Best Things to Do in San Diego December
It's the most wonderful time of the year! I love the holidays. The good cheer, the cookies, the fun things to do, (and the cookies!).
Here are some of my picks, and a few others, for the best holiday things to do in San Diego!
Friday, November 17–Sunday, January 7 Coronado, Prices vary Holidays at the Hotel Del Coronado are always magical, and this year they’ve transformed the beachfront Windsor Lawn into a winter wonderland of sparkling lights, enormous decorated trees, and snowy surprises at its “A Twenties Holiday Affair” extravaganza. Enjoy Skating by the Sea, with proceeds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and photos with Santa available on select days. Warm up with sips and treats at the Frostbite Lounge or in your own beachside igloo, roast marshmallows, and create a beautiful gingerbread cottage.
Friday, December 1–Saturday, December 2 Balboa Park, Free Balboa Park shows off its holiday finery at December Nights, a family-friendly two-day event that features thousands of twinkling lights, live music, food, and free admission to select museums, exhibitions, and entertainment. The event runs from Friday from 3–11 pm, and Saturday from 11 am–11 pm. December Nights attracts more than 350,000 holiday revelers over two days, so streamline your visit with their handy transportation/parking info.
Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17 Various locations, Free The 53rd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights has taken the theme “Christmas Traditions around the World.” The wildly popular holiday boat parade attracts more than 100,000 spectators, who line the shores of San Diego Bay from the starting point at Shelter Island to the conclusion at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. You can also see the nearly 80 extravagantly decorated boats at Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the Pier at Cesar Chavez Park. Public transportation and carpooling is encouraged—parking near the best viewing areas is limited.
Winter Wonderland at the Lake House
Sunday, December 10 and Sunday, December 17 Lake San Marcos
Step into North County’s original Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Resort this holiday season! Our Lakeside Lawn is transformed into a Winter Wonderland brimming with twinkling lights, a holiday makers market, delightful treats and festive drinks for all! Kids of all ages will delight in our Frozen Fun Zone with the return of the Lakehouse Express train, make your own smore's station, pictures with Santa and more!
Oceanside Parade of Lights
Bring a blanket, some hot chocolate and pick a comfortable spot to watch this years Parade of Lights celebration in the quaint Oceanside Harbor. Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys will all be dressed-up in holiday swag and circling Oceanside Harbor enchanting onlookers along the harbor and at the neighboring restaurants. Many of the boats even feature people dressed up like Santa waving to the crowd! One of the best viewing spots is along the side of the Oceanside Harbor near the fishing dock and police station. From this vantage point, you can see the parade twice! The concrete walkway that surrounds much of the harbor is also good for viewing the parade.
When: Saturday, December 10, 2022, 7pm-9pm
Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA
For More Holiday Fun, check out Tree Lightings In San Diego
