Explore the best 2025 holiday events in San Diego, from parades to lights and cultural celebrations. Your essential San Diego holiday guide.
San Diego may be known for sunshine, surf, and year-round warmth, but when December rolls around, the city becomes a glittering coastal wonderland. In 2025, holiday events in San Diego are trending toward bigger installations, more intimate community celebrations, and elevated cultural programming that blends tradition with SoCal flair. From waterfront parades to immersive light experiences and beloved neighborhood festivities, this year’s lineup proves why San Diego remains one of the most magical (and underrated) places to celebrate the holidays. If you’re trying to map out a festive calendar, consider this your definitive, journalist-approved guide to the most unmissable 2025 holiday events in San Diego.
December Nights at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s signature holiday celebration returns with its iconic blend of multicultural performances, international cuisine, artisan markets, and dazzling decor. December Nights consistently draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, and the 2025 edition promises expanded light displays across the Plaza de Panama and interactive installations from local design students.
“What makes December Nights so special is that it’s San Diego’s heart on display,” says cultural programming coordinator Elena Vasquez. “Every community contributes—music, art, food, dance—creating a holiday tapestry you won’t find anywhere else.”
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
Contact: (619) 239-0512
Go early for food, stay late for the music.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
A coastal holiday classic, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights brings dozens of elaborately decorated boats sailing through the harbor. This year’s theme leans into “Holiday Through the Decades,” inspiring everything from retro light displays to futuristic LED designs. The parade route passes key viewing spots such as Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, and Coronado Ferry Landing.
“People underestimate the creativity of boat owners until you see a 40-foot yacht dressed as a giant peppermint candy,” laughs parade chair Jonathan Reed.
Location: San Diego Bay
Website: https://sdparadeoflights.org/
Contact: info@sdparadeoflights.org
Pack layers—you’ll want to stay for the entire procession.
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld transforms into a winter spectacle each year, and the 2025 Christmas Celebration brings new themed zones, live holiday shows, and expanded “Snowland” play areas for kids. Expect millions of lights, towering trees, and SeaWorld’s unforgettable nightly fireworks.
Families especially love the meet-and-greets with seasonal characters and the returning Christmas-themed Orca Encounter, which layers conservation messaging into holiday storytelling.
Location: 500 SeaWorld Dr., San Diego, CA
Website: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
Contact: (619) 222-4732
If you want a quieter experience, weeknights are your best bet.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
The world-famous San Diego Zoo turns into a whimsical winter escape each holiday season. Jungle Bells features choreographed light pathways, festive animal-themed projections, acrobat performances, and seasonal treats like peppermint churros and hot cocoa flights (yes, plural).
“We design Jungle Bells so guests can feel the magic of the holidays without compromising our conservation mission,” says Zoo creative director Maya Tseng.
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA
Website: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/
Contact: (619) 231-1515
Don’t miss the “Reindeer Games” show—it’s a fan favorite for kids.
Old Town Las Posadas
History meets tradition at Old Town Las Posadas, a decades-old reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. The 2025 celebration features live music, traditional Mexican dancing, luminarias along Old Town’s historic buildings, and a finale piñata for children.
Cultural educator Rosa Marquez notes, “Las Posadas reminds San Diegans that the holidays are rooted in community, faith, and shared stories.”
Location: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Website: https://www.oldtownsandiego.org/events/
Contact: info@oldtownsandiego.org
Authentic, moving, and beautifully rooted in heritage.
Holidays at LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND ups the charm with a giant LEGO-constructed Christmas tree, character meet-and-greets, snowfall in Miniland, and a new 2025 holiday parade featuring original music and dancing LEGO performers. Kids adore the hands-on building workshops where they can craft themed creations to take home.
Location: 1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA
Website: https://www.legoland.com/california/
Contact: (760) 918-5346
This one books up fast—buy tickets early.
Hotel del Coronado: Frosted by the Sea
The iconic Hotel del Coronado turns its beachfront property into a holiday spectacle with skating by the sea, light tunnels, themed dining experiences, and an expanded “Frostbite Lounge” featuring cocktails in ice-inspired glassware. Its 2025 theme celebrates 137 years of holiday history at The Del.
“We lean into nostalgia while giving guests that elevated coastal luxury they expect,” says resort director Anthony Medina.
Location: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA
Website: https://hoteldel.com/events/
Contact: (619) 435-6611
Perfect for date nights, proposals, or just soaking up the romance of winter by the ocean.
Liberty Station’s Hanukkah & Holiday Nights
Liberty Station hosts a stunning menorah lighting each year, followed by music performances, artisan booths, dance troupes, and a winter-themed outdoor movie night. The 2025 program also includes hands-on activities for kids and a local-maker holiday bazaar.
Location: 2820 Roosevelt Rd., San Diego, CA
Website: https://www.libertystation.com/events
Contact: info@libertystation.com
A warm, community-rooted celebration with great food options nearby.
San Diego’s Holiday Magic in 2025: Why This Year Hits Differently
San Diego’s holiday events keep growing—literally and culturally. The city’s blend of coastal charm and multicultural heritage means festivities aren’t just decorative; they’re immersive storytelling experiences. With a mix of long-running traditions, new interactive installations, and family-friendly programming, the 2025 holiday events in San Diego strike that perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation.
These events deliver more than photo ops—they anchor communities, spark creativity in local artists, and remind us that winter in Southern California doesn’t need snow to feel magical.
Unforgettable experiences
Whether you’re a San Diego native crafting your December calendar or visiting for a warm-weather winter escape, the 2025 holiday events in San Diego offer unforgettable experiences for every age, culture, and budget. From waterfront parades to historic traditions and world-class attractions, this year’s festivities will shine brighter than ever. Mark your dates early, gather your favorite people, and let San Diego’s holiday season do what it does best—deliver pure coastal joy.
