Kick off the new year in San Diego with plenty of smiles, mild weather and plenty of fun at these special January events and things to do below.
Due to ongoing event cancellations and postponements regarding Covid-19, events listed on this page have not been updated for the current year. Please check with event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
Don't miss these exciting events happening in San Diego this January.
When: Thru January 5, 2020
San Diego's world-class attractions get all decked out for the holidays with plenty of lights, appearances by Santa, festive shows, music and more.
When: January 19-26, 2020
With more than 180 participating restaurants offering prix-fixe menu options throughout San Diego County, you’re sure to find the perfect place to satisfy any craving.
When: January 23-26, 2020
Come to enjoy everything San Diego has to offer! The ocean views, the world-class competition, and fan attractions including, The Michelob ULTRA Zone, Fan Village, autograph areas, a variety of locally themed concession stands and much more!
When: January 19, 2020
This is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the United States in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade is filled with dazzling floats, phenomenal High School Bands, Drill Teams, College, Fraternities & Sororities, Churches, Peace and Youth organizations.
When: Thru April
Each year, more than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves. After spending time in warm Baja California waters so their young can grow strong, they make the journey north again in spring. The longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis, it is truly an extraordinary spectacle to observe. With 70 miles of coastline directly in the migration path, San Diego is an ideal destination to see this impressive parade of gentle giants.
When: January 1-5, 2020
Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.
When: Thru January 5, 2020
Glide gracefully across the ice surrounded by history at Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station.
When: Thru January 5, 2020
The landmark Hotel del Coronado offers a unique Southern California experience with Skating by the Sea, an outdoor ice-skating rink adjacent to Coronado Beach and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. During the holidays, the resort's famous Windsor Lawn is transformed into a seaside skating rink offering skating sessions daily.
When: January 9-12. 2020
The soundON Festival of Modern Music brings together an international roster of composers and performers to present a three-day exploration of contemporary chamber music.
When: January 10-11, 2020
Whether you're building a snowman, sledding down the snow hill, roasting marshmallows by the campfire, making silly faces in our free photo booth, or taking a spin around the synthetic skate rink, there is bound to be something for everyone!
When: January 11, 2020
Walk, run, skip, crawl - just get out here! Whether this is your first race or you're a trained running professional, there's something for every level!
When: January 11, 2020
Promising another fun filled day with beer, food trucks, and music. The event will feature dozens of local local and international craft beers, as well as San Diego's most popular food trucks.
When: January 16-20, 2020
One huge theater, one big screen, and endless community enthusiasm, it's a winning combo. The Borrego Springs Film Festival is a young and popular Southern California juried film festival in the categories of narrative, documentary, animation, latino, and short films.
When: January 17-19, 2020
Celebrate this new year with us in a festive environment with dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, games, food, and more!
When: January 18-19, 2020
Discover the Leading Destinations, Local Travel Experts, Top Celebrity Personalities, Comprehensive Content, and Exclusive Travel Deals That You Just Can’t Find Anywhere Else.
When: January 18, 2020
LEGOLAND® California is host to this special, 1-mile fun run for kids of all ages and abilities. Before the doors open to the public, they're opened for us to enjoy the sights and sounds of LEGOLAND®!
When: January 19, 2020
The Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon course goes through Carlsbad Village and along the oceanfront Pacific Coast Highway.
When: January 20, 2020
Worldbeat Cultural Center, located in Balboa Park, is celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr with a family festival. With live music, dancing, vegan food, an outdoor cultural arts & craft vendors marketplace, and more.
When: January 23-26, 2020
If you are a boater, don’t miss this once a year event! They'll have the brands and companies you’ve come to know and love, as well as new marine services and products, free boating seminars, boat rides, libations and more.
When: January 24-26, 2020
The festival is popular due to its free admission and variety of cultural attractions, activities, games, food and live entertainment, as well as lion dancing, martial arts, firecrackers, and our most popular program, the Miss Vietnam of San Diego pageant.
When: Thru January 26, 2020
Take a glide session on the Fleet Science Center's new synthetic ice rink (you know, because it’s science) and get crafty with holiday ornament making in Studio X. You can also gather your family and friends for a late skate and sip cocktails rink side with extended weekend hours on select Saturday and Sunday nights.
When: Thru January 26, 2020
Lace up your skates and take in the holiday splendor as you relive a cherished piece of your childhood or take your very first spin at the Viejas Ice Rink!
When: January 29 - February 2, 2020
The festival will screen over 100 films each year: Comedy, Drama, Documentaries, Animation, GLBT, Horror, Religious, Foreign/African Diaspora, Shorts, Feature Films and music videos.
$5 off Whale & Dolphin Watching with Hornblower Cruises. Hornblower offers large comfortable Whale Watching boats with live narration from San Diego Natural History Museum's trained naturalists...
Stay Cool in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants, nightlife & shopping. We’re 90 steps from PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres. And don’t miss ALTITUDE Sky Lounge...
The holiday season is upon us. It's that special time of year to reflect on what's truly important. At the Omni San Diego Hotel, our team of dedicated service professionals are so thankful for loyal...
On June 6-7, 2020, the Mission Fed ArtWalk will celebrate its 36th annual event in the streets of Little Italy. Featuring more than 300 artists filling 17 square blocks of the iconic urban...
Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related...
The world’s top professional female surfers are back in Oceanside, CA for the 13th Supergirl Surf Pro, a 3-day event August 14-16, 2020. The weekend will be jam-packed with world-class...
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