Events from December 13, 2025
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On December 13, 2025At The Old Globe Theatre Categories: Theatre, Holiday“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” The Old Globe Theatre is transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. Featuring the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” Select dates Nov. 8–Dec. 31. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org -
On December 13, 2025At Birch Aquarium at Scripps Categories: Museums, Galleries and ZoosLiving Seas at Birch Aquarium. Venture into the hidden realm of a Giant Pacific Octopus, explore life beneath Scripps Pier and marvel at a vibrant coral reef. 9 am–5 pm. $24.95–$29.95; 2 & under free. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu -
On December 13, 2025At USS Midway Museum Categories: Museums, Galleries and ZoosTop Secret: Inside the High-Stakes World of Naval Intelligence. Go inside Midway’s restored Carrier Intelligence Center. Daily, 10 am–5 pm. Included with admission. $26–$39. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org -
On December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At Birch Aquarium at Scripps Categories: Museums, Galleries and ZoosMeditation Ocean: Aquarius Reef Base. Multi-sensory art installation that reimagines Aquarius Reef base — the world's only undersea research habitat. Wander through simulated underwater spaces and step inside a re-creation of aquanauts' living quarters. Included with admission. Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way. Www.aquarium.uscd.edu -
On December 13, 2025At Southern California Railway Museum Categories: Holiday, Train RidesThe Polar Express. A magical trip to meet Santa with hot chocolate and a cookie served by dancing chefs. Select dates through Dec. 31; 11:30 am, 1:30, 4, 6 & 8 pm. $49–$88. Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S. “A” St., Perris. www.socalrailway.org -
On December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At Pine Valley Categories: HolidayCamp Christmas. Spectacular water show, hayrides, bounce houses, laser tag and more. Fri.–Sun., through Dec. 23. 5:30–9 pm. $10–$15; 4 & under free. 8668 Pine Creek Rd., Pine Valley. Tickets: www.pinevalleycampchristmas.com -
On December 13, 2025At The Old Globe Theatre Categories: Theatre, HolidayEbenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show. Fast, funny and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. Select dates through Dec. 28. The Old Globe, Balboa Park. Tickets: www.theoldglobe.org -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego, CA Categories: HolidayPinery Christmas Trees. Open daily (except Thanksgiving); Mon.–Thurs., 10 am–9 pm & Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. 4 locations: 5354 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita; Del Mar Horsepark, 14550 1/2 El Camino Real; Mission Valley, 1286 Camino Del Rio N.; 13421 Highland Valley Rd., Rancho Bernardo. www.pinerychristmastrees.com -
On December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At Cygnet Theatre Categories: Theatre, Holiday“A Christmas Carol.” A reimagined production of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption. Through Dec. 28. Starting at $44. The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Rd. www.cygnettheatre.org -
On December 13, 2025At USS Midway Museum Categories: Museums, Galleries and Zoos, HolidayJingle Jets. The Midway will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland on the sea. Select nights, through Dec. 30, 5:30–9 pm. $20–$30; 3 & under free. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org -
On December 13, 2025At Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Categories: Holiday, Train RidesNorth Pole Limited. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas music as you head to the North Pole to pick up Santa. Through Dec. 21. Fri.–Sat., 5 & 7 pm; Sun., 3 & 5 pm. Starting at $15. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. www.psrm.org -
On December 13, 2025At Hotel del Coronado Categories: MoviesHoliday Movies on the Beach. Tonight & Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 & 31. $25.75. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave. www.hoteldel.com -
On December 13, 2025At Village Walk at EastLake Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall. Features falling snow, choreographed music and dancing lights. Kids receive free magic glasses for viewing. Every Fri.–Sun. thru Dec. 21, 6 & 7 pm. Village Walk at EastLake, 884 Eastlake Pkwy., Chula Vista. www.shopvillagewalk.com -
On December 13, 2025At Old Town San Diego Categories: Special EventsGiving Machine. Giving Machines are a unique twist on vending machines. Help others by purchasing essential items like clothing, medicine, food and livestock for charities worldwide. Donations are eligible for tax deductions. Starting Thanksgiving Day, Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town San Diego in front of the Old Town Theater, 4040 Twiggs St. Through Dec. 27. Visit www.givingmachinesocal.org for more information. -
On December 13, 2025FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm. Cut the perfect tree and enjoy a tractor ride, mini hay maze and more. Daily, 10 am–8 pm. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com -
On December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025At Grossmont Center Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Santa Claus is Coming to Grossmont Center. Capture unforgettable holiday memories with Santa. Through Dec. 24. 5500 Grossmont Ctr. Dr. Visit website for hours: www.grossmontcenter.com -
On December 13, 2025At Coronado, CA Categories: HolidayHoliday Gondola Cruise. A festive 50-minute cruise through the Coronado Cays. Through Dec. 23, 3–9 pm. The Gondola Company, 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado. www.gondolacompany.com -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego, CA Categories: Theatre“A Christmas Carol.” The timeless tale of hope and redemption. Select dates through Dec. 28. Joseph Clayes III Theater at The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Rd. www.cygnettheatre.com -
On December 13, 2025At Downtown San Diego Categories: HolidayDecember Nights on the Bay. Step aboard for a festive evening filled with twinkling lights, elegant decor and warm hospitality. Thurs.–Sun. through Dec. 28, 7:30–10 pm. 990 N. Harbor Dr. www.flagshipsd.com -
On December 13, 2025At Petco Park Categories: HolidayHoliday Wonderland at Petco Park. Magical Christmas lighting displays, rides, sledding, games, Santa and other holiday characters. Through Dec. 23, 4 pm. $18–$25. Gallagher Square. www.padres.com/holidaywonderland -
On December 13, 2025At Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum Categories: HolidayHoliday Lights at the AGSEM. Holiday lights, hayride, petting zoo and more. Fri. & Sat. through Dec. 20, 5–9:30 pm. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. www.agsem.com -
On December 13, 2025At Moonlight Amphitheater Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Jingle Terrace Nights. Holiday light shows, festive displays and holiday activities. Fri.–Sun. through Dec. 21, 5:30–8:30 pm. Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr. www.moonlightstage.com -
On December 13, 2025At Village Walk at EastLake Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Festive Community Caroling. Local community choral groups stroll throughout the center. Fri.–Sun. through Dec. 21, 6–7 pm. www.shopvillagewalk.com -
On December 13, 2025One Paseo December Nights. Falling snow, holiday decor, immersive experiences and more. Fri. & Sat. through Dec. 20, 5–7 pm. One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Pl. www.onepaseo.com -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego Zoo Safari Park Categories: Museums, Galleries and ZoosRoar & Snore Safari. Experience a sleepover and observe the nighttime activities of wildlife and morning wildlife presentations. Today, Dec. 6, 12–14, 19, 20 & 26–28. Starting at $165. Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. www.sdzsafaripark.org -
On December 13, 2025At Pechanga Arena San Diego Categories: Sporting EventsSan Diego Gulls. Tonight, Dec. 7, 12, 13 & 28. Starting at $34. Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. www.sandiegogulls.com -
On December 13, 2025At Helen Woodward Animal Center Categories: Animals, HolidayWild Winter Family Festival. Animals, crafts and games. Today, tomorrow & Dec. 13–14, 9 am–1 pm. $10–$20. Humane Education Campus, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org -
On December 13, 2025At Oceanside, CA Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Christmas Light Show Spectacular. Walk or drive-thru experience with 10,000+ lights synced to your favorite Christmas songs. Sat., 7:30–9:30 pm & Sun.–Fri., 5:30–9:30 pm. Through Dec. 31. Calvary Chapel Oceanside, 3715 Oceanic Way. www.calvaryoceanside.org/christmas -
On December 13, 2025At The Forum Carlsbad Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Christmas Tree Wonderlights. Choreographed light and music show. Through Dec. 25, 5–9 pm. The Forum Carlsbad, 1905 Calle Barcelona. www.theforumcarlsbad.com -
On December 13, 2025At LEGOLAND California Resort Categories: Holiday, Amusement ParksSanta’s Christmas Magic Fireworks. The perfect end to our HO-HO-HOliday event, join us as the elves light up the sky with their Christmas magic fireworks. Tonight, Dec. 13 & 20–31. LEGOLAND, One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com -
On December 13, 2025At Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park Categories: Theatre, Holiday“The Nutcracker.” Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the enchanted Land of the Sweets. Through Dec. 21. $27. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park. www.sdcyb.org -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego, CA Categories: Theatre, HolidayCygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at the Joan. Kick off the holidays with this all-singing, all-dancing celebration featuring classics like “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” and “Feliz Navidad.” Through Dec. 28. Dottie Studio Theater, 2880 Roosevelt Rd. www.cygnettheatre.org -
On December 13, 2025At Bernardo Winery Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Holiday Nights at Bernardo Winery. Twinkling lights, carolers, Polar Express miniature train exhibit and more. Through Dec. 14 & 17–21; 5–9 pm. 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte. www.bernardowinery.com -
On December 13, 2025At Carlsbad, CA Categories: HolidayStocking Full of Christmas. Journey with an elf through five immersive holiday lands filled with dazzling performances, whimsical crafts and heartwarming character moments, all while collecting goodies in a beautifully designed wearable stocking. Select dates through Dec. 28. Starting at &79. Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad. https://stockingfullofchristmas.ticketspice.com/stocking-full-of-christmas? -
On December 13, 2025At 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 December 13, 2025Rawhide Country Christmas. Santa, pony rides, crafts and more. Through Dec. 14, 3–8 pm. Rawhide Ranch, 6987 W. Lilac Rd., Bonsall. www.rawhideranch.com -
On December 13, 2025At Old Poway Park Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Christmas in the Park. An old-fashioned holiday tradition that will take you back in time. Tonight & tomorrow, 3:30–8:30 pm. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. www.poway.org -
On December 13, 2025At Bates Nut Farm Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Christmas in Valley Center. Crafts, gingerbread house making, face painting and more. Today, 4–8 pm & tomorrow, 9 am–3 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd. https://batesnutfarm.biz -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego Civic Theatre Categories: Theatre, HolidayGolden State Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” Dazzling scenery and exquisite costumes bring Clara’s enchanting journey with her Nutcracker Prince to life. Through Dec. 14 & 19–21. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave. www.sandiegotheaters.org -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego, CA Categories: Special EventsFanatics Fest. Sports and pop culture mega-event. Through Dec. 14. Convention Center, 111 Harbor Dr. www.fanaticsfest.com -
On December 13, 2025At Gaslamp Quarter Categories: HolidayGaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party. Dogs, cats and unique pets “deck the paws” for a howl-iday to remember. 11 am–4 pm; parade 1 pm. Downtown. www.gaslamp.org -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego, CA Categories: FREE, Holiday, ParadesFREE Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights. Festive holiday boats parade on the bay. Starts at SeaWorld with fireworks and ends at The Mission Bay Beach Club. 5:30 pm. www.discovermissionbay.org -
On December 13, 2025At Pacific Beach Categories: FREE, Holiday, ParadesFREE Pacific Beach Holiday Parade: “Candy Coated Holiday.” Floats, Santa and more. 1–3 pm. Garnet Ave. between Bayard St. & Haines St. www.pacificbeach.org -
On December 13, 2025FREE Holiday in the Village. A variety of enhanced holiday traditions. 12–9 pm. La Mesa Blvd., from Spring St. to 4th St. www.lamesavillageassociation.org -
On December 13, 2025At Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Holiday Tree Lighting at La Colonia. Holiday treats for the kids, Santa and more. 5–7 pm. Santa arrives at 5:20 pm. La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach. www.cityofsolanabeach.org -
On December 13, 2025At Santee Lakes Categories: Special EventsWater Lantern Festival. Decorate and launch lanterns. 2–7 pm. $37.99; parking, $10. Santee Lakes, 9310 Fanita Pkwy. www.waterlanternfestival.com -
On December 13, 2025At Wild Wonders Categories: HolidayWinter Wonders & Holiday Lights. Nocturnal animals, holiday light decorations, flashlight tours and more. Today, Dec, 20–22, 27, 30 & 31; 4:30 pm. $22–$42. 5712 Via Montellano, Bonsall. www.wildwonders.org -
On December 13, 2025At EastLake Village Marketplace Categories: FREE, HolidayFREE Santa’s Coming on the Holiday Express. Train rides, face painting, holiday craft activity and more. 1–4 pm. EastLake Marketplace, 2275 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista. www.shopeastlakemarketplace.com -
On December 13, 2025At Old Town San Diego Categories: Special EventsLas Posadas. Be immersed in a time-honored celebration that echoes with centuries-old Mexican traditions and the warmth of the holiday season. 4–7 pm. Old Town State Historic Park, 4002 Wallace St. www.oldtownsandiego.org/lasposadas -
On December 13, 2025At Alta Vista Botanical Gardens Categories: Special EventsKids in the Garden: Recycled Art. 10 am–12 noon. $5. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. Pre-register at farmerjonesavbg@gmail.com. https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org -
On December 13, 2025At Lions, Tigers & Bears Categories: Animals, HolidayChristmas with the Animals. Watch rescued big cats and bears open their Christmas presents surrounded by the sanctuary’s sparkling Festival of Lights. 2:30–7:30 pm. $20–$50. Lions, Tigers and Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org -
On December 13, 2025At California Center for the Arts, Escondido Categories: Theatre, Holiday“The Nutcracker.” Full scale production accompanied by a live professional orchestra. Today & tomorrow, 2 pm. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org -
On December 13, 2025At Downtown San Diego Categories: Craft FairMakers Arcade Holiday Fair. Over 140 local makers with make-and-take crafts, interactive art and more. Today, 10 am–5 pm & tomorrow, 11 am–8 pm. Broadway Pier, downtown. www.makersarcade.com -
On December 13, 2025At The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park Categories: Holiday, Movies, Concert“Home Alone” in Concert. The delightful score performed live to picture by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. 6 pm. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way. www.theshell.org -
On December 13, 2025At Jacobs Music Center Categories: ConcertMeet the Brass: ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. The brass section brings the beloved poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to life. For ages 0–5. 10 & 11:30 am. $24. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave. www.sandiegosymphony.org -
On December 13, 2025At San Diego, CA Categories: Theatre, Holiday“The Nutcracker.” Step into Clara’s dream—a world where ballet brings imagination to life. 6 pm. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. www.theconrad.org -
On December 13, 2025At Del Mar Categories: Walk, Race, HolidayThe Red Nose Run. Dog-friendly 5K & 3K fun run/walk. 12 pm. Del Mar Powerhouse Community Ctr., 1658 Coast Blvd. Register: www.therednoserun.com -
On December 13, 2025At Pacific Beach Categories: Walk, Race, HolidaySan Diego Santa Run. 5K, kids 1-mile & dog 1-mile. 8–12 noon. $40–$50; includes Sunny Santa Suit for 5K runners. 912 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. Register: www.sandiegorunningco.com -
On December 13, 2025At Bernardo Winery Categories: HolidayBreakfast with Santa. Face painting, cookie decorating, crafts and more. Today, tomorrow & Dec. 17–21; 9 am–12 noon. $45–$80; under 2 free. Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte. Reservations: www.bernardowinery.com
