Christmas in San Diego with kids.
Christmas in San Diego is a warm-weather Christmas. You can skate by the beach, watch boats covered in lights on the bay, and see the zoo lit up at night. Balboa Park throws a huge free festival on the first weekend of December.
The theme parks all add holiday events too, from SeaWorld to LEGOLAND. Nights still get cool, so bring a jacket for anything after dark.
Before you go
- December Nights parking fills hours before it starts. Use a shuttle or a rideshare.
- For zoo nights, come in the afternoon to see animals in daylight, then stay for the lights.
- Skating slots at the Hotel del, The Grinch, and the North Pole train are the most likely to sell out.
- The week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest at the parks.
- Evenings by the water get chilly. Pack layers.
Family Christmas events in San Diego
31 events
Some ticket links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects which events we list. Learn more.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
December Nights in Balboa Park
- Dates
- Dec 4-5 · Fri, Dec 4, 4-10pm; Sat, Dec 5, noon-10pm
- Where
- Balboa Park, Balboa Park, central San Diego
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up, no tickets
The city's biggest free holiday party fills Balboa Park for two days. Expect lights, live music and family activities across the park.
Parent tip: It gets very crowded after dark. Go Saturday afternoon with little ones, and skip driving: parking fills hours early.
- Zoo lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
- Dates
- Dec 18 - Jan 3 · 2026 dates not announced yet; check the official site. Recent seasons ran most nights from mid-December to early January, with lights from 5pm.
- Where
- San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, central San Diego
- Price
- Included with Zoo admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Regular Zoo ticket; no separate event ticket
The Zoo stays open into the evening with light trails, shows and a Santa area. It all comes with a normal Zoo ticket.
Parent tip: Arrive mid-afternoon to see the animals in daylight, then stay for the lights. Weeknights early in the run are calmer.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 13-Jan 3. Fireworks Sat, Dec 12 and Thu, Dec 31.
- Where
- SeaWorld San Diego, Mission Bay
- Price
- Included with park admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Park ticket; buy online ahead
The park adds holiday lights, a nightly tree lighting and holiday shows. Kids can visit Santa's cottage and meet Rudolph.
Parent tip: Weekends and the weeks around Christmas are busiest. Bring a jacket, as it gets cool by the water after dark.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Holidays at LEGOLAND California
- Dates
- Nov 21 - Jan 3 · Nov 21-29, Dec 5-6, Dec 12-13, Dec 19-Jan 3. Fireworks Dec 5, 12 and 19-31.
- Where
- LEGOLAND California Resort, Carlsbad, North County
- Price
- Included with park tickets
- Ages and booking
- Best for ages 2-12 · Park ticket; buy online ahead
The park adds LEGO holiday builds, holiday shows and a chance to meet Santa. Some nights end with fireworks.
Parent tip: Pick a fireworks date if your kids can stay up. For the youngest ones, a non-fireworks day is calmer.
- Zoo lights Good for toddlers
Wild Holidays at the Safari Park
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Jan 3 · Nov 28-29, Dec 18-23, Dec 26-Jan 3. Park open until 8pm on these nights.
- Where
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, North County
- Price
- Included with Safari Park admission
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Regular park ticket; no separate event ticket
The Safari Park stays open late on select nights with lights and holiday activities. It comes with a normal park ticket.
Parent tip: Animals are hard to see after dark, so arrive early. Escondido gets cold at night; pack layers.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Nightly from 5pm, Nov 20-Jan 3
- Where
- San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, North County
- Price
- From $28 adults, $18 kids; 2 and under free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead
A walk-through light trail winds through the garden for about a mile. Prices change by date.
Parent tip: The trail is about a mile long. Bring a carrier or stroller for small legs, and pick an early slot.
- Ice skatingChristmas lights Good for toddlers
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 20-Jan 3. Hours vary; most days 10am-10pm.
- Where
- Hotel del Coronado
- Price
- $35-45 per skater, skate rental included
- Ages and booking
- All ages; skaters under 12 need a skating adult · Book a skate session ahead
An outdoor ice rink sits on the beach side of the historic hotel. The resort also runs a holiday light show that ends with fake snow.
Parent tip: Parents can't carry kids on the ice. Ask for the toddler double-blade skates for extra balance.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe
- Dates
- Nov 4 - Dec 31 · Nov 4-Dec 31; check the show calendar for times
- Where
- The Old Globe, Balboa Park, central San Diego
- Price
- Tickets vary by date
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a play · Buy tickets ahead; popular dates sell out
A stage musical of the Grinch story, now in its 29th year. The plaza outside the theater gets Whoville decorations.
Parent tip: Pair it with a daytime Balboa Park visit. The decorated plaza is free to see even without show tickets.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
- Dates
- Dec 13-20 · Sun, Dec 13 and Sun, Dec 20, starts 5:30pm
- Where
- San Diego Bay, from Shelter Island, Downtown waterfront and Coronado
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Dozens of boats covered in lights sail along the bay. You can watch from several spots on the shore.
Parent tip: Top viewing spots fill up, so arrive early. Bring warm layers for the wait by the water.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
North Pole Limited train ride
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 20 · Fri-Sun, Nov 27-Dec 20; late-afternoon and evening trains
- Where
- Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Campo Depot, Campo, East County (about an hour's drive)
- Price
- Prices vary by seat class; babies under 1 on a lap ride free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead
A 90-minute holiday train ride through the backcountry. Elves lead songs, hand out cocoa and cookies, and Santa gets on board.
Parent tip: Campo is a long drive and cold at night. Pack pajamas and a blanket so kids can sleep on the ride home.
- Shows and Nutcracker
The Nutcracker by Golden State Ballet
- Dates
- Dec 17-23 · Dec 17-23 (no show Dec 21). Family matinees Dec 19, 22 and 23.
- Where
- San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego
- Price
- Tickets vary by seat; matinees cost less
- Ages and booking
- Ages 3 and up · Buy tickets ahead
The classic ballet with live music from the San Diego Symphony. The show lasts about 2 hours with one break.
Parent tip: The afternoon family shows use quieter recorded music. They are a good first ballet for young kids.
- Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivalsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
- Dates
- Dec 6 · Sun, Dec 6. Parade starts 1pm; festival 1-5pm.
- Where
- Girard Ave to La Jolla Recreation Center
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up; Santa visit slots can be reserved online
A small-town style daytime parade, now in its 70th year. A free festival with Santa follows at the rec center.
Parent tip: It's a daytime parade, so it works well with nap-time kids. Reserve a Santa slot early.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Dec 4 · Fri, Dec 4, evening (check start time)
- Where
- Orange Ave to Rotary Park, Coronado
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A hometown evening parade down Coronado's main street. The town tree is lit when it ends.
Parent tip: Bring chairs and claim a curb spot early. Pair it with the lights at Hotel del Coronado.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, 4-8pm; tree lighting 6:30pm
- Where
- Piazza della Famiglia and India Street, Little Italy, downtown
- Price
- Free to attend
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A street party with live music, treats, a gift market on India Street and a tree lighting. Santa comes too.
Parent tip: Take the trolley to the Little Italy stop. Streets close and parking is hard that night.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Jingle Jets at the USS Midway Museum
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 30 · Select nights Nov 27-Dec 30, 5:30-9pm (last entry 7:30pm). Check the official site for the night list.
- Where
- USS Midway Museum, Downtown waterfront
- Price
- Paid; kids 3 and under free. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Online tickets only, none sold on site; no refunds
The aircraft carrier museum opens at night with holiday lights, carolers and a model train village. Kids can write letters to Santa.
Parent tip: Tickets are sold online only and some nights sell out. Pick an early entry so little ones see it before bedtime.
- Christmas lightsHoliday festivalsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
- Dates
- Dec 4-23 · Select nights, Dec 4-23
- Where
- Gallagher Square, Petco Park, East Village, downtown
- Price
- From about $25; same price for kids and adults; varies by date and time
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead for a date and time
The ballpark lawn becomes a holiday village with lights, a big tree and snow falling each night. The ticket covers Santa, a carousel, a Christmas train, carnival games and a real-snow sled hill.
Parent tip: Everything but food is in the ticket, so plan to stay a while. Bring gloves for the snow hill.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord Pacific
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 20-Jan 3
- Where
- Gaylord Pacific Resort, Chula Vista, South Bay
- Price
- Paid; each activity has its own ticket. Activity passes save money.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets ahead online
A walk-through hall of giant ice carvings shows scenes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas", with two-story ice slides. The resort also has ice tubing, gingerbread decorating and Santa photos.
Parent tip: The carvings are real ice, so bring hats and gloves even in a warm week. Pick one or two add-ons to keep costs down.
- Ice skating
Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 3 · Daily, Nov 19-Jan 3. Sessions 10am-5pm, 5:30-7:30pm and 8-10pm; shorter hours on holidays.
- Where
- Liberty Station, Point Loma
- Price
- $25 adults, $15 kids 12 and under; skates and helmets included
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can walk on their own; under 6 need a skating adult · Buy online or at the window; everyone signs a waiver
An outdoor holiday ice rink with skate and helmet rental in the price. Kids under 6 must skate with an adult.
Parent tip: Weekends can mean waits of over an hour. Go on a weekday, and sign the waiver online before you arrive.
- Ice skatingSanta visits Good for toddlers
Holidays at The Grand: skating and Santa
- Dates
- Nov 26 - Jan 3 · Skating Nov 26-30, Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13 and Dec 18-Jan 3, mostly 5-9pm. Santa on select dates Nov 27-Dec 24.
- Where
- Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Carmel Valley, North County
- Price
- Skating $45 adults, $25 kids for one hour with skates; see the official site for other events
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserve ahead
The resort sets up a synthetic-ice skating rink and a spot to meet Santa on weekends. Brunch with Santa runs on select weekend days.
Parent tip: Santa is there Friday to Sunday evenings, and daily Dec 21-24. Pair a short skate with a Santa visit for little ones.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Photos with Santa at Hotel del Coronado
- Dates
- Dec 4-24 · Dec 4-6, Dec 11-13 and Dec 18-24
- Where
- Hotel del Coronado
- Price
- Paid; see the official site
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reserve a time online
Families can book a classic photo with Santa at the historic beach hotel. The hotel's tree light show runs nightly through the season.
Parent tip: Book a late-afternoon slot, then stay for the light show after dark.
- Santa visitsShows and Nutcracker Good for toddlers
Stocking Full of Christmas at Park Hyatt Aviara
- Dates
- Dec 10-26 · Dec 10-13, Dec 16-23 and Dec 26; timed entry in the afternoon and evening
- Where
- Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Carlsbad, North County
- Price
- $50-65 per person (adults too); 18 months and under free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets, book ahead; small groups so dates sell out
An indoor walk through themed rooms with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and dancers. Each child gets a stocking, and you get a photo in Santa's sleigh.
Parent tip: It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Dec 10, 16 and 17 are the lower-price nights.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Trolley Tour
- Dates
- Nov 28 - Jan 3 · Nov 28-Jan 3; no tours Dec 25 or Dec 31. See the official site for times.
- Where
- Old Town Trolley Tours, Old Town Market
- Price
- From $35 adults, $25 ages 3-12, $10 ages 2 and under
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Reservations required; check in 30 minutes early
A 75-minute narrated trolley tour of holiday sights, with holiday music on board.
Parent tip: Parking at Old Town Market is free but tight on weekends. Arrive early, as late check-in can lose your seat.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Noel Noel at The Rady Shell
- Dates
- Dec 18-20 · Fri, Dec 18, 7:30pm; Sat, Dec 19, 6pm; Sun, Dec 20, 4:30pm
- Where
- The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero, downtown
- Price
- See the official site
- Ages and booking
- Kids who can sit through a concert · Buy tickets ahead
A holiday concert of Christmas songs and sing-alongs on the outdoor bayside stage. The San Diego Children's Choir joins in.
Parent tip: Pick the Sunday show. It ends in time to watch the Bay Parade of Lights pass by.
- Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Liberty Station Tree Lighting
- Dates
- Nov 27 · Fri, Nov 27, 5-9pm
- Where
- North Promenade, Liberty Station, Point Loma
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
An 88-foot pine tree is lit the day after Thanksgiving. There is live music, fire truck rides and an outdoor showing of The Grinch.
Parent tip: The holiday ice rink opens nearby the week before, so you can make an evening of it.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Encinitas Holiday Parade
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, starts 5:30pm
- Where
- South Coast Highway 101, D St to J St, Encinitas, North County
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A hometown evening parade down the coast highway in old Encinitas. This year's theme is "40 and Still Fabulous."
Parent tip: Bring a blanket or chairs for the curb. Evenings near the beach get chilly fast.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat, Dec 5, 5pm
- Where
- Ocean Beach business district
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small, laid-back evening parade through the Ocean Beach business district.
Parent tip: Street parking is scarce that night. Come early and grab dinner nearby before it starts.
- Holiday festivalsParades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
North Pole by the Sea in Del Mar
- Dates
- Dec 6 · Sun, Dec 6, 1-5pm; tree lighting at 5pm
- Where
- Del Mar Village (several spots), Del Mar, North County
- Price
- Free snow play; see the official site for other activities
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A small village holiday afternoon with real snow to play in, kids' crafts, letters to Santa and carolers. It ends with a tree lighting.
Parent tip: It's spread over several blocks. Start at the snow area while kids have the most energy.
- Holiday festivalsSanta visitsHoliday trains Good for toddlers
Christmas in the Park at Old Poway Park
- Dates
- Dec 11-12 · Fri, Dec 11 and Sat, Dec 12, 3:30-8:30pm. Tree lighting 6pm.
- Where
- Old Poway Park, Poway, North County inland
- Price
- Santa visit tickets $5; see the official site for other costs
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up; get a Santa return time at the booth from 3:30pm
Santa arrives by train, then the park lights its tree. There is live music, a craft fair and night rides on the park's small railroad.
Parent tip: Get your Santa ticket as soon as the booth opens. Use the free shuttles from Poway City Hall.
- Holiday festivalsChristmas marketsSanta visitsFree Good for toddlers
Holiday in the Village, La Mesa
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat, Dec 12, noon-9pm
- Where
- La Mesa Blvd, Spring St to 4th St, La Mesa, East County
- Price
- Free to attend; kids' shopping items $5 or less
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
A holiday street fair fills La Mesa Blvd in the old downtown. Kids 10 and under can shop vendor booths for gifts at $5 or less.
Parent tip: Ask at the info booth for the elf scavenger hunt. It keeps kids busy while you walk the vendors.
- Parades and tree lightingsChristmas lightsFree Good for toddlers
Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights
- Dates
- Dec 12 · Sat, Dec 12, starts 5:30pm
- Where
- Mission Bay
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up
Boats covered in lights cruise around Mission Bay after dark. SeaWorld's fireworks that night kick off the evening.
Parent tip: Bring a blanket and warm layers for sitting on the shore. Snacks help with the wait.
- Christmas markets Good for toddlers
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
- Dates
- Dec 12-13 · Sat, Dec 12 and Sun, Dec 13, 10am-5pm
- Where
- Broadway Pier, Downtown waterfront
- Price
- $5 online, $6 at the door; kids under 10 free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up, or buy tickets online for less
A holiday craft fair with local makers on the downtown pier. Kids can try free make-and-take craft tables.
Parent tip: Go in the morning before it gets busy. A carrier is easier than a stroller in crowded aisles.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in San Diego, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in San Diego, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in San Diego, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in San Diego, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Planning the whole trip? See our full guide to San Diego with kids.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in San Diego for Christmas with kids?
Go to December Nights in Balboa Park, see the zoo or the Safari Park lit up, and watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. SeaWorld and LEGOLAND both run holiday events.
You can also skate by the ocean at the Hotel del Coronado.
When is December Nights in Balboa Park?
December Nights is on Friday, December 4, from 4 to 10pm, and Saturday, December 5, from noon to 10pm, in 2026. It's free.
Parking fills up early, so take a shuttle or a rideshare.
What are the free Christmas events in San Diego?
December Nights, the Bay Parade of Lights, the La Jolla Christmas Parade, the Coronado holiday parade, and the Little Italy tree lighting are all free.
Tap "Free" above to see them together.
What are the best Christmas events in San Diego for toddlers?
LEGOLAND's holiday days, an afternoon-into-evening zoo visit, and the boat parade work well for little kids.
The Hotel del has toddler skates, but parents can't carry kids on the ice. Look for the "Good for toddlers" label in the list.
Christmas in other cities
- Christmas in New York
- Christmas in Chicago
- Christmas in Boston
- Christmas in Washington, DC
- Christmas in Nashville
- Christmas in Seattle
- Christmas in Denver
- Christmas in San Francisco
- Christmas in Los Angeles
- Christmas in Atlanta
- Christmas in Houston
- Christmas in San Antonio
- Christmas in Gatlinburg
- Christmas in Philadelphia
- Christmas in Pittsburgh
- Christmas in Las Vegas
- Christmas in Orlando
- Christmas in Miami
- Christmas in New Orleans
- Christmas in Charlotte
- Christmas in Kansas City
- Christmas in Dallas
- Christmas in Austin
- Christmas in Phoenix
- Christmas in St. Louis
- Christmas in Tampa
- Christmas in Cincinnati