Del Mar, November 26, 2025
The Del Mar Fairgrounds is set to welcome back visitors for the Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular, a reimagined experience running from December 12 to December 26. Featuring millions of lights, an eco-friendly skating rink, and numerous family activities, this event promises festive entertainment for all. With highlights like a Holiday Light Trail, Frosty’s Fun Zone, and special promotional nights, attendees can enjoy a community-centric celebration that embraces the charm of Del Mar.
Del Mar, California
Coastal Christmas Returns to Del Mar Fairgrounds with Reimagined Experience
The Del Mar Fairgrounds is ready to welcome visitors back for the anticipated Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular, running from December 12 to December 26, 2025. This festive event is designed to brighten up the holiday season along California’s picturesque coast. With millions of lights illuminating the landscape, an eco-friendly Glice® skating rink, and an array of family-oriented activities, the Coastal Christmas experience promises to deliver joy and merriment to all who attend.
This year, local organizers have enhanced the event to offer more than just a mesmerizing light display. From the Holiday Light Trail to Frosty’s Fun Zone, the event emphasizes community engagement and family enjoyment. By streamlining coordination efforts, local leaders have demonstrated resilience and creativity in ensuring a smooth experience that showcases the charm of Del Mar.
Event Highlights
- Holiday Light Trail: Wander through a dazzling display of millions of lights.
- Glice® Skating: Glide on an eco-friendly synthetic ice rink.
- Frosty’s Fun Zone: A play area designed for children.
- Private Igloos and Fire Pit Tables: Reserve a cozy space with personal drink service.
- Holiday Market: Explore a variety of local vendors offering unique gifts and treats.
- Photos with Santa: Capture holiday memories with Santa and his friends, available nightly at 5 PM.
Promotional Nights
To enhance accessibility, special promotional nights are planned:
- December 14: Stuff A Sleigh – Children get in free with an unwrapped toy (first 1,000 children only). Accompanying adults must purchase tickets.
- December 18: Community Night – Buy One, Get One Free on General Admission tickets.
- December 19: First Responders & Nurses Night – Free admission for first responders and nurses with valid ID; all other party members must purchase tickets.
- December 21: Military Night – Free admission for active duty military members and veterans with valid ID; all other party members must purchase tickets.
- December 22: Senior Night – Free admission for guests aged 65 and over with valid ID; all other party members must purchase tickets.
- December 23: Student Night – Free admission for students with valid school ID; all other party members must purchase tickets.
Location and Parking
This event will take place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014. To ensure convenience, paid parking is available on-site, and parking passes can be bought in advance through the Coastal Christmas website.
Weather Forecast
Attendees can look forward to mostly sunny and pleasant weather during the event, with temperatures likely ranging from the low 50s to low 70s Fahrenheit, making this an ideal setting for outdoor festivities.
About Del Mar Fairgrounds
Established in 1936, the Del Mar Fairgrounds has become a cornerstone for community gatherings, hosting over 300 events annually, including the renowned San Diego County Fair and the Del Mar Racetrack. Its coastal location not only enhances the venue’s allure but also fosters a sense of community as locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy various events.
Conclusion
The Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular encapsulates the spirit of community engagement and local achievement as it shines a light on Del Mar’s holiday season. By providing an event that prioritizes family-friendly activities and accessibility, local organizers encourage participation from all segments of the community. As San Diego CA events continue to thrive, supporting initiatives like Coastal Christmas proves vital in fostering ongoing civic innovation and development. Join in the festive fun this December and celebrate the season with your loved ones!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is this event located and what are the hours?
Coastal Christmas is held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014. The event operates from 4 PM to 9 PM on December 12-14, December 18-23, and December 26.
Can I purchase a ticket at the event?
There is no box office at the event. All tickets must be purchased online.
Do I need to print my ticket?
Both digital and paper tickets will be accepted.
What’s included in the General Admission ticket?
General Admission tickets include: Admission to the festival, access to the Holiday Light Trail, photos with Santa & friends, and live music/entertainment. Skating, Frosty’s Fun Zone, and food & drinks must be purchased separately.
What time does the Light Trail open?
In order to ensure a positive experience for our guests, the Holiday Light Trail will not open until dusk each day.
Will Santa be there?
Santa and his friends will arrive at 5 PM each night. He will be there every night except for December 26th, when he’ll return to the North Pole and his friends will take his place. You will be able to take photos with them using your smartphone.
Is the venue ADA-compliant?
Yes, the venue is ADA-compliant.
Is there parking available?
Yes, paid parking is available on-site. You can purchase a Parking Pass in advance by clicking the Buy Tickets button at the top of the page.
How do I purchase skating?
Skating must be purchased at the festival unless you book an Igloo or Fire Pit Table Reservation.
What kind of food/drinks will be available?
We will have local food vendors offering a variety of food options. We will also have holiday-themed cocktails, beer and wine, hot chocolate and apple cider, and water.
Something came up, can I use my tickets on a different day?
Yes, if you are unable to attend on the date on your tickets, you can use your tickets on any date that we are open. This excludes Igloo and Fire Pit Table reservations.
What if I’m late for my reservation?
Your reservation is only valid during the time frame listed on your ticket. To maintain the quality of the experience for other guests with reservations, your reservation will start and end at the time listed. We cannot allow reservations to start early or extend late. There will be no refunds for late arrivals.
What if I need to change my reservation?
Due to limited availability, all reservations are final. We will try to accommodate changes, however, please note they are final and cannot be refunded without Purchase Protection. Please email us with any questions or changes needed. We cannot change or reschedule these reservations less than 48 hours before the reservation time.
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