San Diego, December 17, 2025
San Diego is welcoming the holiday season with a wide array of events and activities perfect for all ages. From twinkling light displays at Balboa Park to the enchanting San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, the city is transformed into a holiday wonderland. Families can enjoy the magical atmosphere at the Holiday Wonderland in Petco Park and Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo. Our guide covers all the major festive events and cultural celebrations taking place throughout the season in this vibrant coastal city.
Experience San Diego’s Holiday Magic: Festive Events Await
San Diego is embracing the holiday season with a variety of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests. From festive light displays to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Major Holiday Events
Balboa Park December Nights
Held on December 5 and 6, 2025, Balboa Park transformed into a dazzling holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, live music, and diverse food offerings. This free event attracted thousands of visitors, making it one of San Diego’s largest holiday festivals.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
On December 14 and 21, 2025, over 80 boats adorned with holiday lights paraded across the bay. Spectators gathered along Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and the Embarcadero to witness this cherished tradition.
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
From December 5 to 23, 2025, Gallagher Square at Petco Park was transformed into a festive winter celebration. Visitors enjoyed magical lighting displays, photo opportunities with Santa, a grand carousel, a Christmas train, and sledding on real snow. The event also featured festive drinks, seasonal treats, and local artisan shops.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Running from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells celebration illuminated the zoo with holiday decorations, music, and special food items. Visitors experienced a festive atmosphere with joyful entertainers and themed displays.
Cultural and Community Celebrations
Hanukkah Celebrations
Throughout December 2025, various Hanukkah events took place across San Diego, including nightly menorah lightings at Hotel del Coronado and SeaWorld, family-friendly activities at Liberty Station, and community menorah lightings in Del Mar Highlands and Old Poway Park.
Las Posadas in Old Town
From December 20 to 24, 2025, Old Town State Historic Park hosted Las Posadas, a traditional Mexican celebration of the Christmas story through candlelight processions and music. Evening events lasted about an hour and were free to join.
Additional Festive Activities
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Running from mid-November through January 4, 2026, the San Diego Botanic Garden’s “Lightscape” holiday light show featured a mile-long trail with 15 themed light installations. Designed by British artist Zoe Bottrell, the exhibit harmonized with the garden’s natural environment and was a significant undertaking to set up.
Ice Skating at Hotel del Coronado
From November 21 to January 4, 2026, the Hotel del Coronado offered “Skating by the Sea,” a beachfront ice rink open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visitors could enjoy skating with ocean views and book a Frostbite Lounge for a unique experience with plush seating, fire pits, and refreshments.
City Lights at Quartyard
From December 6, 2024, to January 19, 2025, Quartyard in East Village launched “City Lights,” an immersive light and sound experience celebrating the winter solstice through digital art inspired by urban elements. The self-guided, 50-minute tour included interactive features such as responsive laser projections and a prominent LED sculpture named “Transit.”
Weather Forecast
San Diego’s mild winter weather enhances the holiday experience. Here’s the forecast for the upcoming days:
Weather for San Diego, CA:
Current Conditions: Drizzle, 55°F (13°C)
Daily Forecast:
* Tuesday, December 16: Low: 50°F (10°C), High: 64°F (18°C), Description: Partly sunny with a shower in spots late in the afternoon
* Wednesday, December 17: Low: 48°F (9°C), High: 65°F (18°C), Description: Partly sunny
* Thursday, December 18: Low: 51°F (10°C), High: 70°F (21°C), Description: Mostly sunny and pleasant
* Friday, December 19: Low: 52°F (11°C), High: 70°F (21°C), Description: Sunny to partly cloudy and pleasant
* Saturday, December 20: Low: 52°F (11°C), High: 65°F (18°C), Description: Times of clouds and sun
* Sunday, December 21: Low: 53°F (11°C), High: 68°F (20°C), Description: Sunshine and a few clouds
* Monday, December 22: Low: 55°F (13°C), High: 67°F (19°C), Description: Mostly cloudy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Balboa Park December Nights?
Balboa Park December Nights is San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, held on December 5 and 6, 2025. The event transforms the park into a dazzling holiday wonderland with twinkling lights, live music, and diverse food offerings.
When is the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights?
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights took place on December 14 and 21, 2025. Over 80 boats adorned with holiday lights paraded across the bay, with spectators gathering along Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and the Embarcadero.
What is the Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park?
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park, running from December 5 to 23, 2025, transformed Gallagher Square into a festive winter celebration. Visitors enjoyed magical lighting displays, photo opportunities with Santa, a grand carousel, a Christmas train, and sledding on real snow.
When is Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo?
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo runs from December 19, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The event features holiday decorations, music, and special food items, creating a festive atmosphere with joyful entertainers and themed displays.
What Hanukkah events are taking place in San Diego?
Throughout December 2025, various Hanukkah events are taking place across San Diego, including nightly menorah lightings at Hotel del Coronado and SeaWorld, family-friendly activities at Liberty Station, and community menorah lightings in Del Mar Highlands and Old Poway Park.
Key Features of San Diego’s Holiday Events
| Event | Date(s) | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balboa Park December Nights | December 5-6, 2025 | Balboa Park | San Diego’s largest free holiday festival featuring twinkling lights, live music, and diverse food offerings. |
| San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | December 14 & 21, 2025 | San Diego Bay | Over 80 boats adorned with holiday lights parading across the bay, viewable from various waterfront locations. |
| Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park | December 5-23, 2025 | Petco Park | Festive winter celebration with lighting displays, photo opportunities with Santa, a carousel, Christmas train, and sledding on real snow. |
| Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo | December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | San Diego Zoo | Holiday-themed event featuring decorations, music, and special food items, creating a festive atmosphere with joyful entertainers and themed displays. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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.
