San Diego Holiday Events for Kids of All Ages
There’s just a special magic in the air during the holiday season. The best part? It always seems to allow everyone to rediscover the youthful joy that lives in all of us. So no matter if you’re a kid, or simply a kid at heart, the San Diego holiday events calendar is brimming with amazing activities sure to put a smile on your face. Here’s just some of what we’re looking forward to this year.
For The Kids
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (Nov 14 – Jan. 8)
(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration features a host of holiday-themed shows, events, gifts, souvenirs and other surprises. Guests are invited to sip cozy cups of hot cocoa as they visit all of their favorite animals throughout the seasonally decorated grounds. Holiday themed live shows will also offer endless entertainment for the whole family.
500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
LEGOLand Holiday Celebration (Nov. 19 – Jan 8)
(Photo: @legolandcalifornia)
LEGOLand California is pulling out all the stops this season to build a holiday-themed party for the ages. Special characters, events, live shows, and décor will ramp up the “merry and bright” levels all season long. The two-story-plus LEGO Christmas tree (complete with lights and more than 400 hand-built LEGO ornaments) makes a great greeting card photo-op, too! Rumor has it Santa will also be putting in an appearance.
One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo (Dec. 9 – Jan. 1)
(Photo: @sandiegozoo)
The renowned San Diego Zoo has consistently been named one of the best in the world, and it’s not difficult to see why. Sprawling across 100 acres within gorgeous Balboa Park, the Zoo is home to 3,700 endangered animals and 700,000-plus plants. The annual Jungle Bells holiday celebration brings extra dimensions of magic to the grounds, with seasonal shows, characters, and special musical performances being added to the schedule.
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
For Kids at Heart
Holiday Pub Crawls
(Photo: @sippinsanta)
For many, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by enjoying some seasonal spirits (such as eggnog or White Russians). Thankfully San Diego has you covered! Stop by the Miracle Holiday Pop-Up (presented by Polite Provisions) to sample their seasonal menu with friends. The Sippin’ Santa touring event returns to The Grass Skirt to offer some tropical tipples. And since Raised By Wolves is a sneaky speakeasy hidden inside Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla, it’s a great place to blow off some steam after your holiday shopping.
”Salute the Season” at Liberty Station (Beginning Nov. 25)
(Photo: @libertystation)
Liberty Station’s annual holiday event has become a treasured San Diego tradition. Stop by for the annual tree lighting, enjoy a Nutcracker Tea Service with the San Diego Ballet, or revel in the Hanukkah celebration — here’s no wrong way to celebrate here! And don’t forget: if you still have a little shopping to do, Liberty Station’s selection of specialty shops is guaranteed to have something for everyone. So bring your list, and finish it off in style!
2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego CA, 92106
Gaslamp Quarter Deck the Halls (Now – Jan. 2)
(Photo: @gaslampquarter)
Gaslamp Quarter is always a great place to find good times and lively nightlife any time of the year. Still, Gaslamp truly lights up during the holiday season. The annual “Deck The Halls” event brings special events, delightful décor, and specials all across the neighborhood. When you go, don’t miss stopping into Nason’s Beer Hall. In many ways, it’s the epicenter of Gaslamp’s celebration with great drinks, food, fun and merriment.
For Everyone
December Nights at Balboa Park (Dec. 2 – 3)
(Photo: @thespotfood)
The city’s largest free holiday festival is back. Join the celebration at beautiful Balboa Park, and take in this cherished celebration for yourself Participants are invited to enjoy the beauty of a decidedly decked-out park space cheerfully decorated with holiday finery, complete with food, a vendor park, live entertainment, and more. It’s yuletide fun for all.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade (Dec. 3)
(Photo: @tonythetigersson)
When most think of a holly jolly Christmas parade, sunny Southern California isn’t usually the first place that springs to mind. Yet one of the most looked-forward-to holiday parades in the country happens in the San Diego metro area every year. Ocean Beach’s Newport Avenue puts on a display for the ages each holiday, complete with floats, marching bands, local dignitaries, a car show, and the famous crooked tree.
Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Enjoy the Holidays in Julian
(Photo: @visitjulian)
The lovely and pastoral city of Julian is just over an hour away from us, and there’s no place San Diegans enjoy more during the holiday season. Residents and visitors alike can experience the feeling of a snowy yuletide here. They have a tree lighting ceremony, fresh apple pie, wineries and more. Don’t miss out on visiting this charming neighboring community.
Stay at Days For All the Festivities
Interested in enjoying all the Halloween happenings going on this month in San Diego? Take a look at our special offers and enjoy the best rates on your stay at Days.