San Diego's Best Holiday Events for Families

San Diego's Best Holiday Events 2025

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 2025

Giving 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. Giving Machines will appear in 131 cities in 21 countries, including Old Town Theater, 4040 Twiggs St. Through Dec. 27. www.givingmachinesocal.org

FREE Pinery Christmas Trees. Open daily; 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

“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

FREE 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

Ebenezer 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. www.theoldglobe.org

FREE Kickoff of The Giving Machine in Old Town. Celebrate the season of giving with food, fun and community spirit, all in support of San Diego’s local charities. Dec. 2, 4:30–6 pm. 4040 Twiggs St. https://givingmachinesocal.org

FREE Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall. Falling snow, choreographed music and dancing lights. Kids receive free magic glasses for viewing. Fri.–Sun. through Dec. 21, 6 & 7 pm. Village Walk at EastLake, 884 Eastlake Pkwy., Chula Vista. www.shopvillagewalk.com

FREE Santa Day at The Super Dentists. Photos with Santa, giveaways and more. 9 am–12 noon. Dec. 11, Oceanside (3625 Vista Way); Dec. 12, Carmel Valley (12778 Carmel Country Rd.); Dec. 15 Chula Vista (345 F St.); Dec. 16, Kearny Mesa (9737 Aero Dr.); Dec. 17, Eastlake (2226 Otay Lakes Rd.); Dec. 19, Escondido (390 W. Valley Pkwy.). www.thesuperdentists.com

Winter Splendor Celebration at Hideout Mountain. 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. Dec. 12-Jan. 4. 27413 CA-76, Santa Ysabel. www.hideoutmountainlodge.com

Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party. Dogs, cats and unique pets “decks the paws” for a howl-iday to remember. Dec. 13, 11 am–4 pm; parade 1 pm. Downtown. www.gaslamp.org

Coastal 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

“Noel Noel.” Christmas classics, sing-alongs and holiday cheer. Dec. 19-Dec. 21. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way. www.theshell.org

FREE Julian’s Country Christmas. Joyfilled, family-friendly fun with Santa visits at Town Hall, a Christmas sing-along and light parade (Dec. 6 at 6 pm), “A Christmas Carol” performances, and a mailbox where kids can send letters to the North Pole. Enjoy unique shopping, dining and lodging options. www.juliancountrychristmas.com

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

monday | 15

FREE Santa Day at The Super Dentists. Photos with Santa, giveaways and more. Dec. 15, Chula Vista (345 F St.); Dec. 16, Kearny Mesa (9737 Aero Dr.); Dec. 17, Eastlake (2226 Otay Lakes Rd.); Dec. 19, Escondido (390 W. Valley Pkwy.). www.thesuperdentists.com

FREE 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

Hanukkah Festival at Seaport Village. Join us as Seaport Village partners with the Chabad of Downtown San Diego for a family-friendly Hanukkah celebration in the Lighthouse District. Enjoy an evening of live music, festive performances, and the traditional menorah lighting as we come together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. 5-8 pm. www.seaportvillage.com/events/hanukkah-25

Looking for family-friendly Hanukkah events? Find a celebration near you here!

wednesday | 17

FREE Santa Day at The Super Dentists. Photos with Santa, giveaways and more. Dec. 17, Eastlake (2226 Otay Lakes Rd.); Dec. 19, Escondido (390 W. Valley Pkwy.). www.thesuperdentists.com

FREE Hanukkah Under the Stars. Come together with family, friends & neighbors to celebrate the Festival of Lights under the San Diego sky. 5–7 pm. AMC Court, Mission Valley. www.mission-valley.com

Looking for family-friendly Hanukkah events? Find a celebration near you here!

thursday | 18

FREE Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. Congregation Beth Am gathers the community for the symbolic lighting of the holiday season. 6–7 pm. Del Mar Highlands Town Center 12925 El Camino Real. www.delmarhighlandstowncenter.com

FREE Creativity & Connection: Lunch Social. Adults with epilepsy (18+) are invited to join us this free community event. Celebrate the holiday season with food, friends and fun. Enjoy lunch, friendly games and an opportunity to connect with others. Lunch and beverages provided. Dec. 18, 12-1:30 pm. RSVP by Dec. 16. Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County, 2055 El Cajon Blvd. https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/LunchSocial

Ups and Downtown Roller Rink. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Through Jan. 3. Maple St., Escondido. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido

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

friday | 19

FREE Santa Day at The Super Dentists. Photos with Santa, giveaways and more. Dec. 19, Escondido (390 W. Valley Pkwy.) www.thesuperdentists.com

“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

Jungle 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

Ups and Downtown Roller Rink. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Through Jan. 3. Maple St., Escondido. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido

saturday | 20

Ups and Downtown Roller Rink. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Through Jan. 3. Maple St., Escondido. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido

City Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.” Through Dec. 23. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. www.artcenter.org

Spectrum Social & Girl Power Potluck Holiday Party. We invite autistic adults ages 18 and over to join us for a holiday celebration. Please bring a treat to share with the group. Dec. 20, 2-4 pm. United Way Main Conference Room, 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd. www.autismsocietysandiego.org/calendar

“The Nutcracker.” Sugarplum fairies, leaping cossacks and flurries of snowflakes swirl across the stage. Dec. 20, 1 & 5 pm & Dec. 21, 1 pm. Starting at $27. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. www.sandiegoballet.org

sunday | 21

Ups and Downtown Roller Rink. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Through Jan. 3. Maple St., Escondido. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido

“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

Holiday Farm Tour Adventure. Embark on a 2.5 hour guided adventure with petting zoo, reptile show, archery, tomahawk throwing, slingshot range, and a hayride with caroling! Prepaid registration required. Check-in 15 min. before reservation. 1-3:30 pm. Fort Cross, 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel. www.visitjulian.com/to-see-do/special-events/country-christmas

monday | 22

Jingle Belle Family Cruise. Celebrate the merriest time of year with carolers, Santa Claus, crafts and more. Through Dec. 25. $45. Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 W. Mission Bay Dr. www.bahiahotel.com

Nutcracker Tea. Following tea, the talented dancers from Scripps Performing Arts Academy present the timeless holiday ballet. Today & tomorrow, 1 & 2:30 pm. $90–$175. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct. Reservations: www.granddelmar.com

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

tuesday | 23

wednesday | 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. www.flagshipsd.com

Christmas Eve Dinner at the Catamaran Resort. A three-course Christmas menu with holiday favorites. 5:30–10 pm. 3999 Mission Blvd. www.catamaranresort.com

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

thursday | 25

Christmas Day

Christmas Day Dining Cruise. Scenic sights and festive seasonal flavors, holiday music and decorations. 1–3 pm. 990 N. Harbor Dr. www.flagshipsd.com

Christmas Day Brunch Cruise. Celebrate Christmas on the water. 11:30 am–1:30 pm. Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr. www.cityexperiences.com

friday | 26

"Magical Marionettes." Family-friendly comedy to celebrate the holidays. Today, 2 pm & Dec. 27–28, 11 am & 2 pm. $10. Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, Balboa Park. www.balboaparkpuppets.com

Ups and Downtown Roller Rink. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Through Jan. 3. Maple St., Escondido. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido

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

saturday | 27

“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

FREE 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

Ups and Downtown Roller Rink. Bring your own skates or rent onsite. Through Jan. 3. Maple St., Escondido. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays-downtown-escondido

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!

sunday | 28

A Magical Cirque Christmas. This high-flying spectacle showcases the world’s most elite cirque performers. 7:30 pm. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. www.sandiegotheaters.org

“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

SeaWorld 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

The 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

Rady 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

Skating 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

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 4. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

“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

monday | 29

FREE 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

Holidays at LEGOLAND. Holiday LEGO characters, giant LEGO tree, seasonal shows and more. Select dates through Jan. 4. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com

Wild 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

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 | 30

Winter 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

Glice 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

Old 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

wednesday | 31

New Year's Eve

Kids' New Year's Eve Party. Ring in 2026 early at LEGOLAND California! Enjoy live entertainment, special treats, a dazzling fireworks show and a count down to “midnight” at 7 pm. Special 3D viewing glasses transform the fireworks into exploding LEGO bricks for an unforgettable way to welcome the new year. One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. www.legoland.com/california/things-to-do/seasonal-events/kids-new-years-eve

Glow BIG Noon Year “It's Time to Glow Up.” Two epic party rooms, six balloon drops, epic performances and non-stop fun. 10 am–1 pm. Alesmith Brewing, 990 AleSmith Ct. https://sdmomsconnect.com

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.plungesandiego.com/special-events-promotions

New Year's Eve Grape Drop. Make this a grape New Year at Temecula's signature New Year's Eve Grape Drop! Celebrate the beginning of 2026 with live music, food vendors and kid’s activities. This family-friendly event features an East Coast countdown at 9 pm with a grape drop in the form of an exciting drone show. www.temeculaca.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=8223

Winter Camps 2025

San Diego Junior Theatre Winter Camp. School may be out, but theater is in! K-6th grade students are welcome to join us for day camps. Students are grouped by age, rotating through classes in drama, music, dance and art. Whether your child is used to the spotlight or new to the stage, JT camps offer a creative outlet for a variety of interests and skill levels. Dec. 22, 23, 29 and 30. 1650 El Prado #208, Casa Del Prado, Balboa Park https://san-diego-junior-theatre.coursestorm.com/category/winter-camps

Winter Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Dec. 22-26, Dec. 29-Jan. 2, 2026. Preschool-6th grade. No camps on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The camp offers kids a unique opportunity to learn about and explore the animal world through hands-on interactions with a variety of species. Campers will discover how animals adapt to the winter season, create winter-themed crafts and enjoy fun, animal-inspired activities. Daily sign-ups available. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/critter-camp/

Little Fish Comic Book Studio Winter Camps. Kidz Comic Camps: Ages 7-11. Students learn the process of developing characters and comics, from initial idea to completed page. At the end of the two-day camp, each child will have a comic story of their own! All materials included. Session 1: 12/22/25 and 12/23/25, 9 am-3 pm. Session 2: 12/29/25 and 12/30/25, 9 am-3 pm. Dungeons & Dragons and Comics Camps: Campers create characters, run a D&D campaign and create their own comic based on their campaign. Sessions run the week of Dec. 22 and the week of Dec. 29. Ages 13+. 6822B El Cajon Blvd. www.lilfish.us/camps

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Updated: December 2025