See all San Diego Christmas happenings this year!
San Diego welcomes Christmas 2025 near Balboa Park and the waterfront, where gardens and marinas brighten with seasonal lights and displays. Festive events, Christmas celebrations and winter attractions include markets, concerts and family activities that blend seaside charm with holiday warmth.
Find the best San Diego Christmas happenings this year!
Top Christmas Events In and Around San Diego
- Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
- Balboa Park December Nights
- Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
- SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
- The Nutcracker
- Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
- 46th Annual Holiday Bowl
- Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party
- Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 2025
- Candlelight Christmas Concerts
See even MORE Christmas events below!
San Diego Christmas Events
San Diego Christmas Movies, Theater and Entertainment
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Golden State Ballet presents the enchanting holiday classic, The Nutcracker, at the San Diego Civic Theatre. This beloved tale unfolds with dazzling scenery, exquisite costumes, and the timeless score by Tchaikovsky, performed live by the renowned San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Experience Clara's magical journey with her Nutcracker Prince in San Diego's premier ballet event.
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Prepare for a whimsical holiday celebration as The Old Globe presents the 28th annual production of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This cherished family favorite brings the classic tale to life with enchanting music and beloved characters. The theatre itself transforms into the magical, snow-covered Whoville, offering a truly immersive experience. Don't miss this delightful theatrical event that captures the spirit of the season.
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Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with Candlelight Christmas Concerts. These enchanting events feature talented musicians performing beloved Christmas carols and classical holiday pieces, such as 'The Nutcracker,' in stunning, candlelit venues. Experience the festive spirit through beautiful melodies and a unique, intimate atmosphere.
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Experience the magic of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' like never before. This reimagined production, celebrating its tenth anniversary at Cygnet Theatre, brings the timeless tale of hope and redemption to life with a fresh twist. Perfect for all ages, it's a visually stunning and heartwarming theatrical journey filled with festive magic and the enduring spirit of the holidays.
San Diego Christmas Markets and Shopping
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Experience the magic of the Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park, returning for its fourth year. This festive event transforms Gallagher Square into a winter wonderland with dazzling Christmas lights, a charming Christmas Train, and a carousel. Visitors can shop for unique handcrafted gifts from over 100 artisan vendors, enjoy seasonal treats like hot chocolate and cider, and meet Santa Claus.
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Experience the magic of the Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village, transforming into a festive wonderland. Discover unique artisan gifts, enjoy live music, and savor seasonal treats. The highlight is the traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony, culminating in Santa's arrival. It's a perfect family-friendly event to embrace the holiday spirit.
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Discover the heart of San Diego's creative spirit at the San Diego Made Holiday Market. This curated event showcases a diverse array of locally handmade products, from unique fashion and accessories to artisanal home goods and gifts. It's the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting talented local makers and designers.
San Diego Christmas Light Displays
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Balboa Park December Nights returns in 2025 as San Diego's premier free holiday festival. This beloved event transforms the park into a festive wonderland with dazzling lights, captivating music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Attendees can explore a variety of entertainment, enjoy delicious food and drinks from numerous vendors, and discover unique holiday shopping opportunities.
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Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells celebration. This annual event transforms the zoo into a festive spectacle with dazzling light displays, captivating live entertainment, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. Families can enjoy carols, acrobatic elves, and interactive games, all while exploring the zoo after dark.
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SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a magical winter wonderland for its annual Christmas Celebration. Visitors can immerse themselves in a dazzling display of over one million lights, enjoy festive shows like the all-new 'Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas,' and meet beloved characters like Santa and Rudolph. Experience nightly snowfall, a festive parade, and a spectacular laser light show. Indulge in seasonal treats and explore themed shopping areas for unique holiday gifts.
San Diego Christmas Food, Drink and Parties
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Get ready for TAP's 4th Annual Tinsel & Tails Holiday Extravaganza, a vibrant celebration packed with holiday cheer, furry friends, and fun for everyone. This family and dog-friendly event features a Pawliday Market with local vendors, delicious food trucks, and festive drinks. Enjoy live music, a raffle, silent auction, a photo booth, and special appearances, making it the ultimate holiday gathering.
San Diego Other Christmas Activities
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Embark on a magical journey through San Diego's festive holiday season with Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour. This enchanting experience features "Elf" conductors leading sing-along carols and sharing fun holiday facts and traditions. Guests will be treated to a dazzling display of Christmas lights and decorations as the trolley winds through Old Town, Little Italy, and other beautifully adorned neighborhoods, creating a truly memorable holiday adventure.
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Experience San Diego's biggest holiday party with the 46th Annual Holiday Bowl! This signature event includes a spectacular parade with giant balloons and marching bands, a lively tailgate party, and a thrilling football game. Enjoy free family fun at the Snapdragon Bowl Bash in the Gaslamp Quarter, complete with live music and local specials.
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Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party! This festive event invites pets of all kinds to don their holiday best for a lively parade through the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Following the parade, the celebration continues with a pet-friendly 'Pups in the Pub Party' featuring entertainment, treats, and photo opportunities.
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Liberty Station invites visitors to embrace the holiday spirit at their annual Salute the Season celebration, highlighted by the magical Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of their festive holiday offerings, creating a memorable experience for all.
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Lace up your skates for a magical outdoor ice skating experience at the Rady Children's Ice Rink in San Diego's ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. This festive event offers public skating sessions daily, with special hours on major holidays. All proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit the Thriving After Cancer Program at Rady Children's Hospital, making every glide a step towards supporting children's health.
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Experience the magic of the holiday season with the Holly Jolly Trolley event. This festive adventure includes a charming ride on a vintage trolley, adorned with holiday cheer, through downtown San Diego. Festivities at Gaslamp Quarter Station feature hot cocoa, cookies, a visit from Santa, and a holiday photobooth, creating a memorable celebration for all.
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Join the festive Ocean Beach Holiday Parade, a cherished community event held on the first Saturday in December. This vibrant parade brings holiday cheer to Newport Avenue, showcasing creative floats and community participants. It's a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy a lively spectacle by the sea.
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Awaken Church invites San Diego to its 6th Annual Night of Christmas, a spectacular holiday celebration at The Rady Shell. This magical evening features classic carols, a breathtaking fireworks display, a full string orchestra, mesmerizing aerialists, and heartwarming stories. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting family memories and start a new holiday tradition.
Christmas Events Near San Diego
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Our goal is complete coverage—from major festivals to small community celebrations, ensuring you never miss anything happening in your area.
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