San Diego, California Free
Things to Do this Christmas
Balboa Park December Nights, a
two-day holiday celebration of food,
entertainment and fun. The numerous museums and
cultural institutions in Balboa
Park, the nation's largest urban
cultural park, open their doors free
of charge from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Festivities in the park include
carolers, live music, holiday light
displays, theater and dance
performances and delicious foods
from around the world.
Mother Goose Parade in the East County city of El
Cajon. The largest parade in San
Diego County, the event features
floats, clowns, Santa Claus,
marching bands, equestrian teams and
celebrity appearances.
Whale watch from the shores and
cliffs of Point Loma.
Holiday Celebration on December
7 in Coronado with a festive parade
along Orange Avenue, the lighting of
a 75-foot Christmas tree, holiday
music and a fireworks show over
Glorietta Bay.
Free organ concerts at the
Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa
Park beginning at 2 p.m. each Sunday
in November. The Organ Pavilion
features the world's largest outdoor
pipe organ, where organists play
holiday favorites, waltzes and show
tunes from the organ's monstrous
32-foot lead alloy pipes.
Old Town State Historic Park
Holiday in the Park.
Enjoy holiday treats, activities and
extended shopping hours, along with
strolling carolers.
Las Posadas, a centuries-old
tradition in which actors reenact
the biblical journey of Mary and
Joseph through the town of
Bethlehem.
Seaport Village
Surfing Santa. Hang-ten with Santa and
enjoy a lively parade down the
Seaport Village boardwalk, along
with music, stilt walkers, kid's
crafts and photo opportunities of
family and friends surfing with
Santa.
La Jolla Christmas Parade and
Holiday Festival in
downtown La Jolla. The event
includes marching bands, floats,
equestrian units, vintage
automobiles and an appearance by
Santa Claus.
Drive to the mountain town of
Julian in San Diego's rural East
County for a warm mug of hot apple
cider and a delicious slice of
Julian's legendary homemade apple
pie. On Saturdays, stroll through
the quaint neighborhood streets and
enjoy the sounds of wandering
Christmas carolers and a living
nativity scene.
North Park Toyland
Parade. Enjoy marching
bands, floats, vintage cars, dance
groups, beauty queens, city
officials and Santa in this popular
community celebration. The parade is
followed by a holiday fair behind
the historic North Park Theatre.
70 miles of coastline, home to
33 unique beaches, all free and open
to the public.
Explore the tide pools in Point
Loma, Ocean Beach and La Jolla when
the tide is low to see some of the
magnificent creatures of the sea.
La Mesa Christmas in the Village. Enjoy street performers,
carolers, carriage rides,
entertainment for the whole family
and more.
SoNo Park Holiday Fest
holidays with the residents and
restaurants of South Park and North
Park in a chili cook-off. Sample
chili in hand-spun ceramic bowls,
shop for holiday gifts from local
artisans and enjoy free live music,
kids' activities, gourmet food
trucks, a beer garden featuring
local craft beers and more.
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in downtown San Diego's
historic Gaslamp Quarter. Owners and
their dressed-up pets march down the
decorated streets of the
neighborhood and end at a Pet Expo
featuring an awards ceremony for
best-dressed pups and more.
Drive to the top of Mt. Soledad
in La Jolla for a panoramic view of
the city all spruced up in holiday
decoration. Along the way, enjoy all
the beautifully decorated homes in
this exclusive community.
Drive to the Anza-Borrego Desert
State Park in San Diego's East
County located just two hours from
San Diego via Highway 78 and
Interstate 8.
Gaze up at the massive balloons
during the Big Bay Balloon Parade,
the country's largest balloon
parade. Floats,
balloons and marching bands are just
some of the offerings in this
colorful holiday parade that takes
place along San Diego Bay in
downtown San Diego. holidaybowl.com
Port of San Diego
Parade of Lights. Great views are available on
land from Shelter Island, Harbor
Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport
Village, Marina Park and Coronado's
Ferry Landing.
Chula Vista's Annual
Starlight Parade
features carolers, holiday cheer,
floats, drill teams, marching bands,
classic cars, a children's event and
visit from Santa.
One-hour drive to the top of
Mount Laguna in San Diego's rustic
East County. Sled down mountain
slopes, build snowmen and have
snowball fights (weather conditions
permitting).
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Over
100 brightly illuminated powerboats
and sailboats parade along Mission
Bay; the parade ends with a
fantastic fireworks show at 9 p.m.
above SeaWorld San Diego.
Escondido
California Center for the Arts the
annual
Holiday Tree Lighting and
Winter Wonderland. Enjoy seasonal
music and Victorian carolers, a
visit from Santa, free art
activities and treats, a spectacular
light show and real snow!
Annual Christmas Parade in the city of Escondido.
Poway Christmas in
the Park - Poway. The event features
a tree lighting ceremony, visit from
Santa, train rides, live music,
theatre performances, food, treats,
crafts and more.
Carlsbad Holiday Tree Lighting
Festivities. Santa
Claus will light the Christmas tree
at the Forum shopping center in
Carlsbad. Santa returns to the Village
Faire Shopping Center for photos,
coffee, cookies, entertainment,
followed by tree lighting ceremony.
Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the
Bands in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.
