Make the most of the holiday season in San Diego with these festive happenings.
As the end of the year draws near, we could all use a little extra cheer. From exploring iconic San Diego destinations offering unique holiday experiences, to local holiday theater shows, to over-the-top decor and themed cocktails at your favorite watering holes, we hope the following roundup of festivities helps you and yours to make the rest of the season a merry one. Happy Holidays!
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
Through Dec. 23. Petco Park’s Gallagher Square is an over-the-top holiday haven brimming with festive lighting displays, decorations, holiday characters, seasonal treats and drinks, visits and photos with Santa Claus, an old-fashioned carousel, live entertainment and music, and a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree. Shop for one-of a kind gifts by local artisans; take a ride aboard the Christmas train; experience nightly snowfall while walking through wintery tunnels; sled down a hill of real snow; and more. Open select dates. See website for hours and tickets. 840 K St., East Village
Peppermint Beach Club at Westfield UTC
Through Dec. 24. Head to Westfield UTC for some holiday cheer at Peppermint Beach Club. The fun includes live entertainment, snowfall and festive lights; retailer pop-ups; photos with Saint Nick in his Christmas bungalow, presented by SeaWorld San Diego; holiday themed cocktails and food items at Queenstown Bistro; special offers and giveaways; and more. Westfield UTC is also offering complimentary gift-wrapping at a pop-up station located between GAP and Fabletics; donations are encouraged and all proceeds will benefit Rady Children’s Hospital (starting at noon each day through Dec. 23). Open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, UTC, 858.546.8858
Cygnet Theatre’s A Christmas Carol at The Joan
Through Dec. 28. Cygnet Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at its new home, The Joan. The classic Dickens tale unfolds in an endearing musical version, adapted and with lyrics by artistic director Sean Murray; with an original score by Billy Thompson. Directed by Murray and with music direction by Patrick Marion, A Christmas Carol features Patrick McBride as Scrooge this year—teaching lessons about mortality, pride, greed, and the true meaning of the holidays. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, 619.337.1525
Lamb’s Players Theatre’s Festival of Christmas
Through Dec. 28. Get into the holiday spirit at Lamb’s Players Theatre in the heart of Coronado, presenting its popular Festival of Christmas, but in a brand-new production and script by Kerry Meads for 2025. This year’s theme, “Let It Be Christmas,” delves into the many ways holiday season builds a sense of community in our lives. The revue-style production features a talented ensemble cast of a dozen musicians, vocalists and performers delivering gorgeous holiday music See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000
Holiday Pop-Up at The Duck Dive
Through Dec. 30. Need a dose of holiday cheer? The Duck Dive returns with its annual Great Dickens’ Holiday Pop-Up. The popular Pacific Beach hangout transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive decorations, seasonal cocktails and a special food menu. Enjoy festive libations like the Santa Mug (a shareable sipper for up to four people); along with eats such as baked brie, grilled-cheese bites with tomato soup, the signature Duckin’ Onion and more. 4 p.m.-close. Call to make reservations. 4650 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.273.3825
“Clicquot in the Clouds” at Manchester Grand Hyatt
Through Dec. 31. For the first time, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego opens its private, 32nd-floor lounge in its Seaport Tower to the public for an elegant holiday pop-up experience (select dates; see website). Created in partnership with Moët Hennessy, “Clicquot in the Clouds” includes Veuve Clicquot by the glass (or splurge on Dom Pérignon); holiday cocktails; bites such as oysters and grass-fed beef sliders with truffle-Parmesan frites; and sweeping bay and skyline views. 4-11 p.m. (first-come; first-served). 1 Market Place, downtown
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe
Through Dec. 31. Who better to get us into the holiday spirit than the hairy, grumpy green guy? The Old Globe presents its long-beloved, family-friendly musical, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, based on the classic Dr. Seuss book—with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. Now in its 28th year, the production features fan favorite Andrew Polec returning as The Grinch, an endearing Who-ville cast, and popular songs such as “Welcome Christmas.” See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623
Holiday Pop-Up at LandShark Bar & Grill
Through Jan. 2. LandShark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego transforms into a festive holiday pop-up: the “Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern. The immersive experience melds holiday cheer with pirate lore. Think: nautical holiday décor from treasure chests to twinkling ornaments; plus live pirate appearances every Saturday in December (7-9 p.m.); and themed cocktails and food specials. Sip on libations like The Garnet Garland while fueling up on Davey Jones’ Linguini and The Kraken Sandwich. Open daily from 11 a.m. 435 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.819.9500
Old Town Trolley Holiday Tours
Through Jan. 3. All aboard! Old Town Trolley’s “Holiday Sights & Festive Nights” tours let you explore the festive lights and landmarks of the city—including historical Old Town, Little Italy, Bankers Hill, Garrison Street and more. The 75-minute tours include a seat aboard an old-fashioned Old Town trolley, complete with carol singalongs and elf conductors who double as tour guides full of local trivia, history and holiday fun facts. See website for ticket pricing. (No tours Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.) 4010 Twiggs St., Old Town, 866.754.0966
“Snowed In” Holiday Pop-Up at Fort Oak
Through Jan. 3. The bar at Fort Oak has been overhauled into “Snowed In,” a holiday pop-up experience comprising over-the-top decorations and a themed cocktail menu. Choose from a dozen libations served in festive mugs and glasses, such as Big Nic Energy made with bourbon, apple cider and spices; Santa Slaps with vodka, cold brew, amaretto, cream and chai; and the signature Snowed In cocktail. Open daily 4 p.m.-midnight (see website for added hours on select dates; closed Christmas Day). Walk-ins only. 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills
Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego
Through Jan. 4. SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration is the city’s biggest holiday event. Highlights include more than 1 million twinkling lights; nightly snowfall throughout the park; the new “Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special” at Sea Lion Stadium; visits with Santa and his real reindeer; festive musical performances and other live entertainment; Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Parade; Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show; nightly lighting of a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree; themed dishes, desserts and hot chocolate; and more. See website for park hours and admission info. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay
Frostbite Lounge at Hotel del Coronado
Through Jan. 4. In between enjoying Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea experience, or to just watch ice skaters glide by, take a load off at Frostbite Lounge—A Place to Chill. The resort’s ocean-view alfresco hangout is open just for the holiday season, offering plush seating options for 4-12 people. Cozy up around a roaring firepit; while snacking on gourmet bites from an a la carte food menu; and sipping holiday-themed drinks. Each lounge area can be reserved for 90 minutes. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611
“Jungle Bells” at San Diego Zoo
Through Jan. 4. Experience holiday magic at San Diego Zoo, presenting “Jungle Bells” on select dates through Jan. 4. See the zoo aglow with decorations, music, performers and experiences. Entertainment includes Holiday Light Treks with a series of illuminated pathways; the Jingle Brass musical ensemble; the Toy Shop Hop acrobatic elves; the interactive Reindeer Games; the Holiday Harmonies a cappella group (with “snow” falling at the end of each performance); photos ops at Santa’s Factory; and more. See website for hours and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park
“Lightscape” at San Diego Botanic Garden
Through Jan. 4. The holiday spectacle Lightscape is back at San Diego Botanic Garden for its fourth annual installment. Wear your comfy shoes for a festive evening stroll along a 1-mile, inclined trail filled with illuminated, colorful installations by international artists—from the popular Tunnel of Lights to the glowing California Poppies. The immersive experience also some brand-new installations this year; plus seasonal libations and treats available for purchase along the route. See website for hours and tickets. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Through Jan. 4. Skate into the season with the return of the Rady Children’s Ice Rink, located on the central promenade at the Arts District Liberty Station. Net proceeds from ice-rink admission will benefit the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s. Tickets include helmet and skate rentals (see website for pricing). Open daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 2875 Dewey Road, Liberty Station, 619.221.1970
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Through Jan. 4. This celebrated tradition at Hotel del Coronado is a one-of-kind, San Diego holiday experience for the whole family—a beachfront ice-skating rink on the resort’s lawn, offering views of Coronado Beach and the Pacific. Guests can also reserve a spot at Frostbite Lounge (see separate item)—a rink-side hangout offering holiday-themed cocktails, bites, a firepit and cozy seating. Ice-rink proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego. See website for hours and to reserve tickets. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611
“Wild Holidays” at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Through Jan. 4. See San Diego Zoo Safari Park aglow with family-friendly holiday fun (on select dates)—including festive lights, music, treats and experiences. The entertainment includes “Light Up the Holidays,” an area of trees that illuminate in a choreographed show set to a holiday soundtrack; visits and photos with Santa at Safari Base Camp; the Turtle Doves violin duo a holiday troubadour; the Bridge of Lights lighted tunnel; seasonal treats like gourmet hot chocolate; and much more. See website for hours and admission info. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 619.231.1515
Deck the Halls at Nason’s Beer Hall
Through Jan. 2. We love it when a beer hall decks its halls for the holidays. Pendry San Diego’s casual hangout for some holiday cheer offers over-the-top festive decor, beers, bites and libations. Specialty cocktails include the Sleigh My Name made with Tito’s Vodka, Skrewball peanut butter whiskey, banana liqueur, espresso and banana foam; Jolly Good Rye with Whistle Pig rye, maple-cinnamon syrup, egg whites and a cinnamon stick; and Cousin Eddie’s Hot Cocoa with Woodford bourbon, Mr. Black coffee liqueur and whipped cream. See website for hours. 570 J St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7060
The Golden Girls Christmas Experience
Through Jan. 11. Bayside Kitchen and Bar has been transformed into The Golden Girls. Fans of the ‘80s sitcom set in Miami will love this 90-minute, nostalgic holiday pop-up experience, immersing guests in all things Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia. Sit at their kitchen table, chill on the lanai, play shuffleboard, pose in Blanche’s boudoir, and revel in the Girls’ pastel paradise complete with palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights; while enjoying seasonal cocktails and themed treats. See website for reservations and pricing. 2137 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy
Holiday Happenings at The Lafayette Hotel
Ongoing. The Lafayette Hotel is going big with its holiday offerings and aesthetics this year. Grab a drink at the Lobby Bar, beneath its soaring atrium with hanging Christmas trees decorated to the max. Offerings include the classic Old Fashioned, Hot Toddy and rum-based Tiki. Or book a Holiday Tea Service in the lobby; enjoy Christmas carolers on the front steps in the evenings; and check out “Night Moves Santa” taking requests and granting wishes on select evenings. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619.296.2101
Photo credits: “The Grinch” / The Old Globe is by Jim Cox. “A Christmas Carol” / Cygnet Theatre is by Karli Cadel Photography. “Jungle Bells” and “Wild Holidays” are courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Snowed In” at Fort Oak is courtesy of Trust Restaurant Group. The Lafayette Hotel is by Shannon Partrick. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
