Discover the joy of the holidays in Imperial Beach with our event guide. From Imperial Beach residents to wandering spirits, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of seasonal magic.
Popular events in the area include the enchanting San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, where decorated boats illuminate the water with festive cheer. Featuring roughly 100 boats adorned with twinkling lights, this event captures the holiday spirit in a stunning showcase. And don't forget the beloved classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, bringing laughter and heartwarming moments to audiences of all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Imperial Beach
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- San Diego Santa Run (San Diego)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (San Diego)
- La Jolla Christmas Festival and Parade (La Jolla)
- Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village (San Diego)
- Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (San Diego)
- SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Imperial Beach Holiday Light Displays
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Lavishly decorated boats sailing across San Diego Bay.
Description:
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats sailing across San Diego Bay. Participants will decorate their boats to fit this year's theme, "PEACE ON EARTH," bringing festive cheer to over 100,000 spectators along the bayfront.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
What to Expect:
Traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony with Santa's return.
Description:
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village transforms the neighborhood into a holiday spectacle with 10-foot tall nutcrackers, kinetic tree displays, and twinkling lights. Enjoy two Christmas trees, seasonal vendors, live music, and a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony. Santa returns to grant Christmas wishes, and the Christmas Village offers unique stocking stuffers and holiday gifts from artisan vendors.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Imperial Beach Holiday Shows and Entertainment
December Nights at Balboa Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa.
Description:
December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day celebration featuring twinkling lights, musical performances, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, and delicious food. The event transforms the park into a vibrant holiday destination with something for everyone.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What to Expect:
Family-friendly adaptation of a classic Dr. Seuss tale.
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, celebrating the holiday season with a delightful and meaningful story.
Where: San Diego | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with marine animals and festive decorations.
Description:
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration brings families together with eye-catching spectacles, priceless traditions, and fun-filled surprises. Enjoy dazzling new Christmas shows, meet Santa and Rudolph, and feel the snow falling while watching a Christmas parade. Find photo-perfect moments across acres of beautifully decorated areas, including the 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights. Savor delicious candy-topped hot chocolate and other treats for all ages.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
Imperial Beach Other Holiday Activities
San Diego Santa Run
What to Expect:
Unique holiday run with festive attire and family-friendly activities.
Description:
The San Diego Santa Run is a festive 5K event where participants dress up as Santa Claus, featuring chip-timed runs, festive swag, and a post-race celebration. It includes a kids' mile and dog mile run, making it a family-friendly holiday activity.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Santa Run
La Jolla Christmas Festival and Parade
What to Expect:
Vintage automobiles and Santa's classic 1915 Black Packard Convertible.
Description:
The La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is a beloved annual event featuring floats, marching bands, vintage automobiles, and Santa Claus. The parade kicks off at Kline and Girard Streets, while the holiday festival is located on Wall Street between Girard and the alley by the Athenaeum. The event includes live stage entertainment, arts and crafts, and opportunities to take photos with Santa.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Festival and Parade
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
What to Expect:
America's largest balloon parade with a unique blend of music, floats, and balloons.
Description:
The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade is a spectacular event featuring world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons. This exciting family event brings together over 100,000 street-side spectators and a nationwide television audience.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Chula Vista (4 miles)
- National City (7 miles)
- Coronado (8 miles)
- San Diego (10 miles)
- La Presa (11 miles)
- Lemon Grove (12 miles)
- Spring Valley (13 miles)
- La Mesa (14 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (15 miles)
- El Cajon (17 miles)
- Santee (19 miles)
- Winter Gardens (20 miles)
- La Jolla (20 miles)
- Lakeside (22 miles)
- Mira Mesa (23 miles)
- Rancho Penasquitos (26 miles)
- Poway (27 miles)
- Encinitas (33 miles)
- Ramona (35 miles)
- Escondido (37 miles)
- San Marcos (39 miles)
- Carlsbad (42 miles)
- Vista (43 miles)