Get set for a holiday adventure in Poway with our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering Poway or seeing it for the first time, this guide helps you create lasting holiday memories.
Popular events this season include December Nights at Balboa Park, where visitors can enjoy beautifully decorated gardens and festive food stalls. SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration features shimmering lights and enchanting holiday performances, providing a magical experience for all ages. And the Holidays at LEGOLAND California is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing festive displays and interactive attractions for families to enjoy. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Poway
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
- Holidays at LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
- Hotel del Coronado Holiday Events (Coronado)
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place (Chula Vista)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego)
- Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular (Del Mar)
- The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park (San Diego)
- Winter Paradice: Skate, Create & Celebrate (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Poway Holiday Light Displays
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Lavishly decorated boats proceeding along San Diego Bay.
Description:
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats. The procession starts at Shelter Island and proceeds to various waterfront locations, including Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and Coronado. This event brings together over 100,000 spectators each year with no cost to view.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
What to Expect:
Immersive light display with eco-friendly synthetic ice skating.
Description:
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at Del Mar Fairgrounds features twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and festive activities for all ages, including a holiday light trail, igloo reservations, and festive food and drink options.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour
What to Expect:
Holiday caroling and festive sightseeing tour.
Description:
Join Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour to explore San Diego's holiday traditions, sing along with Elf conductors, 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
Camp Christmas
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with interactive activities.
Description:
Camp Christmas is a holiday event featuring thousands of computerized lights, a spectacular water show, and various activities like hayrides, bounce houses, and laser tag. Enjoy festive light shows, dancing waters, and holiday entertainment designed for the entire family.
Where: Pine Valley | More Info: Camp Christmas
December Nights at One Paseo
What to Expect:
Snowfall in an urban setting with festive lights.
Description:
One Paseo transforms into a winter wonderland with festive holiday lights and snow cascading from rooftops every Friday and Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm.
Where: San Diego | More Info: December Nights at One Paseo
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 culminates with the lighting of a 120-foot pine tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Park.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Coronado Holiday Parade
Poway Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with live reindeer and Santa.
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 includes a carousel, kids' Christmas Train, wintery light displays with nightly snowfall, and a beautifully decorated 40-foot Christmas Tree. The event also offers live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage during select nights.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
Poway Holiday Shows and Entertainment
December Nights at Balboa Park
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with free museum access and diverse cultural activities.
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
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with marine animal interactions and festive decorations.
Description:
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration features dazzling new Christmas shows, live reindeer, a 30-foot Christmas tree, and a music-activated tunnel of lights. Enjoy seasonal treats and meet Santa in his village while watching Ms. Claus's Christmas parade.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration
Holidays at LEGOLAND California
What to Expect:
Interactive LEGO build zones and holiday character meet-and-greets.
Description:
LEGOLAND California transforms into a holiday destination with a giant LEGO Christmas tree, live shows, and interactive LEGO build zones. Families can meet holiday LEGO characters, enjoy seasonal activities, and take part in festive events.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND California
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.
Description:
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place features everyone's favorite Sesame Street friends in a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holiday magic, and surprises. Guests can enjoy a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, 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 their Sesame Street friends dressed up in their holiday best.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: A Very Furry Christmas 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
Winter Paradice: Skate, Create & Celebrate
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with STEAM activities and festive lights.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, and delicious food at Balboa Park's December Nights.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Winter Paradice: Skate, Create & Celebrate
Poway Other Holiday Activities
Hotel del Coronado Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Nostalgic holiday celebration with Hollywood glamour.
Description:
Hotel del Coronado's holiday events feature a nostalgic celebration of Old Hollywood, including Skating by the Sea, Frostbite Lounge, and special dining events in the beautifully restored Crown Room. The resort's historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with festive holiday jazz and snow flurries. Other activities include beachside igloos, Victorian tea, gingerbread house decorating, and photos with Santa.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Hotel del Coronado Holiday Events
The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
"State-of-the-art dental care in a theme park-like setting."
Description:
The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland offers a unique and welcoming environment for children, featuring state-of-the-art dental technologies and a nurturing approach to pediatric dentistry. The office is designed to make dental visits enjoyable, with a theme park-like atmosphere and specialized care for kids of all ages.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Super Dentists Winter Wonderland
Family Christmas Tree Farm
What to Expect:
Pet-friendly Christmas tree farm with a pumpkin patch and hay maze.
Description:
Family Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon, CA, offers a variety of fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, and festive activities like hot cocoa stands, farm animals, and tractor rides. The farm is pet-friendly and features a pumpkin patch and giant hay maze for kids.
Where: El Cajon | More Info: Family Christmas Tree Farm
North Pole Limited
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus visits.
Description:
The North Pole Limited is a holiday train ride that takes passengers on a 90-minute journey through the backcountry, featuring holiday sing-alongs, festive stories, and hot chocolate and cookies. Santa and Mrs. Claus visit each passenger, making it a memorable holiday experience.
Where: Campo | More Info: North Pole Limited
Las Posadas
What to Expect:
Immersive celebration of Mexican traditions and the journey of Mary and Joseph.
Description:
Join us for the 65th Annual Las Posadas in Old Town San Diego, a time-honored celebration echoing centuries-old Mexican traditions and the warmth of the holiday season. This event, presented in collaboration by the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Trolley Tours, and the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, offers an immersive glimpse into the journey of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Las Posadas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Rancho Penasquitos (5 miles)
- Mira Mesa (7 miles)
- Santee (9 miles)
- Lakeside (10 miles)
- Winter Gardens (11 miles)
- Ramona (11 miles)
- Escondido (11 miles)
- El Cajon (12 miles)
- La Mesa (13 miles)
- San Marcos (15 miles)
- Spring Valley (15 miles)
- Lemon Grove (15 miles)
- Encinitas (16 miles)
- La Jolla (16 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (16 miles)
- La Presa (18 miles)
- San Diego (19 miles)
- National City (20 miles)
- Vista (20 miles)
- Coronado (21 miles)
- Chula Vista (22 miles)
- Carlsbad (23 miles)
- Oceanside (26 miles)
- Imperial Beach (27 miles)
- Fallbrook (31 miles)
- Temecula (37 miles)
- Murrieta (42 miles)