Nothing says San Diego holiday spirit quite like the sparkling lights.
Get into the holiday mood and explore San Diego's dazzling holiday lights that'll warm your jolly heart and land you on Santa's nice list. From jaw-dropping large-scale displays to neighborhoods that go all out, we've got your ultimate guide to the best festive spots to frolic this season.
Updated November 2024 by whitney bay
source: San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
Dates: December 14, 2024 - January 5, 2025
*excluding December 24th
Experience the magic of Jungle Bells with lights, 3D projections, and music. See the Zoo light up the night until 8 p.m., musical performances and entertainment, tasty holiday treats, new holiday light treks, and much more. 'Tis the season to celebrate. December 14, 2024, through January 5, 2025.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Dates: November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Get ready to be dazzled this holiday season at Lightscape! The magical one-mile trail aglow with over a million twinkling lights and breathtaking art installations will have your heart singing Christmas Carols. From November 15 through January 5, it's the perfect way to soak up the festive vibes and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. Don't miss out on this enchanting experience!
source: Unsplash
Coronado
Dates: December 6, 2024, from 6-7 pm
The tree lighting of the magnificent 120-foot Christmas tree adorned with 18,175 twinkling lights at Rotary Plaza is a beloved tradition that has brought the Coronado community together for many years. Get excited for this year's parade with over 1,400 enthusiastic participants and thousands of spectators lining the streets. Don’t miss out on this year’s parade, starting on Orange Ave. and loops at RH Dana and Adella.
San Diego Bay
Dates: December 8 & 15, 2024
The 54th San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will illuminate the bayfront on December 8 and 15, 2024, at 5:30 pm. Spectators can enjoy 80 festively adorned boats competing for top honors, all for free. This year's theme is "Peace on Earth," with the parade route including Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado. Join the holiday cheer and enjoy this beloved San Diego tradition!
Source: unsplash
Lakehouse Resort San Marcos
Dates: December 6 - 29, 2024, from 4-9 pm
Check out the Lakeside Lawn transformed into a Winter Wonderland brimming with twinkling lights, delightful treats, and festive drinks for everyone! The Frozen Fun Zone is for kids of all ages, with the return of the Lakehouse Express train, make-your-own s’mores station, Build-a-Buddy stuffed animals, pictures with Santa, and more! Click the link to get tickets before they sell out!
CLAIREMONT CHRISTMAS PARK
Lana Dr. & Jamar off Mt. Abernathy Ave.
Dates: December 1 - 25, 2024
For nearly four decades, the "Clairemont Christmas Park" has been a dazzling holiday spectacle. From December 1-25, over 40 homes on Lana Dr. & Jamar, off Mt. Abernathy Ave., transform into a festive wonderland. Pack up the car and go for a free holiday treat!
1500 Orange Ave.
Dates: November 21, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Hotel del Coronado celebrates the magic of the holidays as it transforms into a winter wonderland of ice and lights, sparkles, and snowflakes from November 21 to January 5. Experience the magnificent outdoor ice skating rink, two-story lobby tree; holiday light show orchestrated to music, and DELights; the iconic resort shimmers all things shiny and bright. The complimentary 10-minute show takes place every 30 minutes from 5-9 pm nightly.
source: visit oceanside
Oceanside Harbor, CA 92054
Dates: December 14, 2024
If you’re up in North County, check out Oceanside's FREE fun spectacle with boats of all shapes and sizes decorated in their finest holiday attire, including lights, ornaments, and lots of holiday trimmings. This magical holiday event is something you won't want to skip! Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 7 pm.
POWAY CANDY CANE LANE
Located off of Hickory Ct./Hickory St., 12659 Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct.
Dates: December 1 - 25, 2024
Get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Candy Cane Lane in Poway, where Hickory Street transforms into a dazzling wonderland of festive lights and cheerful decorations! Stroll through the enchanting neighborhood, enjoy hot cocoa from local residents, and soak up the joyful atmosphere that makes this a must-visit holiday destination from 5 - 10, December 1st through Christmas!
Balboa Park
Dates: December 6 & 7, 2024
Oh, December Nights. San Diego loves you. Feel the holly-jolly vibes during this free family-friendly event that includes bright lights, music, attractions, warm treats, delicious food, and more holiday cheer!
source: Legoland
Legoland
Dates: November 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Embark on a holiday adventure and watch the park come alive with festive cheer with a giant LEGO Christmas tree that's sure to wow you! From November 23 to January 5, you can snap "elfies" with your favorite LEGO characters, indulge in yummy seasonal treats, and join in the fun with a special "brick drop" countdown on New Year's Eve. It's the ultimate place to make unforgettable memories and celebrate the magic of the season!
Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Dates: December 13-15, 20-23, & 26
Unwrap the magic of the holiday season as Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular makes its way to the Del Mar Fairgrounds! Open weekends and select dates, from December 13th to December 26th, this 8-day holiday extravaganza promises a magical experience filled with twinkling lights, festive activities for all ages, and the warmth of holiday cheer!
Belmont Park
Dates: November 16, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Holidays at the beach are so San Diego. Beachside Winter Wonder is here! From November 16th - January 5th, Belmont Park is bringing families and friends together under MILLION lights! With dozens of Instagrammable moments, character appearances & live music, holiday-inspired treats & cocktails - there’s something for everyone in the fam!
USS Midway Museum
Dates: November 22-27, 29 & 30 and December 1, 5, 7-8, 12-15, & 19-23
The USS Midway Museum has transformed into a dazzling spectacle with thousands of lights as part of its new Jingle Jets holiday light show. Running from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on selected nights until Dec. 23, the event features festive highlights like carolers, DJ-led dance sessions, Santa, and vibrant holiday decorations. The hangar is aglow with truss lighting in festive colors, while overhead lights simulate falling snowflakes.
Quaryard
Dates: December 6, 2024 - January 19, 2025
Experience a reimagined reality at City Lights, an immersive visual journey at Quartyard in East Village this winter. Opening in December, this walkable adventure blends cutting-edge digital art and interactive installations, inspired by the vibrant pulse of city life and the raw energy of 90s underground rave culture. Designed by visual artist Ben Guerrette, City Lights features six unique zones with lasers, LED sculptures, and projection mapping, capturing the rhythm and spirit of the city through stunning visuals and dynamic soundscapes.
source: unsplash
Chula Vista
Dates: December 14, 2024
Celebrate the magic of the holidays at the 60th Annual Starlight Parade and Festival! The city of Chula Vista will light up with Third Avenue with dazzling floats, joyful participants, and activities for everyone. And of course, the holiday movie showing at the Memorial Bowl.
source: unsplash
Little Italy
Dates: December 7, 2024, from 4-8 pm
10-foot tall nutcrackers? Holy Chestnut (ha). Little Italy transforms into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling lights, giant nutcrackers, and festive decorations. Enjoy seasonal vendors, live music, and holiday treats. Don't miss the traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony at 6:30 pm in Piazza della Famiglia.
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