Whether it’s the lights along the bridges of the 805 or the litany of peppermint mochas being sold at our hundreds of coffee shops, you can definitely say that San Diego gets pretty festive this time of year. If you’re feeling in the holiday spirit, or just want something to do with your family while they’re visiting check out the events/places listed below.
Jungle Bells – The SD Zoo
December 10th – January 2nd
The San Diego Zoo is hosing “Jungle Bells Aurora” once again this year. There are plenty of holiday themed events spread all throughout the day as well as extended hours to enjoy the Christmas lights decorating the park at night. The real draw? It’s a good way to see some of the more nocturnal animals hanging out since the park doesn’t close at sunset! You can also watch the “Aurora” light show and enjoy holiday themed treats! It’s a good time for the whole family!
Wild Holidays – The Safari Park
November 26th – January 2nd
In the same vein, the Safari Park is also hosting it’s usual “Wild Holidays” event. This year they seemed to have stepped it up a few notches on top of the usual Christmas lights synced up to holiday music. There are live performers all over the park and they’ve even created a “light tunnel,” and I gotta say, the picture looks pretty cool.
Christmas Card Lane
December 10th – December 25th (it may go for longer)
Christmas Card Lane is not the quiet little tradition it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it is any less spectacular. Join one of the largest family traditions for people all over the County and mosey through Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Peñasquitos. This 39-year-old tradition has really grown a lot since the initial 15 families took on the task to create massive sprawling displays. While I’m not sure how it changed to accommodate the pandemic, the neighborhood has previously rented horse-drawn carriages and sold holiday treats from their driveway. Regardless, it’s a pretty crazy thing to experience, just be ready to idle in your car or walk pretty far depending on parking.
Other Festive Lights
If you’re looking to find other places to check out, NBC San Diego put together a one stop shop for all things bright and twinkly. Read their article here. You can also go check out Jingle Terrace Park in North Island! The Parade of Lights will be riding through Mission Bay, Oceanside Harbor, and the San Diego Port. The dates and times vary, so be sure to check the websites!
Ice Skating in California
November 22nd – January 2nd
We do have Ice Skating! Just in case you were wondering. There are three rinks (that I could find): Viejas Outlet Center, Rady Children’s Ice Rink in Liberty Station, and Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado. They each offer different draws, but are all bon-a-fide ice skating rinks. At Skating by the Sea, you are actually skating on the beach, which… well… where else can you do that. Rady Children’s Ice rink has all of their proceeds going to their foundation. And Viejas Outlet Center is the largest outdoor skating rink in SoCal. You really can’t go wrong!
Links: Viejas Outlet Center, Rady Children’s Ice Rink, and Skating by the Sea.
Balboa Park’s Events
December 1st – December 25th
If you missed December Nights like me, you might have thought you missed out on all of the cool events in Balboa Park, but that’s not true! There are a lot of awesome things going on in San Diego’s largest park. You can check out The Old Globe for some holiday themed plays, catch a holiday themed organ concert at Spreckels Organ Pavillion on Sundays, and a lot of cool holiday themed events and decorations worth checking out!
Cal Arts of Escondido Winter Wonderland Festival
December 18th at 3pm
Play in real snow, meet a reindeer, and check out amazing holiday performances and arts in Escondido. There’s gonna be light shows, hot cocoa, and music! Come and check it out!
Drive the Christmas Tree Trail
From Del Mar to Coronado, San Diego has some impressive trees on display. Drive along the PCH and check out the stunning trees along the way. The highlights include Hotel del Coronado’s 35-foot tree decked out in lights, Little Italy’s two glass trees, and Liberty Station’s massive 88-foot Norfolk Pine tree.
And this is only the Start!
There’s so much else around to check out, like Seas’ns Greetings at Birch Aquarium, the dozens of winter markets, and who could forget, Lego Land. During my research I found that sandiego.org also made a list! Wish I found that sooner… BUT. Look through what they’ve posted, there’s a lot to get up to! And plenty that can be participated in safely with minimal risk of COVID transmission!
Happy Holidays!