Events from December 21, 2025
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On December 21, 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 21, 2025At Balboa Park Categories: FREE, ConcertFREE Spreckels Organ Society Concerts. Sundays, 2–3 pm. Pavilion-Pan American Pl., Balboa Park. www.spreckelsorgan.org -
On December 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 2025At 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 December 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 2025At Del Mar Fairgrounds Categories: HolidayCoastal Christmas Del Mar. Ten days of holiday fun with dazzling lights, skating, private igloos, s’mores and family fun. Dec. 12–14, 18–23 & 26, 4–9 pm. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com -
On December 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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 -
On December 21, 2025At San Diego, CA Categories: FREE, Holiday, ParadesFREE San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Brightly illuminated boats decorated to the theme “An Out of this World Christmas.” Starts off Shelter Island, goes through the harbor and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Tonight & Dec. 21, 5:30 pm. www.sdparadeoflights.org -
On December 21, 2025At Downtown San Diego Categories: HolidayHoliday Lights Spectator Cruise. Watch beautifully decorated boats on a narrated cruise. Tonight & Dec. 21, 5–7 pm. $65. Flagship Cruises, 990 N. Harbor Dr. www.flagshipsd.com -
On December 21, 2025At Maritime Museum of San Diego Categories: Museums, Galleries and Zoos, HolidayParade of Lights Holiday Dinner. Dinner buffet and boat parade viewing. Tonight & Dec. 21, 5–7:30 pm. $35–$70; 5 & under free without meal. Maritime Museum, 1492 N. Harbor Dr. Reservations required: www.sdmaritime.org -
On December 21, 2025At SeaWorld San Diego Categories: HolidayHanukkah Celebration: Festival of Lights. Celebrate the joy and tradition of Hanukkah at Seaworld San Diego. From Dec. 14-22, guests can enjoy the nightly illumination of the menorah, lit each evening to honor the spirit of the season. Join us in commemorating this beautiful holiday with light, reflection and community. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworld.com/san-diego/events/hanukkah-celebration -
On December 21, 2025At The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park Categories: Holiday, Concert“Noel Noel.” Christmas classics, sing-alongs and holiday cheer. Through Dec. 21. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way. www.theshell.org -
On December 21, 2025At 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 December 21, 2025At California Center for the Arts, Escondido Categories: Theatre, HolidayCity Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” Through Dec. 23. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org -
On December 21, 2025“The Nutcracker.” Sugarplum fairies, leaping cossacks and flurries of snowflakes swirl across the stage. Today, 1 & 5 pm & tomorrow, 1 pm. Starting at $27. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. www.sandiegoballet.org -
On December 21, 2025At Balboa Theatre Categories: Holiday“An Irish Christmas.” All the holiday carols you love plus a spectacular high-energy display of Irish dancing. 2:30 pm. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. www.sandiegotheaters.org
