Give yourself the gift of a trip to San Diego this weekend and enjoy all of these top things to do including Christmas light displays on the water!
> Holiday Happenings in San Diego
La Mesa”s Christmas in the Village
Don”t miss the strolling minstrels, carolers and street entertainers, food and commercial vendors. Live Music is featured in a number of stage areas and Bonfires fill the Boulevard. The kids will love Santa, the Carnival Rides, Ponies and the Puppet Shows. All Specialty Shops, Boutiques and Restaurants open late during event. Thousands of unique gifts all season long!
Where: La Mesa Blvd & Spring St, La Mesa, CA 91941
When: December 12-13, 2014
Time: 5:00 to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about La Mesa”s Christmas in the Village
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells are ringing – it”s holiday time! The San Diego Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Guests can enjoy displays of lighted animal sculptures throughout the Zoo aboard the Twinkle Light Trolley, live animal presentations, Dr. Zoolittle”s lively version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas, special music and entertainment, delicious holiday treats, encounters with animal ambassadors, visits with Santa, and much more.
Where: San Diego Zoo – 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 13, 2014 – January 4, 2015
Cost: Included with admission
> Find out more about Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Poway”s Christmas in the Park
Are you looking for a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create family memories that will last a lifetime? Witness Christmas traditions come to life including Christmas tree lighting followed by the arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus; horse-drawn hay and pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting; steam locomotive, model trains, and live entertainment; and holiday sweets and warm dinner foods.
Where: Old Poway Park – 14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064
When: December 13, 2014
Time: 3:30 to 8:30 PM
Cost: Free. Nominal fee for some activities
> Find out more about Poway”s Christmas in the Park
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
This free, distinctly California celebration features boats decorated for the annual holiday season that will sail around Mission Bay. A highly anticipated event in the San Diego community, dozens of vessels take to the water for the parade.
When: December 13, 2014
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday swag and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, casino restaurants and beach. Many of the boats feature people dressed up like Santa waving to the crowd.
Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054
When: December 13, 2014
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
San Diego”s furriest festive parade returns to Downtown as the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade. All pet owners and their furry, feathered and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes and put their best paw, wing and fin forward for this jolly promenade and pet expo.
Where: Gaslamp Hilton Park – 401 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 13, 2014
Time: 1:00 to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free to view. $15-$20 to participate in the parade
> Find out more about the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Join us for the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, an annual time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community.The parade takes place on San Diego Bay with more than 80 boats lavishly decorated to a new theme each year. Held on two consecutive Sundays in December, the parade proceeds from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Whether you”re a participant or spectator, the Parade of Lights is a festive and delightful experience for all!
When: December 14 & 21, 2014
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The Nutcracker
It’s not a holiday season unless you can escape to the land of sugar-plum fairies with a live version of The Nutcracker! Here are
- San Diego Civic Youth Ballet”s The Nutcracker
When: December 10-21, 2014 - California Ballet”s The Nutcracker
When: December 13-21, 2014 - New Village Arts Theatre”s The Nutcracker
When: Through December 31, 2014
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Naughty or Nice – Through December 20, 2014
- Celtic Woman Home for Christmas – December 10, 2014
- Mistletoe, Music and Mayhem! – December 11 – 21, 2014
- Hillcrest Taste “n” Tinis – December 11, 2014
- National City”s 7th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – December 11, 2014
- Winter Wonder Jam – December 12, 2014
- Handmade Holiday Marketplace – December 13, 2014
- 17th Annual Parol Philippine Lantern Festival – December 13, 2014
- Hanukkah Hannah”s Holiday Burlesque Extravaganza! – December 13, 2014
- San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular – December 12-14, 2014
- San Diego Chargers vs Denver Broncos – December 14, 2014