17 Magical San Diego Christmas Events You Can't Miss in 2024

Dreaming of a white Christmas... with a side of sunshine? Escape the ordinary this year and experience the magic of San Diego Christmas events!

America's Finest City offers experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world. Where else can you ice skate overlooking the Pacific Ocean, attend a holiday market in a major league baseball stadium, or celebrate Christmas on an aircraft carrier?

TravelThru’s curated guide to San Diego Christmas Events 2024 will give you where to find the most magical experiences and how to make the most of each festive attraction. Don't let this holiday season pass without experiencing these must-see celebrations.

Our Top Pick Christmas Events in San Diego

1. Hotel Del Coronado Christmas Celebrations

• Location: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118

• Dates: November 21, 2024 – January 05, 2025

   

  

The Hotel del Coronado transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, offering festive fun for all ages.

You can enjoy ice skating by the sea, decorating gingerbread houses, taking photos with Santa, and watching holiday movies on the beach. For a truly unique experience, rent a beachside firepit for s'mores or reserve one of the luxurious beachside igloos.

This year's "Lights, Camera, Holiday!" theme brings Old Hollywood glamour to the resort, with dazzling decorations throughout.

2. Jingle Jets at the U.S.S. Midway Museum

• Location: 910 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
• Dates: November 22 – December 23, 2024

• Opening times: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM. PDT (Last entry at 8:00 PM)

   

  

Looking for a unique and festive holiday experience in San Diego? Head to the USS Midway Museum for Jingle Jets, a relatively new event that debuted in 2023. This festive event transforms the historic aircraft carrier into a dazzling winter wonderland. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights adorn the ship, creating a magical atmosphere, especially when reflecting off the numerous aircraft on display.  

Families will love the live music, engaging activities, and the opportunity to write letters to service members. With festivities spanning the flight deck, hangar deck, and lower deck, there's plenty to explore and enjoy at Jingle Jets.

3. Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular

• Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
• Opening times: 4 PM - 9 PM
• Dates: December 13–15, 20–23, and 26

The event's highlight is its eco-conscious ice skating rink, featuring innovative "glice" technology that delivers all the joy of winter skating without environmental impact. This synthetic ice surface provides the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a traditional winter activity in San Diego's mild climate.

You can visit Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular website for more information.

4. Enchanted Village at Noah Homes

• Dates: December 15-22, 2024 (5 PM - 8 PM)

The Enchanted Village offers an 8-acre winter wonderland experience filled with illuminated trees, festive decorations, and a captivating light tunnel. You can capture memories with Santa, meet beloved holiday characters like Buddy the Elf, and savor delicious food from local vendors.

To accommodate those who prefer daylight or have special needs, the Enchanted Village will open at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19th, for a "Lights Before Dusk" hour. This is specifically designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities or sensory sensitivities.

Early-bird tickets are available until November 27th, priced at $19.99 for adults and $11.99 for children. After November 27th, ticket prices will increase to $24.99 for adults and $14.99 for children. All proceeds from the Enchanted Village event support Noah Homes, a nonprofit organization.

This year, to ensure the best possible experience and remain good stewards of the support they've received, the Enchanted Village has been reimagined as a more intimate, private event for families and close community members. So, if you're interested in attending this year's event, be sure to check the Enchanted Village website to purchase tickets early.

5. Holiday Market at Petco Park

• Location: 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
• Dates: December 05 – December 27, 2024

Gallagher Square is turning into a winter wonderland for the Holiday Market, returning for its fourth year with even more holiday cheer. You can experience the magic of dazzling Christmas lights, meet Santa himself (and maybe even a few live reindeer!), and find unique handcrafted gifts.

You would love to spin the carousel or hop aboard the kids' Christmas train. Wander through sparkling light displays with nightly snowfall, admire the towering 40-foot Christmas tree, and enjoy live entertainment on select nights. Kids can even share their Christmas wishes with Santa, all included with admission!

Looking for a unique venue for your holiday party? The Holiday Market at Petco Park offers customizable packages for corporate and group events, complete with festive food and drinks, access to vendors, music, and dazzling Christmas lights.

6. Tree Lighting at Liberty Station

• Location: The North Promenade and Building 177
• Date: November 29, 2024
• Time: 5 PM - 9 PM

Liberty Station's "Salute the Season" is a yearly event in San Diego packed with festive activities.
 

One of the highlights is the Rady Children's Ice Rink, where your skating supports a good cause. The proceeds help fund the Thriving After Cancer program at Rady Children's Hospital. "Salute the Season" also includes a Hanukkah Celebration and a Nutcracker Tea Party, offering something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.

7. San Diego Santa Run

• Location: The run typically takes place in the heart of San Diego, often starting at a central location such as Embarcadero Marina Park North.
• Date: December 14, 2024

Ho ho ho, runners! Get ready for a festive 5K like no other at the San Diego Santa Run. This annual event brings together thousands of Santas to fill the streets of Pacific Beach with holiday cheer.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual jogger, the San Diego Santa Run offers a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. Choose from a variety of races, including the 5K, a 1-mile kids' run, and even a dog-friendly 1-mile run!

Free San Diego Christmas Events

8. Balboa Park December Nights

• Location: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
• Dates: December 06 (3 PM - 11 PM) & December 07 (11 AM - 11 PM)

Balboa Park December Nights is the undisputed highlight of San Diego's holiday season. As the city's largest Christmas celebration, it offers a vibrant mix of food, entertainment, and festive cheer. You can explore the nation's largest urban cultural park as Balboa Park's many museums and cultural institutions open their doors for free. Don’t forget to enjoy carolers, music, and light displays, and savor delicious international cuisine.

9. Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

• Location: Little Italy, San Diego
• Date: December 07, 2024 (4 PM - 8 PM)

The Little Italy Association is hosting a Christmas celebration on India Street, closing it to traffic from W. Cedar to W. Grape Street. The event will feature a Christmas Village, holiday decorations, a pop-up market, live music, kids' activities, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself!

Children can meet and take photos with Santa at 4 p.m. Later, at 6:30 p.m., everyone can gather at the Piazza Della Famiglia (on W. Date and India Streets) for the Little Italy Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Throughout the holiday season, India Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights and giant 10-foot nutcrackers standing on various corners.

10. Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village

• Date: November 30, 2024 (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Instead of a sleigh, this cool Santa arrives in true SoCal style – by watercraft!

Starting at noon, everyone will gather along the boardwalk to witness Santa's grand entrance from the San Diego Bay. He'll be leading a festive parade complete with lively music, colorful characters, and plenty of holiday spirit.

Don't miss this chance to snap a photo with Surfin' Santa and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Seaport Village decked out for the holidays. It's a fun and festive way to kick off the Christmas season in San Diego.

11. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

• Dates: December 8 and December 15, 2024
• Start time: Both evenings begin at 5:30 PM

Looking for a free and festive way to celebrate Christmas in San Diego? Look no further than the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights! This dazzling spectacle illuminates the San Diego Bay with a procession of over 80 boats decked out in twinkling holiday lights.

This year's theme, "Peace on Earth," promises to bring extra sparkle and heartwarming cheer to the waterfront. Great spots to watch the parade include the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Coronado Ferry Landing, which offers a variety of shops and restaurants. No matter where you choose to watch it from, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a must-see event this holiday.

Christmas Family Events in San Diego

12. SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

• Location: 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
• Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 05, 2025

SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration offers a festive way to experience the holidays. You can stroll through shimmering artificial snow, past dazzling decorations, and a mesmerizing tunnel of lights, all while heading to your favorite animal exhibits. The celebration also features spectacular Christmas shows with live music, dazzling fireworks, and impressive laser displays.

While a 30-foot Christmas tree is impressive, it's dwarfed by SeaWorld's 320-foot SkyTower. During the holidays, the SkyTower becomes the "Tree of Lights," adorned with festive lights and topped with a shining star. This ride offers breathtaking 360-degree views of San Diego.

13. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

• Dates: December 14, 2024 – January 05, 2025

The world-famous San Diego Zoo becomes an even more magical place during the Christmas season, offering fun for all ages. With extended hours after dark, the zoo is transformed by twinkling lights, festive decorations, joyful music, roaming entertainers, and delicious holiday treats.

Capture a special memory with Santa, hop aboard the enchanting Twinkle Light Trolley, and don't miss the Jungle Brass! This talented musical group puts a unique spin on classic holiday tunes. It's a fantastic Christmas experience for the whole family.

14. A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place

• Dates: November 16, 2024 – January 05, 2025

Sesame Place throws a fantastic Christmas party called "A Very Furry Christmas," perfect for families with young children.

The park becomes a winter wonderland, complete with a towering 24-foot Christmas tree, sparkling lights, festive decorations, and photo opportunities with Santa and your favorite Sesame Street characters. You will enjoy a festive parade, a lively dance party, a Christmas tree maze, delicious holiday treats, and all the fun rides Sesame Place has to offer.

If you're looking for a magical and memorable Christmas experience for little ones in San Diego, Sesame Place is the place to be!

15. Holidays at LEGOLAND California

• Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 05, 2025
• Location: LEGOLAND California Resort, One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008

LEGOLAND California takes Christmas celebrations to new heights with the world's largest LEGO Christmas tree! This 30-foot-tall masterpiece is built with thousands of green DUPLO® bricks and decorated with over 400 LEGO ornaments.

The entire resort transforms into a festive wonderland during Holidays at LEGOLAND. Fun Town becomes a winter wonderland with life-size LEGO versions of Santa and his reindeer. You can enjoy live entertainment, festive "snowfall," and special holiday events like the Jingle Jamboree sing and dance show, Benny's Ugly Sweater Party, and Once Upon a Brick-Mas with the popular Bagsy and Sweeps characters.

16. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! At The Old Globe

• Dates: November 06, 2024 – November 21, 2024
• Location: The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101

Experience the magic of Dr. Seuss's beloved holiday classic, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," in a whole new way at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. This lively stage adaptation brings the Grinch's story to life with vibrant performances, catchy songs from the classic TV special, and brand-new musical numbers. It's a festive treat for the whole family!

The show runs from November 8th to December 31st, with various showtimes available. To check the schedule and snag your tickets, visit the official website. Ticket prices range from $32 to $88 for adults and $26 to $72 for children aged 3 to 17, depending on your chosen seating.

17. Santa Train North Pole

• Location: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Campo, CA
• Dates: November 29 – December 21, 2024 (Fridays and Saturdays)

• Ticket Prices:

  
  Infants (under age 1): Free
  Children (ages 1-17): Starting at $15
  Adults (ages 18+): Starting at $30

   

This holiday season, experience the magic of the North Pole without leaving San Diego! Every Friday and Saturday from November 29th to December 21st, 2024, the Santa Train North Pole Limited will be departing from the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo.

This festive train ride takes you on a journey through San Diego's scenic backcountry, complete with Christmas carols, holiday stories, and delicious treats like cookies and hot chocolate. Along the way, the train will make a special stop at Santa's Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves, who will then join passengers for the return trip to Campo Depot.

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As you plan your holiday celebrations, these San Diego Christmas events offer something truly special for everyone. Remember to book your tickets early, as many of these popular events reach capacity quickly, especially during peak weekends.

With perfect weather, stunning coastal backdrops, and unique celebrations that blend California charm with holiday spirit, you'll discover why celebrating Christmas in San Diego is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Start planning your holiday adventure today, and create memories that will last long after the season ends.