{"id":467,"date":"2018-12-05T06:11:51","date_gmt":"2018-12-05T06:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/?p=467"},"modified":"2023-05-10T22:12:36","modified_gmt":"2023-05-10T22:12:36","slug":"things-to-do-san-diego-during-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/things-to-do-san-diego-during-holidays.html","title":{"rendered":"10 Things to Do In San Diego During the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

San Diego is the perfect Holiday retreat, with sun, a slight chill in the air, and plenty of holiday cheer. Outdoor activities make the most of San Diego\u2019s beautiful weather. Enjoy thrilling light displays and excellent shopping opportunities. San Diego\u2019s best parades are saved for the holiday season, between the months of November and December, including the Holiday Bowl parade. For visitors and locals alike, San Diego offers holiday experiences like nowhere else.<\/p>\n

Here’s a list of the 10 best things to do in San Diego during the November and December holiday season<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

#1)\u00a0Dr. Seuss\u2019 How the Grinch Stole Christmas<\/a><\/h2>\n

Balboa Park\/ Old Globe Theatre<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dates: November 3-Decemeber 29, 2018<\/p>\n

Price: $24+<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Image courtesy of Pixabay<\/p>\n

Located in beautiful Balboa Park, the Old Globe Theatre is transformed annually to host Whoville<\/em> and the classic holiday musical. \u00a0Kids will get a kick out of the delightful characters and parents will love seeing their childhood holiday favorite on stage! Take some time before the show to explore the grounds, lights, and stunning Balboa park architecture.<\/p>\n

#2) Garden of Lights<\/a><\/h2>\n

San Diego Botanic Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dates: December 1- 23, December26- 30, 2018<\/p>\n

Price: $10+<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The San Diego Botanical Garden, located at Balboa Park. Photography courtesy of Pixabay<\/p>\n

Nightly entertainment, holiday snacks and beverages, and gorgeous light displays make up this San Diego favorite. Local bands play each night of Garden of Lights.\u00a0 This event is family friendly, with marshmallow roasting, snow to play in, crafts, and more! Santa will be at the Garden of Lights through December 23. Over 125,000 lights transform the Garden into a sparkling Holiday wonderland.<\/p>\n

#3) Jungle Bells<\/a><\/h2>\n

San Diego Zoo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dates: December 8, 2018 -January 1, 2019<\/p>\n

Price: Free with Zoo Admission<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photography by Pixabay<\/p>\n

The world-famous San Diego Zoo gets dressed up for the holidays with lights, special activities and treats, holiday animal experiences, and visits from Santa! Enjoy the holiday decorations, interactive guest experiences, and dancing light shows. Two special 4-D experiences are available for the holiday season. Open daily, the Zoo closes at 5PM on Christmas Eve.
\n<\/p>\n

#4) Port of San Diego Parade of Lights<\/a><\/h2>\n

San Diego Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dates: December 9 &16, 2018<\/p>\n

Price: Free<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photography courtesy by Pixabay<\/p>\n

The 80-boat parade is themed \u201cTropical Island Christmas\u201d this year, and can be viewed from various locations along the route, on and off the water. The boats with the best holiday lights and decorations are awarded for their hard work. The best dry-land vantage points include the park behind Seaport Village and Harbor Island. This delightful parade starts at 5pm on both Sundays.<\/p>\n

#5) Old Town Las Posadas<\/a><\/h2>\n

Mission Valley and Old Town<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: December 15, 2018<\/p>\n

Price: Free<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Old Town is a local favorite with many festivities and parades throughout the year, including the Old Town Posado held in December. Photo courtesy of Pixabay<\/p>\n

A 68-year San Diego Tradition, Old Town Las Posadas officially begins its processional reenactment of The First Christmas at 5PM, in the park. At journey\u2019s conclusion, there will be a pi\u00f1ata for children, and a campfire and smores for all. Enjoy shopping, decorations, and song in Old Town during the day before the processional.<\/p>\n

#6) The Vet+ Pet West Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade<\/a><\/h2>\n

Gaslamp Quarter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: December 16, 2018<\/p>\n

Price: Free Viewing, $15+ to participate<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo from Pixabay<\/p>\n

All pets, furry, scaled, and feathered, are welcome in this annual costumed parade! Awards are given for best costumes in various costumes to pets and their humans. Participation space is limited. This parade is a family favorite!<\/p>\n

#7) Holiday Nights<\/a><\/h2>\n

Bernardo Winery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dates: December 17-22, 2018<\/p>\n

Price: Free<\/p>\n

\"Bernardo<\/p>\n

Enjoy a night of old-fashioned family fun at the Bernardo Winery! Live music, carriage rides, shopping, and wine tasting, Holiday Nights is a perfect evening activity. The winery\u2019s grounds are decorated to the nines with holiday flair. Admission and parking are free.<\/p>\n

#8) Holiday Bowl Parade<\/a><\/h2>\n

Downtown San Diego<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: December 31, 2018<\/p>\n

Price: Street Side Viewing is Free<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo from Pixabay<\/p>\n

The Holiday Bowl Parade is America\u2019s largest balloon parade, with a procession of world-class performers, spectacular floats, the best marching bands, and of course\u2014the enormous balloons.<\/p>\n

Join the 100,000 street side spectators to enjoy this nationwide favorite. Get involved with the parade as a volunteer<\/a> or run the Solar Turbines 5K<\/a>. The parade starts at 10AM. Grandstand seats are available, starting at $25.<\/p>\n

#9) Spreckles Organ Society Concerts<\/a><\/h2>\n

Balboa Park<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: Every Sunday, 2PM<\/p>\n

Price: Free and Open to the Public<\/p>\n

This ongoing concert series features the grand Spreckles outdoor organ. Special performances with vocalists and other musicians will take place during the holiday season. See website for a detailed list of activities, nighttime performances, and more. Picnics and pets are welcome.<\/p>\n

#10) San Diego\u2019s Beaches<\/a><\/h2>\n

Various Locations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Price: Free and Open to the Public<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Photo from Pixabay<\/p>\n

San Diego\u2019s signature attraction is the 70 miles of coastline, perfect for surfing, strolling, and enjoying the sunshine, and gathering with friends at some of the best beaches for bonfires<\/a>. Whale watching is at its best December- March at Point Loma. Collect seashells for unique holiday d\u00e9cor. Take a break from holiday stresses to simply enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n

These are just a few of the holiday activity options in San Diego. Many events are annual traditions, with something for everyone in the family.\u00a0 Enjoy San Diego\u2019s beautiful weather by getting out for a hike or a stroll in the park. If you\u2019re hosting a holiday get-together this year, check out our holiday decorating tips<\/a>!<\/p>\n

More San Diego Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Saving in San Diego<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Best Beaches in San Diego with Fire Pits<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. San Diego Fire Pit Laws <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    San Diego is the perfect Holiday retreat, with sun, a slight chill in the air, and plenty of holiday cheer. Outdoor activities make the most of San Diego\u2019s beautiful weather. Enjoy thrilling light displays and excellent shopping opportunities. San Diego\u2019s … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-san-diego"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=467"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":826,"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467\/revisions\/826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finefurnituresandiego.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}