Events
New Year New Me Run at Liberty Station
Jan. 3. Start 2026 with your best (and fastest!) foot forward. The New Year New Me Run lets you pick your pace (run or walk)—a 5K, 10K or half-marathon (13.1 miles)—welcoming first-timers and seasoned racers alike. Participants receive a running T-shirt, a finisher’s towel or giveaway, a finisher’s medal and a digital training pack. The race is organized by waves, beginning at 7:30 a.m. See website for details, volunteer ops and to register. Liberty Station. (Course map will be emailed to registered participants.) More Info
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 times and ticket pricing. 4010 Twiggs St., Old Town, 866.754.0966. Details
“Jungle Bells” at San Diego Zoo
Through Jan. 4. Experience these final days of holiday magic at San Diego Zoo, which presents “Jungle Bells” on select dates through Jan. 4. See the zoo aglow with decorations, music, performers and experiences like the Holiday Light Treks spectacular; the Jingle Brass musical ensemble; the Toy Shop Hop acrobatic elves; the interactive “Reindeer Games” to get the kiddos dancing; the Holiday Harmonies a cappella group (with “snow” falling at the end of each performance); and more. See website for hours and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. Details
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Through Jan. 4. Close out the holiday season with an ice skating sesh at the Rady Children’s Ice Rink, located on the central promenade at the Arts District Liberty Station. 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. (Note: Rink is subject to closure due to expected rain; call ahead for conditions.) 2875 Dewey Road, Liberty Station, 619.221.1970. rchicerink.org
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. Ice-rink proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego. See website for hours and to reserve tickets. (Note: Rink will remain open during light rain or drizzle, but is subject to closure in heavy rain or severe storm conditions; see website for details and call ahead.) 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com
“Wild Holidays” at S.D. 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; 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. Details
Food + Drink
New Year’s Day Cruises with City Cruises
Jan. 1. Spend your first day of 2026 on the bay, with two options offered by City Cruises (pending weather conditions). The New Year’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise (noon-2 p.m.) includes a brunch buffet, music and unlimited bubbly. The New Year’s Day Premier Dinner Cruise (6-8:30 p.m.; semi-formal attire) comprises a three-course dinner, full bar service with cocktails, and live DJ entertainment. Both cruises promise unparalleled views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. See website for details and pricing. 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. Details
“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. (We suggest arriving at 3:45 p.m. to secure bar seats.) Walk-ins only. 1011 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills. Details
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 holiday hangout offers plush seating and a roaring firepit. Snack on gourmet bites from an a la carte food menu; while sipping holiday-themed drinks. Reservations are available for 90 minutes; open pending weather conditions. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com
Arts + Culture
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Through Jan. 4. The immersive Lightscape experience at San Diego Botanic Garden runs through Sunday (pending weather). Wear comfy shoes for an 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—plus some brand-new installations this year; and seasonal libations and treats available for purchase along the route. See website for hours and tickets. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbg.org
Lightscape opening photo is by Geraint Lewis. Fort Oak is courtesy of Trust Restaurant Group. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
