Plan a Perfect Winter Day Out in San Diego
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.
Imagine ice skating by the ocean, wine tasting under a canopy of millions of twinkling lights, and then later, stopping by a five-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 or sip cocktails at the newest pop-up bar? Here are a few of my favorite ways to celebrate the season, even with sunshine and palm trees.
Experiences & Activities
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Experience Hotel del Coronado’s beachfront ice rink with views of the Pacific now through January 5th. Special reservations for the rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounge with plush seating up to 8 people, fire pits, and holiday-themed food and drinks start at $100.
Click here to make a reservation.
Coastal Christmas at Del Mar Fairgrounds
Millions of holiday lights, ice skating, Frosty's fun zone, private igloo rentals and live entertainment make the Coastal Christmas Del Mar Festival a wonderful experience for everyone. Open December 13-15, 19-23, and 26th from 4-9 p.m.
Click here to make a reservation.
Celebrate the season at North Pole by the Sea on Sunday, December 8, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Jim Watkins Amphitheater in Del Mar. 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!
Click here for Santa photo tickets.
The Holiday Market at Petco Park
Now in its fourth 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 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 see live reindeer up close! This holiday event begins on December 5th and runs through December 27th with select dates.
Click here for more information and purchase tickets.
Grand Social @Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Enjoy a night out with friends and family at the Grand Social. Experience the Glice skating rink, designed for eco-friendly recreation. Enjoy the festive spirit with Santa and friends, caroling, live music, holiday-themed beverages, and seasonal treats. Enhance your experience by renting a fire pit or cabana starting at $107. 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!
Click here to make a reservation.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner
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 10pm, 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.
Click here for Christmas Eve reservations
Click here for Christmas Day reservations
Holiday Cocktail Hot Spots
Explore San Diego’s vibrant cocktail scene with these holiday-inspired pop-ups!
Miracle at Draft
Miracle, the whimsical holiday pop-up, has returned at Draft this for the second-time this holiday season, since debuting last year! Let over one million lights guide you through Belmont Park to the highly anticipated Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up. Miracle at Draft will feature exclusive original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and exciting new collectable mugs; it's the perfect way to bring the holiday season to life.
Open until 8pm Daily Click here to learn more.
The Grass Skirt
Sippin' Santa is the tropical companion to Miracle at Draft (mentioned above). The holiday pop-up has officially taken over The Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach, now through December 31st. Open Monday-Wed 5pm-11pm / Thurs-Sat 5pm-2am / Sunday 5pm-12am.
Click here for reservations.
Your Favorite Hotel Bar
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Rancho Valencia, The Hotel Del Coronado, The Grand Del Mar... 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
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.
Click here to purchase tickets.
San Diego Symphony "Noel Noel" Holiday Show
Don't miss the San Diego Symphony's all-new holiday story and script, full of cozy holiday moments, favorite tunes, and jolly spirit in Noel Noel, San Diego's favorite annual holiday music tradition inside the new Jacob's Music Center on December 13th-15th.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Nutcracker Tea at Grand Del Mar
Enjoy an abridged Nutcracker performance by Scripps Performing Arts Academy with tea service on December 27th-29th at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Click here to purchase tickets.
The Best Holiday Lights
Hop in the car and venture out for a night of lights, music and fun! These neighborhoods feature must-see light displays.
- Candy Cane Lane in Poway
- Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Peñasquitos
- Merry-tage Court in Scripps Ranch
- Fairway Village in Carmel Mountain Ranch
- Knob Hill in San Marcos
Botanic Garden Lightscape Exhibit
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 5th.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a beloved holiday tradition, takes place on December 8th and 15th, 2024. 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.
Click here to see the boat route, times, and map.
Balboa Park December Nights takes place on December 6th from 3pm to 11pm and December 7th from 11am to 11pm. The event features over 200 food and retail booths, offering everything from delicious food and drinks to unique gifts. This year, the City of San Diego and SDG&E are partnering for a sock drive to support unsheltered clients of PATH San Diego—attendees can drop off new socks at several locations. Enjoy live entertainment, festive performances, holiday lights, and family-friendly activities throughout the event.
Click here for more information.
Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season, San Diego!
Photo Credits: San Diego Botanic Garden, Hotel del Coronado, CBF Productions, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Polite Provisions, SanDiegoWithKids (Instagram)
