San Diego County transforms into a holiday wonderland as the year approaches December. You’ll find dazzling Christmas events that capture the magic of the season. From twinkling light displays along the scenic coast to festive parades through charming neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. San Diego’s blend of cultural festivities and holiday spirit is sure to create unforgettable memories for the whole family. Join us as we explore the best Christmas events this vibrant county offers, ensuring your holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and holiday cheer.

Important Note: Please visit the websites of attractions before visiting for the latest information and particular guidelines that apply per listed attraction.  Information may change after posting on our website.

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Christmas Events Campo

Campo – Santa Train North Pole Limited

Experience the magic of Christmas aboard the Santa Train North Pole Limited! Starting at the lighted Campo Depot, the journey begins with picking up tickets in the restored passenger waiting room.

Arriving at least 45 minutes early is recommended to allow time for parking, ticket collection, and a visit to the gift shop. Don’t miss the chance to listen to captivating tales from railroading’s past at the nearby Hobo Camp.

Once onboard, Santa’s elves will delight passengers with Christmas carols, a cherished holiday story, and treats of cookies and hot chocolate for everyone. The train stops at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will visit with all passengers on the return trip to Campo Depot. The enchanting train ride lasts approximately 90 minutes, creating memories for both young and old in the heartwarming spirit of the season. 

Members-only early access ticket sales begin September 2, 2024.  General public ticket sales begin September 16, 2024

Dates: November 28 – December 21, 2025 – Recurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the season
Location: All trains depart from the Campo Depot located at 750 Depot St., Campo, CA 91906
Website: https://www.psrm.org/npl/

Christmas Events Carlsbad

Carlsbad – Holiday at the Rancho

Explore Leo Carrillo Ranch lit up with holiday lights, decorations, and a backdrop of classic holiday musical performance. Watch the holiday tree lighting at 6 p.m. on the sand near the pool. Decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, participate in the ‘plush’ snowball fight, and enjoy festive entertainment. Face painting, train rides, an outdoor movie and a special visit by Santa are also included. A holiday film will be featured on the outdoor movie screen starting at 6:15 p.m.

Dates: December 6, 2025
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: Leo Carrillo Ranch Historical Park – 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane
Website: Holiday at the Rancho

Carlsbad – Holidays at Legoland

Get ready for a bricktacular holiday adventure at LEGOLAND California, where the entire resort transforms into a festive wonderland. Create lasting family memories as you rock around the giant LEGO tree, enjoy seasonal shows, and snap “elfies” with your favorite holiday LEGO characters. Don’t forget to indulge in limited-time festive treats and strike a pose at incredible photo spots, including the larger-than-life LEGO wreath and a brand-new LEGO Santa with his sleigh and reindeer. It’s the perfect way to add a little LEGO magic to your holiday season!

Dates: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (select days – check website)
Location: 1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
Admission: Check the Legoland website for pricing options
Website: Holidays at Legoland

Stay Nearby –  West Inn & Suites
Rated 4.6 on Expedia

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Christmas Events Chula Vista

Chula Vista – Starlight Parade & Festival

Celebrate the magic of the holidays in Chula Vista at the 61st Annual Starlight Parade and Festival! The City of Chula Vista presents this beloved South Bay tradition, which will light up Third Avenue with dazzling floats, joyful participants, and activities for all ages. New twists will also be on this long-standing favorite event, including a holiday movie showing at the Memorial Bowl. 

Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 3 pm – 7 pm
Location: Downtown Chula Vista
Website: https://www.starlightparade.com/

Christmas Events Coronado

Coronado – Skating by the Sea

Take a spin around Hotel del Coronado’s famous beachfront ice rink, featuring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. A portion of the proceeds benefitting Make-A-Wish® San Diego. Enhance your experience by reserving a rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge with plush seating, roaring fire pits, holiday-themed libations, and delectable bites. Guests can also enjoy ice rink views from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater and Serẽa.

Daily skating schedule and ticket details will be available this fall.

Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA, 92118
Admission: Varies – check the hotel website
Website: Skating By The Sea

Book a Stay at the Hotel del Coronado

Christmas Events Encinitas

Encinitas – Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

See the San Diego Botanic Garden, illuminated with over one million holiday lights, tunnels, and artistic installations. In years past, this show has been displayed to sold-out audiences in Chicago, London, Los Angeles, and New York. The 37-acre garden in Encinitas makes for a beautiful landscape where the night sky will be beautifully illuminated with color and sound.

The Lightscape one-mile loop trail extends throughout the gardens on steep hills and uneven dirt pathways.  Bring comfortable walking shoes.

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: Quail Gardens Drive and Ecke Ranch Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Website: Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden

Stay Nearby –  West Inn & Suites
Rated 4.6 on Expedia

Encinitas – Holiday Street Fair

Since 1989, the Holiday Street Fair in Encinitas has been a beloved tradition offering many attractions and experiences. With children’s rides, live entertainment on two stages, and delicious food and drink options, it provides a delightful atmosphere for the public and vendors.

The fair showcases the talents of popular local bands in the Lumberyard Courtyard, while the Community Stage hosts various forms of entertainment. Additionally, there are dedicated areas such as the Kids Zone for fun activities and the Dog Zone for furry friends to enjoy treats and special attention.

Visitors are spoilt for choice with an abundance of food choices from unique vendors and over 40 restaurants and bars in downtown Encinitas. Bring your bag(s) for all your street fair shopping, as single-use plastic bags are no longer provided by merchants in Encinitas.

Dates: November 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Coast Highway 101 between D and J Streets, Encinitas, CA 92024 
Admission: Free
Website: Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

Christmas Events Escondido

Escondido – California Center For The Arts Holiday Events

The California Center for the Arts presents several nights of holiday themed events this year.

November 30, 2025: The Nutcracker by International Ballet Stars
December 3, 2025: SPHS Music Department – 2025 Holiday Concert
December 3, 2025: Irish Christmas in America
December 6, 2025: Dance Academy Del Mar presents The Nutcracker
December 6-7, 2025: Winter Wonderland Festival
December 7, 2025: West Coast Dance Complex presents – THE NUTCRACKER
December 8, 2025: Gentri Christmas
December 10, 2025: World Ballet Company Presents The Nutcracker
December 10, 2025: EHS Music Department presents the 2025 Winter Music Concert
December 13-14, 2025: West Coast Ballet & San Elijo Dance and Music Academy presents THE NUTCRACKER
December 13, 2025: Steam Powered Giraffe: Yulemas Special Show
December 20, 2025: San Diego Academy of Ballet – The Nutcracker
December 20-23, 2025: City Ballet of San Diego presents The Nutcracker

Location: 340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido, CA 92025
Admission: Varies by event- check the California Center for the Arts website
https://artcenter.org/

Christmas Events Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach – Sawdust Winter Fantasy

Laguna Beach’s Sawdust Winter Fantasy is a must-visit one-of-a-kind holiday art festival. Step into an enchanting winter wonderland illuminated by thousands of lights and adorned with festive decorations.

With over 160 artists showcasing their handcrafted gifts, this festival offers a unique and immersive shopping experience. Enjoy live music from three stages, community performances, carolers, puppeteers, and indulge in delicious food. Additionally, you can take an art class to unleash your creativity or even get your picture taken with Santa Claus. 

Dates: November 21 – December 22, 2025
Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Website: Sawdust Winter Fantasy

Christmas Events Oceanside

Oceanside – Harbor Parade of Lights

The Harbor Parade of Lights in Oceanside is a must-see celebration that promises to enchant onlookers with its festive charm. As you cozy up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, you’ll be treated to a spectacular display of holiday spirit. Fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, kayaks, and dinghies will be adorned in delightful holiday swag as they circle the harbor, spreading joy to all. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus and his merry crew, waving from the deck of these beautifully decorated vessels. 

For the best view, head to the side of the Oceanside Harbor near the fishing dock and police station, where you can see the parade not once but twice! If you prefer to stroll, the concrete walkway surrounding the harbor offers a perfect vantage point for the magical procession. Take advantage of this delightful event that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season.

Date: December 13, 2025
Location: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054 
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Website: https://visitoceanside.org/events/parade-of-lights/

Christmas Events San Diego

San Diego – Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show

It’s back! San Diego has another show in its Christmas stocking with this fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. All the traditional elements of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol are intact—including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future—but with a comic local twist. Audiences of all ages will cheer Ebenezer Scrooge’s rediscovery of the Christmas spirit in this riotous Dickens mash-up filled with music and laughter—all set in “wintery” San Diego.

Running time: One hour and 15 minutes. There is no intermission.

By Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen
Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Directed by Gordon Greenberg

Dates: November 21 – December 28, 2025
Location: The Old Globe Theater
Website: Ebeneezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show

San Diego – Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Experience the enchanting world of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in this whimsical musical adaptation of the beloved book. Join us for another incredible year as we bring to life the heartwarming story filled with catchy songs like “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and the delightful carol “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” Step into the snow-covered Who-ville, as the Old Globe Theatre magically transforms into a festive wonderland, capturing every whimsical detail right down to the last can of Who-hash. Get ready to celebrate the holidays like never before!

Dates: November 5 – December 31, 2025 (check website for specific days and times)
Location: The Old Globe – 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Dr. Seuss How The Grinch Stole Christmas

San Diego – December Nights at Balboa Park

A fun place for San Diego Christmas events is right in the heart of Balboa Park. This wintertime family-friendly event brings the sights and sounds of Christmas to San Diego. Enjoy the amazing Family Zone with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, attractions, delicious food, and more! And it’s free!

Dates: December 5-6, 2025
Location: Balboa Park
Admission: Free
https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights

Stay Nearby –  Moxy San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
Rated 4.6 on Expedia

San Diego – Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village. This family-friendly event invites you to explore a festive wonderland adorned with twinkling lights, 10-foot tall nutcrackers, and kinetic tree displays.

Your adventure awaits as you wander through the Christmas Village, discovering unique stocking stuffers from artisan and Mercato vendors. Enjoy live music and entertainment before gathering for the main event: a traditional tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm in the Piazza della Famiglia, where Santa himself will be making an appearance to grant Christmas wishes.

Dates: December 6, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Piazza della Famiglia -523 W. Date Street,San Diego, CA 92101
Website: https://www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting

San Diego – Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Arts District

Get into the festive spirit at Rady Children’s Ice Rink at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station! Enjoy outdoor ice skating in the Central Promenade while supporting a great cause. Be sure to mark your calendar for special events like Gulls Night, iHeart Rady Children’s Night, and Rady Children’s Auxiliary Day. Net proceeds go towards the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s. So lace up your skates and join in on the holiday fun!

Dates: November 20, 2025 – Sunday, January 4. 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Central Promenade at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station – 2875 Dewey Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
Website: https://rchicerink.org/

San Diego – San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells

Buy a ticket to the San Diego Zoo and enjoy the included Jungle Balls celebration. Enjoy live entertainment, animal light sculptures, and the spectacular show, Aurora. Listen to the Jingle Brass and the Tinseltones for holiday music. Experience holiday-themed activities through the grounds of the zoo.

Dates: December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (select dates)
Location: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells

San Diego – Parade of Lights Premier Dinner Cruise

Experience a memorable evening on the San Diego Bay with a cruise aboard a yacht and witness the stunning Parade of Lights. See festively decorated local boats navigating through the bay, illuminating the night with their vibrant lights. Take in the breathtaking sights from the comfort of your table while indulging in a delicious buffet filled with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts.  Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as a DJ spins holiday tunes with captivating holiday music. With guaranteed table seating, unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the remarkable views. 

Dates: December 14 & 21, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: 1800 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
Admission: From $131
Cocktail Attire
https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-diego/city-cruises/parade-of-lights-dinner-cruise/

San Diego – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 40 years! Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

Dates: November 21-22, 2025
Location: San Diego Civic Theatre
Website: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

San Diego – Home Alone 35th Anniversary with Macaulay Culkin

Embark on an unforgettable journey back to the 90s with “Home Alone: A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin.” Celebrate the 35th anniversary of this timeless holiday classic with a special big-screen showing, followed by a moderated interview with the star who brought Kevin McCallister to life. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories and discover why the film remains a cherished favorite.

For the ultimate fan, limited VIP tickets offer an exclusive experience, including premium seating and a private post-show Q&A. This is a can’t-miss event for fans of all ages, promising an evening filled with laughter, memories, and holiday spirit.

Date: November 25, 2025
Location: San Diego Civic Theater
Website: Home Alone 35th Anniversary

San Diego – The Snow Queen

Snow Queen is a classic fairytale transformed into an exquisite ballet about love and friendship, and how the warmth of a friend’s devoted heart removes the spell of a wicked Queen. A colorful journey full of dangers and obstacles, shown through the beauty and aesthetics of the ballet will bring festive delight to the stage this winter.

Date: November 26, 2025
Location: San Diego Civic Theater
Website: The Snow Queen

San Diego – Holiday Shows at San Diego Civic Theater

December 6-7, 2025: The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company
December 11, 2025: The Good, The Bad, and The Donkey
December 12-14, 19-21,, 2025: Golden State Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
December 15, 2025: Double Feature: Old Scrooge (1926) & A Dog’s Life (1918)
December 18, 2025: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
December 21, 2025: An Irish Christmas
December 28, 2025: A Magical Cirque Christmas

San Diego – SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

Experience the magic of Christmas at SeaWorld San Diego, California’s ultimate holiday celebration. The park transforms into a winter wonderland with over one million twinkling lights, nightly snowfall, and festive decorations, including the iconic 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights. Create unforgettable memories with live musical shows, heartwarming parades, and a spectacular Christmas Wish Fireworks Show on select nights. You can even meet Santa Claus and his real reindeer, say hello to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, and enjoy delicious holiday food and drinks.

Your adventure continues with a lineup of all-new and returning favorite shows and experiences. Laugh along with the hilarious “Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special,” feel the festive cheer with the “Jingle Squad” musicians, and be dazzled by “Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show.” There’s something for everyone, from soulful holiday classics at “A Stocking Full of Soul” to the merry journey of “Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Parade.” It’s a festive journey packed with jo

Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Admission: Visit the park website for pricing options
https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/christmas/

San Diego – Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Experience Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park like never before! Embark on a holiday expedition of illuminated wonders as you journey through captivating places adorned with twinkling lights. Immerse yourself in the joyful ambiance set by delightful holiday tunes while tantalizing seasonal food treats tempt you at every turn. This extraordinary event offers a unique opportunity to see the Safari Park in a new light, creating unforgettable memories for the entire family. Don’t miss out on this enchanting adventure that combines the holidays’ magic with the animal kingdom’s natural beauty.

Dates: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Location: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Website: Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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Christmas Events Vista

Vista – Vista Christmas Parade

Enjoy a holiday parade with music, bands, dancers, and more. The Grand Marshall this year is Danny Villaseñor from Peppertree Frosty! This year’s theme is Viva Vista!  

Date: December 6, 2025
Time: Starts at 1:00 pm
Location: Historic Downtown Vista
Website: Vista Christmas Parade

Bookmark our San Diego County Christmas Events Guide

San Diego County offers many things to do between November and January to keep you in the holiday spirit.  We hope you’ve found this San Diego County Christmas Events directory helpful and wish you a wonderful winter season.  Thanks for visiting our website.

We hope to see you at the places where we go.

Julie & Art

Check out more seasonal event guides

Halloween events in Southern California – Bookmark it for next year!
Julefest Christmas in Solvang, California
Celebrate Victorian Christmas in Nevada City, California

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