Holiday cheer takes over San Diego with Christmas trees of all shapes, kinds, themes, and sizes lighting up throughout the destination. From a Christmas tree right on the beach to a rooftop tree visible miles away to a Grinch Christmas tree, follow the trail and catch the spirit of the season in San Diego.
Where: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Home to the world’s first outdoor, electrified, living Christmas tree, the landmark Hotel del Coronado transforms into a holiday destination every winter. In Christmas past, the centerpiece is a 21-foot tree displayed inside the historic lobby. However, this year, the Del’s Christmas tree has an oceanfront view. A 35-foot tree stands tall on the beachfront Windsor Lawn where the hotel’s iconic Victorian red roof serves as the perfect backdrop. Guests can visit day and night as the magic of the season comes to life with thousands of sparkling white lights, ornament-trimmed evergreens, and beautiful garlands are displayed throughout the hotel.
Where: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
The Old Globe, the Tony Award-winning theater in Balboa Park, produces the annual holiday musical Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. A festive part of this yearly tradition is the Whoville-inspired white, pink and red Christmas tree displayed in front of the Globe at Copley Plaza. Although the popular musical has been moved to the radio airwaves this year, the 25-foot tree continues with the tradition. Marvel at the 110 Grinch lights, Seuss horns, wreaths, candelabras and Merry signs that embellish the tree and find out why "Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more" in San Diego.
Where: 2550 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Lighting up the sky is a holiday tradition at the Manchester Financial Centre in the Bankers Hill neighborhood. On the rooftop of the iconic 13-story building, you'll find Mister A's, a culinary landmark offering a sophisticated menu and breathtaking views of San Diego. For more than 50 years, more than five thousand colorful lights have illuminated the building, a tradition started by John Alessio, Mister A's original owner. At the top of the building, 192-feet from the ground, a Christmas tree lights up. On clear nights, the spectacular light display can be seen all the way down to Tijuana, Mexico.
Where: 621 W Fir St. and 523 W Date St., San Diego, CA 92101
Not one but two Christmas trees bring holiday cheer to Little Italy, San Diego's culinary destination. Aurora, a 32-foot faux-glass tree designed by California artist Joshua Hubert, illuminates the Piazza Basilone. The sculpture utilizes hundreds of polycarbonate panels to create a unique optical effect of reflective colors that change based on the viewer’s perspective and sun orientation. A few blocks away, at the Piazza della Famiglia, a traditional 30-foot Christmas tree is the main centerpiece. Holiday lights and snowflake decorations also adorn the plaza, home to the Little Italy Food Hall and the coveted Morning Glory restaurant.
Where: 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
Every year, Liberty Station, San Diego’s cultural and gastronomic hub, decks out its 88-foot Norfolk pine with colorful lights and ornaments. The holiday tree is located at the North Promenade behind Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Liberty Station. After visiting the tree, take a self-guided tour of the Salute the Season Art Walk inspired by the "Twelve Days of Christmas" carol featuring 12 installations by the ARTS DISTRICT's resident artists. Discover the holiday installations throughout Liberty Station’s North and South Promenades.
Where: 1850 Ocean Front St., San Diego, CA 92107
With its quintessential laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach is the SoCal beach town everyone's looking for when visiting San Diego. During the holidays, you can catch the spirit of the season while watching surfers ride the waves and viewing its uniquely decked out Christmas tree installed on the sand. Delight in the unusual ornaments like beach volleyballs, inflatable guitars and peace signs. Occasionally, children from local schools make decorations to hang on the lower branches.
Where: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Visible from miles away, SeaWorld's Skytower lights up during the season with thousands of colorful lights. It takes two days, 24 strands and a total of 2,000 bulbs to convert the 320-foot Skytower into the spectacular Tree of Lights.
Where: 4500 Ocean Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
Since 1927, Crystal Pier has been an iconic Pacific Beach landmark. Extending 872 feet into the Pacific, the family-owned pier is the only pier on the West Coast to offer lodging over the ocean. During the day, Crystal Pier opens to the public and is a prime spot for fishing, whale watching and catching a spectacular sunset. During the holidays, the pier gleams with strands of lights, wreaths decked by local businesses, and a majestic 20-foot Christmas tree.
Where: 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
Del Mar is a luxurious seaside community 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego, home to the renowned Del Mar Racetrack and annual San Diego County Fair. It’s charming Del Mar Village, along Highway 101, is popular for its unique boutiques, art galleries and renowned ocean-view restaurants. This year, the village’s streets are draped with festive lights, garlands, holiday banners, and a 35-foot Christmas tree. Stroll by the European-style Del Mar Plaza, an elegant outdoor shopping complex, and enjoy the joyful decorations.
Balboa Park is America’s largest urban cultural park. Experience all it has to offer with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass! You will have access to more than a dozen venues including museums, gardens and more, with big savings over buying admission to individual venues. Add the San Diego Zoo to a Multi-day Pass for the ultimate Balboa Park experience!
Visit Explorer.BalboaPark.org for more information.
The Go San Diego Card all-inclusive pass allows you to visit as many attractions as you’d like for one low price. The more you do the more you save…up to 55% vs. paying at the gate. Choose as you go from over 40 top attractions including the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld and more.
Or if you already know which attractions you plan to visit you can "Build Your Own" Go San Diego Pass. Purchase any 2 or more attractions and save 20%.
Visit GoSanDiegoCard.com to choose the pass that’s perfect for you.
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For the ultimate guide to planning your San Diego vacation, view and download the San Diego Visitor Planning Guide, packed with useful information that will help you plan the perfect San Diego getaway.
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