There’s something uniquely magical about celebrating the holidays in San Diego. Where else can you ice skate with ocean views, enjoy 70-degree sunshine while surrounded by twinkling lights, and experience a winter wonderland without ever needing a parka? I’ve spent years exploring every festive corner of this city, and I’m excited to share my favorite holiday traditions with you.
Whether you’re a local looking for new traditions or a visitor planning your trip, this guide has everything you need to make the most of San Diego’s holiday season.
The Crown Jewel: December Nights in Balboa Park
Let me start with the event that kicks off the entire holiday season. December Nights takes place the first weekend of December (December 5-6, 2025) in Balboa Park, running Friday from 3-11 p.m. and Saturday from 12-11 p.m. This is San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, and trust me when I say “free” is the magic word here—there’s no entry fee, though food and some museums may charge.
What Makes It Special: Picture walking through Balboa Park transformed into a winter wonderland. Hundreds of performers across multiple stages entertain throughout the park, while food and retail booths offer delicious treats and unique gifts. I remember my first December Nights—I was overwhelmed (in the best way) by the sheer variety of food options. From international dishes at the House of Pacific Relations cottages to gourmet food trucks, your hardest decision will be what to eat first.
Insider Tips:
- Museums like the Fleet Science Center offer free admission during evening hours (3-9 p.m.), so you can combine culture with your holiday celebration.
- This year features a free Ferris wheel in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum—the kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) will love the views
- Free movie screenings play both nights, including Disney’s “Frozen” and other holiday favorites.
- The City of San Diego is teaming up with SDG&E for a sock drive to benefit unsheltered clients—bring a new pair of socks to donate at the SDG&E booth.
- The crowds can be intense, with hundreds of thousands of people attending across two days. My strategy? Arrive right when it opens on Friday afternoon or after 7 p.m. on either night to avoid peak crowds.
Ice Skating: Two Unforgettable Experiences
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Located in the Arts District at Liberty Station near 2875 Dewey Road, this rink is open November 20 through January 4, 2026, operating daily from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (with modified hours on holidays: Opening Day 3-10 p.m., Thanksgiving 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Christmas Eve 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Christmas Day 12-7:30 p.m., and New Year’s Eve 10 a.m.-5 p.m.). What I love about this rink is that it’s not just about the skating—proceeds support the Thriving After Cancer program at Rady Children’s Hospital, helping hundreds of child cancer survivors.
The Experience: Liberty Station has this wonderful community vibe. The rink sits in the Central Promenade surrounded by restaurants, breweries, and shops. Admission ranges from $15-20, with skate rental and helmets included. After you skate, you can grab hot cocoa from one of the nearby cafés or warm up with dinner at Stone Brewing or The Lot. It’s the perfect setup for a full evening out.
Pro Tip: Groups of 20 or more can get discounted rates by calling ahead. Weekends can get crowded, so weekday evenings are your best bet for a more relaxed experience. The rink is in its 29th year and has raised over $2 million for Rady Children’s Hospital!
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
If Liberty Station is the community rink, the Hotel Del is the jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy experience. The beachfront rink runs November 21 through January 4, 2026, with varying hours throughout the season. I’ll never forget the first time I skated here at sunset—palm trees swaying, the historic Victorian hotel lit up behind us, and the Pacific Ocean just steps away. It’s pure California magic. Visit our San Diego RV Resort website for more information.
The Details: General admission is $40 ($35 for hotel guests, military, and first responders), with skate rental included for a 90-minute session. Yes, it’s pricier than Liberty Station, but a portion of the proceeds benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego, and honestly, the experience is worth it. Look for Value Skate Days (select Mondays: Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15) when admission drops to $35.
Schedule at a Glance:
- November 21-30: Friday opens at 2 p.m., then daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- December 1-18: Monday-Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday 2-10 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Opens at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1)
- December 19-January 4: Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Special Opening Day Performance: On Saturday, November 22 at 5 p.m., Broadway star Jenna Leigh Green (who played Elphaba in Wicked) will perform live at the rink—a perfect way to kick off the season!
Level Up Your Experience: The Frostbite Lounge offers rink-side seating with fire pits, holiday cocktails, and small bites. If you want to splurge on a special date night or family celebration, this is the way to do it. Just remember to book well in advance—these spots fill up fast during peak season.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights happens on two Sunday evenings: December 14 and December 21, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “An Out of This World Christmas.” This is one of my favorite traditions—there’s something mesmerizing about watching approximately 80 decorated boats and yachts glide across the bay, all lit up like floating Christmas trees.
Where to Watch: The parade begins at Shelter Island, then proceeds past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Cesar Chavez Park Pier, and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing. My personal favorite spot? The Embarcadero near the USS Midway. You get great views, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby if you want to grab dinner beforehand.
Timing Your Visit: Here are the approximate arrival times: Shelter Island (5:30 p.m.), Harbor Island (6:15 p.m.), The Embarcadero (6:45 p.m.), Seaport Village (7:15 p.m.), Cesar Chavez Park Pier (7:30 p.m.). The parade takes about 90 minutes to two hours to pass any given point, so dress warmly—it gets chilly by the water!
Insider Secret: The Port of San Diego often provides complimentary cookies and warm drinks to early arrivals at select viewing spots. Arrive early to snag these treats and secure a good viewing spot.
Holiday Markets & Shopping
Petco Park Holiday Market
Picture charming European-style Christmas village booths right in the heart of downtown San Diego. Last year, I wandered through sipping mulled wine while browsing unique handmade ornaments and local artisan goods. The market typically runs on select weekends in December, and the festive atmosphere makes holiday shopping actually enjoyable instead of stressful.
What to Look For:
- Handcrafted ornaments and decorations
- Local artisan gifts that you won’t find anywhere else
- Gourmet food vendors with everything from spiced nuts to artisanal chocolates
- Mulled wine and hot cider to keep you warm while you shop
Traditional Shopping with a Festive Twist
If you prefer traditional retail therapy, Westfield UTC and Fashion Valley transform into winter wonderlands each December. Both malls go all out with decorations, and you’ll find Santa photo opportunities, special holiday deals, and a genuinely festive atmosphere. The Del Mar Highlands and One Paseo shopping centers also deck themselves out beautifully—perfect for an afternoon of browsing followed by dinner at one of their excellent restaurants.
Neighborhood Light Displays
Some of San Diego’s neighborhoods take holiday decorating to championship levels:
Christmas Card Lane (Rancho Peñasquitos): Drive or walk through streets where nearly every house participates in an epic light display. The tradition started decades ago, and it’s become so popular that traffic can back up on peak nights. My recommendation? Go on a weeknight after 7 p.m., or better yet, park nearby and walk through to really appreciate the details.
Candy Cane Lane (Poway): Similar to Christmas Card Lane, this neighborhood goes absolutely wild with decorations. We make it a tradition to drive through with hot cocoa in hand, oohing and aahing at each elaborate display. The commitment these homeowners show is awe-inspiring.
Pro Tip for Both: These are residential neighborhoods, so be respectful—drive slowly, don’t block driveways, and keep music at a reasonable level. The displays are typically best from early December through Christmas.
Snow Adventures & Mountain Escapes
Yes, you can find real snow within driving distance of San Diego!
Julian (About 60 minutes from downtown)
This charming mountain town is famous for its apple pie, and during winter, it occasionally gets snow. Even without snow, Julian transforms into a cozy winter village with holiday decorations, Christmas tree lots, and that fresh mountain air that feels so different from the coast. My family tradition is to visit in early December—we pick up fresh apple cider, buy a tree, eat way too much pie, and browse the antique shops. Plan to spend at least half a day here. Julian Farm and Orchard even has a special “glice” (water-free ice) skating rink running select days from November through January!
Must-Do: Get the apple pie at Julian Pie Company. Hot, fresh from the oven, with vanilla ice cream. Trust me on this.
Palomar Mountain & Cuyamaca (60-90 minutes from downtown)
When San Diego gets its rare winter storms, these mountains can get several inches of snow. Locals flock here for impromptu snow days—building snowmen, having snowball fights, and sledding. It’s nothing like a proper ski resort, but for San Diego kids (and adults) who rarely see snow, it’s magical.
Important Safety Note: If you’re planning to visit during or after a storm, you may need tire chains, and roads can close without warning. Check CalTrans road conditions before heading up, and bring warm clothes, gloves, and waterproof boots. Cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps before you go.
Theme Park Holiday Magic
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs daily from mid-November through early January. The entire park transforms with thousands of lights, holiday-themed shows, and even “snow” falling in select areas. If you’re already planning a SeaWorld visit, the holiday season offers extra value with all the added festivities included in regular admission. Plus, SeaWorld is participating in December Nights for the first time in 2025, with educational presentations on the Palm Stage!
Legoland California
Legoland becomes a winter wonderland built entirely of… you guessed it, LEGO bricks. There are impressive holiday light displays, festive shows, and seasonal treats throughout the park. It’s particularly magical for families with kids aged 2-12. The park typically has fewer crowds during the holiday season (except the week between Christmas and New Year’s), making it a smart time to visit.
San Diego Zoo – Jungle Bells
From December 19, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the San Diego Zoo transforms into a holiday wonderland with its Jungle Bells event. Included with regular admission, this festive celebration features illuminated pathways, light displays, holiday decorations, and special entertainment. Evening visits offer a different charm with lit pathways guiding you through the zoo’s transformed landscape. Don’t miss Santa’s Factory on select dates for photo opportunities!
Festive Food & Drink
The holiday season brings special menus and treats all across San Diego:
At the Hotel del Coronado: Beyond the ice rink, the hotel creates specialty holiday cocktails in its bars. The historic Crown Room often hosts special holiday tea services and Christmas dinners. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth making a reservation just to experience the grandeur of the space decorated for the holidays.
Liberty Station: After skating, warm up at one of the nearby spots. The Tender Greens has excellent hot soups, Stone Brewing offers hearty comfort food, and Cow’Zycoozi serves some of the best gelato in San Diego (yes, even in winter).
Balboa Park During December Nights: This is where you’ll find the most diverse food scene. The House of Pacific Relations cottages serve authentic international dishes, food trucks line the walkways with everything from loaded fries to churros, and specialty drink vendors serve mulled wine and hot chocolate. My strategy? Skip dinner beforehand and treat December Nights as a progressive dinner party.
Seaport Village: While watching for the Parade of Lights, many restaurants along the waterfront offer special viewing menus. Book a reservation in advance at places like The Fish Market or Edgewater Grill for guaranteed views and warm indoor seating.
Why San Diego For The Holidays?
What makes San Diego’s holiday activities truly special isn’t just the events themselves—it’s the unique blend of sunshine and snow, beaches and ice rinks, palm trees and Christmas lights. It’s watching kids build sandcastles in the morning and snowmen in the mountains by afternoon. It’s ice skating in shorts under the stars.
Whether you’re creating new traditions or continuing old ones, San Diego offers something you won’t find anywhere else: a holiday season that’s uniquely, wonderfully Californian. The events I’ve shared here are the ones that have become traditions for my family and friends—the experiences we look forward to all year and talk about long after the decorations come down.
This year brings some exciting additions to our holiday lineup, from the first-ever Spanish translation of The Grinch to SeaWorld’s debut at December Nights. The city continues to find new ways to celebrate while honoring the beloved traditions we cherish.
Planning Your Stay?
San Diego RV Resort is the perfect home base for your holiday adventures. What sets us apart is our direct access to the San Diego trolley system—you can leave your RV parked and let the trolley whisk you away to Balboa Park for December Nights, downtown for the Parade of Lights, and countless other attractions throughout the city. No need to worry about parking at crowded events or navigating unfamiliar streets. Simply hop on the trolley and enjoy the ride! It’s the convenience of public transportation combined with the comfort of having your own space to return to after a magical day of holiday festivities.
So bundle up (by San Diego standards), embrace the unexpected joy of celebrating winter in perpetual sunshine, and create some holiday magic that’s all your own. And when you’re standing on the ice rink at the Hotel Del with ocean breeze in your hair and twinkling lights overhead, you’ll understand precisely why San Diego does the holidays differently – and why that’s exactly what makes it so special.
