Discover the joy of the holidays in Oceanside with our ultimate guide. For both Oceanside natives and visitors, this guide reveals the season's top activities and events.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, where decorated boats create a dazzling display on the water. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour, showcasing the city’s twinkling lights and historic charm. And the SnowSide Winter Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering snow play and festive activities for all ages. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Oceanside
- Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour (San Diego)
- La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival (La Jolla)
- SnowSide Winter Festival
- Little Italy Christmas Magic (San Diego)
- Ocean Beach Holiday Parade (Ocean Beach)
- Encinitas Holiday Parade (Encinitas)
- Coronado Holiday Parade (Coronado)
- Holiday Tree Lighting
- Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Oceanside Holiday Light Displays
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 lavishly decorated boats on Mission Bay, accompanied by SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and festive holiday music.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday caroling and festive lights tour.
Description:
Join Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour to explore San Diego's holiday traditions, sing along to caroling, and see festive lights in Old Town, Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and more.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
Little Italy Christmas Magic
What to Expect:
Custom-designed Christmas tree with changing colors.
Description:
Little Italy Christmas Magic features a custom-designed Christmas tree, seasonal vendors, live music, and a tree lighting ceremony. Guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats, and a surprise visit from Santa. The event transforms India Street into a sparkling winter scene with 10-foot tall nutcrackers and colorful lights.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Little Italy Christmas Magic
Coronado Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting with 18,175 lights.
Description:
The Coronado Holiday Parade is a cherished tradition featuring over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators. The event begins on Orange Avenue and loops at RH Dana and Adella, culminating in the lighting of the 120-foot Christmas tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
What to Expect:
Immersive light display with eco-friendly synthetic ice skating.
Description:
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular transforms the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland by the sea, featuring twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and delicious snacks and drinks. The event includes a Holiday Light Trail, eco-friendly synthetic ice skating, igloo and fire pit reservations, and a holiday market with unique gifts.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Oceanside Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Gift Market
What to Expect:
One-stop shopping for eclectic holiday gifts and gourmet treats.
Description:
The Holiday Gift Market in Downtown Oceanside offers a diverse array of holiday gifts from 200 artisans and merchants, along with international street fare, gourmet goodies, live music, and children's activities.
Where: Oceanside | More Info: Holiday Gift Market
Oceanside Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday parade with local artisans and festive activities.
Description:
The Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire in Chula Vista features over 100 dazzling entries, including whimsical floats, marching bands, and dance squads. The event also includes a holiday movie showing at Memorial Bowl and a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Attendees can explore the Holiday Market, ride the Chula Vista Express, and take free family photos with Santa.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Starlight Parade and Children’s Faire
Oceanside Other Holiday Activities
SnowSide Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Real snow and sledding activities.
Description:
SnowSide Winter Festival is a family-friendly event featuring real snow, sledding, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, live entertainment, bounce houses, and more.
Where: Oceanside | More Info: SnowSide Winter Festival
Holiday Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Interactive kids' activities and a festive tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Oceanside, CA, features kids' activities from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm, including visits with Santa, fire truck displays, and various amusement rides. The event culminates in a tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 pm, accompanied by holiday music and carolers.
Where: Oceanside | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting
O’side Handmade Holiday
What to Expect:
Scenic beachside course with flat stretches and ocean breezes.
Description:
The O’side Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving tradition featuring a 5K run/walk and kids' run, with a costume contest, largest teams competition, and live entertainment. It benefits the Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation, raising funds for local non-profits.
Where: Oceanside | More Info: O’side Handmade Holiday
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse entertainment.
Description:
The La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is a vibrant celebration featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, vintage vehicles, horses, and Santa Claus. The event includes a Holiday Festival with Santa visits, arts-and-crafts, games, music, and face-painting.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Encinitas Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community celebration showcasing creativity and innovation.
Description:
The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a vibrant community celebration featuring colorful floats, dynamic performances, and creative expressions. Thousands of participants and spectators come together to celebrate the holiday season with music, dance, and unique visual displays.
Where: Encinitas | More Info: Encinitas Holiday Parade
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade with local floats and festive atmosphere.
Description:
The Ocean Beach Holiday Parade is a vibrant community event hosted by the Ocean Beach Town Council and supported by OBMA. It features over 100 floats with local businesses and community groups, showcasing the unique spirit of Ocean Beach. The parade route includes Newport Avenue, Abbott Street, and Santa Monica Avenue, offering a colorful and lively celebration of the holiday season.
Where: Ocean Beach | More Info: Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
What to Expect:
Local chili cook-off with various vegetarian and vegan options.
Description:
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is a community event featuring local chili, live music, arts and crafts, and indie goods. It supports the arts, dance, music, Spanish, and ceramic programs at McKinley Elementary School in North Park.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
Christmas at Oma’s Family Farm
What to Expect:
Traditional Christmas tree selection and festive activities.
Description:
Oma’s Family Farm transforms into a winter wonderland with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, festive activities, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for family gatherings.
Where: Lakeside | More Info: Christmas at Oma’s Family Farm
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Carlsbad (3 miles)
- Vista (8 miles)
- Encinitas (12 miles)
- San Marcos (13 miles)
- Fallbrook (15 miles)
- Escondido (18 miles)
- San Clemente (21 miles)
- Rancho Penasquitos (22 miles)
- Mira Mesa (24 miles)
- Temecula (25 miles)
- La Jolla (25 miles)
- Poway (26 miles)
- Dana Point (26 miles)
- Murrieta (27 miles)
- San Juan Capistrano (27 miles)
- Wildomar (28 miles)
- Laguna Niguel (29 miles)
- Ladera Ranch (30 miles)
- Ramona (31 miles)
- Aliso Viejo (32 miles)
- Mission Viejo (33 miles)
- Lake Elsinore (33 miles)
- Rancho Santa Margarita (33 miles)
- Laguna Beach (33 miles)
- Santee (34 miles)
- Laguna Hills (35 miles)
- Lakeside (35 miles)
- San Diego (35 miles)
- Lake Forest (36 miles)
- La Mesa (36 miles)
- Winter Gardens (36 miles)
- El Cajon (37 miles)
- Coronado (37 miles)
- Lemon Grove (37 miles)
- Spring Valley (38 miles)
- Menifee (39 miles)
- National City (39 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (40 miles)
- La Presa (40 miles)
- Perris (41 miles)
- Irvine (42 miles)
- Chula Vista (42 miles)
- Newport Beach (43 miles)
- Costa Mesa (44 miles)
- Hemet (45 miles)