The Best Holiday Events in San Diego for Families in 2026
The holidays are right around the corner, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate Christmas in San Diego! From twinkling Christmas lights and festive boat parades to outdoor ice skating, visits with Santa and even a little real…
The holidays are right around the corner, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate Christmas in San Diego! From twinkling Christmas lights and festive boat parades to outdoor ice skating, visits with Santa and even a little real snow, San Diego County is full of holiday fun for the entire family.
Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend outing, a new holiday tradition or something to get the kids excited for Christmas, we’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly holiday events happening around San Diego in 2026.
Here are the holiday events and activities you won’t want to miss this season!
1. Balboa Park December Nights
December 4-5, 2026 | Balboa Park | FREE
One of San Diego’s biggest holiday traditions is back! December Nights transforms Balboa Park into a festive holiday wonderland for two days of music, entertainment, food and family fun.
Families can enjoy live performances, holiday lights, carolers, cultural entertainment and delicious food from around the world. Many of Balboa Park’s museums and cultural institutions also open their doors for free during the celebration.
It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season without spending a fortune!
2. Liberty Station Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities
November 27, 2026 | Liberty Station
Kick off the holiday season at Liberty Station’s annual tree lighting celebration! The festivities feature the lighting of the iconic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree, live entertainment, festive firetruck rides and a showing of The Grinch.
Bring the kids, grab some holiday treats and enjoy one of San Diego’s most festive community celebrations.
3. Surfin’ Santa Arrival at Seaport Village
November 28, 2026 | Seaport Village | FREE
You won’t find Santa arriving in a sleigh in San Diego! Instead, he makes a splash when he arrives by water at Seaport Village.
Families can watch Surfin’ Santa make his grand entrance before enjoying a festive parade along the waterfront. There will also be live music, street performers and plenty of opportunities for holiday photos.
It’s a fun, uniquely San Diego way to welcome the Christmas season!
4. Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Encinitas
Get ready to experience the gardens in a whole new light! Lightscape returns to the San Diego Botanic Garden with a magical, illuminated trail filled with colorful light displays, artistic installations and festive music.
The one-mile walking experience is a beautiful way to spend an evening with the family. Be sure to bring your camera because there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Tickets are required.
5. Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Coronado
Ice skating next to the beach? Only in San Diego!
Hotel del Coronado brings back its popular Skating by the Sea experience, transforming its oceanfront Windsor Lawn into an outdoor ice rink with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Whether your kids are experienced skaters or trying it for the first time, it’s a memorable way to celebrate the holidays. Skate rentals are available, and families can also enjoy the festive atmosphere around the hotel.
Tickets are required for skating.
6. Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
December 4-23, 2026 | Gallagher Square, Downtown San Diego
A winter wonderland is coming to downtown San Diego! Holiday Wonderland returns to Gallagher Square at Petco Park with dazzling Christmas lights, a 40-foot Christmas tree, rides, games, holiday crafts and opportunities to meet Santa and other holiday characters.
There will also be seasonal food, festive shopping and plenty of opportunities to take family holiday photos.
It’s a great option for families looking to pack lots of Christmas fun into one outing. Tickets are required.
7. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
December 13 and 20, 2026 | San Diego Bay | FREE to watch
One of San Diego’s most beautiful holiday traditions takes place right on the water!
The annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features more than 80 boats decorated with elaborate Christmas lights and holiday-themed displays. The boats cruise along the bay, creating a spectacular show for spectators along the waterfront.
Some of the best viewing locations include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village and Coronado’s Ferry Landing.
Pack some snacks, bring the kids and find a spot along the water to enjoy this festive San Diego tradition.
8. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
December 18, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Balboa Park
The San Diego Zoo gets into the holiday spirit with its annual Jungle Bells celebration!
Families can enjoy holiday lights, seasonal entertainment, festive music, roaming performers and fun activities throughout the Zoo. There will also be special holiday treats and plenty of opportunities to see some of your favorite animals.
It’s a fun way to combine a family day at the Zoo with a little holiday magic. Jungle Bells activities are included with regular Zoo admission and memberships. The Zoo stays open until 8 p.m. during the celebration, except December 24.
9. Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
November 28, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Escondido
The Safari Park gets a festive makeover during Wild Holidays! Families can explore illuminated holiday displays, enjoy seasonal music and take in the beautiful lights throughout the park.
It’s a fun opportunity to experience the Safari Park in a different way while celebrating the season. Be sure to check the event calendar for specific operating nights and holiday activities.
Park admission is required.
10. Jingle Jets at the USS Midway Museum
November 27 – December 30, 2026 | Downtown San Diego
The USS Midway gets a holiday makeover during Jingle Jets!
This unique holiday experience transforms the aircraft carrier’s flight deck and hangar deck into a festive winter wonderland with Christmas trees, spectacular light displays and holiday decorations.
Families can enjoy carolers, holiday music, a DJ and dance floor, children’s games, seasonal food and opportunities to meet Santa.
It’s a fun way to experience one of San Diego’s most recognizable attractions while celebrating the holidays. Select dates only.
11. Santa Train North Pole Limited
November 27 – December 20, 2026 | Campo
All aboard for a Christmas adventure!
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum brings back its Santa Train North Pole Limited, giving families the opportunity to take a festive train ride through the countryside.
During the journey, Santa’s elves entertain passengers with Christmas carols and a reading of a holiday story. Kids can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate before the train stops at Santa’s Workshop, where Santa and Mrs. Claus come aboard to visit with families.
It’s a wonderful holiday experience for younger kids and a fun tradition to start with the family. Tickets are required.
12. Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House
December 4, 2026 | Coronado | FREE
Make a trip across the bay for Coronado’s annual holiday celebration!
The festivities include a holiday parade, live music, sing-alongs, local business open houses and a grand tree lighting at Rotary Park.
The celebration stretches from the Ferry Landing down Orange Avenue toward the Hotel del Coronado, making it a fun way to spend an evening enjoying the holiday atmosphere in Coronado.
13. Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival
December 5, 2026 | Downtown Chula Vista | FREE
Get ready for a night of holiday magic in Chula Vista! The annual Starlight Parade & Festival takes over Third Avenue with festive floats, marching bands, dance groups and classic cars.
Families can also enjoy the holiday market, live music, Santa photos and plenty of festive activities.
It’s a great community celebration and a fun way to spend a December evening with the kids.
14. Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
December 5, 2026 | Little Italy, Downtown San Diego
Little Italy turns into a Christmas village during its annual holiday celebration!
The neighborhood is decorated with twinkling lights, oversized nutcrackers and festive holiday displays. Families can enjoy live music, entertainment, holiday treats and the lighting of the neighborhood’s unique Christmas tree, made with more than 1,000 poinsettias.
Take a stroll through the neighborhood, grab something delicious to eat and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
15. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
December 6, 2026 | Downtown La Jolla | FREE
The holiday spirit takes over downtown La Jolla during its annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival.
The parade features marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses and even a camel!
Following the parade, families can enjoy the holiday festival and tree lighting. It’s a fun community event that has become a favorite holiday tradition for many San Diego families.
16. Poway’s Christmas in the Park
December 11-12, 2026 | Old Poway Park
Celebrate the holidays with a trip to Old Poway Park for Christmas in the Park!
This festive community celebration features a tree lighting, visits with Santa, train rides, live music, theater performances, food, holiday treats and crafts.
It’s a great event for younger children and a wonderful way to enjoy some old-fashioned Christmas fun.
17. Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
December 12, 2026 | Mission Bay
Another beautiful holiday boat parade takes place on Mission Bay!
Watch as boats decorated with colorful Christmas lights cruise across the water during this annual holiday tradition. SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks are also part of the celebration.
Find a spot along the bay, bring some blankets and enjoy a festive evening watching the boats sail by.
18. Holiday Lights at Christmas Card Lane
December | Rancho Peñasquitos | FREE
If your family loves looking at Christmas lights, add Christmas Card Lane to your holiday bucket list!
This beloved Rancho Peñasquitos neighborhood tradition features homes decorated with elaborate Christmas lights and giant hand-painted holiday cards. Families can walk or drive through the neighborhood to admire the creative displays.
It’s a fun, free activity that is perfect for a family outing after dinner. Check the neighborhood’s event announcements for the 2026 lighting schedule.
19. Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
November 22, 2026 | Downtown Encinitas
Get a head start on holiday shopping while enjoying a fun family day in Encinitas!
The annual Holiday Street Fair features local vendors, food, children’s rides and live entertainment across multiple stages. It’s a great opportunity to support local businesses, find unique gifts and enjoy a festive day out with the family.
20. Julian’s Country Christmas & Tree Lighting
November 28, 2026 | Julian
Take a trip up to the mountains and enjoy a little small-town Christmas magic!
Julian celebrates the season with its annual Country Christmas and tree lighting. Families can enjoy holiday entertainment, festive firetruck rides, free photos with Santa and a showing of The Grinch.
Make a day of it by exploring downtown Julian, enjoying a slice of famous apple pie and taking in the holiday decorations.
It’s a fun way to experience a different side of San Diego County during the holidays.
Make the Most of the Holidays in San Diego!
Whether you’re watching boats covered in Christmas lights, taking a spin around an outdoor ice rink or enjoying a visit with Santa, there are so many ways to make memories with your family this holiday season.
A few tips before you head out:
- Plan ahead: Some of the most popular events require advance tickets or reservations.
- Check event schedules: Some attractions operate on select nights, and dates or activities may change.
- Dress in layers: Evenings can get chilly, especially at outdoor events and in Julian.
- Arrive early: Popular parades and light displays can draw big crowds, so give yourself extra time for parking.
Happy holidays, San Diego!
