👋 Hey San Diego!
December 18-21
This Week’s Top Event Picks
>> for locals by locals <<
Noel Noel at the Shell! Rady Shell at Jacobs Park :: Embarcadero Fri, Sat, Sun Dec 19, 20, 21
A crowd favorite San Diego holiday tradition, Noel Noel, returns outdoors to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Enjoy all your favorite holiday songs, Christmas classics, sing-alongs, and plenty of festive cheer. Great for kids young and old! Click here for info + tickets!
Upcoming Holiday Events in Liberty Station
Liberty Station :: Point Loma, San Diego
Various Dates December + January
December 18-28, 2025: A Magical Family Xmas Show
Thru December 28, 2025: NEW! A Christmas Carol
Thru January 4, 2026: Rady's Ice Skating Rink
Book Now! SoCal Polar Express Train Ride
Perris, California (near Temecula)
Now thru Dec 31
It's the real deal brought to you by Warner Brothers, Rail Events Productions and The Southern California Railway Museum..."ALL ABOARD!" the Polar Express for an evening of entertainment, music, hot chocolate and imagination (oh wait it's real!). Don't forget to wear your pajamas and for sure do not lose your golden ticket! Click here for all the details!
Rady's Ice Rink Liberty Station Now Open
Liberty Station :: Point Loma
open Daily: Nov 20 - Jan 4
Rady Children's Hospital San Diego Ice Rink has been providing seasonal outdoor family fun while raising money for kids with cancer for almost 30 years. The partnership with Liberty Station ARTS DISTRICT hosted over 30,000 skaters in 2024 and have raised over 2 million dollars for the Thriving After Cancer Program at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego. Whether you skate or spectate, you are helping fight for kids with cancer.
Holiday Lightscape
San Diego Botanical Gardens : Encinitas
THRU Jan 4
This - BY FAR - is one of the most magical, unique holiday experiences San Diego has to offer. This family friendly event always books out, so plan accordingly for an unforgettable night walking tour as you watch the botanical gardens come to life with thousands of lights and music choreographed each from a unique artist. If you have not experienced the magic, don't wait! Book now! Click here.
9 Most Popular San Diego Holiday Events That Sell Out
Get ready to sleigh the holiday! From dazzling light displays, performances for all ages, and unique outings like movies on the beach, there’s something for everyone. These popular events sell out quickly, so plan ahead and book early to make the most of this holiday season!
👇 But Wait!
There's more happening this weekend only...
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FREE! Upcoming Holiday Parades + Fun runs in San Diego
Celebrate the season with festive parades across the city, on land and sea! Plus, get moving with family funs! From adorable pets in the Gaslamp, to sparkling boats in Mission Bay, to the iconic Holiday Bowl Parade, there’s holiday cheer for all ages. Don’t miss these magical seasonal events! Click on event to view the details.
December 13: FREE! Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
December 13: FREE! Pacific Beach Holiday Parade
December 13: FREE! Mission Bay Parade of Lights
December 14: FREE! San Diego Boat Parade of Lights
December 20:Â Holiday Half Marathon
December 21:Â Holiday Trail Fun Run, 10k or Half
December 21: FREE! San Diego Boat Parade of Lights
January 2: FREE! Holiday Bowl Parade
January 10:Â Â Resolution Run, 5k, 10k, Half
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Upcoming San Diego + Community Events During the Holiday
San Diego is a year-round magnet for art, music, food festivals, sporting events, and outdoor fun — even in the winter. With mild weather and sunny days, the city comes alive with makers markets, live music, waterfront events, parades, and seasonal celebrations happening every weekend. If you’re looking for things to do in San Diego this winter, there’s no better place to soak up the sun and the city’s nonstop energy. Click any item for details:
- Dec 10-14:Â Holiday Nights at Bernardo Winery
- December 10-28:Â A Magical Xmas Family Show at The Joan Theater in Liberty Station
- December 11:Â Point Loma Assembly Holiday Open House
- December 12-26:Â Coastal Xmas Spectacular
- December 13: Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
- December 13-14: Makers Arcade Holiday Fair at Broadway Pier
- December 14:Â Snow Day on Adams Avenue- SNOW BALL FIGHT!
- December 14: FREE! San Diego Boat Parade of Lights
- December 14: FREE! Hanukkah + Menorah Lighting – Liberty Station
- December 17-21:Â Holiday Nights at Bernardo Winery
- December 21: FREE! San Diego Boat Parade of Lights
- December 19-31: Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
- January 2: San Diego Holiday Bowl + Parade
- Jan 1-4: Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
- Thru December 23:Petco Park Holiday Wonderland
- Thru December 24:Â Seaport Village Holiday
- Thru December 28:Â NEW! A Christmas Carol at the New Joan Theater Liberty Station
- Thru Dec 30:Â Jingle Jets USS Midway
- Thru Dec 31: The SoCal Polar Express Train Ride
- Thru January 4:Â Holiday Events at the Hotel Del Coronado
- Thru January 4:Â Safari Park Wild Holidays
- Thru January 4:Â Festive Forest in Julian
- Thru January 4:Â Holiday Lightscape
- Book Now! Winter Break Camps for Kids
Upcoming Music, Cultural, Performing Arts + Events
Upcoming Music, Cultural, Performing Arts + Events
- Live Music Sundays at Carruth Cellars
- Tues Night Jazz at Madison on Park
- Performances at The Joan (Liberty Station)
- California Center for the Arts
- North Coast Rep Theater
- Performances at Downtown Theaters
- Candlelight Concerts (classical)
- Concerts at Humphreys
- Concerts at The Shell
- Concerts at Snapdragon Stadium
- Events at Snapdragon Stadium
- More Upcoming Concerts in San Diego
Ultimate San Diego Sports Guide + More
Ultimate San Diego Sports Guide + More
- San Diego Gulls – Hockey
- SD Legion – Men’s Rugby
- SD Football Club – Men’s Pro Soccer
- San Diego Wave – Women’s Soccer
- San Diego Seals – Lacrosse
- San Diego Padres
- Del Mar Horse Races
- NASCAR 2025 Schedule
- Formula 1 Schedule (now in Vegas!)
- NASCAR Coronado June 2026
- FIFA World Cup NoAm 2026
- 2028 Summer Olympics SoCal
- 2026 Winter Olympics Italy
- MORE Ultimate Sporting Events Not to Miss…!
San Diego Coastal Open Houses this Week
Check out what's on the market in the coastal communities near downtown San Diego from La Jolla to Coronado.
>> Point Loma + Ocean Beach
>> Metro Coastal San Diego
Most Prestigious Properties in the Country
Curious what your dollar is worth in California versus other states? Check out luxury homes by region. We have a network of ethical, dependable, luxury agents anywhere in the country. Reach out today!
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