Smaller crowds, more vivid sunsets, and temperate weather in the 60's and 70's make winter in San Diego one of the best times to visit the area. Although you’re unlikely to see any snow, there are lots of seasonal activities and fun things to do in December and beyond. Take advantage of thinning crowds and sightsee around San Diego at your own pace this winter. From amazing theme park attractions to low-key local fun, check out our list of popular things to do in San Diego in Winter, including some of the best holiday activities and attractions to help you plan the perfect winter itinerary.
Save on Winter Attraction Admission
Regular admission to a number of these attractions is included on the Go San Diego pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available San Diego passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special Winter events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Diego pass, but lots of these great activities are! For more ideas, check out our Christmas in San Diego post - for more fun holiday-themed activity ideas.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Where: San Diego Zoo When: December (closed December 24) In the name of holiday spirit, the Zoo plays host to "Jungle Bells," with lots of fun and festive activities, performances, decorations, and more. You'll get to see twinkle light animal sculptures, acrobatic elf performances, and more. Enjoy special holiday meals at select park restaurants, visit Santa’s igloo, and watch some of the zoo’s most famous creatures enjoy holiday-themed enrichment play. You can even see a raccoon deftly open his Christmas present! Be sure to stick around later in the evening for the “Celebration of Lights,” a musical experience filled with magic and fun. You’ll get to watch the zoo’s huge holiday tree light up with a ton of sparkly lights – it’s pretty breathtaking. New this year is Aurora, an exciting visual and sound experience that weaves 3-D projections, music, and light into a spectacular performance. Getting in: San Diego Zoo tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass and Jungle Bells activities are included with admission unless otherwise noted.
Holiday Snow Days & Winter Nights at LEGOLAND® California
Where: LEGOLAND® California When: November to January The wintertime fun never stops at the Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights of LEGOLAND® California with nightly snowfalls in Heartlake City, festive music, twinkling lights, seasonal live entertainment, a life-sized LEGO® Brick Santa, and more. There are tons of great kid-centric activities to celebrate the season, from building a LEGO snowman to gazing upon a massive LEGO Christmas tree. Snap a photo with a life-sized LEGO Santa and reindeer, and then stick around to enjoy the fantastic live entertainment and nightly fireworks. Especially for Kids’ New Year’s Eve, there are kids’ bands, party favors, fireworks and a 6pm giant brick drop! Getting in: LEGOLAND California tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
Where: SeaWorld San Diego When: November and December SeaWorld goes all out with SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration, filled with festive activities and fun things to do, transforming into a winter wonderland that sparkles with holiday cheer, excitement, and over 3 million beautiful lights. You'll get to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and his friends in Rudolph's Christmastown, complete with a 40-foot Happiest Dancing Christmas Tree. You can also get your picture taken with Santa in his cottage and join the Elves Dance Party for a sing-a-long, watch the nightly lighting of the largest Christmas tree in Southern California, and watch a mesmerizing nativity show, O Wondrous Night. Be sure to bring layers--you might want to bundle up after taking a ride on the Journey to Atlantis if the weather is on the cooler side. Getting in: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass and SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration activities are included with admission unless otherwise noted.
Lunar New Year at SeaWorld San Diego
When: January - February 2020 (yet to be announced) Celebrate Lunar New Year and the year of the rat at SeaWorld San Diego. Enjoy riveting performances from the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei inside Mission Bay Theater®. The sights and sounds of Asia come alive during this cultural celebration with Pan-Asian entertainment and food. Getting in: SeaWorld San Diego tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass and Lunar New Year activities are included with admission unless otherwise noted.
Knott’s Berry Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm When: November to January Knott’s Berry Farm is chock full of fun seasonal activities this time of year. Are you a Peanuts fan? Then don’t miss out on Snoopy’s ice skating show, or the Peanuts tree lighting (featuring the big man himself). Next, visit Santa’s Christmas Cabin for a photo with the man of the hour and to enjoy some of Mrs. Claus’ amazing treats (no doubt baked with some of that famous Knott’s Berry Farm jams). Enjoy the musical stylings of the Calico Carolers, marvel at the Calico Saloon Christmas Show, and soak up the Snow and Glow Show. Last but not least, stop by Ghost Town to enjoy a synchronized lights show. There’s also Christmas Crafts Village for those of you looking for some unique presents. Getting in: Knott's Berry Farm tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
Let the kids play scientist for a day with all the hands-on things to do and exhibits at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center. Kids can examine images from the Hubble Telescope, build free form structures using wooden planks, explore the unseen world of cellular biology through the lens of a microscope, and more. Plus, “Kid City” features a part play area, part exhibit where younger kids can explore scientific concepts while staying entertained and interacting with other kids. Bonus: one IMAX movie is free with admission. Getting in: Reuben H. Fleet Science Center tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.
Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
Find a new appreciation for nature and the environment. The oldest scientific institution in southern California, this 134 year old museum focuses on the natural worlds of the Southern California and Baja peninsula regions while maintaining a global scientific perspective. Travel to the Polar Regions at the End of The Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins exhibit, or see a striking film come to life in the museum's 3-D theater. Getting in: Natural History Museum tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.
Air and Space Museum
Explore all things aviation at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, from ancient aircraft designs to modern space-age flights. Wander through the World War galleries or experience the action firsthand in the FS2000 Two-Seat Flight Simulator. Don't miss the "Be The Astronaut" exhibit, where your kids can enjoy an interactive adventure of piloting a spaceship, launching a rocket, and steering a rover in space. Getting in: San Diego Air and Space Museum tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass and December Nights activities are included with admission unless otherwise noted.
Museum of Photographic Arts
Explore over 9,000 images from the 19th century to today through the lens of a trained eye at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA). The MOPA is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and portraying the art of photography in its entirety with exhibits featuring cultural, historical, and social issues. Getting in: Museum of Photographic Arts tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass and December Nights activities are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.
Museum of Man
Museum of Man
Explore one of the most impressive presentations of anthropology and human evolution in the nation. This museum seeks to answer questions such as "What makes us human?" and "Race: Are We So Different?" through extensive artifact collections and exhibits. Getting in: Museum of Man tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass and December Nights activities are included with admission, unless otherwise noted.
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Head to La Jolla to poke around the shops, grab lunch seaside, get in some ocean activities, and explore the sea life at the Birch Aquarium.
Dive into exhibits that showcase the mysteries of ocean, air and life through interactive displays and multimedia. You'll learn all about living coral reefs, see baby seahorses play, listen to whale songs, and even pet living sea stars. Check out the Aquarium's 'Seas 'n' Greetings' events during the month of December and Deck the Hall (of Fishes) and get into the holiday spirit. Check the schedule for special appearances by Scuba Santa, live holiday music, and face painting. Getting in: Birch Aquarium at Scripps tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass and all Seas 'n' Greetings activities are included with admission unless otherwise noted.
Check Out the USS Midway Museum
Check Out the USS Midway Museum
Learn about life at sea without ever leaving the Navy Pier port aboard the longest-serving aircraft carrier in United States history. Aboard the ship there are over 60 exhibits and 27 restored aircraft to explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour narrated by USS Midway sailors. Getting in: USS Midway Museum tickets are included with the Go San Diego pass.
Kayak, Bike, or Snorkel in La Jolla
Head out to the seaside community of La Jolla, where a scenic sprawl of cliffs and sandy beaches await. Take your pick between biking along the beach town streets, snorkeling in La Jolla Cove, or Kayaking along the coast to get an up-close look at the famous sea lions sunbathing on La Jolla beach. Getting in: Kayak, Bike, and Snorkel Gear rentals are included with the Go San Diego pass.
Watch a Winter Sunset
By Farwestern Photo by Gregg M. Erickson (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons The winter months mean better sunsets. Make a point to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean one evening when you're in San Diego--a must-see experience. Head to the Sunset Cliffs National Park for a pre-sunset walk along the coastline and one of the best views of the sunset, drive up to Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial to see the famous landmark and watch the sun set with a view of the San Diego skyline, or go out to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for classic, oceanside sunset views.
Remember to Save on Attraction Admission
So there you have it. Our list of a few things to do in San Diego in the winter, including holiday events, other seasonal activities in December, January, and more. Remember, many of these options are included on the Go San Diego pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Winter events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Diego pass. We hope you plan to add a few of these fun options to your winter vacation itinerary.
