Winter Activities in San Diego! – Ice Skating, Balboa Park, and More [2022]

If you’re looking for something to do this Winter, you don’t have to look far! San Diego has a lot to offer during this colder season (although it might be a bit of a warmer one if weather services are to believed). So, whether you want to go to a winter market, drink some peppermint mochas, or just see some lights, we’ve got you covered!  

Balboa Park’s December Nights 

December 2nd and December 3rd  

At the time of writing this, there isn’t much information about December Nights yet, but! We do know its 3pm-11pm on Friday December 2nd, and 11am-11pm on Saturday, December 3rd. The events and vendors change from year to year, but the perks usually include pretty lights, tons of delicious food, and a lot of cool art. Plus, free entrance into most museums! This is definitely one to check out. Note that parking is usually difficult. So, have a plan in mind before going!  

Updates will eventually be posted here.  

Jungle Bells – The SD Zoo   

December 10th January 2nd   

The San Diego Zoo is hosing “Jungle Bells Aurora” once again this year. There are plenty of holiday themed events spread all throughout the day as well as extended hours to enjoy the Christmas lights decorating the park at night. The real draw? It’s a good way to see some of the more nocturnal animals hanging out since the park doesn’t close at sunset! You can also watch the “Aurora” light show and enjoy holiday themed treats! It’s a good time for the whole family!  

Learn more here.  

Christmas Card Lane  

December 10th – December 25th (it may go for longer)  

Christmas Card Lane is not the quiet little tradition it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it is any less spectacular. Join one of the largest family traditions for people all over the County and mosey through Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Peñasquitos. This 39-year-old tradition has really grown a lot since the initial 15 families took on the task to create massive sprawling displays. While I’m not sure how it changed to accommodate the pandemic, the neighborhood has previously rented horse-drawn carriages and sold holiday treats from their driveway. Regardless, it’s a pretty crazy thing to experience, just be ready to idle in your car or walk pretty far depending on parking.   

Get directions here.   

Other Festive Lights  

If you’re looking to find other places to check out, NBC San Diego put together a one stop shop for all things bright and twinkly. Read their article here. You can also go check out Jingle Terrace Park in North Island! The Parade of Lights will be riding through Mission Bay, Oceanside Harbor, and the San Diego Port. The dates and times vary, so be sure to check the websites!   

Ice Skating in California  

November 1st – January 2nd   

We do have Ice Skating! Just in case you were wondering. There are three rinks (that I could find): Viejas Outlet Center, Rady Children’s Ice Rink in Liberty Station, and Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado. They each offer different draws, but are all bon-a-fide ice skating rinks. At Skating by the Sea, you are actually skating on the beach, which… well… where else can you do that. Rady Children’s Ice rink has all of their proceeds going to their foundation. And Viejas Outlet Center is the largest outdoor skating rink in SoCal. You really can’t go wrong!  

Links: Viejas Outlet Center (Starts Nov 4th), Rady Children’s Ice Rink (Starts Nov 1st), and Skating by the Sea (Starts Nov 17th).  

Other Balboa Park’s Events  

December 1st – December 25th   

There are a lot of awesome things going on in San Diego’s largest park. You can check out The Old Globe for some holiday themed plays, catch a holiday themed organ concert at Spreckels Organ Pavillion on Sundays, and a lot of cool holiday themed events and decorations worth checking out!  

Drive the Christmas Tree Trail   

From Del Mar to Coronado, San Diego has some impressive trees on display. Drive along the PCH and check out the stunning trees along the way. The highlights include Hotel del Coronado’s huge tree decked out in lights, Little Italy’s two glass trees, and Liberty Station’s massive Norfolk Pine tree.  

Learn more here.  

And this is only the Start!  

There’s so much else around to check out, like Seas’ns Greetings at Birch Aquarium, the dozens of winter markets, and who could forget, Lego Land. Sandiego.org also usually releases winter activities too! So be sure to check their site in November.  

Happy Holidays!