Spend the upcoming holiday weekend in San Diego enjoying everything California’s Beach City has to offer including these top things to do.
San Diego’s Holiday Happenings
Enjoy a laid back holiday season together, and treasure the warmth of the sun and a plethora of fun and entertainment for the whole family. San Diego has all the ingredients for the perfect holiday celebration. From beach-front ice skating rinks to concerts, ballets, theater and endless holiday shopping, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
> Browse San Diego’s Holiday Happenings
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
The SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl delivers exciting football action and spectacular pageantry. Each year a top team from the Mountain West Conference takes on a quality opponent. This year it’s the BYU Cougars vs. the Wyoming Cowboys! This year, the game will be preceded by Dexcom WinterFest, a brand new FREE San Diego holiday tailgating experience complete with winter-themed activities and music for the whole family.
Where: Qualcomm Stadium – 9449 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92108
When: December 21, 2016
Kick Off: 6:00 PM
Cost: $20-$80
> Find out more about the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Holiday Bowl Marching Band Showcase
Festivities for the 2016 National Funding Holiday Bowl kick off in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Marching bands and spirit squads from the participating universities will perform and meet for a heart-pounding Battle of the Bands! The pep rally atmosphere is fun for the whole family. Make it a night, with plenty of dining options in the surrounding Gaslamp District. This is an outing that you won’t want to miss!
Where: Horton Plaza Park – 900 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 26, 2016
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Holiday Bowl Marching Band Showcase
Seas ‘n’ Greetings at Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is transformed into a holiday wonderland full of SEAsonal activities for the whole family. Deck the Hall (of Fishes) and get into the holiday spirit every day. Check the schedule for special appearances by Scuba Santa as well as live holiday music on weekends.
Where: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92093
When: Thru December 31, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Included with Admission
> Find out more about Seas ‘n’ Greetings at Birch Aquarium at Scripps
San Diego’s Holiday Attraction Action
San Diego’s world-class attractions get all decked out for the holidays with plenty of lights, appearances by Santa, festive shows, music and more.
- SeaWorld’s SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
When: Thru January 1, 2017 - Holidays at LEGOLAND
When: Thru January 1, 2017 - Jungle Bells
When: Thru January 2, 2017
Whale Watching
More than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000 mile round-trip journey from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves. With 70 miles of coastline directly in the migration path, San Diego is an ideal destination to see this impressive parade of gentle giants.
> Find out more about Whale Watching in San Diego
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Thanks to moderate temperatures, getting outdoors is a great local holiday pastime, so why not get outdoors and enjoy ice skating.
- Fantasy on Ice
Where: ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station – 2640 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
When: Thru January 8, 2017 - Skate by the Bay
Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront – 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
When: Thru January 2, 2017 - Skating by the Sea
Where: Hotel del Coronado – 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
When: Thru January 2, 2017 - Viejas Ice-Skating Rink
Where: 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901
When: Thru January 29, 2017
The Holidays Take Center Stage
As fall turns to winter, we are setting our sights on holiday fun- San Diego-style. San Diego’s Arts and Culture groups have dozens of holiday-themed activities and events that celebrate all San Diego has to offer.
> Browse San Diego’s Holiday Theater Offerings
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- 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
- An American Christmas at the US GRANT Hotel – December 24, 2016
- California Ballet Presents The Nutcracker – Thru December 24, 2016
- City Ballet Presents the Nutcracker – Thru December 23, 2016
- Carlos Mencia – December 20-23, 2016
- A Peter White Christmas – December 23, 2016
- Don Cannon at FLUXX – December 23, 2016
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
