The Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in San Diego

Looking for the best Festive Holiday and Christmas events in San Diego for families?

You’ve come to the right place! Our Ultimate Guide to the Holidays in San Diego is your go-to resource for everything merry and bright — from family-friendly holiday events and annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, to festive Santa photo ops and the best places to see Christmas lights (special thanks to San Diego Family Magazine for their light list!).

Whether you’re searching for magical experiences, local holiday markets, or unique gift ideas in our Holiday Gift Guide, we’ve got you covered all season long. Don’t forget to tag us in your festive fun — we’d love to see your memories! 🎄✨ #SDMoms

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Central San Diego

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 4pm–8pm
Little Italy San Diego, 2155 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

Little Italy transforms into a festive winter wonderland with sparkling lights, giant nutcrackers, and two stunning Christmas trees. Families can enjoy live music, holiday treats, seasonal vendors, and photos with Santa. Don’t miss the traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony in this joyful, family-friendly celebration.

The 20th Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 9, 2025 | 6:00pm
Globe’s Copley Plaza, Balboa Park

Kick off the season with The Old Globe’s whimsical tree lighting before a performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Enjoy a live performance by the cast and a magical snowfall on the plaza. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

Liberty Station Tree Lighting & Holiday Festivities

Friday, November 28, 2025 | 5pm–9pm
North Promenade and Building 177, Liberty Station

Celebrate the season with Liberty Station’s iconic 88-foot pine tree lighting, festive entertainment, and free photos with Santa. Enjoy holiday movie screenings, firetruck rides, and seasonal fun for the whole family.

Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Friday, December 5, 2025
Orange Avenue, Coronado

Watch Coronado light its magnificent 120-foot Christmas tree at Rotary Plaza during a beloved holiday parade featuring over 1,400 participants. This festive community tradition includes live entertainment and thousands of cheerful spectators lining Orange Avenue.

East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

Saturday, November 30, 2025 | 4pm–8pm
Quartyard and 13th Street, 1301 Market St, San Diego

Join the East Village community for a festive evening of shopping, music, food, and holiday cheer. Families will enjoy a curated holiday market, kids’ activities, photos with Santa, and a magical tree lighting ceremony.

East County San Diego

27th Annual Spirit of Christmas – Lakeside

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 3pm–7:30pm
Maine Avenue, Lakeside

This small-town celebration offers an old-fashioned Christmas experience with holiday sights, sounds, and scents. Enjoy local vendors, entertainment, and a festive tree lighting for all ages.

South County San Diego

Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 5:30pm–9pm
Third Avenue, Chula Vista (Tree Lighting at 5:45pm)

Start the evening with a festive tree lighting in the heart of Third Avenue at 5:45 p.m., followed by live music and the 61st annual Starlight Parade. Enjoy holiday shopping, food vendors, and over 100 parade entries lighting up the night.

Julian & Temecula

Country Christmas Tree Lighting – Julian

Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 12pm–7pm
Julian Town Square

Julian’s holiday celebration begins at noon with craft vendors and live music all day. Santa arrives at 6:00 p.m. to help light the town’s Christmas tree in this charming mountain tradition.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Temecula

Sunday, November 30, 2025 | 5pm–8pm
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Ring in the season with Santa visits, a petting zoo, face painting, and horse-drawn trolley rides. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with hot chocolate, cider, and seasonal cocktails leading up to the grand tree lighting ceremony in the courtyard.

North County San Diego

La Valencia Hotel Annual Tree Lighting

Date TBD
La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla

Guests can enjoy holiday treats, crafts, live music, and caroling before the tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. The event begins at 4:30 p.m., and dining reservations are encouraged for the full experience.

San Marcos Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 1pm–7pm
San Marcos Civic Center

Enjoy photos with Santa, festive entertainment, and local holiday shopping throughout the day. The tree lighting takes place at 6:00 p.m., followed by a magical snowfall.

North Pole by the Sea – Del Mar Village

Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 1pm–5pm
Del Mar Village, 1442 Camino Del Mar

Celebrate in coastal style with Santa photos, hot cocoa, roaming carolers, and festive characters. The day ends with the beloved Del Mar tree lighting at 5:00 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater.

Holiday Tree Lighting in Carlsbad Village

Sunday, December 7, 2025 | 2pm–4:30pm
300 Carlsbad Village Drive

Families can enjoy visits and free photos with Santa, who arrives on an antique fire truck courtesy of Carlsbad Fire Department. Candy canes and holiday fun fill the afternoon leading up to the official tree lighting.

23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad

Friday, December 5, 2025 | 6pm–8pm
The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona

The Forum lights up with a festive tree lighting, live music by Woodie and The Longboards, magical snowfall, and Santa’s grand arrival. Families will enjoy entertainment, holiday characters, and photo opportunities throughout the night.

Oceanside Annual Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 5pm–9pm
Regal Plaza, 401 Mission Ave, Oceanside

Oceanside’s annual celebration features live entertainment, carnival rides, crafts, and free cookies and milk for kids. The tree lighting begins at 6:00 p.m., with Santa arriving on a vintage fire truck and staying for photos afterward.

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.

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