Your guide to the best holiday events and celebrations across San Diego

The holiday season is set to sparkle with festive experiences of every kind — from tasting events and light-filled attractions to shopping with a purpose, luxurious hotel celebrations, and spectacular on-stage performances. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly magic or sophisticated seasonal outings, there’s something merry and bright for everyone this year.

The holidays come to life at the Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip on December 7. Stroll festively decorated streets while sampling culinary creations from award-winning local restaurants and sipping seasonal pours from beverage partners. Enjoy live music throughout the village, visits from the Grinch himself, and a holiday tree lighting to end the evening. 

This month, Little Italy hotspot Lala brings back its signature holiday pop-up, Lala-Land, transforming the restaurant into a whimsical Christmas wonderland designed to dazzle with glittering décor, immersive installations, over-the-top Christmas trees, shimmering lights, and festive details around every corner — all perfectly paired with Lala’s vibrant cocktails, indulgent bites, and upbeat atmosphere. 

Through January 2, experience Blitzen’s, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s signature Christmas-themed pop-up bar, where “the cocktails sleigh.” This festive favorite brings an explosion of ornaments, twinkly lights, tinsel, and holiday cheer in partnership with renowned mixologist, bar owner, and author Julie Reiner of New York bars Clover Club, Milady’s, and Leyenda, also known for her role as a judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters.

The Escondido Choral Arts Foundation presents The Spirit of the Holidays on December 7 at Grace Lutheran Church in Escondido, celebrating music across the centuries, from Baroque to contemporary. Featuring “The Christmas Story” by German composer Heinrich Schütz, performed in English, Berlioz’s “The Shepherds’ Farewell” from the French Romantic period, and a lively Bluegrass rendition of a classic American hymn, the performance will feature The Center Chorale, Pacific Coast Chorale, a chamber ensemble, and guest soloists.

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra and North Coast Singers will come together for Holiday Harmonies on December 12 and 14 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas featuring orchestral renditions of beloved holiday classics including “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Fantasy,” “Overture of French Carols,” “Greensleeves,” and “Joy to the World.”  

Carols by Candlelight returns on December 12 and 13 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts in support of Rady Children’s Hospital. This cherished family tradition features top country artists performing their hits alongside beloved Christmas songs. Headliners include Mark Wills and Andy Griggs, joined by longtime favorites Anna Vaus, Back to the Garden, and Steve Vaus, Poway’s Grammy-winning mayor. The evenings conclude with a touching candlelit sing-along of “Silent Night” in the courtyard.

Legoland California has been transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, sweet treats, falling “snow,” and brick-tastic cheer. Families can marvel at the park’s iconic three-story Lego Christmas tree, crafted from more than 360,000 bricks, and snap photos in front of the newly unveiled life-size 17-foot Lego Santa sleigh complete with two reindeer. Enjoy festive shows, dance around the tree, meet Lego Santa, send wish lists through the North Pole Postal Service, and enjoy holiday fireworks on select nights. 

Liberty Station’s annual Hanukkah & Menorah Lighting takes place on December 14, from 5 to 8pm, at the Central Promenade next to the Rady Children’s Ice Rink. The family-friendly celebration will feature festive entertainment, treats, and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah, marking the start of Hanukkah with warmth and togetherness. 

Now celebrating its 55th year, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns to the waterfront for two magical evenings filled with lights, music, and maritime holiday spirit. Parades will take place on December 14 and 21, beginning at 5:30pm and featuring a two-hour illuminated route along the bay.

All aboard the William D. Evans sternwheeler for the beloved Jingle Belle Cruises — a sparkling San Diego holiday tradition presented by Evans Hotels on Mission Bay. Join friends, family, and Santa Claus for a festive voyage filled with twinkling décor, cheerful carolers, holiday cocktails, homemade cookies, kids’ crafts, and photos with Santa and his helpers. Cruises depart from the Bahia Resort December 20, 22, 23, and 24, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Mama’s Kitchen.

Golden State Ballet presents The Nutcracker in collaboration with the San Diego Symphony at San Diego Civic Theatre December 12 to 21. Artistic Director Raúl Salamanca brings Clara’s enchanting journey to life with imaginative choreography, stunning sets, and exquisite costumes. The San Diego Symphony’s live performance elevates the classic score, creating an immersive holiday experience. A highlight of this production is the participation of Golden State Ballet Academy students, who share the stage with company artists in an inspiring mentorship moment.

The San Diego Symphony Orchestra’s beloved holiday tradition, Noel Noel, returns to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park December 19 to 21. The concerts feature the San Diego Master Chorale, San Diego Children’s Choir, and joyful performances filled with Christmas classics, sing-alongs, and seasonal magic. Directed by Jonathan Gilmer with projection design by Mike Tutaj and lighting design by Amanda Zieve, this uplifting holiday favorite brings the spirit of the season to life in a spectacular outdoor setting.

Cygnet Theatre brings festive cheer to Arts District Liberty Station with A Christmas Carol, running through December 28, at Cygnet’s new home, The Joan. Adapted and directed by Artistic Director Sean Murray, this holiday favorite combines dazzling visuals, joyful music, and heartfelt performances in a timeless tale of hope and redemption. 

The Old Globe rings in the holiday season with the return of Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show, a hilarious and heartwarming parody of the Dickens classic reimagined. The spirited show features all the familiar elements — Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future — infused with a playful San Diego twist and plenty of local humor. 

Through December 31, The Old Globe also transforms into the whimsical world of Who-ville for its 28th annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! This beloved holiday musical brings the classic story to life with favorite songs including “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” delighting audiences of all ages.

The Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village returns December 6 from 4 to 8pm, transforming the neighborhood into a sparkling winter wonderland with twinkling lights strung above India Street and festive music filling the air. Wander through a bustling Christmas Village featuring more than 110 local vendors offering handcrafted gifts, treats, and holiday goodies, while neighborhood shops and restaurants add to the charm with décor and seasonal specials. The festivities culminate with the tree lighting ceremony at 6:30pm in Piazza della Famiglia.

Kringle Mingle, Cardiff’s beloved holiday tradition, returns on December 7 from 10am to 2pm. Enjoy a cheerful holiday makers market, photos with Santa, face painting, letters to Santa, origami, rock painting, and more. Santa arrives at 11am, and guests are encouraged to bring a toy for Toys for Tots to help spread holiday cheer to local children. 

Running December 10 to 14 and 17 to 23, Park Hyatt Aviara’s Holiday Market in The Gardens at Park Hyatt Aviara offers unique gifts, festive treats, beverages, and family photo opportunities. 

On December 12, Temecula Chilled: Holiday Wine Shopping Night features holiday lights, local wines, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Area wineries will open their doors after dark for a festive Sip & Shop night. Hop from winery to winery as each comes alive with sparkling lights, live music, carolers, pop-ups, holiday beverages, and special shopping offers. 

Christmas with the Animals at Lions Tigers & Bears on December 13 is a heartwarming afternoon complete with holiday lights, festive music, raffles, gourmet food trucks, and photos with Santa. The highlight of the day is watching more than 60 rescued exotic animals excitedly unwrap their Christmas gifts during a special feeding hour from 3 to 4pm. Proceeds support the ongoing care and wellbeing of the sanctuary’s rescued animals.

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) welcomes back Winter MKT on December 14 from 11am to 5pm, transforming its campus into a lively celebration of music, culture, and curated shopping. Featuring vendors from Southern California and the bi-national region, the market offers a selection of winter-season gifts, along with Japanese-themed records, food, drinks, and goods. 

December 1 to 25, L’Auberge Del Mar invites guests to celebrate the holidays by the sea with family-friendly festivities all month long. Write letters to Santa, enjoy festive movies under the stars (The Holiday, The Grinch, Elf), decorate gingerbread houses on December 13, and take part in nightly Hanukkah menorah lightings from December 15 to 22.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ warm, Craftsman-style design sets the scene for a truly enchanting winter escape. Guests are welcomed into a holiday wonderland, where a grand Christmas tree adorned with pinecones, manzanita branches, woodland owls, and tartan reindeer glimmers.

Beginning December 10, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa transforms into a luxurious holiday wonderland with Stocking Full of Christmas, an immersive seasonal experience guided by your own “Journey Elf.” Explore five magical themed rooms, each filled with performances, interactive moments, and festive surprises. Along the way, families collect keepsakes in a beautifully designed wearable stocking. A VIP Experience offers private check-in, a pre-event lounge, stocking decorating, and priority access for an elevated evening of holiday magic.

Set sail for a New Year’s Eve celebration with Jimmy’s Buffet LIVE: NYE in Paradise at South Coast Winery. Feel the island breeze, sip on a margarita, and sway to your favorite tropical hits as you ring in 2026 with an eight-piece band featuring live steel pans, congas, and more.

Back at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, guests can bid farewell to the year in style with an exquisite five-course New Year’s Eve tasting menu at A.R. Valentien, complete with a special chef’s giveaway surprise. The celebration continues on New Year’s Day at The Grill, where a festive Holiday Brunch awaits, complemented by a mimosa and bloody Mary bar.