How to Celebrate the 2026 Holidays by the Water in San Diego

Don't miss this unique Southern California experience — outdoor ice skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean! The Hotel del Coronado’s oceanfront Windsor Lawn is transformed into a spectacular ice rink, with skating sessions offered daily plus such options as cozy “igloos” and fire pits.

The waters of San Diego Bay will sparkle with holiday color as more than 80 private boats decorated with holiday lights join 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.

This festive boat parade on beautiful Mission Bay takes place each December. Mission Bay Yacht Club has organized and hosted the holiday boat parade of lights for decades, and it’s now a beloved event that delights viewers of all ages with the creativity and effort that goes into decorating a brilliant floating light display.

At Belmont Park's beachside Winter Wonder, enjoy festive rides and attractions including the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, or sip on holiday-inspired drinks as you stroll the park's midway under a million lights! Best of all, it all happens right next to the surf along the iconic Mission Beach boardwalk.

The USS Midway Museum’s Jingle Jets celebration makes for a unique holiday-themed experience that takes place throughout the ship’s flight deck, hangar deck and second deck. The event includes an extensive and spectacular holiday light display, holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and a Santa Claus meet & greet, creating a shipboard winter wonderland along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero.

Catch the spirit of the season in the classic San Diego surf community of Ocean Beach with a visit to the uniquely decked-out Christmas tree installed right on the sand. The OB tree, now sourced from the neighborhood each year, is a tradition that boasts a history as colorful and quirky as the whimsical decorations. Check out such unusual ornaments as beach volleyballs, inflatable guitars and peace signs, as you take in the sights and sounds of the surf and season. 

Experience the San Diego Symphony's holiday tradition, "Noel Noel," at the stunning Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on San Diego's Embarcadero. The evening will be full of Christmas classics, singalongs, holiday cheer and jolly spirit, all by the waters of San Diego Bay.

Since 1927, Crystal Pier has been a Pacific Beach landmark. And at the holidays, the pier gleams with strands of lights, wreaths decked by local businesses, and a majestic 20-foot Christmas tree. Walk out over the waves to the end of the pier and take in this tree by the sea.

Visitors can hang ten with Santa during the Surfing Santa at Seaport Village event along San Diego Bay. Dressed in board shorts, Santa arrives at this bayfront shopping and dining favorite by watercraft; following his arrival, a lively parade takes place on the Seaport Village boardwalk, along with festive entertainment, live holiday tunes, stilt walkers, an eco-friendly tree lighting ceremony and more.

Celebrate the season right on the water with a festive and fun holiday gondola cruise through the scenic canals and tranquil waterways of Coronado Cays in beautiful Coronado. The Gondola Company runs these intimate 50-minute cruises aboard a decorated gondola complete with a holiday-themed gondolier.

This ode to the fabled reindeer Rudolph is a fun run and walk on Del Mar Beach in the North County Coastal region. The family- and dog-friendly event offers both 3K and 5K distances, and benefits two San Diego-based nonprofits: Semper Fi & America's Fund and the San Dieguito River Park.

Take in the spectacular sight of massive, festive balloons during the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, the country's largest balloon parade. Floats, balloons and marching bands are just some of the sights to see in this colorful parade along San Diego Bay in Downtown San Diego.