Excited for holiday celebrations in Rancho San Diego? Our guide has all the events you need! From hometown residents to curious travelers, this guide is your key to the holiday treasures of Rancho San Diego.
Popular events this season include the enchanting SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration, where holiday cheer meets marine wonder, featuring dazzling light displays and festive shows. Another highlight is the vibrant December Nights at Balboa Park, boasting international food, music, and cultural experiences that celebrate the season. And the Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its stunning beachfront backdrop and charming festive activities. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rancho San Diego
- SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration (San Diego)
- Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado (Coronado)
- December Nights at Balboa Park (San Diego)
- The Holiday Market at Petco Park (San Diego)
- Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular (Del Mar)
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (San Diego)
- Holiday at the Rancho (Carlsbad)
- A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place (Chula Vista)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego)
- Jingle Jets at the U.S.S. Midway (San Diego)
See these and even more events listed below!
Rancho San Diego Holiday Light Displays
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 vibrant holiday destination with twinkling lights, festive activities, and delicious treats. Enjoy the Holiday Light Trail, Glice Skating, and unique gifts at the Holiday Market.
Where: Del Mar | More Info: Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
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, themed "PEACE ON EARTH," as they parade through San Diego Bay. The event brings together over 100,000 spectators each year, offering a delightful experience for all participants and spectators.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Jingle Jets at the U.S.S. Midway
What to Expect:
Holiday lighting display on historic aircraft carrier.
Description:
The Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Experience at the U.S.S. Midway features a festive holiday display with beautifully lit aircraft and the iconic ship, creating a memorable evening.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Jingle Jets at the U.S.S. Midway
Rancho San Diego Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Holiday Market at Petco Park
What to Expect:
Winter-themed market with live reindeer and a 40-foot Christmas Tree.
Description:
The Holiday Market at Petco Park features Christmas lighting displays, live reindeer, and holiday characters. Shop for perfect stocking stuffers and handcrafted gifts while indulging in seasonal treats like cider and shortbread. Enjoy a carousel ride and visit a beautifully decorated 40-foot Christmas Tree. Live entertainment is available on select nights at the Sycuan Stage in Gallagher Square.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Holiday Market at Petco Park
Rancho San Diego 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.
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 Santa photos.
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
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration at Sesame Place
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with Sesame Street characters.
Description:
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place features Sesame Street friends in holiday attire, with a 24-foot tall Christmas Tree, extended evening hours, and activities like the Sesame Street Christmas show, parade, and dance party. Guests can enjoy rides, games, special food and beverages, unique holiday merchandise, and one-of-a-kind photos.
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 iconic holiday songs.
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 holidays with a delightful tale of the Grinch's attempt to steal Christmas.
Where: San Diego | More Info: How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theatre
Rancho San Diego Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Hollywood glamour and beachfront activities.
Description:
Celebrate the 2024 holiday season at the Hotel del Coronado with a tribute to Old Hollywood, featuring stunning Christmas trees and garlands, Skating by the Sea, Frostbite Lounge, special holiday dining events, and the All That Jazz Lightshow Spectacular.
Where: Coronado | More Info: Christmas Celebrations at the Hotel Del Coronado
Holiday at the Rancho
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive lights and classic holiday activities.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Leo Carrillo Ranch with festive lights, decorations, and classic holiday musical performances. Enjoy activities like decorating holiday cookies, participating in a plush snowball fight, and watching the holiday tree lighting. Face painting, train rides, and an outdoor movie featuring a special visit by Santa are also part of the event.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Holiday at the Rancho
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- El Cajon (4 miles)
- Spring Valley (4 miles)
- La Presa (5 miles)
- La Mesa (5 miles)
- Lemon Grove (6 miles)
- Winter Gardens (6 miles)
- Santee (7 miles)
- Lakeside (8 miles)
- National City (11 miles)
- Chula Vista (11 miles)
- San Diego (14 miles)
- Coronado (15 miles)
- Imperial Beach (15 miles)
- Poway (16 miles)
- Mira Mesa (17 miles)
- Rancho Penasquitos (18 miles)
- Ramona (21 miles)
- La Jolla (21 miles)
- Escondido (27 miles)
- Encinitas (29 miles)
- San Marcos (30 miles)
- Vista (36 miles)
- Carlsbad (37 miles)
- Oceanside (40 miles)