You've found the best holiday guide for Coronado! Let us show you all the top festive events and attractions. For those who know Coronado well and those just discovering it, our guide is the key to festive delights.
This season, you can experience the enchanting wonder of Skating by the Sea, where you can glide across the ice with the stunning ocean view as your backdrop. The Holidays at LEGOLAND feature beautiful light displays and interactive winter-themed attractions that delight visitors of all ages. And don't forget the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration, where seasonal shows and festive decorations create a magical atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Coronado
- SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
- Holidays at LEGOLAND (Carlsbad)
- Skating by the Sea
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- Coronado Holiday Parade, Open House and Tree Lighting
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- Hotel del Coronado's "Lights, Camera, Holiday!"
- Belmont Park's Winter Wonder (San Diego)
- Ride the Lights
- Old Town Trolley's Holiday Lights and Sights Tour (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Coronado Holiday Light Displays
Coronado Holiday Parade, Open House and Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting with 18,175 twinkling lights.
Description:
The Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished community event featuring a vibrant parade along Orange Avenue, followed by the illumination of the iconic 120-foot Christmas tree at Rotary Plaza with 18,175 twinkling lights. Over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators come together to celebrate the holiday season.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade, Open House and Tree Lighting
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Lavishly decorated boats with a "Peace on Earth" theme.
Description:
The 54th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats, bringing more than 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The parade proceeds from Shelter Island to the Ferry Landing in Coronado, offering a delightful experience for all participants and spectators.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Hotel del Coronado's "Lights, Camera, Holiday!"
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday decor and dynamic light show.
Description:
Hotel del Coronado's "Lights, Camera, Holiday!" features a dazzling holiday decor, Skating by the Sea, and a dynamic light show orchestrated to lively holiday jazz music.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Hotel del Coronado's "Lights, Camera, Holiday!"
Old Town Trolley's Holiday Lights and Sights Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday lights tour with interactive caroling and historical insights.
Description:
Join Old Town Trolley's Holiday Lights and Sights Tour to see the festive holiday sights of San Diego, including Old Town, Little Italy, Banker’s Hill, and Garrison Street. Enjoy sing-along caroling with Elf conductors and learn fun holiday facts, trivia, history, and traditions.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Old Town Trolley's Holiday Lights and Sights Tour
Coronado Holiday Shows and Entertainment
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live reindeer and festive animal interactions.
Description:
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a Christmas parade, and photo-perfect moments amidst beautiful decorations, including a 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights. Savor candy-topped hot chocolate and other treats while interacting with marine animals in a festive setting.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
Holidays at LEGOLAND
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with LEGO-themed activities and live shows.
Description:
Holidays at LEGOLAND features holiday-themed activities, including live shows, character meet-and-greets, and interactive LEGO build zones. Guests can enjoy a giant LEGO Christmas tree, holiday fireworks, and special performances like Jingle Jamboree and Benny’s Ugly Sweater Party.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND
December Nights at Balboa Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and free Santa photos.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday spirit at Balboa Park with December Nights, featuring a Family Zone with STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, and delicious food.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park
Coronado Other Holiday Activities
Skating by the Sea
What to Expect:
Beachfront ice skating with holiday-themed amenities.
Description:
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado features a beachfront ice rink with stunning Pacific Ocean views, benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego. Guests can enhance their experience with rink-side or ocean-side Frostbite Lounges offering plush seating, roaring fire pits, holiday-themed libations, and delectable bites. Ice rink views are also available from the Sun Deck, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater, and Serẽa.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Skating by the Sea
Belmont Park's Winter Wonder
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive decorations and live music.
Description:
Belmont Park's Winter Wonder features festive decorations, live music, and special activities throughout the park, creating a joyful atmosphere perfect for the holiday season.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Belmont Park's Winter Wonder
Ride the Lights
What to Expect:
Decorated bikes and holiday festivities.
Description:
A family-friendly neighborhood bike ride through decorated bikes and holiday cheer, meeting at Spreckels Park for a 2.9-mile ride.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Ride the Lights
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- San Diego (2 miles)
- National City (5 miles)
- Chula Vista (7 miles)
- Imperial Beach (8 miles)
- Lemon Grove (10 miles)
- La Mesa (11 miles)
- La Presa (11 miles)
- Spring Valley (11 miles)
- La Jolla (12 miles)
- El Cajon (15 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (15 miles)
- Mira Mesa (16 miles)
- Santee (16 miles)
- Winter Gardens (18 miles)
- Lakeside (19 miles)
- Rancho Penasquitos (19 miles)
- Poway (21 miles)
- Encinitas (25 miles)
- Escondido (30 miles)
- Ramona (31 miles)
- San Marcos (32 miles)
- Carlsbad (34 miles)
- Vista (36 miles)
- Oceanside (37 miles)