Winter Events 2023
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. 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 it's 3pm-11pm on Friday December 1st, and 11am-11pm on Saturday, December 2nd. 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!
Jungle Bells – The SD Zoo – December 9th – January 1st
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!
Christmas Card Lane – December 12th – December 25th (it may go for longer and might start earlier)
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 40-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.
Other Festive Lights
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!
Additionally, this year the USS Midway has started “Jingle Jets” a new event where you can explore the aircraft carrier done up in lights. You do need to buy tickets though!
I could go on and list more locations, but SanDiego.org already beat me to it! Check out their list of parades and lights by clicking here: https://www.sandiego.org/campaigns/winter-holiday-in-san-diego/holiday-lights-festivals-parades.aspx
Ice Skating in California – November 3rd – January 8th
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 3rd), Rady Children’s Ice Rink (Starts Nov 16th), 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.
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.
Happy Holidays!