San Diego, CA, December 4, 2025
This December weekend, San Diego, CA, features a mix of vibrant holiday festivities and thrilling sports activities that unite the local community. Events include the Balboa Park December Nights festival, the Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park, and a live hockey match featuring the San Diego Gulls. With pleasant weather expected, residents and visitors alike are invited to partake in the various activities that reflect the city’s commitment to civic engagement and cultural celebration. Whether celebrating the holidays or cheering on local teams, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Exciting December 5-7 Events in San Diego, CA
Experience the Best of San Diego’s Festive Offerings
This weekend, San Diego, CA, is brimming with vibrant events that reflect the spirit of the season. From grand holiday festivals to thrilling sports, the city’s calendar showcases how local organizations and community members come together to create lasting experiences. The resilience of local event planners is on full display, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and reduced bureaucracy in facilitating these memorable occasions.
With a rich selection of festivities, San Diego reveals its commitment to fostering communal ties through innovative events that capture the essence of the holidays. Those interested in participating can appreciate how private partnerships and local leadership can enhance engagement and participation, allowing the community to flourish in its diversity.
Balboa Park December Nights
Dates: December 5-6, 2025
Location: Balboa Park
Time: December 5: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM; December 6: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Description: Celebrate San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, which includes lights, music, food, and attractions across Balboa Park. This family-friendly event is designed to unite the community through festive activities and entertainment.
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
Dates: December 5-23, 2025
Location: Petco Park, 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
Description: Experience a winter wonderland featuring dazzling light displays, a 40-foot Christmas tree, photo opportunities with Santa, festive drinks, and local artisan shops.
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Date: December 7, 2025
Location: Girard Avenue, La Jolla
Description: Watch bands, floats, and community groups march through La Jolla Village. The event concludes with holiday crafts and activities for children, promoting local engagement.
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Dates: Through January 4, 2026
Location: San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024
Description: Wander through a mile-long trail featuring 15 themed light installations that harmonize with the garden’s natural environment, creating an enchanting evening stroll perfect for families.
San Diego Gulls vs. Texas Stars
Dates: December 5-7, 2025
Location: Pechanga Arena
Description: Experience exhilarating hockey as the San Diego Gulls take on the Texas Stars. This match promises fast-paced action and an electric atmosphere, drawing in fans to support local teams.
Nitro Circus
Date: December 6, 2025
Location: Pechanga Arena
Description: Enjoy a high-energy stunt show featuring world-class athletes performing jaw-dropping stunts across various extreme sports, providing excitement for all ages.
Keepin’ It Rural 5K & 10K Race and Festival
Date: December 7, 2025
Location: San Diego County
Description: Participate in this community-centered race featuring scenic routes and promoting local vendors and crafts, encouraging an active lifestyle while enjoying the outdoors.
Weather Forecast
Enjoy pleasant weather throughout the weekend:
- Friday, December 5: Mostly sunny, High: 68°F (20°C), Low: 48°F (9°C)
- Saturday, December 6: Mostly sunny, High: 67°F (20°C), Low: 49°F (9°C)
- Sunday, December 7: Mostly sunny, High: 67°F (20°C), Low: 49°F (9°C)
This weekend’s array of events underscores the richness of San Diego’s community life. Whether you’re eager to participate in holiday celebrations or enjoy thrilling sports, there’s something for everyone to discover. Supporting local events is a wonderful way to engage with our vibrant city and promote further community development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Balboa Park December Nights?
Balboa Park December Nights is San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, featuring lights, music, food, and attractions across Balboa Park. It’s a family-friendly event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season.
When is the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival?
The La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival takes place on December 7, 2025, along Girard Avenue in La Jolla. The event includes a parade with bands, floats, and community groups, followed by holiday crafts and activities for children.
What is Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden?
Lightscape is a mile-long trail featuring 15 themed light installations that harmonize with the garden’s natural environment. It’s an enchanting display perfect for a holiday evening stroll. The event runs through January 4, 2026, at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas.
Where can I watch the San Diego Gulls vs. Texas Stars game?
The San Diego Gulls will face the Texas Stars at Pechanga Arena from December 5 to 7, 2025. It’s an exciting opportunity to experience live hockey action in San Diego.
What is Nitro Circus?
Nitro Circus is a high-energy stunt show featuring world-class athletes performing jaw-dropping stunts in FMX, BMX, skating, scooters, and more. The event is scheduled for December 6, 2025, at Pechanga Arena.
What is the Keepin’ It Rural 5K & 10K Race and Festival?
The Keepin’ It Rural 5K & 10K Race and Festival is a community-centered event featuring scenic running routes, local vendors, crafts, and family-friendly activities. It’s scheduled for December 7, 2025, in San Diego County.
Event Overview
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balboa Park December Nights | December 5-6, 2025 | Balboa Park | San Diego’s largest free holiday festival featuring lights, music, food, and attractions across the park. |
| Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park | December 5-23, 2025 | Petco Park, 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101 | A winter wonderland with light displays, a 40-foot Christmas tree, photo opportunities with Santa, a grand carousel, and a Christmas train. |
| La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival | December 7, 2025 | Girard Avenue, La Jolla | A parade featuring bands, floats, and community groups, followed by holiday crafts and activities for children. |
| Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden | Through January 4, 2026 | San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, CA 92024 | A mile-long trail with 15 themed light installations harmonizing with the garden’s natural environment. |
| San Diego Gulls vs. Texas Stars | December 5-7, 2025 | Pechanga Arena | Live hockey action featuring the San Diego Gulls facing the Texas Stars. |
| Nitro Circus | December 6, 2025 | Pechanga Arena | A high-energy stunt show with world-class athletes performing jaw-dropping stunts in FMX, BMX, skating, scooters, and more. |
| Keepin’ It Rural 5K & 10K Race and Festival | December 7, 2025 | San Diego County | A community-centered race featuring scenic routes, local vendors, crafts, and family-friendly fun. |
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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.
