San Diego

Christmas in San Diego - Holiday Things to Do & Fun Seasonal Activities

A white Christmas sounds nice, but it may not necessarily be your thing.
By Katie Sagal

Why not opt for a temperate Christmas in a lovely city like San Diego? San Diego has plenty of wonderful activities and seasonal events to enjoy.

No matter who you’re spending the holidays with, San Diego has something for everyone. Not only are many of the most popular attractions still open, but many of them will host special seasonal events throughout the holiday season! If you’re traveling to Southern California this holiday season, check out our list of the top things to do for Christmas in San Diego including...

  • Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
  • LEGOLAND
  • SeaWorld
  • December Nights
  • And more!

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo December, through to January each year

polar-bear-san-diego-zoo

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo December, through to January each year

If you needed another reason to visit San Diego Zoo, the #1 Zoo in the World, look no further: Jungle Bells returns! The Northern Frontier’s forest will transform into a Holiday Forest, complete with exquisitely decorated trees and lights strung in all directions. Catch a showing of Jingle Brass, a caroling group that will wow you with their jazz-inspired takes on classic Christmas music. In addition to festive animal feedings and talks, you’ll also get to enjoy musicians, dance performances, and a performance of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Getting in: San Diego Zoo tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

Early December through early January; Exact dates TBD

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum puts on an array of different holiday celebrations, from a screening of a Christmas classic to a special display about the importance of toy trains during the season. On select dates, bring the kids to the museum for a showing of The Polar Express. Bring a blanket and pillow for the kids, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. For adults, they also host a fun “Ales and Rails” event, which combines beer tasting with an ugly Christmas sweater competition. Dates for the rest of their Christmas events are announced annually, so keep checking the San Diego Model Railroad Museum website for updates. Getting in: San Diego Model Railroad Museum tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass.

LEGOLAND® Holidays

November - December

Photo by LEGOLAND® California

Come to LEGOLAND® California Resort to celebrate your favorite holiday with your favorite toys. Enjoy character meet and greets at the new LEGO® Holiday Village. Meet LEGO® Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, and more. Marvel at the world's largest LEGO® Christmas tree, bedecked with over 400 LEGO ornaments and more than 11,000 LED lights. It's the perfect place to pose for your family's holiday card. There will also be holiday performances, shows, and even a Cookie Decorating Workshop. LEGOLAND Holidays will take place between November and December. Getting in: LEGOLAND California tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass.

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration

Mid-November through early January;

christmas-tree-beautiful-light-bokeh

Mid-November through early January;

For something that will make your kids’ holiday experiences truly special, head to SeaWorld San Diego. Their Christmas Celebration is among the best and brightest in the region, offering seasonal food and drink, festive shopping, live performances, and much more. Visitors will also be delighted to meet Rudolph and friends, soak up the beauty of illuminated trees, and find that perfect gift for a loved one. Each year brings a new Nativity show with a unique theme and special one-off events and performances. SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Celebration will take place from November to December. Getting in: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass.

December Nights at the San Diego Museum of Art

December

san-diego-museum-art-balboa-park

December

Following the Balboa Park December Nights, the park's resident art museum hosts holiday-themed celebrations as well. The San Diego Museum of Art weaves the best and brightest of the holidays in with their impressive artistic offerings. For both days, the museum will close during normal operating hours and will open at 5 PM to celebrate the long-standing tradition with special galleries, concerts, and holiday treats. Hear the La Jolla Renaissance Singers, check out the intricately designed Nativity Scene, and explore the Hibben Gallery. If you're looking to make an entire day of exploring Balboa Park, be sure to check out other top local museums and attractions during Balboa Park December Nights. More on that below! Getting in: San Diego Museum of Art tickets are included in the Go San Diego pass.

December Nights at Balboa Park

December

water-fountain-balboa-park-christmas

December

Head to the famous park for the 42nd celebration of December Nights, held every year on the first Friday & Saturday of December. It's the largest free holiday festival in San Diego. Enjoy gorgeous light displays, a decadently decorated Christmas Tree as the centerpiece, and plenty of fun-filled attractions. There will be performances, like a rendition of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, local-made crafts and gifts to choose from, and plenty more to get you into the holiday spirit. Getting in: December Nights at Balboa Park is free and open to the public.

Polar Bear Tea at the Hotel Del Coronado

Pre Christmas in December

famous-hotel-del-coronado

Pre Christmas in December

This is a unique experience the kids will never forget. Hop aboard the ferry out to Coronado and enjoy a charming Polar Bear Tea at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. The Polar Bear Tea is especially for kids, with festive activities and readings with Mrs. Claus. Plus, if you bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to a child in need, you’ll be able to go home with a polar bear plush! Looking to explore more of this historic little island? Check out the Coronado Museum of History and Art to learn more about the heritage and culture of this standout vacation spot in San Diego. Getting in: Polar Bear Tea at the Hotel Del Coronado is not included with the Go San Diego pass and tickets must be purchased separately.

Save on Holiday Attraction Admission

So here’s our brief list of the top things to do in San Diego during Christmastime and the holidays. Remember, many of these options are included with Go City! 

Please note, that the Christmas events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on a pass. We hope you’ll consider adding an idea or two from this list to your holiday itinerary.

Happy Holidays from Go City!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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San Diego fireworks
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10+ Fun Things to Do in San Diego for 4th of July Weekend

San Diego, "America's finest city," has some of the best 4th of July events around. Whether you're looking to spend the day at a nearby theme park or lounging on the beach with a picnic and friends, there are lots of great things to do during the July 4th weekend. If you’re looking for San Diego 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do including... Annual "Big Bay Boom" Fireworks Show Red, White, and Boom! at LEGOLAND® California SeaWorld® San Diego's Electric Ocean Fourth of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove and more... 1. Annual "Big Bay Boom" Fireworks Show Be sure you don't miss out on the largest display of fireworks in the city in the annual Port of San Diego's Big Bay Boom Independence Day Spectacular. Fireworks are launched simultaneously from four barges strategically located throughout San Diego’s North Bay starting just after 9 PM. The fireworks show can be seen and heard from anywhere along the waterfront. The display is orchestrated to originally produced music selections and broadcast by MAX FM 105.7 and THE MIGHTY 1090 AM. Pack a picnic, grab your lounge chairs, and head over to one of these top places to watch the show: Shelter Island: This intimate spot, located on Point Loma's bayfront, offers excellent views. Get there before 1pm, when it typically reaches capacity. It’s strongly advised that you walk or take the free shuttle, and make sure to have your lawn chair and a picnic basket in tow.   Harbor Island: This peninsula between downtown San Diego and Shelter Island offers a stunning view of the fireworks with the skyline in the background. The small “island” has limited parking, so take advantage of the free shuttle service offered by the Port of San Diego.   North Embarcadero and the Marina District: On the east side of San Diego Bay, these two options provide a hassle-free way to see the show. Parking is available in various lots and on many streets, but you’ll still want to secure your spot early. Gourmet seafood restaurants and fish markets line the coast in this neighborhood.   Seaport Village/ South Embarcadero: This waterfront shopping and dining complex on the southern end of the Embarcadero is another popular spot to watch the fireworks. Head there for dinner and drink at a restaurant with a bay view and then stay for the show.   Coronado Ferry Landing: Head over to Coronado for unique views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks. Coronado Island also has its own 4th of July celebration, including a parade, a concert, and fireworks over Glorietta Bay. 2. Red, White, and Boom! at LEGOLAND® California The LEGOLAND® California star-spangled 4th of July celebration is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday with kids. Don't miss the impressive fireworks display timed to patriotic music. Kids of all ages can enjoy live music performances and participate in family-friendly games, like water balloon toss, burlap sack races, LEGO® Hamburger relay and a family build challenge. All events are included with regular admission to LEGOLAND® California. 3. SeaWorld® San Diego's Electric Ocean & Fireworks Spectacular Show Celebrate Independence Day with SeaWorld® San Diego's "Electric Ocean," with extended park hours, nighttime shows, and fireworks spectacular on select dates. Enjoy eight energizing experiences, including two different animal shows, a dance club with a DJ, live performances, and your favorite SeaWorld® San Diego experiences lit up in the glow of the dazzling lights. 4. USS Midway Museum Annual 4th of July Celebration The 4th of July in San Diego doesn't get much more patriotic than watching the spectacular Big Bay Fireworks show from the flight deck of the USS Midway. The Midway is one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers and the closest venue to the four barge locations where the fireworks launch. The USS Midway Museum event features family activities and live entertainment Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and small coolers. If you want to take a tour of the Midway beforehand, pop by during the day or during the weekend following the holiday, which is when many other festive events will be occurring.  Insider tip: Buy tickets in advance, as this event sells out every year! 5. San Diego Zoo: Nighttime Zoo The San Diego Zoo, is a classic family-fun destination for July. This iconic attraction boasts some of the most exciting animals from around the globe. We especially recommend checking out their extended evening programming during the Nighttime Zoo, which has longer park hours, specialty music and dance performances, and much more. 🦒Can't decide whether to go to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park? Check out our helpful guide comparing San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park to help you choose. 6. Coronado Island Independence Day Celebration Coronado Island takes Independence Day celebrations very seriously. The town puts on a road race, an Art in the Park show, a rough water swim competition, an Independence Day Parade, live entertainment, fireworks over Glorietta Bay, and more.  If you plan to watch the parade, people head out there before 5am to claim spots for the 10am parade!  Insider tip: Take the ferry over so you don't have to worry about parking and make the most of your time on the island by going on a bike tour or kayaking in the bay. 7. Belmont Park Soak up the sun with some old-fashioned summer fun at Belmont Park. After all, what could be more quintessentially summer than an afternoon spent at the boardwalk? From classic roller coasters to charming merry-go-rounds, Belmont Park has all the signature rides you could want at a beachfront amusement park - there are bumper cars, arcade games, laser tag, a zip line, and plenty more. Insider Tip: You can see the fireworks from Mission Beach, so be prepared for busier crowds than usual that evening if you go on July 4. 8. Historic Old Town Celebrations For traditional 4th of July San Diego celebrations (we're talking 1800s-style), head to Old Town Historic Park. Enjoy a classic parade, crafts, and kid-friendly activities such as wagon rides, period games, music, a pie-eating contest, and more. If you'd like to explore this historic neighborhood a bit more, check out the Whaley House Museum. This nineteenth-century restored mansion has been a home, a general store, a theatre, and the county courthouse.  9. Ocean Beach Fireworks Strictly called "OB" by the locals, Ocean Beach offers a fun-filled day of 4th of July magic with a spectacular fireworks display right off the OB Pier. Pack a picnic and head to the beach for a day of swimming, lounging, playing in the sand, and shopping along Newport Ave. Bring a radio to tune into the fireworks soundtrack.  Insider tip: Main Beach Parking Lot and Pier Parking Lot will have free parking all day. 10. Fourth of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove Celebrate the 4th of July in beautiful La Jolla. Pack a picnic and bring a blanket to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for the best views of the 4th of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove. Make the most of your day in La Jolla and hop in a kayak. Or, throw on some snorkel gear to explore the coastal caves and popular sea lion spots and check out the sea life. Grab a bite to eat with a view at one of the seaside restaurants. Insider tip: Head to the park early to get one of the best views in the city of the sunset and to scope out a good spot for the fireworks show. 11. San Diego County Fair While the fair is a long-running event with dozens of attractions, performances, and things to do, it typically culminates on July 4. Families enjoy the Fair for its excellent combination of exhibits, activities, and kid-friendly games, while adults can take advantage of tailored events like wine tastings, beer samplings, design exhibitions, and a gem and mineral show. The Fair adopts a theme each year - check their site for info. Visitors can expect games, demonstrations, and even a winged monkey DJ dance party in keeping with this theme. Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Please note that special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on San Diego passes. ☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈
Katie Sagal
Lifeguard station on Mission Beach, San Diego
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Things to do in San Diego in June

Summer fever hits San Diego, with a raft of great festivals for foodies and musos to choose from, plus late nights at the zoo, the annual county fair and weather that's perfect for chilling with a mai tai in the rooftop bars downtown. Read on for our guide to all things June in San Diego…
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
San Diego
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10+ Things to Do in San Diego When it Rains (Popular Indoor Activities)

While San Diego is typically sunny and temperate year-round, it does get its share of rain on occasion. If any of those rainy or gloomy days happen to pop up on your vacation, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun indoor activities and things to do in San Diego when it rains, from museums to aquariums and more. Looking for some fun things to do indoors? Try out some of these: Balboa Park Museums USS Midway Museum Birch Aquarium The New Children’s Museum Museum of Contemporary Art And more! San Diego Air & Space Museum Fans of science, particularly the history of flight, will want to make sure not to miss out on a chance to visit this Balboa Park mainstay. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is one of the country's best, reflecting San Diego’s naval heritage and the important role it plays in the development of flight across the 20th and 21st centuries. Of course, the history of space flight spans much further back than the 1900s – which you’ll learn after a visit to this exciting museum. See the actual balloon flown by the Montgolfier Brothers in 1783, Wright-era aircraft, navy bombers, and even the Apollo XI Space Pen. There’s so much to explore inside this attraction that you’ll forget all about the weather outdoors. San Diego Natural History Museum Another Balboa Park favorite, the Natural History Museum is filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts. There are five floors filled with dozens of interactive exhibits that house everything from gigantic dinosaur bones to tiny gemstones. You’ll also get the chance to watch a selected film at the museum’s theatre, with films offered on topics such as “Ocean Oasis” and “Wild Africa.” Don’t miss out on the chance to take the whole family here. USS Midway Museum The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it’s a great rainy day option because you’ll probably beat many crowds by visiting on a less-than-sunny day. The inside of this amazing retired aircraft carrier is fascinating for military buffs of all ages, with areas like crew sleeping quarters and the flight control deck available for touring. Visitors will learn all about the history of this iconic craft and her 50-year service, which spanned several wars and multiple campaigns. Keep in mind that parts of this attraction are outdoors. Birch Aquarium If the animal lovers in your life are down about missing the San Diego Zoo on their rainy day, then be sure to take them to the delightful Birch Aquarium for a chance to encounter some fascinating wildlife. Explore an extensive variety of marine habitats and informative exhibits, including topics like “Boundless Energy,” “Wonders of Water,” and “Live Tide Pools.” There are also exhibits organized around specific types of marine life, such as “There’s Something About Seahorses” and the popular “Hall of Fishes and Shark Reef.” Plus, you’ll get an amazing view of the water from inside the aquarium – a great chance for stunning coastline photos without worrying about getting wet. Fans of the Birch Aquarium may also find the Living Coast Discovery Center of interest, which is located south of San Diego. Fleet Science Center This amazing scientific complex is not to be missed by those with an interest in the natural world or technology. The Fleet Science Center is filled with interactive exhibits, displays, and programs that allow visitors to make the most of their learning experience. Try out the Tinkering Studio for a chance to make your very own great invention, or check out Dream! Design! Build! This exhibition features hands-on building activities to help you dream like a visionary, design like an architect, and build like an engineer. It’s also home to the first IMAX dome theater, so be sure to use that complimentary IMAX ticket that comes with Go City® admission! More Balboa Park Museums Of course, there are plenty more museums in Balboa Park to choose from. Whether you’re interested in the history of human civilization, or just love to look at old cars, there’s something for you to explore. One of our favorites is the San Diego Museum of Us, which provides an excellent study of human history through art, anthropology, archaeology, and much more. Others will get a kick out of the Automotive Museum and the Model Railroad Museum, which are just perfect for collectors and excited kids. The best part is, that a few of them are relatively close together so you aren’t getting soaking in transit. If you’re looking to explore museums that are further apart, take advantage of the free Balboa Park tram to get around. Art Museums If you prefer artwork to automobiles, there are many opportunities for you to enjoy as well. Indulge your creative side with a visit to one of the region’s many art museums. For example, the San Diego Museum of Art is the most traditional, featuring all paintings, sculptures, and craftwork. The Museum of Photographic Arts features some truly compelling examples in this genre. If modern art is more your thing, then a trip to La Jolla is in order to scope out their fantastic contemporary collections. San Diego is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the San Diego Art Institute. New Children’s Museum Families know that sometimes the hardest part of traveling in bad weather with kids is the lack of opportunities for them to get out and burn off some energy. That’s where the New Children's Museum comes in. This exciting and interactive museum offers dozens of exhibits and themed areas for children to explore, climb, play, and create. With a particular focus on the inspiring potential of art, this museum offers plenty of chances for kids to express themselves through creativity, whether that’s by crafting their own sculptures or by participating in guided art-making activities. Whaley House Many visitors forget that San Diego is a city with a ton of history. With American roots stretching back to the mid-nineteenth century, you shouldn’t be surprised to come across historical homes that date back to California’s debut as a state.  That’s why a visit to the lovely Whaley House is in order. Built by San Diego pioneer Thomas Whaley, this house first served as his family home before later being used as a general store, a theater, and even the San Diego County Courthouse.  Mingei International Museum The Mingei International Museum is a globally focused institution that tells the history of humanity’s relationship with art and how artistic works impact culture. You’ll see art and artifacts from around the globe and throughout history, although the collections have particular strengths in African and Japanese art, contemporary American craftwork, and pre-Columbian artifacts.  Of course, with 26,000 objects in their collections, it’s clear that they represent a little bit of just about everything. Quick Rainy Day Recap  So if you’re in search of some ways to spend some time indoors and things to do in San Diego when it rains, we hope we’ve given you plenty of attractions and activities to choose from. There are, of course, plenty of other options too, such as shopping in fun downtown areas like Seaport Village, taking in a theatrical performance, or exploring the local cuisine.  Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. ☀️Compare San Diego passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Katie Sagal

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