Thing to do in San Diego this Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Get ready to fa-la-la in love with this year's holiday happenings in San Diego. From internationally-acclaimed immersive light experience and famed pop-up cocktail bars to tree lights and more, this year is looking extra bright for San Diego.

Photo Credit: Lightscape

Lightscape: Holiday Lights Get the Glow-Up

The internationally acclaimed light experience Lightscape returns to the San Diego Botanic Garden for its second year. On select nights from November 17 through January 1, explore the whimsy of nature through music, light, fire, and color. Following its inaugural year, this year’s outdoor illuminated trail will make spirits bright with new light-filled installations along with favorite and reimagined pieces. Custom-designed for San Diego, Lightscape ticket holders will walk a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, lantern trees and artistic installations, while toasting marshmallows over a fire and drinking hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks along the trail. Reimagined for 2023, this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience at the garden will guide visitors through a festive world of wonder with over one million twinkling lights featuring light installations designed by international artists.

Photo Credit: Melissa Hom

Belmont Park: A Clark Griswold-Worthy Holiday Pop-Up Bar 

Miracle at Belmont Park will debut at Draft restaurant and bar featuring festive original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and exciting new mug designs to bring the holiday season to life. The most wonderful time of the year, this famed Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail experience will open on Monday, November 20 and run through Sunday, December 31. This year will feature new holiday-inspired cocktail creations along with some enduring fan favorites all served in Miracle’s signature kitschy glassware. Plus, Belmont Park’s festive frivolities continue throughout the park with the fifth annual Winter Wonder happening from November 11 through December 31. Embrace the magic of the holidays and see how the park transforms with millions of twinkling holiday lights, festive activities, holiday treats, cozy drinks and more. Belmont Park’s favorite rides and attractions will also be sprinkled with holiday magic, including Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland, Sweet Escape at Escapology and Polar Plunge at Plunge Pool. While exploring the park, you can meet and greet Buddy the Elf as he creates festive balloon animals every weekend from 1pm to 3pm or the Winter Fairy Princess and Poinsettia Princess every weekend from 4pm to 7pm. Don’t forget to grab seasonal treats like Red Velvet Funnel Cake, Peppermint Brownies, Festive Cookies, Cake Pops, Cupcakes and more. 

Photo Credit: Julia Lorene

Lakehouse Resort: Holiday Escape on the Lake 

Experience the magic of winter at Lakehouse Resort's enchanting lakeside Winter Wonderland experience. Nestled along the 80-acre Lake San Marcos, Lakehouse Resort is offering a unique and charming winter experience every weekend in December. Debuting on Friday, December 1st this winter experience will feature a 140-foot holiday light tunnel with a mesmerizing display of holiday lights, exclusive igloo dining complete with twinkle lights, tapas and wine near the lake, nostalgic Polar Express-inspired hayrides, a European-style Holiday Market to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, holiday-themed Pontoon and Duffy boat cruises on the lake and much more through Sunday, December 24. Entry tickets are $5 per person over 12. 

Photo Credit: Enjet

One Paseo: Festive for the Whole Family 

Spend this holiday season at Del Mar’s favorite urban village, One Paseo, where every corner is adorned with twinkling lights and joy. This urban village will be transformed into a charming holiday village all season long with a lineup of festive events. Bring the entire family and gather around One Paseo’s 30-foot tree as it lights up the sky during the annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 25 starting at 5pm. This also marks the beginning of December Nights where the center will glisten with holiday lights and magical snowfall cascading from the rooftops every Friday and Saturday throughout December from 5pm to 7pm. One Paseo is bringing back its beloved Moonlight Cinema for a special holiday showing of The Grinch on The Lawn on Saturday, December 9 from 5pm to 9pm. For those who want to spend more time with Mr. Claus, enjoy hot cocoa, holiday treats and grab a selfie with Santa and his elves on Sunday, December 17 from 11am to 3pm. One Paseo will also host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 12 from 5pm to 7pm to celebrate the start of Hanukkah. 

Photo Credit: Zach Cordner

Oceanside: Holiday by the Sea

The ocean breeze mingles with the holiday spirit in Oceanside with an abundance of festive happenings! Oceanside’s close proximity to premiere SoCal attractions make it the best place to visit for a fun and memorable holiday itinerary with the whole family. Ideal for a daytrip or coastal holiday vacation at Oceanside’s hotels and resorts, plan your visit around events like the Holiday Tree Lighting, complete with Santa’s arrival on a vintage Oceanside fire truck, as well as amusement rides, bounce houses and more. Admire the annual Oceanside Parade of Lights at the harbor, or attend a candlelight concert at Mission San Luis Rey. Shop local at the Holiday Gift Market, happening every Thursday in December from 5-9pm. Take family photos building snowmen in the sand, and make your relatives jealous that you’re on the beach in December!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of San Diego Botanic Garden 

San Diego Botanic Garden: Explore Santa’s Nature Workshop 

Santa is making a special stop at the San Diego Botanic Garden on Saturday, December 9 from 10am to 2pm! Bring the entire family to Santa’s Nature Workshop in the Hamilton Children’s Garden and decorate snowflake ornaments, create winter-inspired holiday cards and build a mobile from natural and upcycled materials. Guests will also have the chance to learn more about the spices and plants of the season and take home their very own holiday plant, along with a meet and greet with Santa in the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Parkway Plaza

Parkway Plaza

Get ready for a season filled with holiday joy at El Cajon’s Parkway Plaza! Arriving at the mall on Saturday, November 18, Santa and his elves will kick off the festivities at 11am, leading up to the enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony in the center court starting at 6:15pm. The ceremony will feature crafts, special holiday characters, giveaways and the first 200 children will receive dazzling light-up wands. In addition to the Tree Lighting Ceremony, a Silent Disco event in partnership with Home of Guiding Hands will be held that evening from 6pm to 8pm next to JCPenny. Recognizing that a visit to the mall to see Santa can be overwhelming for children with special needs, Parkway Plaza is hosting Santa Cares on December 3, 10 and 17 from 8am to 10am. This special time allows children with sensory needs to meet Santa before the crowds, providing a quieter, stress-free experience. For those who want to spend more time with Mr. Clause, enjoy a festive breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9 from 9am to 11am where guests can take photos with Santa and share their last-minute wish list items.