San Diego, November 26, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, San Diego prepares for a variety of festive events including the much-anticipated Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade and several Menorah Lighting ceremonies. These events offer residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate and engage with the community, featuring parades, live entertainment, traditional treats, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the holiday lights in Coronado or meet Santa at Del Mar Highlands, there are plenty of events to make this season memorable.
San Diego, CA
As the holiday season approaches, San Diego is set to host a variety of festive events, including the Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade and several Menorah Lighting ceremonies, offering residents and visitors numerous opportunities to celebrate and engage with the community.
Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade
On December 12, 2025, at 2:30 PM, the City of Solana Beach will kick off the holiday festivities with the annual Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade. Santa Claus, accompanied by local Fire, Sheriff, and Marine Safety personnel, will embark on a route starting and ending at the Solana Beach Fire Station, located at 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Residents are encouraged to stay on the sidewalk for safety as Santa passes by. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (858) 720-2454.
Menorah Lighting Ceremonies
San Diego will host several Menorah Lighting ceremonies to celebrate Hanukkah:
- Liberty Station Menorah Lighting: On December 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Liberty Station, in partnership with The Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach, will host a public menorah lighting at Liberty Station’s Central Promenade. The event will feature live entertainment, packaged treats, and the traditional lighting of the menorah. Following the first night of Hanukkah, the menorah will remain on display, lighting up each night of the festival.
- Hanukkah Celebration at Westfield UTC: On December 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Chabad Center of UC will host a special Hanukkah celebration in Macy’s Court, near Parfait Paris, at Westfield UTC. The evening will include a menorah lighting ceremony, live music, traditional Hanukkah treats, and activities for children.
- Menorah Lighting at the Hotel del Coronado: From December 14 to December 22, 2025, the Chabad of Coronado will host nightly menorah lighting ceremonies on Southpointe Lawn at the Hotel del Coronado. The event is open to the public and offers a festive atmosphere to celebrate the holiday.
- Menorah Lighting Ceremony at One Paseo: On December 14, 2025, the Chabad Jewish Center of Rancho Santa Fe will host a Menorah Lighting celebration at One Paseo. The event will feature live music, kosher bites, and the lighting ceremony.
- Hanukkah Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego: From December 14 through December 22, 2025, SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate Hanukkah with daily illumination of the menorah, automatically lit each evening to honor the spirit of the season. The event is included with park admission.
Additional Holiday Events
Beyond the Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade and Menorah Lighting ceremonies, San Diego offers a variety of holiday events, including:
- Holiday Lights. Coastal Nights. Let’s Roll.: From November 21 to December 28, 2025, Coronado transforms into a holiday postcard. The Go Ranchero holiday package includes a 4-hour cart ride, Bluetooth speaker with a holiday playlist, a custom map highlighting the best local spots to sparkle, sip, and shop, and a keepsake canvas tote filled with festive goodies.
- Visits with Santa at Del Mar Highlands Town Center: From December 4 to December 20, 2025, families can enjoy memorable photos with Santa Claus. Bring your cameras and kids to capture magical moments in Santa’s sleigh.
For the most current information on event dates, times, and any potential changes, please refer to the official event websites or contact the event organizers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade in Solana Beach?
The Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade is scheduled for December 12, 2025, at 2:30 PM in Solana Beach, starting and ending at the Solana Beach Fire Station, located at 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. Residents are encouraged to stay on the sidewalk for safety as Santa passes by. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (858) 720-2454.
What events are planned for Hanukkah in San Diego?
San Diego will host several Menorah Lighting ceremonies to celebrate Hanukkah, including events at Liberty Station, Westfield UTC, the Hotel del Coronado, One Paseo, and SeaWorld San Diego. These events feature menorah lighting ceremonies, live entertainment, traditional Hanukkah treats, and activities for all ages. For specific dates and details, please refer to the event listings above.
Are there any other holiday events in San Diego?
Yes, San Diego offers additional holiday events such as the Holiday Lights. Coastal Nights. Let’s Roll. in Coronado, and Visits with Santa at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. These events provide festive activities and opportunities for families to celebrate the season. For more information, please refer to the event listings above.
Event Overview
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade | December 12, 2025, at 2:30 PM | Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive | Parade featuring Santa Claus with local Fire, Sheriff, and Marine Safety personnel. Residents are encouraged to stay on the sidewalk for safety as Santa passes by. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (858) 720-2454. |
| Liberty Station Menorah Lighting | December 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Liberty Station’s Central Promenade | Public menorah lighting ceremony with live entertainment, packaged treats, and the traditional lighting of the menorah. The menorah will remain on display, lighting up each night of Hanukkah. |
| Hanukkah Celebration at Westfield UTC | December 14, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM | Westfield UTC, Macy’s Court, near Parfait Paris | Hanukkah celebration with a menorah lighting ceremony, live music, traditional Hanukkah treats, and activities for children. |
| Menorah Lighting at the Hotel del Coronado | December 14 to December 22, 2025 | Hotel del Coronado, Southpointe Lawn | Nightly menorah lighting ceremonies hosted by the Chabad of Coronado. Open to the public. |
| Menorah Lighting Ceremony at One Paseo | December 14, 2025 | One Paseo | Menorah lighting celebration with live music, kosher bites, and the lighting ceremony. |
| Hanukkah Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego | December 14 through December 22, 2025 | SeaWorld San Diego | Daily illumination of the menorah, included with park admission. |
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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.
