Kick off 2016 the right way by spending the weekend enjoying San Diego’s New Year’s Eve parties and these top things to do.
NYE
Who needs Times Square when you can celebrate in perfect year-round climate? Pamper yourself and your loved ones by ringing in the New Year San Diego style.
> Browse New Year’s Eve in San Diego Parties
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
The scenic, bayside streets of downtown San Diego will come alive with the 2015 Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (previously the San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade). As always, this exciting family event brings together world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons – more than any other parade!
Where: San Diego’s Embarcadero
When: December 30, 2015
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
Holiday Bowl San Diego
The University of Southern California Trojans and the University of Wisconsin Badgers have accepted invitations to play in the 38th annual Holiday Bowl. It marks the first trip to the Holiday Bowl for the Badgers who will face the reigning 2014 Holiday Bowl Champion Trojans, who will be making their second appearance in the bowl game.
Where: Qualcomm Stadium – 9449 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108
When: December 30, 2015
Kickoff: 7:30 PM
Cost: $45-$145
> Find out more about the Holiday Bowl San Diego
San Diego International Auto Show
The San Diego International Auto Show features an incredible variety of new vehicles under one roof, including over 400 vehicles from 40 global manufacturers. The 2016 model-year vehicles on display will feature the newest technology to enhance the driving experience, all packaged in luxurious interiors and wrapped in cutting edge designs. When not captivated by the cars, show visitors can participate in exciting, fun new features, family entertainment, and interactive activities.
Where: San Diego Convention Center – 111 West harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 31, 2015 – January 3, 2016
Cost: $8-$12
> Find out more about the San Diego International Auto Show
Outdoor Ice Skating
- Fantasy on Ice
When: Through January 3, 2016 - Skating by the Sea
When: Through January 7, 2016 - Viejas Ice-Skating Rink
When: Through January 10, 2016
Garden of Lights
After the sun goes down in December, the Garden is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 100,000 sparkling lights illuminating the Garden for a magical holiday experience! Join in the fun that includes horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, live music, refreshments and hot mulled wine and snow (on select nights).
Location: 230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Dates: Through December 30, 2015 (Closed December 24-25)
Time: 5:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission
> Find out more about Garden of Lights
LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights
Come build Holiday memories during the month of December at LEGOLAND California Resort. Play in real snow, build snowmen and throw snowballs at LEGO targets. See the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree and watch the nightly tree lighting ceremony.
Where: One LEGOLAND Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
When: December 1-31, 2015
Cost: Free with admission
> Find out more about LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Twinkling lights, festive foods, and merry performances transform the Zoo into a wild, glowing wonderland. Ride the Twinkle Lights Trolley to tour an array of animal light sculptures, enjoy jingly, jazzy carols, acrobatic trampoline elves, and more. Jungle Bells holds holiday cheer for all!
Where: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Through January 3, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: Included with admission
> Find out more about Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration includes Shamu Christmas Miracles presentation with special lighting, music, fountains and Christmas scenes; Dolphin Island Christmas; Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special; and The Pets Rule Christmas. Guests can also enjoy festive décor throughout the park including Santa’s Christmas Village and a nightly lighting of SeaWorld’s 320-ft. Skytower Christmas Tree of Lights.
Where: 500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
When: Through January 3, 2016
Cost: Included with admission
> Find out more about SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
DELights in the Garden Patio
This year, The Del will be adding even more holiday magic with DELights, a glittering light show and holiday experience in the Garden Patio at the center of our iconic resort. The patio will be transformed into a winter wonderland of holiday sights, smells and sounds with a shimmering array of icy colors, dazzling snowflakes, whimsical polar bears and a stunning video mapping light show projected onto a 40′ multi-faceted tree.
Where: Hotel del Coronado – 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
When: Through January 3, 2016
Time: 4:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about DELights in the Garden Patio
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
