Christmas in San Diego is a wonderful time of the year. The city's mild climate and festive atmosphere make it an ideal place to celebrate the holiday season. From beautiful light displays to fun events and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 10 ways to celebrate Christmas in San Diego in 2024:
The city's festive atmosphere is palpable during the holiday season, with many popular attractions and landmarks transformed into winter wonderlands. Whether you're a local or just visiting, San Diego has plenty of fun and festive ways to get into the holiday spirit.
From ice skating and snowfall to festive lights and decorations, San Diego's many holiday events and activities are sure to delight both kids and adults. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 ways to celebrate Christmas in San Diego in 2024.
1. Balboa Park December Nights
The annual Balboa Park December Nights event is a San Diego holiday tradition. This free, two-day celebration features international food, crafts, and entertainment from around the world. With over 350,000 visitors attending each year, it's a must-attend event for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
When:
Friday, December 6, 2024, and Saturday, December 7, 2024Where:
Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 921012. San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells
The San Diego Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with its Jungle Bells event. The zoo is decorated with twinkling lights, and visitors can enjoy animal-themed displays, festive music, and fun activities like cookie decorating and storytelling.
When:
December 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025Where:
San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 921013. La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a fun event that features a festive parade, holiday market, and tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks, as well as activities for kids like face painting and crafts.
When:
Sunday, December 8, 2024Where:
Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 920374. Hotel del Coronado's Holiday Events
The historic Hotel del Coronado is a must-visit during the holiday season, with its stunning decorations and festive events. Visitors can enjoy holiday tea, cookie decorating, and a special Christmas Eve dinner, as well as take part in fun activities like ice skating and s'mores roasting.
When:
Various dates throughout December 2024Where:
Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 921185. Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade
The Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade is a fun event that's perfect for pet owners and animal lovers. The parade features pets dressed in their holiday best, as well as live music, food, and drinks.
When:
Sunday, December 15, 2024Where:
Gaslamp Quarter, 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 921016. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a festive event that features over 80 boats decorated with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Visitors can watch the parade from various spots along the bay, including the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Coronado Ferry Landing.
When:
Sunday, December 8, 2024, and Sunday, December 15, 2024Where:
San Diego Bay, various viewing spots7. Belmont Park's WinterFest
Belmont Park's WinterFest is a fun event that features ice skating, festive lights, and holiday decorations. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, and drinks, as well as take part in fun activities like cookie decorating and face painting.
When:
November 23, 2024, to January 5, 2025Where:
Belmont Park, 3145 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 921098. La Mesa's Christmas in the Village
La Mesa's Christmas in the Village is a fun event that features a festive holiday market, live music, and a tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and holiday shopping, as well as take part in fun activities like face painting and crafts.
When:
Friday, December 6, 2024, and Saturday, December 7, 2024Where:
La Mesa Village, 8250 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 919429. North Park Toyland Parade
The North Park Toyland Parade is a fun event that features festive floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks, as well as take part in fun activities like face painting and crafts.
When:
Saturday, December 14, 2024Where:
North Park, University Avenue and 30th Street, San Diego, CA 9210410. Julian Christmas Tree Lighting
The Julian Christmas Tree Lighting is a festive event that features a tree lighting ceremony, live music, and holiday decorations. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and holiday shopping, as well as take part in fun activities like face painting and crafts.
When:
Saturday, December 7, 2024Where:
Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main St, Julian, CA 92036We hope this article has given you some ideas for celebrating Christmas in San Diego in 2024. From festive parades to holiday markets and tree lighting ceremonies, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful city.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, San Diego is a great place to get into the holiday spirit. So why not start making your plans now? Book your tickets, mark your calendars, and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
What are some popular Christmas events in San Diego?
+Some popular Christmas events in San Diego include the Balboa Park December Nights, San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells, and La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival.
Where can I see Christmas lights in San Diego?
+Some popular spots to see Christmas lights in San Diego include Belmont Park, the Hotel del Coronado, and the San Diego Zoo.
What are some fun holiday activities for kids in San Diego?
+Some fun holiday activities for kids in San Diego include ice skating at Belmont Park, decorating cookies at the Hotel del Coronado, and visiting the San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells event.