The best time of the year is officially here. Thankfully, there is plenty to do in San Diego County to celebrate the season of giving.
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular in Del Mar
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at the Del Mar Fairgrounds kicks off Friday, Dec. 13, and runs for select dates through Dec. 26. This 8-day festive and immersive light display features shimmering lights and brings winter cheer to the beautiful California coast.
Revel in festive activities with friends and family that capture the true essence of the cheer-filled season. Stroll through dazzling light displays, glide across an eco-friendly Glice rink, and enjoy delicious festive treats. Pick out thoughtful and unique gifts for loved ones at the Holiday Market while the kids bounce around Frosty’s Fun Zone. No Christmas experience would be complete without a visit from Santa, and Coastal Christmas offers free photo opportunities with jolly old Saint Nick himself.
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar
From glice skating to meeting Santa to Nutcracker Tea – The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has a holiday event for everyone. The resort also has events on Christmas and New Year’s Day for anyone who wants to skip the holiday cooking but still enjoy the festivities.
Camp Christmas in Pine Valley
Camp Christmas is lighting the campfire for its fourth annual holiday festival with 20 nights of holiday joy. The event opens Friday, Nov. 15 and runs on select nights through Dec. 22. With all the lights and sounds of the holidays, Camp Christmas is an explosion of the holiday season all in one place! From a colorful dancing water show to holiday photo ops, winter hayrides and train rides, as well as “Sappy,” The Talking Christmas Tree – there’s something for everyone that will boost the holiday spirit. Additionally, there’s archery, bounce houses, and a popular game room. Additionally, for an extra fee, guests can enjoy laser tag, a tree top climbing wall and face painting.
Lightscape in Encinitas
Enjoy the San Diego Botanic Garden with the magic of its annual Lightscape event. The one-mile trail features festive lights, music and fun. Food, seasonal treats and beverages are also available for purchase. The event runs Friday, Nov. 15 through Jan. 5.
Winter Wonderland in San Marcos
Lakehouse Resort’s Winter Wonderland returns Dec. 6 and runs through Dec. 29 where guests can enjoy an evening filled with twinkling lights, charming decorations, Frosty’s Fun Zone, Candy Cane Cruises on Lake San Marcos. Guests can also enjoy the famed holiday pop-up bar, Miracle at Brickmans. Enjoy extravagant decorations, custom glassware, and seasonal cocktails that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
Enjoy the world-famous San Diego Zoo or San Diego Safari Park during the holidays. Beginning Nov. 29, guests can immerse in the Wild Holidays where the park lights up in a truly spectacular way. Beginning Dec. 14, San Diego Zoo will open its popular Jungle Bells to all the holiday fun. And, don’t forget to visit the new pandas!
Christmas at SeaWorld
See dazzling new Christmas shows or meet Santa and Rudolph at SeaWorld’s annual Christmas Celebration, which runs from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5. Find photo-perfect moments across acres of beautiful decorations, including San Diego’s Christmas tree, our magnificent 320-foot SkyTower, sparkling with Christmas lights, our music-activated tunnel of lights and our live reindeer. Plus, the popular Christmas Parade will return featuring Santa!
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends. The park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, whirling rides, and festive decorations all around. Enjoy the 24-foot-tall Christmas tree, fun games, photos with Santa Claus, special food and beverages, shopping for unique holiday merchandise, and snapping one-of-a-kind photos with their Sesame Street friends, all dressed up in their holiday best! The event runs through Jan. 5.
Holiday Events at Legoland
It’s the jolliest time of the year at Legoland! Stop by the park to enjoy the LEGO tree, sing and dance at seasonal shows, take “elfies” with LEGO characters and mail letters to Santa. Plus, Legoland will have its famous fireworks show – conveniently at early times for the little ones (On behalf of all parents who respect bedtimes – thank you, Legoland!).
San Diego Bay Views
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina will unveil a brand-new outdoor roller rink experience beginning Nov. 25. Located on the hotel’s scenic Marina Terrace, this unique 6,000-square-foot rink will offer an extraordinary opportunity to skate beneath the swaying palm trees and idyllic docked boats, with unobstructed views of the stunning San Diego Bay. Perfectly primed for families, friends, date nights, and groups, the rink is mere steps from Seaport Village, The Rady Shell, Petco Park, the Gaslamp District, and more, placing Downtown Skate at the epicenter of many of San Diego’s greatest attractions. Cali Cream and other yummy bites will also be available for purchase.
Town & Country Resort
This holiday season, Town & Country Resort will host a SoCal snow day complete with a snow hill for sledding, cookie decorating, and a variety of holiday décor including a life-sized gingerbread house display in the lobby. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, ARLO, is serving bottomless mimosas and festive cocktails at themed holiday brunches, along with a Christmas Day buffet. In addition, the beloved Trixie trailer will offer a ”Tipsy Trixie Elves” cocktail menu for locals and guests to enjoy throughout the season.
The Westgate Hotel
In The Westgate Hotel’s classic old-world European fashion, the property will transform into a winter wonderland with elegant lights, glittering garland, and chandeliers resembling icicles hanging from the ceiling. The hotel’s AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club will also offer a Winter Warmth Ritual and Arctic Glow Facial available from Dec. 1 through Jan. 31. The property will also host Santa’s Story Time, Winter Wonderland, and Grinch’s themed teas filled with savory bites, scones, and sweets with winter twists. For a more traditional Christmas meal, the hotel will offer a Christmas dinner with seasonal dishes, drinks, and desserts.
Omni San Diego
This holiday season, Omni San Diego’s lobby area and signature Ace Porter restaurant will be decked out in holiday décor throughout the season, perfect for getting into the jolly spirit. Guests can also take the skybridge over to Petco Park’s Holiday Market, where they can explore seasonal stalls brimming with unique gifts, artisan crafts, and holiday treats. The property is also welcoming guests and locals with a Hot Chocolate Pour-Over Ritual in the lobby, which includes an interactive experience pouring decadent hot chocolate with optional boozy add-ons like Baileys for adults looking to indulge.
Have an event to add to the Holiday Guide? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com or tell us about it in the comments.
