidayWinter Wonder at Belmont Park. Over one million twinkling lights guide you through an unforgettable experience of holiday cheer. Face painting and Jingle Jams on weekends. Through Jan. 4. 3146 Mission Blvd. www.belmontpark.com/winter-wonder -
On January 01, 2026At Fairmont Grand Del Mar Categories: HolidayGlice Skating at Grand Social. Select dates through Jan. 1; tree lighting today at 6:30 pm. $25–$45, includes skate rental. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct. www.granddelmar.com -
On January 01, 2026At Peltzer Pumpkin Farm Categories: HolidayPeltzer Ice Rink. Open daily through Jan. 19. $14–$20; skate & helmet rental, $2–$4. 40275 Calle Contento, Temecula. www.peltzerfarms.com -
On January 01, 2026At Hotel del Coronado Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE A Holiday in Oz. The Hotel Del brings the magic of Oz to life with stunning themed trees and décor, thousands of glittering lights and more. Through Jan. 4. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. www.hoteldel.com -
On January 01, 2026At Old Town San Diego Categories: HolidayOld Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour. Sing-along caroling with elf conductors while viewing festive holiday sights. Through Jan. 3. 4010 Twiggs St. www.trolleytours.com -
On January 01, 2026At Santa Ysabel Categories: HolidayWinter Splendor Celebration at Hideout Mountain Lodge. A holiday experience including ice skating, private igloos and more that brings joy to families while lighting up the mountains with community spirit, kindness and connection. 12–9 pm. $12–$40; 4 & under free. Through Jan. 4. 27413 CA-76, Santa Ysabel. Advance purchase required: www.wintersplendorcelebration.com -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park Categories: HolidayJungle Bells. Light up the night with amazing entertainment and merry experiences including reindeer games, Santa’s Factory and more. Select dates through Jan. 4. San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego Civic Theatre Categories: Theatre“SIX the Musical.” The six wives of Henry VIII remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st century girl power. Through Jan. 4. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. www.broadwaysd.com -
On January 01, 2026At Temecula, CA Categories: HolidayWinterFest in Wine Country. Ice skating, festive light displays, movies, Santa and more. Through Jan. 4. Starting at $15. Galway Downs, 38801 Los Corralitos Rd., Temecula. https://winterfestinwinecountry.com -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego, CA Categories: FREEFREE First Day Hikes. California State Parks participate in this national-led effort that encourages individuals and families to experience the beautiful natural and cultural resources found in the outdoors with guided hikes taking place across the state. For a list of local hikes, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30737. -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego, CA Categories: Special EventsNew Year’s Day Brunch Cruise. Start your new year in style with exceptional views of San Diego’s iconic skyline. 12–2 pm. Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr. www.cityexperiences.com -
On January 01, 2026At Temecula, CA Categories: HolidayWinterFest in Wine Country. Ice skating, festive light displays, movies, Santa and more. Through Jan. 4. Starting at $15. Galway Downs, 38801 Los Corralitos Rd., Temecula. https://winterfestinwinecountry.com -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego, CA Categories: Special EventsNew Year’s Day Brunch & Dinner Cruises. Gourmet dining, festive entertainment and stunning views of San Diego Bay. 11 am & 7:30 pm. 990 N. Harbor Dr. Details: www.flagshipsd.com -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego, CA Categories: Whale WatchingWhale & Dolphin Watching. Search for gray whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Fri.–Mon., through April 12. 9:30 am–1 pm. From $63. Pier Two, 970 N. Harbor Dr. www.cityexperiences.com -
On January 01, 2026At Escondido CA Categories: SkatingUps and Downtown Roller Rink. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Through Jan. 3. Maple St., Escondido. https://www.downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego, CA Categories: Special EventsDinos Alive Immersive Experience. From the towering T-Rex to turkey-sized Velociraptors, step into realistic prehistoric habitats filled with animatronics, interactive displays and captivating VR experiences. Through Jan. 25, closed Tuesdays. Starting at $20. 1210 W. Morena Blvd. https://dinosaliveexhibit.com/san-diego -
On January 01, 2026At San Diego, CA Categories: OutdoorsSoCal Explorer Campaign. SoCal Explorer Campaign uses AR gaming to help kids engage with nature, proving that screen time can be green time. Parks and public spaces across Southern California participate in a campaign to engage kids in free outdoor learning experiences on their phones. Through Jan. 10, 8 am–8 pm. Multiple locations around SoCal https://agentsofdiscovery.com/socal-explorer/
