Christmas is fast approaching, but with the constant 70 degree weather here in San Diego, it sure doesn’t feel like it. Here are 9 festive events and activities in the SD area that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Global Winter Wonderland
- When: Now-Dec 22, and Dec 29-31
- Where: SDCCU Stadium (formerly Qualcomm Stadium) – 9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
- Tickets: $22 for Adults, $19 for Children and Seniors
- Website: http://www.globalwonderland.com/public/san-diego/index.cfm
Ice Skating By The Sea
- When:
- Dec 18 – 31
- Mondays to Saturday: 10am – 10pm
- Sundays: 11am-8pm (includes Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
- Where: Hotel del Coronado
- Tickets: $30 per person (ice skate rentals included)
- Website: https://hoteldel.com/offers/skating-by-the-sea/
Garden of Lights
- When: Dec 2-23, Dec 26-30 @ 5-9 PM
- Where: San Diego Botanic Garden
- Tickets:
- Sunday-Thursday – $10 for members, military and students, $15 adults, $5 children
- Friday-Saturday – same pricing expect $20 for adults
- Website: http://www.sdbgarden.org/lights
Christmas Circle
- When: Dec 10-26, 5-10 PM
- Where: Whitney and Mankato (between First and Second Avenue), Chula Vista, CA 91910
- Tickets: Free admission
- To find Christmas light displays in other SD neighborhoods, check here
The California Ballet’s The Nutcracker
- When: Dec 9-23
- Where: San Diego Civic Theater
- Tickets: Adults $25, $40, $55, $65, $75, $105; Children 12 & under receive up to a 20% discount
- Website: http://californiaballet.org/nutcracker/
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
- When: Now until Dec 24 (with the exception of Dec 18)
- Where: Old Globe Theater
- Tickets: $96-114
- Website: https://www.theoldglobe.org/pdp/17-18-season/dr.-seusss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas/
San Diego Bay of Lights Parade
- When: December 17 at 5 PM
- Where: San Diego Bay (viewable from pier at Cesar Chavez Park, Coronado, and Seaport Village)
- Website: http://sdparadeoflights.org/
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
- When: December 28 @ 10:00 AM
- Where: Downtown San Diego
- Tickets: $22 for grandstand seats
- Website: http://www.holidaybowl.com/events/parade/
Visit Julian
- What It Is: A small town in the mountains of east San Diego, one of the few places in the county that get snow this time of year
- Things to Do:
- Grab some lunch at the cozy Julian Cafe & Bakery
- Get an apple pie (or any type of pie) at Mom’s Pies
- In a town known for apple picking, grab a cup (or a gallon) of hot apple cider and some other apple goodies at the Julian Cider Mill
- Check out some of wineries in town and the surrounding area
- Peruse the town’s unique stores filled with antiques and crafts
- Catch the Julian Theater Company’s last production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol this Saturday, Dec 16
- Sit down for the 23rd Annual Victorian Christmas Tea, now through Dec 23
wander & wonder 