San Diego’s Ultimate Guide to Holiday Festivities and New Year’s Celebrations

Head to The Forum Carlsbad for unique gifts and holiday gatherings that kick off November 29 and 30 with strolling carolers from 11am to 4pm, along with specials for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday throughout the weekend. The 22nd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration is set for Friday, December 6, from 6 to 9pm, and will include a live performance by The Mar Dels, holiday entertainers, Santa’s arrival, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and a light show and magical snowfall. Then, each Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm through December 23, families can visit with Santa in the garden area near Yeti. Christmas Tree Wonderlights takes place daily on the hour from 5 to 9pm December 7-25, featuring a choreographed light and music show. 

Get the season in full swing with a visit to the Holiday Market at Petco Park, which returns this year to the new Gallagher Square on select nights from 4 to 10pm, December 5 to 27. Stroll through magical lights displays and shop for unique items from local artisans while you enjoy seasonal treats and even photo opportunities with Santa. Fun family activities also include a carousel, carnival games, and live entertainment on select nights, while a gorgeous 30-foot Christmas tree sparkles for all to admire. 

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair returns to Broadway Pier December 6 from 2 to 7pm, December 7 from 10am to 7pm, and December 8 from 11am to 8pm. The event will host more than 140 local makers for a seasonal shopping experience with photo displays, gourmet food, live music, cocktails, workshops, and much more. The pier will be decked out with fun holiday décor and will offer a special opportunity to shop while enjoying waterfront views.

Invita Café, a family-owned Italian-inspired coffee bar, presents its annual Holiday Makers Market on December 7 from 10am to 2pm at its Cielo Village location in Rancho Santa Fe. The event will feature more than 40 local vendors offering unique, handcrafted gifts, along with delicious bites and drinks. Plus, enjoy a classic car show and meet the adorable pups available for adoption through A Way Home For Dogs. 

On December 8, from 2 to 7pm, discover the Holiday Market at Park Hyatt Aviara, the first ever on property, to explore unique holiday gifts, enjoy festive treats and beverages, and capture special moments with Santa and his Elves. Featured vendors include Mala Mantra, Sita Couture, Aura Candles, Jaclyn James, Bee Moon Light Studio, 619 Wood Crafts, Permanent Jewelry, About Skyeblue Oceans, and more. 

Support a woman-owned business and the Women’s Museum of California at Parravi Jewelry’s Sip and Shop event on December 11 from 4 to 7pm. Located on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach, the boutique will donate a portion of proceeds from all sales to the Women’s Museum of California.

Join Four Moons Spa for their annual Holiday Moon Market on Wednesday, December 11, from 5 to 8pm in Encinitas.  The event will feature more than a dozen local vendors offering unique gifts, along with live music by Helena Holleran and hosted libations by Solento tequila. Plus, enjoy mini healing sessions to relax and refresh the holiday spirit from mini massages and facials to psychic and  tarot readings. Let the magic of the holidays shine under the moon at Four Moons.   

Carols by Candlelight will take place December 6 and 7 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Now in its 35th year, the Christmas-inspired concerts will feature country music stars singing their hits and favorite holiday songs, with proceeds set to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. This year’s headliners include country music singer and Billboard Hot 100 artist Rodney Atkins, as well as multi-platinum recording artist and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Richie Furay.

Making Merry on December 7 brings together the San Diego Opera Chorus with special guest stars at Balboa Theatre for a heartwarming holiday concert. Filled with songs of the season, carols, modern favorites, and classic holiday songs, this concert offers the chance to celebrate (and sing along) with loved ones. 

For 29 years, Meals on Wheels San Diego has hosted its annual Holiday Concert, and this year the organization will again partner with the award-winning Coastal Communities Concert Band to bring holiday cheer while raising funds for San Diego seniors and disabled veterans. The concert on December 14 at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church is dedicated in memory of Charlotte Fan, a vibrant supporter who worked tirelessly to further the Meals on Wheels San Diego County mission. 

The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (LFJCC) Jacobs Family Campus and the Center for Jewish Culture present Hanukkah Happening on December 15 from 12:30 to 3:30pm at the LFJCC. Designed for families, the event will include a variety of activities (face painting, crafting, costume content, menorah making contest) as well as a concert from world renowned New York rock band The LeeVees from 2 to 3:30pm. 

Also on December 15, at 2pm, the Spreckels Organ Society will host its annual Holiday Sing-Along, offering a popular family-friendly program with traditional Christmas carols led by award-winning local singer Lauren Leigh and Raul Prieto Ramírez, SOS Artistic Director and San Diego Civic Organist. After an introduction of Christmas arrangements by Ramírez, the audience will be welcomed on stage for a carols sing-along, which will also include some traditional Hanukkah songs. 

Lightscape is back at San Diego Botanic Garden for its third year. On select nights through January 5, explore the whimsy of nature through music, light, and color. Reimagined for 2024, this immersive experience guides visitors through a world of wonder with more than one million twinkling lights featuring installations designed by international artists. Enjoy seasonal treats while exploring the one-mile illuminated trail with the new Flame Skimmer Dragonfly installation and returning favorites including the Winter Cathedral and California Poppies. 

Belmont Park also sparkles with one million twinkling lights, radiant decorations, indulgent desserts, cozy seasonal beverages, and more during Winter Wonder through January 5. The park’s favorite rides and attractions are sprinkled with holiday cheer, including Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland, Sweet Escape at Escapology, and Polar Plunge at Plunge Pool. Plus, enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 6pm, along with community performances from 1 to 2pm.

On December 5, Oceanside hosts the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the Regal Cinema Plaza. Performances and family activities kick off the event, followed by Santa arriving on a vintage fire truck and a countdown to the tree lighting. Stick around to shop local at the recurring holiday-themed Sunset Market from 5 to 9pm. Then, on December 14, Oceanside Adventures will offer 20-minute boat rides with Santa. Return to the Oceanside Harbor that evening to enjoy the annual Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights. 

Cape Rey’s Holiday Open House & Tree Lighting also kicks off on December 5 at 5:30pm with the tree lighting, followed by the Kris Kringle Market featuring shopping opportunities, photos with Santa, and performances by Carlsbad High School bands. The pool’s cabanas will turn into Santa’s workshops with art and crafts and cookie decorating, and complimentary cocoa, cider, and holiday treats available. A portion of proceeds from Chandler’s dinner bookings that evening will be donated to the Carlsbad Education Foundation.

Every weekend from December 6 to 29, Lakehouse Resort’s Winter Wonderland, nestled along the 80-acre Lake San Marcos, will immerse guests in an array of festive treats and an exclusive lakeside igloo dining experience complete with twinkling lights, tapas, and wine. For the little ones, the Frozen Fun Zone features a Polar Express-inspired Train Ride, s’mores by the fire, and a Build-a-Buddy station where they can create their own stuffed animal. On Saturdays, families can capture photos with Santa. Don’t miss the Candy Cane Cruises on the lake or the Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail experience, Miracle at Brickmans. 

Little Italy San Diego is bringing back its annual Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village for its 25th year on December 7 from 4 to 8pm amid a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, towering nutcrackers, and kinetic holiday displays, as well as seasonal bites, sips, and goods.

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored tradition that has become one of the most iconic events in the region. On December 8 and 15, the 54th edition, themed “Peace on Earth,” promises to dazzle and entertain. This year, the procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats will once again proceed to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another viewing area. 

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has unveiled a 6,000-square-foot outdoor roller rink experience, Downtown Skate, offering guests the opportunity to skate beneath the swaying palm trees with unobstructed views of San Diego Bay. Downtown Skate uses less than ten percent of the average water expenditure of traditional ice rinks, and its minimal power usage makes it an eco-friendly alternative for those looking to enjoy a skating experience while reducing environmental impact.

Round up your furry friends for the Gaslamp Pet Parade and Pups in the Pub Party on December 14 from 10am to 4pm. Pet lovers can enjoy the Holiday Expo at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, witness festively costumed pets, and enjoy craft brews and holiday cheer at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. All pets — whether they have fur, feathers, or scales — are welcome. 

Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero on the open-air 4th floor Sport Terrace at the Manchester Grand Hyatt is debuting its new Fireside Films series featuring two-person loveseats with dedicated wood-burning heaters to keep guests cozy. Screenings include holiday favorites and cult-classics such as Elf, Home Alone, The Grinch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Holiday, It’s a Wonderful Life, and of course, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Die Hard.

Sip on This Omni Hotels & Resorts is partnering with renowned mixologist Julie Reiner to bring Blitzen’s Bar pop up to Audrey’s at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Available through December 30, the exclusive menu features innovative libations from Reiner, known for co-founding iconic New York City cocktail bars Clover Club, Milady’s, and Leyanda, as well as for serving as a judge on Netflix’s hit series Drink Masters.  

Raise a glass to the return of the holiday cocktail pop-up experience Miracle at Draft at Belmont Park, taking place through January 5 and featuring festive original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and cheerful mug designs to bring the holiday season to life.

Manchester Grand Hyatt’s iconic 40th-floor bar, Top of the Hyatt, has fully transformed into a cozy cabin winter wonderland known as Over the Top Holiday Lounge. Enter through ornament archways adorned with twinkling lights to relax with friends in the bunk bed lounge or take a picture in a ski lift chair for two as you soak in the cabin’s warm holiday cheer. Live holiday entertainment and views of the San Diego skyline round out this unique pop-up experience. 

For an over-the-top California Christmas, check into the historic Lafayette Hotel, complete with a lobby doused in holiday decorations, half a dozen food and beverage concepts, a supper club and entertainment venue, two-lane bowling alley, historic pool, and bungalows. All season long, festive cocktails such as a warming “Hot Toddy,” jolly and juicy “Tiki,” and a lightly fruited “Old Fashioned” will be available at The Lobby Bar. In addition, the signature Lafayette Eggnog is available for room service as a non-alcoholic beverage that guests can spike with their favorite spiced rum from the rooms’ not-so-mini minibar. 

Join Valle for a holiday dining experience curated by Chef Roberto Alcocer. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy a six-course menu that showcases the vibrant flavors of the season. To further elevate your dining experience, an optional wine pairing is available.

Celebrate holiday festivities with a curated Christmas Day Brunch at Richard Blais’ Ember & Rye at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa. Enjoy the newest creations from Executive Chef Jon Bautista featuring a selection of sushi and sashimi, a house-smoked fish platter, a charcuterie station with local artisan offerings, an array of locally sourced California cheeses, and hot and cold buffets. 

Sail into 2025 with the ultimate yacht rock experience as Yachtley Crew takes the stage on New Year’s Eve at The Sound in Del Mar. Known for their electrifying performances and spot-on renditions of classic hits from the ’70s and ’80s, and signed to Jimmy Buffett’s label, the band has built an international following and is currently riding high after inking a three-year residency at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. Get ready for timeless anthems from legends like Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Toto. 

Wild Horses is returning for its fourth and biggest festival yet. On December 30, the massive single-day event will celebrate the closing of the year with a concert featuring headliner Post Malone and supporting iconic Americana outlaw country acts including Paul Cauthen, Zach Top, and Vincent Neil Emerson at Petco Park.

Welcome 2025 in style aboard an enhanced New Year’s Eve Cruise on Mission Bay. Hosted on the William D. Evans sternwheeler, guests can enjoy a pre-cruise reception complete with Moet Champagne, tray passed appetizers, a Moet Tree photo op, and live DJ-spun music. The cruise embarks at 9:30pm and continues until 12:30am. There will also be a live band, full bar, dessert bites, and VIP tables available for purchase.

The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Beach Resort’s New Year’s Eve celebration transforms the outdoor space into a luxurious winter wonderland under the stars. The evening of glamour and celebration includes an open bar featuring a curated selection of premium drinks, a lively midnight countdown, and an unforgettable evening of dancing on a pool-covered dance floor.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an oceanfront view and California coastal cuisine at Adelaide, L’Auberge Del Mar’s signature restaurant. Adelaide’s new Executive Chef, James Montejano, has created a New Year’s Eve prix fixe dining menu to elevate the celebration from 5 to 9 pm. 

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is returning with its annual Glitz & Glam NYE Party as it transforms over 40,000 square feet of event space to host an unforgettable New Year celebration. Ring in the New Year on December 31 from 9pm to 2amacross three floors and seven rooms with over 15 DJs for every taste, from house and hip hop to reggaeton. The hotel’s rooftop area will be a part of the biggest party in Gaslamp Quarter with the “Starlight Garden,” a deep house musical scene featuring Le Twins. The Legends Ballroom will be transformed into a themed nightclub, the “Golden Ballroom,” with headliner DJ Karma playing house, top 40, and various other genres. The night continues in the revamped Edge Ballroom, converted into the “Light Lounge,” and within, 207 Bar becomes the “Ritmo Room” for a rhythmic soiree of Latin, reggaeton, and dembow. 

Ring in the New Year at Lilian’s at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe with an elegant four-course New Year’s Eve dinner, complete with a champagne toast at midnight. Then, kick off 2025 in style with a special three-course New Year’s Day brunch. 

An all-day New Year’s Day brunch at Greenfinch Restaurant at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is the perfect way to keep the party going into 2025. Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of champagne with the option to keep the festivities flowing with bottomless bubbly.