Embrace the festive spirit of Mira Mesa with our ultimate holiday guide. Whether you're a Mira Mesa veteran or a first-timer, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of holiday joy.
Popular events like the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights illuminate the waterfront with a dazzling display of decorated boats, creating a lively atmosphere for all. Experience the holiday cheer at December Nights at Balboa Park, where vibrant food, music, and art come together to celebrate the season. And the whimsical How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre is something you definitely don't want to miss. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Mira Mesa
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego)
- Winter Fest OC (Costa Mesa)
- Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place (Chula Vista)
- The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park (San Diego)
- Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade (Marina del Rey)
- Little Italy Christmas Magic (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Mira Mesa 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, bringing more than 100,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The parade starts at Shelter Island and proceeds to various waterfront locations, including the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Coronado.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday boat parade with fireworks and festive music.
Description:
The Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights features beautifully decorated boats sailing through Mission Bay, accompanied by SeaWorld's spectacular fireworks and festive holiday music.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Coronado Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting with over 18,000 lights.
Description:
The Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting is a cherished tradition featuring over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators. The event begins with a festive parade down Orange Avenue, culminating in the lighting of the 120-foot pine tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Park. Santa Claus is the final parade entry, flipping the switch to illuminate the tree, which shines nightly from sunset to 11 PM.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade
Little Italy Christmas Magic
What to Expect:
Custom-designed Christmas tree with plexiglass fringe generating colored rays.
Description:
Little Italy transforms into a holiday spectacle with a custom-designed Christmas tree, live music, seasonal vendors, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Little Italy Christmas Magic
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
What to Expect:
Colorfully decorated boats with festive lights and music.
Description:
The Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade features lighted boats, festive decorations, and live entertainment in a picturesque harbor setting.
Where: Marina del Rey | More Info: Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
Mira Mesa Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
What to Expect:
Live reindeer and festive holiday activities.
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. It offers a variety of activities including a carousel, kids' Christmas Train, and a beautifully decorated 40-foot Christmas Tree. Kids can tell Santa their Christmas wish, all included in the price of admission.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
What to Expect:
Community-driven fundraiser with local chili tastings and live music.
Description:
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is a community event featuring local chili, live music, arts and crafts, indie goods, and a kids' fest. It supports the arts, dance, music, Spanish, and ceramic programs at McKinley Elementary School in North Park, with 100% of proceeds going to the McKinley School Foundation.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
Mira Mesa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
December Nights at Balboa Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and free Santa photos.
Description:
December Nights at Balboa Park is a two-day event celebrating the holiday season with live music, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, lights displays, and delicious food.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at Balboa Park
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 everyone's favorite Sesame Street friends in a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, and extended evening hours. Enjoy Sesame Street Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party, exciting rides, games, special food and beverages, unique holiday merchandise, and one-of-a-kind photos with your Sesame Street friends dressed in their holiday best.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
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 stage transformation.
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 San Diego’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 the 320-foot SkyTower and music-activated tunnel of lights.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
Las Posadas
What to Expect:
Immersive reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.
Description:
Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration where participants reenact Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, featuring live music, carols, and community service.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Las Posadas
The Polar Express Train Ride
What to Expect:
Live theatrical onboard entertainment with Santa and his helpers.
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride is a family event where passengers relive the classic story of a magical journey to the North Pole. On board, guests enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers, and each guest receives a silver sleigh bell as the first gift of Christmas.
Where: Perris | More Info: The Polar Express Train Ride
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. Through the joyous rhythms of mariachi and colorful Mexican dance, witness the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey, experiencing the spirit of Posadas and the majesty of the Reyes Magos.
Where: Rancho Cucamonga | More Info: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Mira Mesa Other Holiday Activities
Encinitas Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade celebrating creativity and innovation.
Description:
The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring nearly 100 entries, including colorful floats and dynamic performances, showcasing creativity and imagination along Coast Highway 101.
Where: Encinitas | More Info: Encinitas Holiday Parade
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Colorful floats and community participation.
Description:
The Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event hosted by the Ocean Beach Town Council and supported by the OBMA. It features over 100 floats with local businesses and community groups, creating a lively atmosphere along Newport Avenue.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
What to Expect:
Dazzling floats and holiday activities for all ages.
Description:
The Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire in Chula Vista features dazzling floats, joyful participants, and activities for all ages. The event includes a holiday movie showing at the Memorial Bowl and a new look with a new logo and branding. It is a beloved South Bay tradition celebrating the holiday season.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Classic parade with vintage vehicles and Santa's iconic ride.
Description:
The La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is a 68th annual event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, vintage vehicles, horses, and Santa Claus. The festival includes arts and crafts, Santa visits, and live stage entertainment.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Menorah Lighting at Liberty Station
What to Expect:
Public menorah lighting with family-friendly entertainment.
Description:
Join the public menorah lighting at Liberty Station's Central Promenade, next to the Rady Children's Ice Rink, for a family-friendly event featuring entertainment, packaged treats, and traditional menorah lighting. The menorah will stay on display throughout Hanukkah, lighting each night.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Menorah Lighting at Liberty Station
Poway's Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
Live music, Santa's visit, and a night-time train ride.
Description:
Join us at Old Poway Park for an old-fashioned holiday tradition featuring live music, Santa's visit, tasty holiday treats, and a craft boutique. Enjoy a night-time ride on the Poway Midland Railroad and watch the tree lighting ceremony.
Where: Poway | More Info: Poway's Christmas in the Park
Del Mar Holiday 3K and 5K Fun Run & Walk
What to Expect:
Dog-friendly holiday fun run with post-event celebration.
Description:
Join the Del Mar Holiday 3K and 5K Fun Run & Walk on the beautiful beach in Del Mar, CA. This dog-friendly event benefits two San Diego nonprofits and features holiday costumes, heavy appetizers, and a cash bar at Poseidon Restaurant.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Del Mar Holiday 3K and 5K Fun Run & Walk
Winter Fest OC
What to Expect:
Year-round farm-fresh fun with a working farm and educational exhibits.
Description:
The OC Fair & Event Center offers a variety of activities, including a working farm, Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall Museum, and live music. It hosts events, festivals, and family fun, making it an ideal destination for field trips, educational enrichment, and kids' adventures.
Where: Costa Mesa | More Info: Winter Fest OC
Temecula On Ice
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art ice rink with unique skating aids and music.
Description:
Temecula On Ice features a state-of-the-art ice rink, rental skates, Bobby skating aids, and its own radio station playing the best ice skating music. Open daily, including Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, with special hours and fees.
Where: Temecula | More Info: Temecula On Ice
Festival of Winter
What to Expect:
Snow play and train rides.
Description:
The Festival of Winter at Miller Park Amphitheater features train rides, live entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, and a variety of vendors and activity booths. It also includes snow play and the chance to sled down over 40 tons of fresh snow.
Where: Fontana | More Info: Festival of Winter
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Rancho Penasquitos (3 miles)
- Poway (7 miles)
- La Jolla (9 miles)
- Santee (11 miles)
- Encinitas (12 miles)
- La Mesa (12 miles)
- El Cajon (13 miles)
- Lakeside (13 miles)
- Winter Gardens (14 miles)
- Lemon Grove (14 miles)
- San Diego (14 miles)
- Escondido (14 miles)
- Spring Valley (14 miles)
- San Marcos (16 miles)
- Coronado (16 miles)
- National City (17 miles)
- La Presa (17 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (17 miles)
- Ramona (18 miles)
- Chula Vista (19 miles)
- Vista (20 miles)
- Carlsbad (21 miles)
- Imperial Beach (23 miles)
- Oceanside (24 miles)
- Fallbrook (32 miles)
- Temecula (40 miles)
- Murrieta (44 miles)
- San Clemente (45 miles)