San Diego Calendar of Events – December 2023

San Diego Calendar of Events – December 2023

EVENTS

Del Mar Racing

Through Dec. 3

Racing returns to America’s favorite seaside track with the annual running of the Bing Crosby Season.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

www.dmtc.com

 

La Mesa Military Families Toy Drive

Through Dec. 4

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is Collecting Toys for La Mesa Military Children Ages 2-13 years old. y as we collect toys for our La Mesa military families.

11am-3pm / 8080 La Mesa Blvd., #214

619-465-7700

https://lamesachamber.net

 

Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Dec. 1

Live music. Holiday sing-Alongs. Parade featuring local organizations, clubs, and businesses with lights, and costumes.

6-8pm / Orange Avenue

619-435-9260

www.coronadochamber.com

 

Lemon Grove Community Bonfire

Dec. 1

4:30-8:30pm / Treganza Heritage Park

619-825-3815

www.lemongrove.ca.gov

 

December Nights

Dec. 1-2

Brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.

Fri 3-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm / Balboa Park

www.sandiego.gov/december-nights

 

OB Holiday Parade

Dec. 2

For more 40 years, our quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted one of the best Holiday Parades in SoCal.

Sunset / Newport Avenue

www.obtowncouncil.org/holiday-parade

 

Disco Wonderland

Dec. 2

Cocktail Reception. 3-Course Dinner. Live and Silent Auctions. Entertainment. Benefits the SD Animal Sanctuary & Farm.

5:30-11pm / Bahia Resort Hotel – Mission Bay

619-320-4942

www.childrensnatureretreat.org

 

Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village

Dec. 2

Our urban neighborhood will be adorned with 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, Christmas songs and more. Enjoy our Christmas Village!

4-8pm / Piazza della Famiglia

www.littleitalysd.com

 

Holiday in the Village

Dec. 2

Live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities including selfies with Santa, and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop!

12-9pm / La Mesa Village

619-343-2460

www.lamesavillageassociation.org

 

San Marcos Tree Lighting

Dec. 2

Join us at our annual Tree Lighting event complete with free festive crafts and activities, as well as vendors selling their wares and snacks. Photos with Santa!

2-7pm / San Marcos Civic Center

760-744-1050

www.san-marcos.net

 

Fallbrook Christmas Parade

Dec. 2

Grand Marshal: Charley Wolk, lighted floats, music, dancers, marching bands, classic & specialty vehicles, and Santa Claus.

5-7pm / Main Avenue

www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org

 

Encinitas Holiday Parade

Dec. 2

The β€œTraditions of Encinitas” Parade will head south along South Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street and is expected to have approximately 90 entries.

5:30-7:30pm / Coast Highway 101

760-633-2600

www.encinitasca.gov

 

Vista Christmas Parade

Dec. 2

To commemorate the Vista Chamber’s 100th anniversary the theme this year will be “Viva Vista” .Our Grand Marshal this year will be Danny VillaseΓ±or from Peppertree Frosty!

1pm / Downtown Vista

760-726-1122

www.vistachamber.org

 

Holiday Fair & Boutique

Dec. 2

Live music, local artisans, holiday cocktails & food, and more.

11am-4pm / Arrowood Golf Course, Oceanside

760-967-8400

www.arrowoodgolf.com

 

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair

Dec. 2-3

Holiday shopping event will feature more than 100 small-batch makers, craft cocktails, beer, gourmet food trucks, live music, photo trailers, styled lounges, door favors, and more!

10am-5pm / Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier

www.makersarcade.com/holiday-fair-2023

 

Solana Beach Holiday Tree Lighting

Dec. 3

There will be plenty of sweets, treats, hot cocoa & cider to go along with all the fun.

4:30pm / Fletcher Cove

858-720-2453

www.cityofsolanabeach.org

 

Kiwanis San Marcos Holiday Parade

Dec. 3

Celebrating 120 years of the Teddy Bear! San Elijo Middle School Jazz Band Performance. Free book for kids at the parade. Grand Marshal is Pia Harris-Ebert.

1-3pm / Comet Circle to Mission Rd. to the Civic Center

760-744-1050

www.san-marcos.net

 

Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival

Dec. 3

Dive into the magic with the Starlight Festival, which will be launching the festivities in all their glory at 3:00pm. At 5:45pm, brace yourself for the tree lighting extravaganza. The Starlight Parade will kick off at 6pm, featuring over 100 dazzling entries.

3pm / Downtown Chula Vista

www.starlightparade.com

 

Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip

Dec. 3

Enjoy culinary creations from our award-winning restaurants, sips from local beverage partners at β€œSip Stops” inside downtown Del Mar businesses, live music and other holiday happenings as part of the family-friendly festivities.

1-4pm / Del Mar Village

858-735-3650

www.visitdelmarvillage.com

 

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival

Dec. 3

You’ll see floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, Santa Claus and yes ~ a camel. Church bells peal with a fly-over. There is also a Holiday Festival called Santa’s Village.

11:30am-4pm / Girard Avenue & Prospect Street

858-922-4046

www.ljparade.com

 

SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off

Dec. 3

Chili + beer + holiday shopping + kids fun fest = one perfect Sunday in December. Proceeds benefit the McKinley Elementary School foundation.

11am-5pm / Thorn & 32nd Streets, North Park

www.sonofestchilicookoff.com

 

Cardiff Kringle Mingle

Dec. 3

Take a photo with Santa in his vintage Camera Camper sleigh, enjoy live music performed by local musicians and crafts for children. Holiday treats, coffee, and hot chocolate provided.

11am-3pm / Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff

760-436-0431

www.cardiff101.com

 

Community In Unity

Dec. 7

A variety of local restaurants, breweries, and wineries showcasing their epicurean delights, savory dishes, sweet desserts, and libations for everyone to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to bring NEW pajamas and toys to help spread some holiday cheer!

5:30-8pm / Escondido City Hall Dome

760-745-2125

www.greaterescondido.org

 

Las Posadas: An Old Town Celebration

Dec. 8

A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a time-honored celebration that echoes with centuries-old Mexican traditions and the warmth of the holiday season.

7-9pm / Heritage County Park

619-228-9340

www.oldtownsandiego.org/lasposadas

 

Poway’s Christmas in the Park

Dec. 8-9

Enjoy live music, visit with Santa, purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your Christmas shopping at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad.

Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat 3:30-8:30pm / Old Poway Park

858-668-4576

www.poway.org

 

Reindeer Dash

Dec. 9

One mile of family fun! Please join us at MLK Community Center right after for our Community Breakfast.

9-10am / Kimball Park, National City

www.joinnatcity.com

 

Red Nose Run

Dec. 9

A fun run & walk on beautiful Del Mar beach that is family and dog friendly. We offer 3K and 5K distance.

1-3pm / Powerhouse Park, Del Mar

www.therednoserun.com

 

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

Dec. 9

Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday swag and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants and beach.

7-9pm / Oceanside Harbor

800-350-7873

www.visitoceanside.org

 

San Diego Santa Run 5K and 1 Mile Race

Dec. 9

Come out in your finest (or ugliest) Christmas attire. 5K Runners Receive: Sunny Santa Suit, Santa Run Sunglasses, Chip Timing, Custom Bib.

9am / 875 Garnet Ave.

www.sandiegorunningco.com

 

Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights

Dec. 9

Kick off this holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and enjoy the festive holiday boats parade on the bay from a designated spectator viewing area.

4-9pm / 1215 El Carmel Place

858-488-0501

www.discovermissionbay.org

 

East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

Dec. 9

Featuring a curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, live music, delicious foods, fun activities for the kids, a tree lighting ceremony and above all, photos with Santa.

3-7pm / Quartyard & 13th Street

619-546-5636

www.eastvillagesandiego.com

 

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Dec. 10 & 17

Brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic events in the region.

5:30-7:45pm / San Diego Bay

www.sdparadeoflights.org

 

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular

Dec. 14-30

Twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and delicious snacks & drinks.

4-9pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds

www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com

 

Dirty December Poker Run

Dec. 16

Come join us for some holiday cheer and fun on the trails. In addition to a costume contest and holiday theme, this run will involve a poker element.

8am-2pm / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve, Poway

https://dirtyfeet.us/

 

San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

Dec. 16

A fast 13.1 mile course that starts in Rancho Penasquitos and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.

5:15am-12:15pm / Hotel Karlan: 14455 Penasquitos Drive

www.sandiegoholidayhalf.com

 

Joy in Julian – Holiday Car Parade

Dec. 16

Line Main St. Julian and enjoy our display of holiday decorated cars. The parade will travel down Main St. 3 times so that everyone is sure to get a chance to view the vehicles.

5:30-6pm / Main Street Julian

www.visitjulian.com

 

Holiday Bowl 5K Walk/Run

Dec. 27

Runners, families, and spectators can watch the remainder of the parade, which features colorful floats, bands, and huge inflatable characters. All participants receive a finisher medal!

9:45-11:45am / Downtown San Diego

www.holidaybowl.com/5k-walk-run

 

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade

Dec. 27

America’s Largest Balloon Parade! Marching bands, floats, drill teams and giant balloons parade.

10am / Downtown San Diego

www.holidaybowl.com/holiday-bowl-parade

 

Holiday Bowl

Dec. 27

One of the most exciting Bowl games in the business, the 2023 Holiday Bowl features a Pac-12 and ACC matchup, followed for the second year by the KGB Sky Show.

5-9pm / Petco Park

www.holidaybowl.com

 

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec. 29-Jan. 1

A wide variety of the latest new vehicles, all under one roof, making it ideal for consumers to comparison shop and discover new models, including the newest EVs.

San Diego Convention Center

www.sdautoshow.com

 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

 

ALLIED GARDENS

5439 Brunswick Avenue Nov 24-Jan 6

CARLSBAD

Holidays at LEGOLAND California Nov 18-Jan 7

6774 Vermarine Ct Dec 1-31

6646 Elegant Tern Place Dec 1-Jan 1

3520 Corte Ramon

Carlsbad Christmas House Dec 3-26 | 7607 Romeria Street

3920 Rockfield Court Nov 25-Jan 1

2695 Medford Court Nov 27-Dec 31

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH

Fairway Village Dec 16-Jan 1

E & W sides of Stoney Gate Place

CHULA VISTA

A Very Furry Christmas Select dates thru Jan 7 Sesame Place: 2052 Entertainment Cirle

Christmas Circle Dec 9-26 Whitney/Mankato

A Night at Disney Dec 1-Jan 1 | 751 Nolan Ave.

CLAIREMONT

Clairemont Christmas Park Dec 2-25 | Lana Drive & Jamar 4234

Mt Herbert Avenue Dec 1-25

CORONADO

β€œAll That Jazz” Light Show Spectacular Nov 17-Jan 7 | Hotel del Coronado | 5-9pm

Holidays at the Del Through Jan 1 | Hotel del Coronado

DEL MAR

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular – Select dates Dec 14-30 | 4-9pm | Fairgrounds

EL CAJON

741 Sharon Way Dec 1-Jan 7

Jingle Bell Hill Dec 2-25 | Solomon/Pegeen

Nightmare Before Christmas Nov 25-Jan 3 | 11456 Pegeen Place

1552 Cajon Greens Place Nov 24-Jan 2

1838 El Pico Drive Dec 6-31

ENCINITAS

Lightscape Select dates through Jan 1 SD Botanic Garden | 5-10pm

ESCONDIDO

Wild Holidays Select nights Dec 2-31 San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Eureka Lights Nov 25-Dec 25 | 3160 Crane Ave

LAKESIDE

Tinsel Town Dec 7-25 | 10248 Paseo Palmas Dr

LA MESA

6266 De Camp Drive Dec 1-25

LEMON GROVE

Santa’s Toy Shop Nov 26-Jan 1 | 2034 Ensenada

MISSION BAY

Boat Parade of Lights Dec 9 | 5:30pm

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration Nov 17-Jan 7

Winter Wonder Through Dec 31 | Belmont Park

OCEANSIDE

5279 Willow Walk Road Dec 1-31

2329 Snead Drive Dec 5-31

5592 Thoroughbread Street Dec 1-27

5596 Quarter Horse Circle Dec 1-31

OLD TOWN

Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Trolley Tour Dec 1-23, 26-30 | 4010 Twiggs Street

Sights and Sounds of Christmas Nov 24-Jan 1 | Mormon Battalion: 2510 Juan St.

PARADISE HILLS

2160 Reo Drive Nov 23-Dec 31

6134 Chadwick Ave Nov 26-Jan 1

POINT LOMA

Garrison Street Lights Dec 1-31 | Garrison & Chatsworth

POWAY

Candy Cane Lane Dec 1-25 Hickory St, Hickory Ct, Butterwood & Rockrose

RANCHO PEÑASQUITOS

Christmas Card Lane Dec 1-31 | Oviedo Street

SAN CARLOS

6715 Tuxedo Road Nov 26-Dec 25

6296 Lake Arrowhead Drive Dec 1-Jan 5

SAN MARCOS

251 Glendale Avenue Dec 1-25

The Griswold’s Nov 27-Jan 1 | 2516 Rockdale Pl

SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN

The Forward House in Bankers Hill

Nov 24-Dec 31 | 108 Ivy Street

Bankers Hill Dec 1-31 | 2141 Albatross Street

USS Midway Nov 24-Dec 31 | 910 N Harbor Dr.

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo Dec 8-23 & Dec 25-Jan 2

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Dec 10 & 17 Shelter Island to Ferry Landing | 5:30pm

December Nights Dec 1-2 Fri 3-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm | Balboa Park

SANTEE

Starlight Circle/Sunburst Santee Dec 15-25 | Tomel Court

9325 Pebble Beach Drive Dec 1-31

8575 Shanes Way Dec 1-31

Lights at the Lakes Fri-Sun, Dec 1-23 Santee Lakes: 9120 Carlton Oaks Dr.

9435 Saint Andrews Drive Nov 27-Jan 1

SCRIPPS RANCH

Merry-tage Court Dec 1-31 | Stonebridge & Merritage 10883 Sunset Ridge Dr Nov 25- Dec 31

SPRING VALLEY

4037 N Bonita Street Dec 10-Jan 3

Noah Homes Enchanted Village Dec 15-22 | 12526 Campo Road | 5-8pm

Gingerbread Lane Dec 1-Jan 1 | 1333 Darby St.

TIERRASANTA

5306 Belardo Dr Nov 25-Dec 27 | 5:30-10pm

VISTA

Jingle Terrace Live Experience Select dates Dec 8-23 | Moonlight Amphitheatre | 5-9pm