Celebrate the holidays in Carlsbad with our expert holiday guide. Whether you're a Carlsbad veteran or a fresh face, this guide helps you navigate the seasonal landscape.
One highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where decorated boats drift across the bay, illuminating the waters with festive cheer. Featuring holiday-themed displays and lights, December Nights at Balboa Park offers a unique blend of culture and celebration, bringing the community together with food and entertainment. And the Holidays at LEGOLAND is something you definitely don't want to miss, where families can enjoy festive decorations and interactive experiences. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Carlsbad Discussion!
See the Latest Holiday News for Carlsbad!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Carlsbad
- Holidays at LEGOLAND
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego)
- SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
- Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park (San Diego)
- Little Italy Tree Lighting & Holiday Village (San Diego)
- Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular (Del Mar)
- The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland (San Diego)
- A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Carlsbad Holiday Light Displays
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Lavishly decorated boats with a "PEACE ON EARTH" theme.
Description:
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats. The event, themed "PEACE ON EARTH," brings over 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession starts at Shelter Island and proceeds to various waterfront locations, including the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
What to Expect:
Santa's return and unique artisanal holiday gifts.
Description:
Little Italy transforms into a holiday haven with twinkling lights, 10-foot nutcrackers, and kinetic tree displays. Enjoy two stunning Christmas trees, live music, seasonal vendors, and a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Holiday Village
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
What to Expect:
Immersive light display with eco-friendly skating and festive activities.
Description:
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at Del Mar Fairgrounds features a walk-through light display, eco-friendly skating, and festive activities for all ages, including a holiday market and photo opportunities with Santa.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
FREE Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and festive character appearances.
Description:
The FREE Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad features live entertainment by Crown City Bombers, festive characters, Santa's grand entrance, the official Christmas Tree lighting, a spectacular light show, and magical snowfall with photo opportunities with Santa.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: FREE Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad
Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting ceremony with a 4-foot-tall star.
Description:
The Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is a cherished annual event featuring over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators. The parade begins on Orange Avenue and loops at RH Dana and Adella, culminating in the lighting of the 120-foot Christmas tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House
Carlsbad Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with live reindeer and Santa.
Description:
The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, Christmas lighting displays, seasonal food and beverages, Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday characters. Visitors can enjoy a 30-foot Christmas Tree, a carousel, and kids' Christmas Train. The event also includes live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage and nightly snowfall.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
Carlsbad Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holidays at LEGOLAND
What to Expect:
Interactive LEGO build zones and festive character meet-and-greets.
Description:
LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a towering LEGO Christmas tree, live seasonal shows, and interactive LEGO build zones. Families can meet their favorite holiday LEGO characters, enjoy festive treats, and participate in various holiday activities.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND
December Nights at Balboa Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday event with STEAM activities and free Santa photos.
Description:
December Nights at Balboa Park is a vibrant holiday celebration featuring lights displays, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, musical performances, and delicious food.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
What to Expect:
Whimsical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic tale with live music and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, featuring songs like "Santa for a Day," "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and "Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze)." The show transforms the Old Globe Theatre into snow-covered Who-ville, complete with Who-hash.
Where: San Diego | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live reindeer and synchronized light displays.
Description:
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a Christmas parade, and photo-perfect moments amidst beautifully decorated areas, including a 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed adaptation with original music and puppetry.
Description:
A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre is a holiday classic adapted from Charles Dickens' timeless tale of hope and redemption. This imaginative production features original music, creative stagecraft, puppetry, and live sound effects, offering a unique storytelling experience that delights the entire family.
Where: San Diego | More Info: A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre
Night of Christmas at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performance with live fireworks and aerialists.
Description:
Awaken Church presents Night of Christmas at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, featuring classic carols, live fireworks, a symphony orchestra, breathtaking aerialists, and captivating storytelling.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Night of Christmas at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
North Pole Limited at Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
What to Expect:
Holiday train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus visits.
Description:
The North Pole Limited at Pacific Southwest Railway Museum offers a 90-minute holiday train ride through the San Diego backcountry. Passengers enjoy holiday sing-alongs, festive stories, hot chocolate, and cookies. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit every passenger on the train, making it a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Campo | More Info: North Pole Limited at Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
Carlsbad Other Holiday Activities
The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art dental care in a fun, theme park design office.
Description:
The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland offers a unique dental experience with state-of-the-art technologies and a fun, theme park design office environment, catering to children and adults alike with specialized care and convenience.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday tour with festive lights and sing-along caroling.
Description:
Join Old Town Trolley for a holiday tour through San Diego's historic neighborhoods, featuring festive lights, holiday traditions, and sing-along caroling with Elf conductors. Enjoy a 15-minute stop at Seaport Village for holiday festivities.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
Christmas at Oma’s Family Farm
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday activities with seasonal treats.
Description:
At Oma’s Family Farm, Christmas is a time for family and fun. Explore the festive grounds, visit the petting zoo, and enjoy seasonal treats. The farm offers a variety of activities, including playgrounds, giant slides, and a cottonseed mountain for kids to play on. It's a holiday celebration filled with joy and community.
Where: Lakeside | More Info: Christmas at Oma’s Family Farm
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Classic parade with vintage vehicles and community participation.
Description:
The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival is a festive event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, and vintage vehicles. The parade starts at 1:30 PM, and the holiday festival includes activities like photos with Santa, live stage entertainment, and arts and crafts.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Del Mar Bing Crosby Season
What to Expect:
Exclusive horse racing experience with themed events.
Description:
Del Mar Bing Crosby Season is a premier horse racing event featuring top jockeys, trainers, and horses, with exclusive Turf Club access and various themed events.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Del Mar Bing Crosby Season
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Oceanside (3 miles)
- Vista (7 miles)
- Encinitas (9 miles)
- San Marcos (11 miles)
- Escondido (16 miles)
- Fallbrook (16 miles)
- Rancho Penasquitos (19 miles)
- Mira Mesa (21 miles)
- La Jolla (22 miles)
- Poway (23 miles)
- San Clemente (24 miles)
- Temecula (26 miles)
- Murrieta (28 miles)
- Ramona (29 miles)
- Dana Point (29 miles)
- San Juan Capistrano (30 miles)
- Wildomar (31 miles)
- Santee (31 miles)
- Lakeside (32 miles)
- San Diego (32 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (33 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (33 miles)
- La Mesa (33 miles)
- Winter Gardens (33 miles)
- El Cajon (34 miles)
- Coronado (34 miles)
- Lemon Grove (34 miles)
- Spring Valley (35 miles)
- Lake Elsinore (35 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (36 miles)
- Mission Viejo (36 miles)
- National City (36 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (36 miles)
- Laguna Beach (36 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (37 miles)
- La Presa (37 miles)
- Laguna Hills (38 miles)
- Chula Vista (39 miles)
- Lake Forest (39 miles)
- Menifee (41 miles)
- Imperial Beach (42 miles)
- Perris (44 miles)
- Irvine (45 miles)