Spend the upcoming weekend in San Diego enjoying everything California’s Beach City has to offer including these top things to do.
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 Light Trolley to tour an array of animal light sculptures, enjoy jingly, jazzy carols, acrobatic trampoline elves, and more. Plus, it is one more chance to see the larger-than-life centennial animal puppets of “The Journey” – lit up and aglow for the holidays in celebration of our 100th birthday. Join us for plenty of good cheer!
Where: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 10, 2016 – January 2, 2017
Cost: Included with Admission
> Find out more about Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventures
Whale Watching Adventures depart twice daily. This is a great opportunity in San Diego to get an up-close and personal whale watching experience! Perfect for families, out of town visitors and locals alike!
Where: Hornblower Cruises & Events – 970 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Starting December 10, 2016
Cost: Starting at $41
> Find out more about Whale & Dolphin Watching Adventures
Holiday By the Bay
Hilton San Diego Bayfront is excited to host our first Holiday By The Bay celebration. Get ready to ice skate by the San Diego Bay, watch holiday movies under the stars, eat breakfast with Santa, and more!
Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel – One Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 10, 2016 – January 2, 2017
> Find out more about Holiday by the Bay
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 11 & 18, 2016
Time: 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The Nutcracker
- City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: December 9-23, 2016
Cost: Starting at $27 - San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: December 9-18, 2016
Cost: $12-$18 - California Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
When: December 10-24, 2016
Cost: $25-$105 - Southern California Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
When: December 10-11, 2016
Cost: $20-$38
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
Third Annual Makers Arcade Holiday Fair Comes to Broadway Pier on December 10, 2016! Arts and Crafts Fair Features More Than 100 Local Makers plus Craft Cocktails and Beer, Gourmet Food Trucks, Live Music, Camera Camper, Craft Making, Swag Bags and More.
Where: Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier – 1000 North Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 10, 2016
Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $5
> Find out more about Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
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.
Viewing: Viewing is from Crown Point, the east side of Vacation Island or the west side of Fiesta Island.
When: December 10, 2016
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
The SD Union-Tribune Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
San Diego’s furriest festive family-friendly parade returns to Downtown as The San Diego Union-Tribune Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade presented by VCA Market Street Animal Hospital takes over the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Where: Gaslamp Hilton Park – 401 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 11, 2016
Time: 1:00 to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free to View. Participate: $15-$20
> Find out more about The SD Union-Tribune Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink – Thru January 29, 2017
- Fantasy on Ice Liberty Station – Thru January 3, 2017
- Skating by the Sea – Thru January 2, 2017
- SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration – Thru January 1, 2017
- Holidays at LEGOLAND – Thru January 1, 2016
- DELights in the Garden Patio – Thru January 1, 2017
- Garden of Lights – Thru December 30, 2016
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – Thru December 26, 2016
- A Christmas Carol – Thru December 24, 2016
- Festival of Christmas – Thru December 24, 2016
- The Dybbuk for Hannah and Sam’s Wedding – Thru December 18, 2016
- Beer Dinner Series Featuring Bitter Brothers Brewing Co. – December 7, 2016
- Holiday Celebration with Laser Light Show & Santa – December 7, 2017
- Artisan Table Dinner Featuring Thorton Winery – December 8, 2016
- Jon Rudnitsky – December 8-10, 2016
- Deejay Al at Fluxx – December 9, 2016
- Jingle – December 10-11, 2016
- Holiday Marketplace and Barrelmasters Reserve – December 10, 2016
- Boat Rides with Santa – Oceanside Harbor – December 10, 2016
- Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights Cruise – December 10, 2016
- Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights – December 10, 2016
- Poway’s Christmas in the Park – December 10, 2016
- La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village – December 10, 2016
- Taste of Gaslamp – December 10, 2016
- Classical Pianist Jeeyoon Kim – December 11, 2016
- World Famous Gospel Brunch – December 11, 2016
- Santa at the Lakes – December 11, 2016
- Snoop Dogg at Fluxx – Decemebr 11, 2016
- Broadway Legend Brian Stokes Mitchell Concert – December 12, 2016
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
