This season is bound to be a great one now that we get to celebrate the joy of the holidays with our loved ones after being locked down from the pandemic the last 2 years. We have compiled a fun list of ten holiday activities you and your family can participate in San Diego this year.
1. Encinitas Street Fair
Kick off the holidays with some shopping, kids rides, live entertainment, and food and drinks, as vendors have been lining up the streets for over 30 years to prepare North County for Christmas. This 1-day event will hit the streets November 20th from 9am-5pm, on PCH between D and J streets. Don’t forget to BYO-Bag!
2. December Nights in Balboa Park
This 2-day family friendly celebration is the largest FREE event in the county this holiday season. You can enjoy festive lights, amazing food, and some fun and entertainment for all. The sights and sounds of the holidays 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. You can guarantee your night will be full of light displays, live music, carolers, theater and dance performances, and foods from all over the world. December Nights will be held on December 2-3rd.
3. Holiday at the Rancho
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park in Carlsbad transforms into a Christmas spectacular for an evening of music, crafts, cookie decorating, Santa visits, and their tree lighting ceremony. Guests can also shop for handmade holiday gifts at their craft boutique. Don’t forget more blankets and chairs, snacks and hot cocoa for a holiday movie viewing of Home Alone on the big screen outdoors starting at 6pm. This event takes place on December 3, 2022 from 5-8pm, and you can click the link to reserve your tickets now!
4. Encinitas Holiday Parade
Thousands of people will be on floats and performing in bands while thousands and thousands more will be cheering them on as the parade rolls along PCH. This year’s theme is “Classic Encinitas” where you’ll be sure to see classic cars and fashion, music, and Encinitas legends. This family friendly parade will be a celebration for all ages. This FREE parade will take place on December 3, 2022 from 5:30-7:30pm, so pack the jackets and blankets to bundle up, chairs to relax in, and snacks and warm festive drinks.
5. Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
This boat parade has been an Oceanside tradition that started almost 30 years ago so don’t forget to mark your calendar to attend this annual event. The parade includes a fun spectacle of boats all shapes and sizes decorated in their most festive holiday attire including lights, ornaments, and even some holiday costumes with a few Santa sightings. Not only is this a boat parade, but it’s a contest too where the best decorated boats will be awarded prizes. This FREE event will be on December 10, 2022 at the Oceanside Harbor starting at 7pm but be sure to arrive early and dress warm, bring blankets and chairs, don’t forget the snacks and hot cocoa.
6. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
If you’re looking to spend your evening getting into the holiday cheer with a whimsical musical, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Show dates and times are available throughout November and December at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego where you can make a full evening of it by getting a nice dinner beforehand.
7. Holidays at LEGOLAND
Celebrate the holidays at Carlsbad’s theme park LEGOLAND on select days in November and December where the holiday cheer fills the air! Thousands of Legos come together to create a 30ft tall Christmas tree that light up during the Holiday Light Show which features falling “snow,” a holiday fireworks show lights up the sky, and dazzling holiday shows burst throughout the park. Holiday characters are also out and about during the season as well so be sure to bring your camera!
8. Holidays at the Del
Celebrate this holiday season by getting Frosted by the Sea where you can enjoy a spectacular holiday experience filled with Skating by the Sea- the legendary beachfront ice rink, reserve your own rink side lounge with a cozy firepit which includes food and drink service, beachside igloos can be reserved for a more premium and private experience, “At First Light” lightshow spectacular, and on select days you can snuggle up on the beach front to view some holiday favorites under the stars. Photos with Santa, gingerbread house decorating, elf deliveries, and Victorian Tea are also available on select days in December, but the holiday magic will be happening now until January 1st!
9. Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
See the Safari Park in a whole new festive light! The park will transform into a glow and twinkle full of holiday cheer, and delicious seasonal foods and treats on select nights in November and December!
10. Del Mar’s Snow N Glow Holiday Festival
This season, join us at the fairgrounds for a spectacular viewing of over 1 million glowing lights to stroll through while sipping on a peppermint mocha. There is also a snow tubing and play area for both kids and adults that is made of real snow made fresh daily! Lastly, you can rent an igloo for a private holiday experience with you and your family or friends. Not only do you get a private experience, but you get your own fresh snow delivered to your igloo to build your own snowman. Tickets are on sale now for select dates in December 2022.
