Good tidings and times are sure to be had in San Diego this December. Join in on the festive fun and seaside celebrations with the top things to do listed below.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
When: Now – Jan. 1, 2023
See the Safari Park in a whole new light! Take a holiday expedition of light and travel through places that glow and twinkle with holiday cheer. Holiday tunes set the mood, and seasonal taste treats tempt you throughout your journey.
Winter Wonder Beachside at Belmont Park
When: Now – Jan. 1, 2023
Belmont Park is bringing families and friends together for the holiday season with its fourth annual Winter Wonder holiday spectacular. Enjoy festive rides and attractions, including the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, along with your favorite oversized sculptures. Or sip on holiday-inspired drinks as you stroll the midway under a million lights!
Holidays at LEGOLAND
When: Now – Jan. 8, 2023
It’s time for Holidays at LEGOLAND®, where the resort is bursting with holiday cheer and festive décor! Your favorite holiday characters Santa, the Toy Soldier and Gingerbread Man are back and ready for meet-and-greets. As the day winds down, the tree gets a-twinklin’ to holiday tunes at the Holiday Light Show.
A Very Furry Christmas Celebration
When: Now – Jan. 8, 2023
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends. The park is transformed into a festive winter wonderland filled with holiday magic and surprises. Guests will enjoy Sesame Street Christmas shows, the Sesame Street Christmas Parade, the Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party and exciting rides
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
When: Now – Jan. 8, 2023
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration is the fan-favorite experience that brings families together with priceless traditions and fun-filled surprises. Sip delicious hot chocolate with candy toppings as you visit sea otters, flamingos, sea lions, turtles and bat rays. Discover picture-perfect moments throughout 100-plus acres of beautifully decorated areas of the park.
Noel Noel at the Shell
When: Dec. 9 – 11, 2022
Audiences will experience an all-new holiday story and script, full of cozy holiday moments, favorite tunes and jolly spirit, at the San Diego Symphony’s “Noel Noel,” San Diego’s favorite annual holiday music tradition. All are invited to come early to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park for holiday activations throughout the park, including themed food and beverage delights.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
When: Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
Familiar holiday traditions take on a wild twist at the Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration. The Zoo will be aglow with holiday cheer and decorations, with music filling the air, joyful roaming entertainers, and special food items and sweets available. The Zoo lights up the night until 8 p.m. (except Dec. 24) with amazing entertainment featuring the spectacular show “Aurora.”
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
When: Dec. 10, 2022
This free, distinctly California celebration features boats decorated for the annual holiday season. In this highly anticipated event, dozens of festively festooned vessels will sail around Mission Bay. The boat parade begins at 6 p.m. at Quivira Basin. The best viewing is from Crown Point, the east side of Vacation Island or the west side of Fiesta Island.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
When: Dec. 11 – 18, 2022
Continuing a longstanding San Diego tradition, the 52nd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during two evenings: Dec. 11 and 18. Participants in this year’s holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit the theme for 2022: “FantaSEA on the Bay.”
Gaslamp Pet Parade
When: Dec. 17, 2022
Get those ears perked and those tails wagging and prepare to unleash the holiday cheer in Gaslamp Quarter with your furry friends! The Gaslamp Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party returns to the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter.