The holiday season is here, and it's that special time of year when we slow down and look for ways to enjoy quality time with our favorite people. Of course, winter in San Diego means we'll be celebrating with sunshine and palm trees instead of snow! But I’ll let you in on a secret...there are still so many fun ways to capture the spirit of the season.
You can ice skate by the ocean, enjoy wine tasting under a canopy of millions of twinkling lights, and then later, stop by a 5-star hotel to make s'mores with your dog curled up beside you (yes, really!). Or maybe you would rather catch a live performance of a holiday classic and sip cocktails at the newest pop-up bar. Whatever you are in the mood for this holiday season, here are a few of my favorite ways to celebrate, even with sunshine and palm trees.
Experiences & Activities
1. Skating by the Sea | Hotel del Coronado
Photo credit Hotel del Coronado
Experience Hotel del Coronado’s beachfront ice rink with views of the Pacific now through January 4th. Special reservations for the rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge with plush seating up to 12 people, fire pits, and holiday-themed food and drinks start at $150. Part of the proceeds goes to Make A Wish San Diego, which makes the whole thing even better.
2. Clicquot Inn The Snow
Photo credit The Inn at RSF
Clicquot Inn The Snow is a new seasonal experience at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. It runs December 4 to 7 and again December 18 to 21, turning the Croquet Cottage into a winter themed private après-ski retreat with champagne flights and fondue. The cottage is a private event space, and during these dates it’s open to guests and locals who reserve the experience. It’s a chance to enjoy a festive, laid-back evening with friends, sipping and relaxing in a snowy-season setting. You can extend the visit with a spa treatment at Mila Moursi Spa or turn it into a full getaway with an overnight package.
3. North Pole by the Sea | Del Mar Village
Photo credit Del Mar Village
Celebrate the season at North Pole by the Sea on Sunday, December 7, from 1 to 5 PM in Del Mar Village. Enjoy carolers, holiday music, hot chocolate, festive drinks, and a beautiful tree lighting ceremony to wrap up the day. Santa will make an all day appearance for photos, giving kids the chance to meet him in person, along with festive holiday characters. A helpful tip for the little ones: don't forget to write a letter to Santa before you meet him! St. Peter's Church is even setting up real snow this year, which should be a fun change of pace for everyone.
4. Coastal Christmas | Del Mar Fairgrounds
Photo credit Coastal Christmas Del Mar
A trail with millions of holiday lights, an eco ice rink, a wine walk, Frostys Fun Zone, private igloos you can reserve, live entertainment, food vendors, and photo ops with Santa make the Coastal Christmas Del Mar into an easy family outing. The event runs December 12 through 26 from 4-9 p.m.
5. Holiday Wonderland | Petco Park
Photo credit Petco Park
Now in its fifth year at Gallagher Square at Petco Park, this festive event offers a great way to enjoy the holiday season. Stroll through Christmas light displays and admire the 40-foot Christmas tree while enjoying nightly snowfall and live entertainment. Browse for unique stocking stuffers and gifts while savoring a cup of cider or mulled wine paired with a seasonal treat. Kids can enjoy a ride on the carousel or Christmas train, visit with Santa, and even sled down a hill will snow! This holiday event begins on December 5th and runs through December 23rd with select dates.
6. December Nights | Balboa Park
Photo credit Balboa Park
Balboa Park December Nights takes place on December 5th from 3pm to 11pm and December 6th from 11am to 11pm. The event features over 200 food and retail booths, offering everything from delicious food and drinks to unique gifts. Enjoy live entertainment, festive performances, holiday lights, and family-friendly activities throughout the event.
7. Grand Social | Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Photo credit Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Spend the evening with friends and family at the Grand Social. The Glice Skating rink offers an eco friendly way to skate while enjoying the festive spirit with Santa and friends, holiday-themed beverages, and seasonal treats. Enhance your experience by renting a fire pit or cabana. The 2-hour experience includes a variety of options, such as fireside s'more making and a full holiday cocktail and food menu featuring your favorite festive flavors. Best of all, it's dog friendly!
8. Christmas Eve & Christmas Dinner | Amaya
Photo credit Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in style at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar with an unforgettable four-course dinner at Amaya. Enjoy an elegant holiday feast that combines decadent flavors and festive touches, creating a truly memorable experience. With impeccable service and a beautifully festive atmosphere, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers the perfect setting for your holiday gathering. Christmas Eve dinner runs from 5pm to 9pm, while Christmas Day dining is available from 12pm to 8pm. The four-course menu is priced at $210 per adult and $75 for children ages 3-12.
Holiday Cocktail Hot Spots
9. Snowed In | Fort Oak
Photo credit Fort Oak
Snowed In is Fort Oaks holiday cocktail bar that completely transforms the bar area. It is open now through January 3 from 4 p.m. to midnight with walk ins only. The Santa Slaps is their espresso martini style drink made with vodka, cold brew, chai spice, vanilla, cream and amaretto. High Key Holiday is their spiced rum eggnog cocktail that uses eggnog, amaro, cream and falernum for a richer take. Rizz Walds mixes bourbon, chocolate, peppermint and whipped cream and is essentially an adult hot chocolate. The menu has twelve holiday creations total.
10. Winter Wonderland | Draft
Photo credit Draft
Winter Wonderland, the holiday pop up at Draft, is back for the season through January 4. More than one million lights line the walk through Belmont Park leading into the themed cocktail bar. The menu features original cocktails including Mistletoe Kisses made with vodka, vanilla liqueur, citrus vermouth and a mulled wine reduction. Calabrian Nights Old Fashioned combines whiskey, brandy, Amaro del Capo, burnt demerara syrup and orange bitters. With heavy holiday décor throughout the space, it's the perfect way to bring the holiday season to life.
11. Your Favorite Hotel Bar
Photo credit Pony Room
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Rancho Valencia, The Hotel Del Coronado, The Grand Del Mar, La Valencia. All of these are special places any time of year, but they take on a magical feel when decorated with the sites, smells, and flavors of the holidays.
Live Shows
12. The Grinch | Old Globe Theatre
Photo credit Old Globe Theatre
Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville for Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Shows run through December 31st.
13. San Diego Symphony "Noel Noel" | The Rady Shell
Photo credit San Diego Symphony
Don’t miss the San Diego Symphony’s Noel Noel concert at The Rady Shell. The program features classic holiday music, community choirs, and a family friendly storyline. It remains one of San Diego’s long running holiday traditions and takes place December 19 through 21.
The Best Holiday Lights
14. Popular Neighborhood Lights
Hop in the car and venture out for a night of lights, music and fun! These neighborhoods feature must-see light displays.
Poway. Candy Cane Lane
Rancho Peñasquitos. Christmas Card Lane
Scripps Ranch. Merry-tage Court
Carmel Mountain Ranch. Fairway Village
San Marcos. Knob Hill
15. Lightscape Exhibit | Botanic Garden
Photo credit Botanic Garden
The Garden of Lights at the San Diego Botanic Garden is spectacular thanks to the International Lightscape Exhibition. Enjoy a one-mile evening walk through the lighted garden filled with more than one million twinkling lights, as well as a "cathedral" of lights, a laser garden, lantern trees and more. Reservations are required, and the exhibit runs through January 4th.
16. Parade of Lights | San Diego Bay
Photo credit San Diego Parade of Lights
The 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a beloved holiday tradition, takes place on December 14th and 21st. Best of all, it’s completely free! The boating community will decorate their boats according to this year’s theme, creating a festive spectacle along the Bayfront. The parade begins at 5:30pm and lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, with additional viewing from the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before heading to Coronado.
To learn more about dining, travel, local events, and trends in luxury lifestyles, visit my blog. And don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for updates on luxury real estate and San Diego's best-kept secrets! Talk soon.
