Find the must-see holiday events in Lakeside! Explore our guide for all the top festive highlights. From Lakeside locals to international visitors, our guide showcases the best of the season.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting December Nights at Balboa Park, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive food, and live music. Additionally, immerse yourself in the vibrant sights of The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park, featuring local artisans and holiday treats perfect for gift shopping. And the SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration is something you definitely don't want to miss, with special shows and dazzling light displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Lakeside
- SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego)
- The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park (San Diego)
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place (Chula Vista)
- Spirit of Christmas 2024
- Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train (Orange)
- LEGOLAND Christmas 2024 (Carlsbad)
- Lights at the Lakes
See these and even more events listed below!
Lakeside Holiday Light Displays
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Lavishly decorated boats with a unique theme each year.
Description:
The 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 Pier at Cesar Chavez Park and ends at 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
Lights at the Lakes
What to Expect:
Spectacular giant balloons and light show.
Description:
Light Up the Lake is a 2-day holiday festival at Old Settlers Park featuring giant balloons, an amazing light show, live music, holiday displays, food and refreshments, crafts, and family activities.
Where: Lakeside | More Info: Lights at the Lakes
Lakeside Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with live reindeer and Santa visits.
Description:
The Holiday Market at Petco Park features local artisan shops, live reindeer, holiday characters, and festive lighting displays. Enjoy seasonal treats, a 40-foot Christmas Tree, and live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage. Kids can tell Santa their Christmas wish, all included in the admission price.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
Spirit of Christmas 2024
What to Expect:
Community tree lighting ceremony with local youth performances and holiday shopping.
Description:
The Spirit of Christmas 2024 in Lakeside, CA, is an annual event featuring holiday shopping, local youth performances, delectable foods, a classic car show, kids' activities, and a community tree lighting ceremony. It is an old-fashioned, hometown celebration that attracts people of all ages.
Where: Lakeside | More Info: Spirit of Christmas 2024
Lakeside Holiday Shows and Entertainment
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with live reindeer and festive animal presentations.
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 the 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights. Savor delicious candy-topped hot chocolate and other treats while experiencing thrilling rides and animal presentations with a festive twist.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
December Nights at Balboa Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa.
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
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
What to Expect:
Family-friendly adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic tale with elaborate sets and performances.
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 carol from the popular animated version.
Where: San Diego | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.
Description:
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place features Sesame Street friends in a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, and exciting rides and attractions. Guests enjoy a Sesame Street Christmas show, parade, and dance party, along with special food, unique merchandise, and holiday-themed photos.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
LEGOLAND Christmas 2024
What to Expect:
Interactive LEGO build zones and festive fireworks.
Description:
LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday haven with a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree, festive fireworks, and interactive LEGO build zones. Meet beloved holiday characters like LEGO Santa and friends, and enjoy seasonal shows and dance parties.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: LEGOLAND Christmas 2024
Lakeside Other Holiday Activities
Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa and festive lights.
Description:
Take a festive ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The Christmas Train offers daytime and nighttime rides, dropping passengers off at the North Pole where children can share their wish list and have a photo taken with Santa. After visiting Santa, enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations on the ride back to Santa’s Village.
Where: Orange | More Info: Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Winter Gardens (2 miles)
- Santee (3 miles)
- El Cajon (5 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (8 miles)
- La Mesa (9 miles)
- Spring Valley (9 miles)
- Poway (10 miles)
- Lemon Grove (10 miles)
- La Presa (11 miles)
- Ramona (13 miles)
- Rancho Penasquitos (13 miles)
- Mira Mesa (13 miles)
- National City (16 miles)
- San Diego (17 miles)
- Chula Vista (18 miles)
- Coronado (19 miles)
- La Jolla (20 miles)
- Escondido (20 miles)
- Imperial Beach (22 miles)
- San Marcos (24 miles)
- Encinitas (25 miles)
- Vista (30 miles)
- Carlsbad (32 miles)
- Oceanside (35 miles)
- Fallbrook (41 miles)