Find everything you need for the holidays in El Centro with our guide. Discover all the top events and activities. For El Centro residents and guests, our guide is your key to the holiday highlights.
Popular events include SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration, where vibrant lights and festive shows create a wonderful atmosphere for all ages. A unique feature of Holiday in the Park is the enchanting displays and seasonal festivities that transform the park into a winter wonderland. And the Merry Farm is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a blend of holiday charm and fun-filled activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around El Centro
- SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
- Merry Farm (Buena Park)
- Holiday in the Park (Valencia)
- Festival of Winter (Fontana)
- Holiday Road (Calabasas)
- Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico (Rancho Cucamonga)
- Stargazer’s Presents Tibbies’ Holiday Follies (Rancho Cucamonga)
- Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
- Faith & Family Night at the Ballpark (San Diego)
- Celebrate Light
See these and even more events listed below!
El Centro Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
What to Expect:
Vibrant community celebration with tree lighting and festive parade.
Description:
The Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade in El Centro is a highly anticipated event that fills the air with jolly spirit. The event features the lighting of a majestic Christmas tree, accompanied by a festive parade showcasing community spirit and holiday cheer.
Where: El Centro | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade
Holiday Road
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with interactive installations and festive activities.
Description:
Holiday Road is a premier holiday event in Los Angeles featuring larger-than-life holiday installations, thousands of Christmas lights, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elves, and countless candy canes. The immersive experience includes a self-guided walking trail, interactive photo moments, a festive souvenir shop, and premium holiday bars.
Where: Calabasas | More Info: Holiday Road
El Centro Holiday Shows and Entertainment
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration featuring live marine animal presentations and festive lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at SeaWorld San Diego with dazzling Christmas shows, meet Santa and Rudolph, and enjoy snowfall, a Christmas parade, and photo-perfect moments amidst beautiful decorations.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration
Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
What to Expect:
Rich cultural tapestry of Mexican Christmas traditions.
Description:
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande present Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, a vibrant show weaving cherished Mexican traditions into a heartwarming story of the season. The event features the joyous rhythms of mariachi and colorful Mexican dance, capturing the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Stargazer’s Presents Tibbies’ Holiday Follies
What to Expect:
Nostalgic holiday variety show with tap dancing and vocal arrangements.
Description:
Celebrating its 31st Christmas season, Stargazer Productions presents Tibbies' Holiday Follies, featuring tap dancing "Toy Soldiers," breathtaking vocal arrangements, dazzling costumes, and hilarious holiday parodies. This show is a nostalgic journey through everyone's favorite holiday moments, inspired by classic TV specials hosted by legendary celebrities.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Stargazer’s Presents Tibbies’ Holiday Follies
Holiday in the Park
What to Expect:
Millions of lights and festive eats.
Description:
Holiday in the Park transforms Six Flags Magic Mountain into a vibrant winter spectacle with millions of lights, seasonal entertainment, and festive eats.
Where: Valencia | More Info: Holiday in the Park
Merry Farm
What to Expect:
Classic holiday festival with live entertainment and unique dining options.
Description:
Knott's Merry Farm transforms the entire park into a classic holiday festival with thousands of twinkling lights, themed garland, and jumbo snowflakes. Enjoy Christmas shows like Home for the Holidays, a musical revue featuring classic Christmas tunes and holiday lights. The event also includes a beloved ice show starring Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang, as well as delectable holiday dining food and a Christmas Crafts Village.
Where: Buena Park | More Info: Merry Farm
El Centro Other Holiday Activities
Celebrate Light
What to Expect:
Western-themed fall carnival with games, live music, and food.
Description:
Celebrate Light is an annual western-themed fall carnival open to the entire community, featuring carnival games, face painting, live music, line dancing, and delicious food. It's a night of fun and fellowship with something for everyone to enjoy.
Where: El Centro | More Info: Celebrate Light
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
What to Expect:
Unique ofrenda altar exhibit highlighting social justice issues.
Description:
Dia de los Muertos Celebration at El Centro de la Raza honors those who have passed, featuring an ofrenda altar exhibit, food, mercado, live music, and children's activities.
Where: El Centro | More Info: Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and attractions for all ages.
Description:
The Festival of Winter at Miller Park features train rides, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. Enjoy snow play and attractions for all ages.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter
Faith & Family Night at the Ballpark
What to Expect:
Faith-based community event with live worship music and player Q&A.
Description:
Join churches from around Southern California for a special night of unity and fellowship at Petco Park. Watch the San Diego Padres take on the New York Mets, followed by a program featuring Pastor Miles McPherson and Q&A with Padres players hosted by team chaplain Geoff Horn. Enjoy live worship music and support the San Diego Rescue Mission with each ticket purchase.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Faith & Family Night at the Ballpark
Family Movie Night
What to Expect:
Free movie screening with heated pools and food vendors.
Description:
The Family Movie Night at the Aquatic Center features a free screening of "Trolls Band Together" with heated pools and vendors offering food and drinks.
Where: El Centro | More Info: Family Movie Night
Trunk or Treat
What to Expect:
Interactive trick-or-treating in a community setting.
Description:
Trunk or Treat is a family-friendly event where children go from car to car in a parking lot to collect candy and other treats, creating a fun and safe Halloween experience.
Where: El Centro | More Info: Trunk or Treat
Floating Pumpkin Patch
What to Expect:
Diving for floating pumpkins in a municipal swimming pool.
Description:
The Floating Pumpkin Patch at the El Centro Aquatic Center offers a unique and fun experience where participants can dive into a pool filled with floating pumpkins, making it easy to pick the perfect pumpkin without getting it wet.