Outdoor Holiday Merriment

Getting outdoors during the holidays is a San Diego pastime

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.

A group of people skating at night on an outdoor ice rink at Liberty Station in San Diego.

Outdoor Ice Rinks

When the forecast says beach day but your plans say ice skating, give one of these fun seasonal rinks a spin.

Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink

When: Nov. 6, 2026 - Jan. 10, 2027
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!

Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station

When: Nov. 27, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
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.

Skating by the Sea

When: Nov. 20, 2026 - Jan. 3, 2027
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.

Bowl Game Festivities

College football's Holiday Bowl has become a major holiday tradition in San Diego, but it's much more than just a game. Check out all the exciting bowl-related activities below.

SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl

When: Dec 23, 2026
The SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl brings the excitement of college football back to San Diego, uniting fans for a thrilling matchup that celebrates local tradition and community spirit.

Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk

When: Dec 28, 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: Dec 28, 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: Dec 28, 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!

A large crowd of runners gathers at the starting line of the Surfside Turkey Trot race, with banners and sponsor signs visible in the background.

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.

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. 5, 2026
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. 12, 2026
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. 19, 2026
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. 20, 2026
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. 13 and 20, 2026
The Maritime Museum of San Diego invites you to enjoy the Annual Parade of Lights Dinner staged aboard the elegant Victorian-era 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley.

Jingle Belle Cruises from the Bahia Resort Hotel

When: December 20-24, 2026
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 2026
Step aboard Flagship Cruises 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 2026
Celebrate the season with City Cruises and enjoy 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.