Get thrilled for the holidays in Rancho Penasquitos! Our guide will help you find all the best festive events. Whether you're a Rancho Penasquitos local or a temporary resident, this guide helps you make the most of the holidays.
This season, explore the enchanting Holidays at LEGOLAND California, where families can experience festive lights and themed attractions throughout the park. You can also enjoy the charming atmosphere at the historic Hotel del Coronado, which features stunning decorations and delightful activities for visitors. And the Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering unique wildlife experiences blended with holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rancho Penasquitos
- Holidays at Hotel del Coronado (Coronado)
- Holidays at LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad)
- Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (San Diego)
- Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Escondido)
- Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village (San Diego)
- Holidays at The Grand (San Diego)
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival (La Jolla)
- Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show (San Diego)
- A Christmas Carol at Old Town’s Cygnet Theater (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Rancho Penasquitos Holiday Light Displays
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and sound displays.
Description:
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park transforms the park into a vibrant holiday destination with glowing lights, festive tunes, and seasonal treats. Explore various locations adorned with holiday decorations and specially designed lighted trees, featuring interactive performances and activities.
Where: Escondido | More Info: Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Lavishly decorated boats along a predetermined parade route.
Description:
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition featuring approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats that illuminate San Diego Bay. Participants decorate their boats to fit the year's theme, creating a spectacular display of holiday cheer.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Holiday Lights at Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights
What to Expect:
Holiday lights tour with caroling and festive sights.
Description:
Explore San Diego's holiday lights and traditions with Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights tour. Join in sing-along caroling and see festive holiday sights in Old Town, Little Italy, Bankers Hill, and more.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Holiday Lights at Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights
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 delicious snacks and drinks. Enjoy a festive journey with holiday skating, igloo reservations, and unique gifts at the holiday market.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Rancho Penasquitos Holiday Markets and Shopping
La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local craft vendors and live holiday entertainment.
Description:
La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village is a free event featuring live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, and holiday photo opportunities. Visitors can explore local craft vendor stands, enjoy artisan and craft food, and relax by fire pits while enjoying holiday caroling and live entertainment.
Where: La Mesa | More Info: La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village
Rancho Penasquitos Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
What to Expect:
Whimsical musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic 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 spirit with a delightful cast of characters.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
A Christmas Carol at Old Town’s Cygnet Theater
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday production with fresh original music and puppetry.
Description:
A Christmas Carol at Old Town’s Cygnet Theater is a heartwarming adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless tale, featuring original music, imaginative stagecraft, puppetry, and live sound effects. This production stays true to the classic story of hope and redemption while offering something new for everyone.
Where: San Diego | More Info: A Christmas Carol at Old Town’s Cygnet Theater
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
What to Expect:
A comedic local twist on the classic Dickens tale.
Description:
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show is a fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, set in wintery San Diego with a comic local twist. The show features all traditional elements, including the iconic ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future, with a talented six-person cast playing multiple roles.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
Holidays at LEGOLAND California
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with LEGO-themed activities and characters.
Description:
Holidays at LEGOLAND California features holiday-themed activities, including meeting LEGO Santa and friends, seasonal shows, and interactive LEGO build zones.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holidays at LEGOLAND California
Rancho Penasquitos Other Holiday Activities
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Classic floats and vintage vehicles.
Description:
The La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is a beloved annual event featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, and vintage vehicles. The festival includes live stage entertainment, arts and crafts, and opportunities to take photos with Santa. It takes place in the charming Village of La Jolla, with the parade starting at Kline and Girard Streets and ending at the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Winter Nights at Westfield UTC
What to Expect:
Seasonal activities and holiday-themed shopping.
Description:
Winter Nights at Westfield UTC features a variety of seasonal activities and events, including special promotions, holiday-themed decorations, and unique shopping experiences.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Winter Nights at Westfield UTC
Holidays at Hotel del Coronado
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Hollywood glamour and beachfront activities.
Description:
Celebrate the 2024 holiday season at Hotel del Coronado with a tribute to Hollywood's golden age. Enjoy Skating by the Sea, Frostbite Lounge, special holiday dining events in the Crown Room, and the "All That Jazz" Lightshow Spectacular.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Holidays at Hotel del Coronado
Holidays at The Grand
What to Expect:
Eco-friendly Glice skating rink with exclusive cabanas and firepits.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Fairmont Grand Del Mar with a variety of activities, including Glice skating, holiday dining, and visits with Santa. Enjoy festive events like the annual tree lighting ceremony and Nutcracker Tea, while creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Holidays at The Grand
Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village
What to Expect:
Santa Claus in a beach-themed setting.
Description:
Surfin' Santa at Seaport Village features a festive celebration with Santa Claus, offering a fun and memorable experience for families.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village
Critters Save Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive animal encounters and personalized Santa time.
Description:
Critters Save Christmas is a family-friendly event where participants help Santa retrieve his supplies through a live storytelling experience. The event includes hands-on animal encounters, crafting, and a game, followed by cocoa and cookie decorating. After saving Christmas, families can spend personal time with Santa and receive an early gift.
Where: Rancho Santa Fe | More Info: Critters Save Christmas
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Mira Mesa (3 miles)
- Poway (5 miles)
- Escondido (11 miles)
- Encinitas (12 miles)
- Santee (12 miles)
- La Jolla (12 miles)
- San Marcos (13 miles)
- Lakeside (13 miles)
- Winter Gardens (14 miles)
- La Mesa (14 miles)
- El Cajon (14 miles)
- Ramona (15 miles)
- Lemon Grove (16 miles)
- Spring Valley (16 miles)
- San Diego (17 miles)
- Rancho San Diego (18 miles)
- Vista (18 miles)
- La Presa (19 miles)
- Coronado (19 miles)
- Carlsbad (19 miles)
- National City (19 miles)
- Chula Vista (22 miles)
- Oceanside (22 miles)
- Imperial Beach (26 miles)
- Fallbrook (30 miles)
- Temecula (37 miles)
- Murrieta (41 miles)
- San Clemente (43 miles)