Outdoor Holiday Merriment
Thanks to year-round moderate temperatures, getting outdoors during the holidays is second nature in San Diego. Enjoy ice skating by the ocean, cheer on your favorite team during a bowl game, or push yourself with a physical challenge such as running in a turkey trot or half-marathon. Or simply stroll along the beach and enjoy the warmth of the season, San Diego-style.
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.
Outdoor Ice Rinks
Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station
When: Nov. 20, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, Sentre and NTC Foundation welcome the community to celebrate the holiday season with the return of their outdoor ice skating rink, located in the Central Promenade at Arts District Liberty Station.
Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink
When: Nov. 7, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
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!
Skating by the Sea
When: Nov. 21, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
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.
Holiday Bowl Festivities
Snapdragon Bowl Bash
When: January 2, 2026
The Snapdragon Bowl Bash is a chance for fans and locals to gather in the heart of San Diego for FREE family fun, great food, live music, giveaways and more!
Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk
When: January 2, 2026
The Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk at the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade takes place along San Diego’s beautiful harborfront.
Holiday Bowl
When: January 2, 2026
With a longstanding tradition of being one of the most exciting bowl games in the business, the Holiday Bowl features a matchup between two nationally prominent teams, plus fireworks and more.
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
When: January 2, 2026
A big part of the Holiday Bowl celebrations, this exciting family event brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams and a procession of enormous balloons – more than any other parade!
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots
Get up on your feet before you dive into a Thanksgiving feast! Turkey trots abound around San Diego, a great place to run year-round. (Note: All turkey trots take place on Thanksgiving Day.)
O'side Turkey Trot
The Frontwave Credit Union O'side Turkey Trot has become a North County tradition that gives participants a chance to "move their feet before they eat."
Coronado 5K Turkey Trot
Join the Coronado Unit of the Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary for the Coronado 5K Turkey Trot and support mental health initiatives at Rady Children's.
5K Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Join the Fallbrook Village Rotary for a 5K Thanksgiving Turkey Trot through the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens.
Father Joe's Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K Run & Walk
San Diego's original and longest-standing Thanksgiving Day turkey trot is back, and itss critical mission remains the same: To provide crucial funds to feed the homeless through Father Joe's Villages' meal program.
Holiday Runs
With beautiful wintertime weather, San Diego is a perfect place to hit the roads for a run during the holidays, whether you're up for a mile race or a half-marathon.
Red Nose Run
When: Dec. 13, 2025
A fun run and walk on beautiful Del Mar beach that is family- and dog-friendly. Choose your distance - we offer 3K and 5K distances. Managed 100% by a dedicated volunteer team, our event benefits two amazing San Diego-based nonprofits: Semper Fi & America's Fund, San Dieguito River Park.
San Diego Santa Run 5K and 1 Mile Race
When: Dec. 13, 2025
Come out in your finest (or ugliest) Christmas attire as you take part in the annual San Diego Santa Run 5K and 1 Mile Race, a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon
When: Dec. 20, 2025
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a fast 13.1-mile course that starts in Rancho Penasquitos and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.
Dirty December Poker Run
When: Dec. 21, 2025
Holiday cheer and fun on the trails. In addition to a costume contest and holiday theme, this run will involve a poker element. Your poker hand could give you bonus time (taken off from your final time).
Christmas Cruises
Getting out on the water (or even alongside it) is a great way to savor the holidays in San Diego, and you'll find plenty of options here.
Parade of Lights Dinner and Boat Parade Viewing
When: Dec. 14 and 21, 2025
The Maritime Museum of San Diego invites you to enjoy the 54th Annual Parade of Lights Dinner staged aboard the elegant Victorian-era 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley, Sundays, Dec. 14 and 21, 2025.
Jingle Belle Cruises from the Bahia Resort Hotel
When: December 22-25, 2025
Jingle all the way aboard a festive sightseeing cruise on Mission Bay! With departures from the Bahia Resort Hotel and the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, this special voyage is ideal for a holiday gathering with family and friends.
Flagship Cruises & Events Holiday Cruises
When: Throughout December 2025
Step aboard and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with unique cruises on San Diego Bay; events include December Nights on the Bay, the Holiday Lights Spectator Cruise, and the Christmas Eve & Day Dining Cruise.
City Cruises & Events Holiday Cruises
When: Throughout December 2025
Celebrate the season while enjoying the calm waters and beautiful scenery of San Diego Bay with events including Holiday Lights & Sips Cocktail Cruise, Holiday Lunch & Dinner Cruise, Parade of Lights Premier Dinner Cruise, and Christmas Premier Brunch & Dinner Cruises.