San Diego, November 29, 2025
San Diego is celebrating the holiday season with a variety of events this weekend. From tree lighting ceremonies to festive markets and ice skating, residents and visitors can enjoy a range of activities. Key events include the East Village Tree Lighting, the San Diego Made Holiday Market, and unique offerings at Belmont Park. Families can also skate at Rady Children’s Ice Rink and Hotel del Coronado’s beachfront rink. The events promise a joyful atmosphere for everyone.
San Diego’s Holiday Events: A Weekend of Festive Activities
San Diego is embracing the holiday season with a variety of events this weekend, November 29-30, 2025. From festive markets to ice skating and community celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
East Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market
On Sunday, November 30, from 4-8 p.m., Fault Line Park in East Village will host a tree lighting ceremony accompanied by a holiday market. Attendees can enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. This event offers a festive atmosphere for all ages.
San Diego Made Holiday Market
Also on Sunday, the San Diego Made Holiday Market will take place at NTC Park in Liberty Station. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the market features over 125 local artisans and makers, live music, gourmet food trucks, and seasonal workshops. Admission is $5, with free entry for children under 10. This event provides a unique opportunity to support local businesses and find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Winter Wonder at Belmont Park
Belmont Park invites guests to immerse themselves in holiday magic with sparkling lights, vibrant decorations, festive desserts, cozy seasonal beverages, and holiday-themed rides and attractions. New experiences this year include Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland, Sweet Escape at Escapology, and Polar Plunge at Plunge Pool. This event offers a beachside twist on traditional holiday festivities.
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
For those looking to enjoy ice skating, the Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station is open daily from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Located in the Central Promenade at Arts District Liberty Station, this outdoor rink provides a festive setting for skaters of all ages. Proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, Sentre, and NTC Foundation, supporting community initiatives.
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Experience beachfront ice skating at Hotel del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea, running from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This unique rink offers stunning ocean views and benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. Guests can also enjoy holiday-themed drinks and bites at the rink-side Frostbite Lounge, adding to the festive experience.
Winter Wonderland at Market Creek Plaza
On Saturday, December 13, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Market Creek Plaza will host Winter Wonderland 2025, a free community celebration featuring a 20-foot Christmas tree, live music, dancers, performers, and even a chance of real snow. This event aims to create a space where joy, abundance, and holiday magic are accessible to everyone, fostering community connection and festive cheer.
Additional Holiday Events
- Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo: December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026. The zoo will be aglow with holiday decorations, music, and special food items. During Jungle Bells festivities, the zoo will close at 8 p.m.
- Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026. An illuminated trail through the garden featuring art installations and light displays.
- LEGOLAND California’s Elf Extravaganza: Select days from November 23, 2024, through January 5, 2025. The park transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive activities and entertainment.
- SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration: Daily through January 5, 2025. The park features holiday shows, a Christmas parade, and seasonal treats.
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: December 14 and 21, 2025. A procession of over 80 boats adorned with festive lights, viewable from Shelter Island and the Ferry Landing on Coronado.
With these diverse events, San Diego offers a festive and memorable holiday experience for residents and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the East Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market?
The East Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market is an event held on Sunday, November 30, from 4-8 p.m. at Fault Line Park in East Village. It features a tree lighting ceremony, live music, family-friendly activities, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus, offering a festive atmosphere for all ages.
What is the San Diego Made Holiday Market?
The San Diego Made Holiday Market is an event taking place on Sunday, November 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at NTC Park in Liberty Station. It features over 125 local artisans and makers, live music, gourmet food trucks, and seasonal workshops. Admission is $5, with free entry for children under 10, providing a unique opportunity to support local businesses and find one-of-a-kind gifts.
What is Winter Wonder at Belmont Park?
Winter Wonder at Belmont Park is an event that invites guests to immerse themselves in holiday magic with sparkling lights, vibrant decorations, festive desserts, cozy seasonal beverages, and holiday-themed rides and attractions. New experiences this year include Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland, Sweet Escape at Escapology, and Polar Plunge at Plunge Pool, offering a beachside twist on traditional holiday festivities.
What is the Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station?
The Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station is an outdoor ice skating rink located in the Central Promenade at Arts District Liberty Station. It is open daily from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, providing a festive setting for skaters of all ages. Proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, Sentre, and NTC Foundation, supporting community initiatives.
What is Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado?
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado is a beachfront ice skating rink running from November 21, 2025, to January 4, 2026. This unique rink offers stunning ocean views and benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. Guests can also enjoy holiday-themed drinks and bites at the rink-side Frostbite Lounge, adding to the festive experience.
What is Winter Wonderland at Market Creek Plaza?
Winter Wonderland at Market Creek Plaza is a free community celebration held on Saturday, December 13, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It features a 20-foot Christmas tree, live music, dancers, performers, and even a chance of real snow, aiming to create a space where joy, abundance, and holiday magic are accessible to everyone, fostering community connection and festive cheer.
Event Details
| Event | Date and Time | Location | Admission | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market | Sunday, November 30, 4-8 p.m. | Fault Line Park, East Village | Free | Tree lighting, live music, family activities, Santa photos |
| San Diego Made Holiday Market | Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | NTC Park, Liberty Station | $5 (free for children under 10) | Over 125 local artisans, live music, food trucks, workshops |
| Winter Wonder at Belmont Park | Ongoing | Belmont Park | Varies | Holiday lights, festive desserts, rides and attractions |
| Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station | November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Liberty Station | Varies | Ice skating, proceeds benefit local charities |
| Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado | November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | Hotel del Coronado | Varies | Beachfront ice skating with ocean views |
| Winter Wonderland at Market Creek Plaza | December 13, 2025, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Market Creek Plaza | Free | Live music, performers, 20-foot Christmas tree |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
