Tour Highlights. Enjoy touring the San Diego Botanic Gardens for their Botanic Wonderland Holiday Nights in the Garden event on select nights in December from 5-8:30pm. Check the schedule for Santa visit dates. Pin this to bookmark all the best Christmas events in San Diego for families; we update it yearly: MADE WITH ❤️ IN CALIFORNIA© 2020 TREKAROO, INC. Christmas Events at San Diego Theme Parks, Christmas in Southern California | San Diego, Orange County, & Los Angeles Christmas Events 2020, The Best Seattle Christmas Events for Families 2020, 8. You have two opportunities to see Santa at Seaport Village in downtown San Diego this year. ... s highly anticipated holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Where to See The Nutcracker in San Diego, 5. Balboa Park December Nights is one of the most popular San Diego holiday events and has been modified for 2020. This year, many will agree that the lights that routinely illuminate the holidays are needed more than ever. See also: How to Buy Discounted Tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. This year, the production can be heard on the radio for free. The Little Italy Holiday Special will stream via various platforms, details are still to be determined. We’ve packed our calendar full of fun all year long. This event has passed. find more. Find them throughout Liberty Station’s North and South Promenade. The San Diego Ballet Company is presenting eight outdoor matinee performances of The Nutcracker Ballet on Friday, November 27 – Sunday, November 29 and Saturday, December 5 – Sunday, December 6. [view:main_events_calendar=block_month] Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters. Shows opens December 18-December 23rd at the Don Powell Theatre at San Diego Stage University. The San Diego … There will be some other fun events so keep an eye on their calendar for more holiday cheer. San Diego holiday and Christmas events in 2020 include popular annual activities that are modified to current health and safety measures, in addition to some new festive fun. Santa’s Workshop comes alive with dancing elves, Raggedy Ann dolls, toy soldiers, and magical toys. This is ice-skating in an urban environment with the added bonus of proceeds benefiting Rady Children’s Hospital. This holiday season thousands of white sparkling lights, towering Christmas trees, ornament-trimmed evergreens, snowy surprises, and garlands galore transform The Del’s beachfront Windsor Lawn into a Winter Wonderland. December 4-6, 11-23, 25-31, and January 1-3. For each donated toy, you will receive an awesome reward at the respective location, like a day pass to the Plunge, 25% your next visit to Draft, or “Rent One, Get One Free” at Mission Beach Rentals. Palm Ave. & 4th street. Details are still being ironed, but I did read that they may make the floats stationary while viewers drive by—stay tuned. This event is now cancelled since San Diego County moved into the Purple Tier. You can stop by weekends from December 5 - 27 from 5 - 9pm. Visiting Christmas lights is a holiday pastime, and the San Diego area boasts a variety of impressive displays that will not disappoint. Guests would have enjoyed an exclusive breakfast menu by Sam “The Cooking Guy” in addition to photos with Surfin’ Santa, an interactive magic show with the Toy Soldier, live music, and goodie bags. The 21st annual tree lighting ceremony and Christmas village in downtown San Diego Little Italy has gone virtual for 2020. Beachfront Christmas Tree . Your 2020 Guide to the San Diego Holiday Season 19 festive events and pop-ups for your annual dose of holiday cheer We've rounded-up San Diego's best holiday events and Christmas events including drive-thru holiday events and walk-thru holiday events you can find at Holidays at LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park, Holidays in Your Car at Del Mar, San Diego Botanic Garden and more. Last year the Lamb’s Players presented “A Lamb’s Festival of Christmas” at their Festival of Christmas. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Don't miss this San Diego events December. Don’t miss the Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, musical and dance presentations by the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and a diverse choice of ethnic foods at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages. The family event is called Winter Wonder and it’s also a good time to see new Go Kart track which has been decked out with lights, even if you can’t ride it. “Christmas in the Cove” is the theme for the La Jolla Christmas Parade. Of Note — Concert picks Out & About — What's Happening Overheard in San Diego — Eavesdropping illustrated Poetry — The old and the new Pour Over — Grab a … It’s located directly behind Stone Brewing and ready for all of your photos. It doesn’t get more beautiful than Skating by the Sea just steps from the sand. Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! For example, at Westfield UTC mall, you’ll find Santa starting on November 27 in a new location by Anthropologie. CST# 2011220-40 Guests remain in cars but must have face coverings for interactions with vendors. Select dates between now and January 4, 2021, during park opening hours. Call the store directly for schedule and booking. Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 6:00 PM PT. From dazzling houses to a drive-through event you don’t want to miss, read on for where to see the best Christmas lights in San Diego. Find a place to stay. Be sure to bring a stuffed animal donation to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both). View all posts by Katie Dillon. Your email address will not be published. You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. Make this holiday season merry and bright by taking your family to one of these festive locales to behold gorgeous Christmas lights.We’ve found neighborhoods that are aglow with twinkling lights that will make everyone’s eyes sparkle. SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration, 10. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, 19. Other tentpole events like San Diego Comic-Con International and San Diego … He’ll be ready for photo ops that will be taken a little further away this year. These include the aforementioned drive-in Nutcracker performance in addition to a festive art walk, Christmas tree photo opportunities, and much more. The outdoor, drive-in, pop-up auditorium will accommodate 30 parking spots per show. As of 12/7/20 the San Diego Zoo had to close due to the governor’s Stay at Home order. The La Jolla Christmas Parade is still scheduled with a Christmas at the Cove theme. Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, 11. *This event has been cancelled for 2020. Check out things to do in San Diego here! Bonfire Nights at Old Town State Historic Park. Roast marshmallows around a beach campfire at Hotel Del Coronado. Note: Starting on roughly Monday, December 7, Southern California is in a regional stay at home order which means that many attractions will close for a minimum of three weeks. Whether you're a local, new in town, or just passing through, you'll be sure to find something on Eventbrite that piques your interest. The fantastic museums of Balboa Park will be open for free, and live entertainment and food will be available throughout the area. The residents of Pepper Drive in El Cajon also decorate for the holidays. Aug 18, 2020 - ongoing. Read my full privacy policy. San Diego Weekend Arts Events: Short Stories, Christmas Jazz, Tchaikovsky And Americana Dec. 17, 2020; San Diego Weekend Arts Events: … Before heading to bed, enjoy special Elf Tuck-Ins as a guest. South Park's Luminaria Season runs along 30th Street and Fern Street in San Diego from Juniper to Grape, to Beech Streets. Stay at the Hotel Del Coronado and ice skate with the family! Learn more in my round-up of things to do at Hotel del Coronado during the holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there is hardly a more beautiful place to enjoy the Christmas season than in San Diego! The parade of decorated boats starts at southwest end of Shelter Island, and travels past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace before ending at the navy carrier turning basin. and last updated 2020-12-06 16:53:24-05. Surfin’ Santa’s typical arrival festivities have been canceled and sadly so was his planned breakfast at Eats by Sam. The rides are closed by outdoor exhibits, and shows are still running. Great places to view this event are at the Coronado Ferry Landing, Seaport Village, and the Embarcadero on both December 13 and 20, 2020 starting at 5:30pm, followed by fireworks. First, ring the kids and prepare to do some shopping at Old Town State Historic Park. One of the most famous is in the South Bay neighborhood of Chula Vista, known as "Christmas Circle." between. In San Diego County, several areas go all out with their Christmas lights. Christmas on Knob Hill began in 1988 and is now one of the largest Christmas light displays in San Diego county. Breakfast and Photos with Santa at Seaport Village, 21. Beachfront Christmas Tree. Find a place to stay. Book your stay at the Hotel Del Coronado. If you snap photos with the installations and post them to social media with #SaluteTheSeason, you may win a chance to Zoom with Santa Claus. There will be music and pictures with Santa available. Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. Check back frequently for updates. Whether you're a local, new in town, or just passing through, you'll be sure to find something on Eventbrite that piques your interest. San Diego County holiday events adapt amid coronavirus pandemic . More than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights sail through the waters of San Diego Bay in the Parade of Lights. The tree lighting will be streamed on December 5 from 5:30-6:15 p.m. There is always lots to do during the holiday season at the Hotel del Coronado. San Diego Events Use the calendar below to plan events to attend when you visit San Diego . You can still get Christmas dinner in San Diego via take-out. Birch Aquarium Holiday SEAson Seas ‘n’ Greetings, 11. See also: How to Buy Discounted Tickets to the San Diego Zoo. [view:main_events_calendar=block_month] Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters. Christmas City USA Morris Cerullo 2020-12-09T13:57:55-08:00. But fortunately there is a new entry for the 2020 holiday season: the Petco Park Holiday Market and Trail. Each house here is estimated to have over 50,000 holiday lights. City Ballet dancers take guests on an extraordinary journey to the magical Land of the Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince a little differently this year — with a masquerade theme! Festivals, Parties, Halloween and Christmas Events. December 24, 2020 at St. James by The Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037 Christmas this year falls on a Friday, Dec. 25. Don’t miss our exquisite tree lighting ceremony with digital LED … January Event Calendar. Instead of the usual Christmas Village, you can shop the weekly Holiday Market on Wednesdays in December from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. It will focus on 20 vendors and food trucks from past December Nights that will feature their most popular menu items. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated. A New Holiday Event in San Diego December 2020 Not all of the old traditions for celebrating Christmas and Hannukah in San Diego will apply this year. These historic places are great to visit these days. See America’s largest balloon parade on December 31 at 10 am. The annual Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo is a celebration that includes an opportunity to view colorful light displays and enjoy live performances such as a DJ, dancing elves, and other musical groups in the evenings. December 31, 2020 - January 1, 2021 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM San Diego International Auto Show. Meanwhile, over at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa kids can listen to stories around the campfire read by one of Santa’s elves as well as roasting s’mores and making gingerbread houses. Neighborhood Christmas Lights in San Diego, List of Canceled San Diego County Holiday Events, things to do at Hotel del Coronado during the holidays, How to Buy Discounted Tickets to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration, How to Buy Discounted Tickets to SeaWorld San Diego, 13 San Diego Discounts: Experience the City for Less, exclusive discounts on theme park tickets, 30 Fun Things to Do in La Jolla, San Diego, 12 Best San Diego Luxury Hotels That Are Truly Five-Star, San Diego in February: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips, 2021 Chinese New Year Events in San Diego, San Diego Museum Month: Usually Half-Off Admission Goes Online in February 2021, San Diego in January: Weather, Events, Things to Do, & Insider Tips. Submit Your Event to add to our calendar. Plan your weekend or entire vacation with our guide to all the December 2020 San Diego Events. Legoland California Christmas Lego Displays | Photo by Flickr/Naystin. The San Diego Zoo gets into the holiday spirit during Jungle Bells, Hop aboard the Twinkle Light Trolley to see lighted animal sculptures throughout the zoo. Top Christmas Events in San Diego For Families in 2020. The Parade of Lights is now cancelled for 2020 because San Diego moved into the Purple Tier. Wave hello to Santa Claus and the many bands and floats of the Annual Coronado Christmas Parade. For about a week before Christmas, Santa stops by nightly to visit with children who want to share their Christmas Lists. Looking for holiday events in San Diego? *By texting the word SDZOO to 1-833-490-0799 you agree to receive automated promotional messages with how to secure my deeper ticket discount and this agreement isn’t a condition of any purchase. Celebrations are markedly different for 2020, to be sure. Note: As of 12/7/20 the governor has ordered hotels to only operate for essential service through at least December 28, 2020. The holidays sure look and feel different in 2020. Note: This event has been cancelled for 2020. At Paradise Point Hotel & Resort kids can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Christmas on Knob Hill began in 1988 and is now one of the largest Christmas light displays in San Diego county. Book Now. A new drive-through holiday lighting event will begin at the fairgrounds on Dec. 5. The 15th Annual Grinch Christmas Tree Lighting! Grab your flip-flops, shorts, and swimsuit (and a jacket for those cold nights), and enjoy some of the best Christmas events in San Diego for families! Holiday Events: Christmas, Hanukkah & Santa 2020: San Diego Co. Susan C. Schena 11/22/2020 Fact check: Pelosi's conference room laptop was not taken by special forces during Capitol riot For an additional fee enjoy extra holiday activities: cookie decorating, electronic reindeer rides, stocking decorating, and bumper cars! Your email address will not be published. Location: Ellingham Street and Oviedo Street, just off Black Mountain Road, It’s just one house but it’s well worth seeing. The 15th annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place virtually Sunday, November 22 at 6:00 p.m. PT on the Globe’s website and social media channels. Here is our list of Must-See Christmas lights and events in all of San Diego for 2020! Check out the best hotel deals in San Diego for families. You can also take a self-guided tour of the Salute the Season Art Walk featuring 12 installations inspired by the “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol. The San Diego Zoo gets into the holiday spirit during Jungle Bells, Hop aboard the Twinkle Light Trolley to see lighted animal sculptures throughout the zoo. Lining up plans in San Diego? Check back frequently for updates. Over 100 homes in Carmel Mountain Ranch's Fairway Village are decorated in "Holiday Magic!" Due to the regional stay at home order, most of the planned events are canceled including opportunities to take photos with Santa from a proper distance, arts and crafts for kids, in addition to festive drinks and treats for the whole family. Over 4,000 participants will rock the world’s only Sunny Santa Suit as they take over Garnet Avenue and Cass Street in Pacific Beach. Thank you San Diego for making this year's event a huge success. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. During normal times, these displays can be crowded as visitors walk between the homes to admire them. You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop. The tree is 30 feet tall and has 400 LEGO ornaments. A special breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus is held on two Saturdays in December and sells out quickly. Garden of Lights – San Diego Botanic Garden, 12. This holiday season thousands of white sparkling lights, towering Christmas trees, ornament-trimmed evergreens, snowy surprises, and garlands galore transform The Del’s beachfront Windsor Lawn into a Winter Wonderland. Over the last 30 years the display has grown to over 85,000 lights that is powered 100% by solar power. Traditions of Christmas has grown to be the biggest Christmas show in San Diego drawing over 250,000 patrons since it began. Keep in mind that you should verify dates and times before you go in a rapidly-changing environment like the one we’re in now. Liberty Station’s Salute the Season & Holiday Events, 13. San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr. Tour … As of 12/2/20 advanced reservations are require to visit the zoo. Outlet shoppers can head to Viejas Outlets to bargain shop and then skate in Southern California’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink. Meet Santa or enjoy Dr. Zoolittle’s fun version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Watch acrobatic trampoline elves, walk through a lit up forest of winter-loving animals, stop to take pics with Santa at his igloo, and enjoy so many more fun holiday activities. WHEN Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 4 p.m. WHERE St. James by The Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037 Map | Website Join the email list. Walk the garden on foot or travel by horse-led wagon rides to see the dazzling light displays and enjoy the festive music sung by carolers and mariachis. You’ll also see the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree stands 30-feet tall and is constructed out of more than 245,000 forest green DUPLO® bricks and has 400 LEGO ornaments. https://www.kpbs.org/.../san-diegos-top-holiday-arts-events-2020-edition The festival is Victorian themed as the public love themed events especially at Christmas. You can save on admission with a Groupon. Drive through or walk around … it’s your choice. The area is tented for winter weather but you can still enjoy the panoramic views from Tide Pool Plaza and Smargon Courtyard. Performances are at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. You will need to reserve your spot (and I’ll tell you more about the car experiences at the Fairgrounds below). There are kids’ bands, party favors, fireworks and a 6pm giant brick drop! You’ll order and pick-up in a drive-thru setting in the Inspiration Point parking lot. Take a drive through these neighborhoods to see houses decked out in lights beyond belief. Fingers crossed that we’ll be able to ice skate under sunshine next year. Top Christmas Events in San Diego For Families in 2020. *This event has been cancelled for 2020. Find nearby lodging at these Downtown San Diego hotels. Winter Wonderland. SeaWorld San Diego will temporarily close starting on December 7. Box 80427 San Diego, CA 92138 (619) 687-3720 | sdrminfo@sdrescue.org We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is qualified to receive tax-deductible donations Learn about the artists, aviators and innovators who shaped this island town. The celebration culminates with our most treasured tradition of all – a Living Nativity complete with animals. Photo By Matt Powers. LEGOLAND California will temporarily close starting on December 7. The event was canceled this year due to the pandemic, but a separate drive-through food event is planned Dec. 4-6, 2020. It is a musical journey through all the greatest Christmas songs and celebrations from around the world. (Charlie Neuman/The San Diego Union-Tribune) You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop. NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO. ACCESS MY EXCLUSIVE SAN DIEGO ZOO DISCOUNT. Winter Wonderland. The rides are still closed, but you’ll need a special ticket. Come early enough to see Santa arrive by fire truck or helicopter! December 3 – 6 and 9 – 23 with daily time slots from 4 – 9:30 p.m. Home San Diego Travel Tips San Diego Attractions & Things to Do 22 Holiday Events. Get a taste for charming Coronado, just a ferry ride away from downtown San Diego! December 5 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Poway’s Christmas in the Park is also modified this year. Seaport Village Christmas Fun | Photo by Port of San Diego. All Seas ‘n Greetings activities are included with admission. Due to the continued restrictions on mass participatory events we are unfortunately forced to turn San Diego Santa Run into a virtual run. Inspiring Moments at Liberty Station. In addition to fun holiday activities for guests in residence, you may order Christmas dinner from Omni La Costa Resort and Spa to cook at home with turkey, stuffing, and all of the fixings. Additionally, stores along the route will have treats to make the event a festive holiday. This events run on select dates from Nov 13, 2020- January 4, 2021. Cancelled for 2020 due to Covid-19. San Diego Santa Run 9am The San Diego Santa Run is a holiday experience like none other! For about a week before Christmas, Santa stops by nightly to visit with children who want to share their Christmas Lists. Hotel del Coronado | Photo by Elizabeth Bickford. We thoroughly enjoyed the stage presentation and stunning music in the intimate theater. Wondering about Christmas events near me and outdoor holiday events? San Diego is brimming with festive neighborhoods. San Diego Events Use the calendar below to plan events to attend when you visit San Diego . Head over to LEGOLAND California for physically-distant meet-and-greets with holiday characters such as Santa, the Toy Solider, and Gingerbread Man. From Christmas Celebrations to food festivals and more, SeaWorld hosts your favorite local San Diego events. You can add Special Behind-the-Scenes Tour for 4th Graders & Their Family on Saturday Jan. 17th too. Due to ongoing event cancellations and postponements regarding Covid-19, events listed below are subject to change or cancellation. From food festivals to spectacular Christmas light displays, there is always something exciting happening at SeaWorld San Antonio. We'll see you all next year as we look forward to celebrating December Nights 2020. Virtual San Diego Santa Run • Event Details San Diego Santa Run is Going Virtual. Hanukkah runs Thursday, Dec. 10 through Friday, Dec. 18. Whether it’s a spirit-filled neighborhood or an outdoor event at an amusement park, here’s where you can find … Also canceled are their line-up of holiday movies on the beach like Elf and private Jingle Roasts, a private bonfire your own fire pit on the beach where you can roast s’mores (and enjoy food and beverage items from a small menu, including adult beverages). San Diego January 2022 Events San Diego January 2022 Events. Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert. Feel free to ping me with questions! And Kwanzaa is Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The Rockette-style tap dancing kickline will have you cheering in the aisles. SeaWorld San Diego Announces Halloween and Christmas Events Plus Annual Pass Program Updates. The LEGO Christmas tree will be lit each night and twinkling to holiday music. It started with military families stringing lights from tree to tree but has expanded into a much more ornate sight. Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop. Top Christmas Events in San Diego For Families in 2020. #ExploreLibertyStation. The Forward House in Bankers Hill at 108 Ivy Street (1st and Ivy), San Diego, This historic home will be decked out in holiday lights from November 26 - December 31 from 5-10pm. This event has passed. There will also be a new show to enjoy, Santa’s Top Elf. November 26, 2020 at 5:00 pm - December 31, 2020 at 9:00 pm. And on Friday nights, the Beach House was going to offer holiday movies and dinner, but this has been canceled. Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2021 By: Author Elizabeth Bickford, Categories Events and Holidays / California / Southern California / United States Destinations. Stay in the Liberty Station loop. Oh! Required fields are marked *. The BEST way to buy attraction and theme park tickets is my discounted site. Find more Christmas activities for families all over the United States. Take a Polar Express hayride to visit Santa at the Annual Christmas in the Valley at Bates Nut Farm on December 13 and 14. Little Italy Tree Virtual Lighting & Holiday Markets, 3. Get a taste for charming Coronado, just a ferry ride away from downtown San Diego! Skating by the Sea has been cancelled due to the governor’s Stay at Home Order. Msg and data rates may apply. Explore more in San Diego Attractions & Things to Do, The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Christmas Events & Holiday Activities in 2020.