San Diego, December 24, 2025
San Diego is alive with festive activities from December 23 to December 28, offering residents and visitors a plethora of events to enjoy. Highlights include performances of ‘The Nutcracker’, a Magical Cirque Christmas, and the Big Bay Balloon Parade. Families can enjoy cruises and holiday-themed exhibitions, while dining options feature special brunches and dinners. These activities provide a chance to celebrate the holidays, support local businesses, and engage with the community in a vibrant way.
San Diego, CA – As the holiday season continues, San Diego offers a variety of events and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy from December 23 to December 28, 2025.
Theater & Art Exhibits
LeRoy Robbins: New Deal Photographs at Joseph Bellows Gallery
Through January 24
Explore a collection of stark black-and-white photographs taken in 1930s California, capturing the impact of the Great Depression. The exhibition is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
City Ballet of San Diego: The Nutcracker at California Center for the Arts, Escondido
December 23
Experience a full-length performance of the holiday classic, featuring a live score by the City Ballet Orchestra and conductor John Nettles. Tickets range from $39 to $119 for performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
A Magical Cirque Christmas at Balboa Theatre
December 28
Enjoy a festive variety show combining comedy, magic, and circus performances, set to a soundtrack of holiday favorites. Tickets start at $51, with performances at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Festivals & Celebrations
Feliz Navidad at Fiesta de Reyes
December 22–25
Celebrate the season with holiday décor, lights, and displays, including a giant Christmas tree. Enjoy live entertainment such as folklorico dancing and local musicians. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.
Jingle Belle Family Cruise
December 23–25
Embark on a family-friendly Christmas voyage around Mission Bay, featuring hot cocoa, cookies, Christmas carols, and photos with Santa. Cruises depart from Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel at various times.
Elf in IMAX at Fleet Science Center
December 23 & 25
Watch the holiday classic “Elf” on the big screen in IMAX format. Showings are at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
Dining & Special Events
Nutcracker Brunch at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
December 24
Enjoy a holiday brunch featuring a performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Scripps Performing Arts Academy. Brunch is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the performance starting at 11:15 a.m. Tickets are $205 per adult and $100 per child.
Christmas Eve Dinner at George’s at The Cove
December 24
Indulge in a five-course prix fixe dinner featuring dishes like clams casino, smoked salmon, tuna tartare, squid ink linguini, and lobster. Dinner is served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request.
Sports & Parades
Holiday Bowl 5K and Parade
December 26
Participate in the Holiday Bowl 5K and enjoy the parade along the Embarcadero, leading up to the big game at Snapdragon Stadium.
Big Bay Balloon Parade
December 28
Witness “America’s Largest Balloon Parade” featuring a fleet of floating characters in downtown San Diego.
For more details on these events and additional activities, visit the San Diego Magazine website.
Conclusion
San Diego is brimming with festive cheer and exciting events this holiday season. From the iconic Nutcracker ballet to family-friendly cruises and dining experiences, the community showcases resilience and creativity in event planning. Engaging in these activities fosters connection and supports local businesses, driving community growth and participation. Join the celebration, support local events, and explore all that San Diego has to offer this season!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the LeRoy Robbins: New Deal Photographs exhibition?
- The exhibition features a collection of black-and-white photographs taken in 1930s California, capturing the impact of the Great Depression. It is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Joseph Bellows Gallery in La Jolla.
- When is the City Ballet of San Diego’s performance of The Nutcracker?
- The performance is on December 23 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $119.
- What is A Magical Cirque Christmas?
- A festive variety show combining comedy, magic, and circus performances, set to a soundtrack of holiday favorites. It takes place on December 28 at the Balboa Theatre, with performances at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $51.
- Where is the Feliz Navidad celebration held?
- The celebration is at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, running from December 22 to 25. It features holiday décor, lights, displays, live entertainment, and a giant Christmas tree. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on Friday and Saturday.
- What is the Jingle Belle Family Cruise?
- A family-friendly Christmas voyage around Mission Bay, featuring hot cocoa, cookies, Christmas carols, and photos with Santa. Cruises depart from Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel at various times from December 23 to 25.
- When is the Elf in IMAX showing at the Fleet Science Center?
- The showings are on December 23 and 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park.
- What is the Nutcracker Brunch at Fairmont Grand Del Mar?
- A holiday brunch featuring a performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Scripps Performing Arts Academy. Brunch is from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the performance starting at 11:15 a.m. on December 24. Tickets are $205 per adult and $100 per child.
- What is the Christmas Eve Dinner at George’s at The Cove?
- A five-course prix fixe dinner featuring dishes like clams casino, smoked salmon, tuna tartare, squid ink linguini, and lobster. Dinner is served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 24. Vegan and vegetarian options are available upon request.
- When is the Holiday Bowl 5K and Parade?
- The Holiday Bowl 5K and parade take place on December 26 along the Embarcadero, leading up to the big game at Snapdragon Stadium.
- What is the Big Bay Balloon Parade?
- “America’s Largest Balloon Parade” featuring a fleet of floating characters in downtown San Diego on December 28.
Key Features
| Event | Date | Location | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Ballet of San Diego: The Nutcracker | December 23 | California Center for the Arts, Escondido | $39 – $119 |
| A Magical Cirque Christmas | December 28 | Balboa Theatre | From $51 |
| Feliz Navidad | December 22–25 | Fiesta de Reyes | Free |
| Jingle Belle Family Cruise | December 23–25 | Mission Bay | Varies |
| Elf in IMAX | December 23 & 25 | Fleet Science Center | Varies |
| Nutcracker Brunch | December 24 | Fairmont Grand Del Mar | $205 adult, $100 child |
| Christmas Eve Dinner | December 24 | George’s at The Cove | Varies |
| Holiday Bowl 5K and Parade | December 26 | Embarcadero | Varies |
| Big Bay Balloon Parade | December 28 | Downtown San Diego | Free |
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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.
