Discover San Diego's Holiday Spirit

Start a new holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy! San Diego has got you covered with holiday parades both on and off the water, plus colorful light displays and festivals full of good food, music and much more. So head to San Diego this season, where you're sure to discover the spirit of the holidays.

This page is updated as soon as event details are available. Events are subject to change or cancellation, so please check with event organizers for the most up-to-date information.

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

When: Nov. 22, 2026
Continuous since 1989 - children's rides, two stages of live entertainment and food and drink refreshments provide an attractive setting for the public and a great boon to vendors.

Julian's Country Christmas and Tree Lighting

When: Nov. 28, 2026
Gather your loved ones and enjoy a magical evening of the iconic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree lighting as well as live entertainment, festive firetruck rides, free photos with Santa, and The Grinch movie showing.

The Holiday Market at Petco Park

When: Dec. 4-23, 2026
The Holiday Market in Gallagher Square is a fun night for the whole family and will feature local and European artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverage, Santa and other holiday characters!

Balboa Park December Nights

When: Dec. 4-5, 2026
Join the festivities during Balboa Park December Nights, a two-day holiday celebration of food, entertainment and fun. The sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air as the museums and cultural institutions in Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park, open their doors free of charge. Festivities include carolers, live music, light displays, theater and dance performances, and delicious foods from around the world.

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

When: Dec. 5, 2026
Little Italy transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas twinkle lights down all the streets adorned with 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, Christmas songs and more.

La Mesa's Holiday in the Village

When: Dec. 12, 2026
Walk the streets of La Mesa's historic downtown while exploring dozens of local craft vendor stands, then cozy up with artisan and craft food and snack specialties. Friends and family can relax by the fire pits while enjoying holiday caroling, cheerful holiday music, and fun live entertainment

Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House

When: Dec 4, 2026
Join Coronado in holiday cheer from the Ferry Landing, down Orange Avenue, all the way to the Hotel del Coronado for live music, local business open houses, sing-alongs, a parade and a grand tree lighting at Rotary Park.

Encinitas Holiday Parade

When: Dec. 5, 2026
Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101.

OB Holiday Parade

When: Dec. 5, 2026
For more than 40 years, the quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted one of the best Holiday Parades in SoCal. 

Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

When: Dec. 13 & 20, 2026
Enjoy the twinkling waters of the San Diego Bay and more than 80 private boats decorated with holiday lights for the annual Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights over two weekends in December. Great views are available on dry land from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the pier at Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado's Ferry Landing.

Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights

When: Dec. 12, 2026
Kick off this holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and enjoy the festive holiday boats parade on the bay.

Lightscape

When: Nov. 20, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Featuring exciting new installations along with returning fan favorites, this one-mile loop has been reimagined to surprise and delight visitors. Merging nature and art, the Garden will come to life at night with festive sights and sounds for all to enjoy.

Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour

When: Nov. 28, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
Hop aboard and ride a wave of holiday cheer! Elf conductors will share fun holiday facts and traditions as you enjoy the festive holiday lights of Old Town, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Balboa Park and more, including a 15-minute stop at Seaport Village for holiday festivities.

Coastal Christmas Holiday Lights Spectacular

When: Dec. 11-26, 2026
Get ready to embark on a festive journey like no other, as we transform this iconic venue into a winter wonderland by the sea. With twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and delicious snacks and drinks, Coastal Christmas promises to be your new favorite holiday tradition.