Our Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in San Diego has you covered this holiday season!

From family-friendly Holiday Events, where to see the best Christmas Lights with thanks to San Diego Family Magazine, Santa Photos and so much more! And don’t forget about our Holiday Gift Guide!

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The 19th annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 10, 2024
6pm
Globe’s Copley Plaza, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center

The ceremony will kick off the holiday season in conjunction with the presentation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Designed by Grinch scenic designer John Lee Beatty, the unique tree will be located in the center of the Plaza and will remain for the run of the show. This fun family event will feature a special live performance by members of the Grinch cast and a delightful holiday snowfall on the Globe Plaza. Although the event is free, reservations are required.

There will be a standby line that forms at 5:00 p.m., an hour before the Tree Lighting. Based on space availability after all ticket-holders have entered the plaza, standby line patrons may be given access to the Globe’s plaza starting at 6:00 p.m.

Liberty Station Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities

Friday, November 29, 2024
5pm to 9pm
Liberty Station North Promenade, 2880 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Liberty Station invites everyone to kick off the most wonderful time of the year at the 2024 Salute the Season celebration! The main event, the Liberty Station Tree Lighting, will take place on Friday, November 29th, from 5 to 9 p.m. Families and friends are welcome to gather and watch as the majestic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree lights up, bringing holiday cheer to all. This magical evening offers fun for the entire family, with live entertainment, festive firetruck rides, and free photos with Santa! Later, guests can cozy up under the stars for a special screening of the holiday classic, The Grinch. Don’t miss this chance to create cherished memories and start a new family tradition at Liberty Station’s Tree Lighting.

Come and celebrate the season at Liberty Station’s 2024 annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Join in on Friday, November 29th, from 5 to 9 p.m., for an evening filled with festive spirit and community joy at the North Promenade and Building 177.

One Paseo Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 30, 2024
6pm – 9pm
One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place, San Diego, CA 92130

One Paseo will be aglow with firefly lights shimmering in the trees and festive décor throughout the center beginning on Saturday, November 30th. The lighting of the 30-foot tall tree will feature live musical performances, snow cascading from the rooftops, Santa and special guests! Tree lighting ceremony kicks off at 6pm.

La Valencia Hotel Annual Tree Lighting 

Date TBD
La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St La-Jolla, California, 92037

Guests will enjoy holiday beverages, homemade treats, live music, carolers, and children’s crafts while counting down to the tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. For those looking to make the evening even more special, dining reservations are strongly encouraged through OpenTable for seating in Mediterranean Room and the Ocean View Terrace.

Country Christmas Tree Lighting (Julian)

Saturday, November 30, 2024
12pm-8pm
Julian Town Square, Main and Washington Julian, CA

6 pm
Orange Avenue between Park Place and Isabella Avenue

Want to add your holiday themed event to the calendar? Complete the form below and someone will reach out within 24 hours.