San Diego Holiday Parade Guide
Everyone loves a parade! The festive floats, marching bands and upbeat energy always impart a vibrant, celebratory energy. Although we don’t have snow, our beachside community is no exception during the holidays. Our local events schedule features several joyful parades sure to put you in the seasonal spirit. Take a look at our San Diego holiday parade guide, to join in the fun during your visit!
Holiday Bowl Parade (Date TBA)
(Photo: @bluebatmobile)
Downtown San Diego is transformed into a holiday wonderland during thistreasured annual event. As a parallel celebration to the SDCCU Holiday Bowl, this seasonal celebration features top-notch marching bands, drill teams, festive floats, and the pièce de résistance — a procession of balloons that puts other big-city processions to shame. The Holiday Bowl Parade is not only one of the few waterfront holiday parades, but draws more than 100,000 cheering spectators every year.
Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade (Date TBA)
(Photo: @gaslampevent)
Who needs Rudolph, when pets of every variety imaginable will be donning their colorful costumes for a trip down Gaslamp’s main street, strutting their stuff for an appreciative crowd of onlookers? The parade will start under the iconic Gaslamp Archway before convening at MLK Promenade Park. Once there, prizes will be awarded for the proudest pets. There will also be vendors, food, and entertainment on hand to keep the spirits bright.
401 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Ocean Beach Holiday Parade (Dec. 3)
(Photo: @raglanpublichouse)
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 town happens in this beachside community each 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
La Jolla Holiday Parade & Festival (Dec. 4)
(Photo: @homes_by_lisbethmarks)
The stunning seaside community of La Jolla presents one of the most charming holiday parades on the West Coast. This year’s parade will take place on December 4th along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street, and will feature an array of jolly floats, music, and more. And you won’t want to head home without checking out the Holiday Festival happening in the area on the same date. Visitors can look forward to fantastic food, entertainment, and even a photo op with Santa. Don’t forget to head around the corner to visit Seal Beach while you’re in the area!
Girard Ave and Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (Dec. 11 & 18) Mission Bay Parade of Lights (Dec. 10)
(Photo: @sdparadeoflights)
These twin celebrations are uniquely San Diego traditions. The Bay Parade of Lights is returning for its 52nd year in 2022. Area boating enthusiasts deck out their dinghies and give their yachts a yuletide makeover, then cruise past the shore in a brilliantly beautiful show of seasonal splendor. More than 80 lavishly decorated boats are expected to participate this year, following the theme: “FantaSEA on the Bay.” Its sister celebration The Mission Bay Parade of Lights is no less a seasonal spectacle, offering a brilliant display on nearby Mission Bay.
Plan Your Stay at Days Inn
Stay with us at Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle to enjoy all of the city’s best parades this season! We’re centrally located, offer competitive rates, and always provide guest-first service and amenities. Take a look at our exclusive offers to find the best rates for your visit.