San Diego, December 13, 2025
San Diego County is set to celebrate the holiday season with numerous community events. From parades and cultural festivities to unique celebrations, residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of activities that embody the festive spirit. Notable events include the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, and the SeaWorld Festival of Lights, among many others. Everyone is invited to participate in these joyful happenings that showcase the vibrant community of San Diego.
San Diego County’s Festive Season: Upcoming Community Events
San Diego County is embracing the holiday spirit with a variety of community events, from festive parades to cultural celebrations. Here’s a roundup of notable happenings in the coming days.
December 13, 2025: Pacific Beach Holiday Parade, Santa Run & Tree Lighting
Location: Pacific Beach, San Diego
Time: Parade begins at 1:00 PM; Santa Run at 2:00 PM; Tree Lighting at 5:00 PM
Details: The annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade features creative floats, marching bands, and community groups. Following the parade, join the Santa Run along the coastline, and conclude the day with the festive Tree Lighting ceremony. For more information, visit the Pacific Beach Community website.
December 14, 2025: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Location: San Diego Bay
Time: 5:30 PM
Details: Witness approximately 80 boats adorned with lights sailing through the bay, reflecting the theme “An Out of This World Christmas.” Prime viewing spots include Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and the Embarcadero. This event is free for spectators. For more details, refer to the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights information page.
December 14–22, 2025: SeaWorld Festival of Lights
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details: Celebrate Hanukkah with nightly menorah lighting ceremonies, live music, and festive activities at SeaWorld. This event is included with park admission. For more information, visit SeaWorld’s official website.
December 14, 2025: Seaport Village Hanukkah Fest
Location: Seaport Village, San Diego
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Details: Enjoy live music, menorah lighting, and festive activities at Seaport Village’s Hanukkah Fest. This free event is open to the public. For more details, check Seaport Village’s event calendar.
December 14, 2025: Chanukah Train & Celebration at Old Poway Park
Location: Old Poway Park, Poway
Time: 4:00 PM
Details: Ride the Chanukah train for free and participate in celebratory activities at Old Poway Park. This event is free for attendees. For more information, visit the City of Poway’s official website.
December 16, 2025: Menorah Lighting at Del Mar Highlands
Location: Del Mar Highlands Town Center, San Diego
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Details: Join the community for a menorah lighting ceremony and festivities at Del Mar Highlands. This free event is open to all. For more details, refer to the Del Mar Highlands event page.
December 14, 2025: Festival of Lights Run at JCC La Jolla
Location: Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, La Jolla
Time: 8:30 AM
Details: Participate in a 1-mile, 5K, or 10K run, followed by sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and music at the JCC La Jolla. This event supports the community center’s programs. For more information, visit the JCC La Jolla’s official website.
December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026: Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
Location: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Details: Experience the San Diego Zoo transformed with festive lights, holiday-themed animal encounters, and seasonal treats. This event is included with regular admission. For more details, visit the San Diego Zoo’s official website.
December 13, 2025: Vegan Food Popup in North Park
Location: North Park, San Diego
Time: All day
Details: Explore a variety of plant-based food vendors from San Diego, Orange County, and LA, along with local products, crafts, and services. This free event is open to the public. For more information, check the City of San Diego’s events calendar.
December 13, 2025: Brooks XC Championships
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego
Time: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details: Witness top high school cross-country runners compete in the nation’s premier national cross-country meet. Spectators are welcome to attend. For more details, visit the City of San Diego’s events calendar.
December 13, 2025: San Diego Gulls vs. Henderson Silver Knights
Location: Pechanga Arena, San Diego
Time: 7:00 PM
Details: Enjoy an exciting hockey game between the San Diego Gulls and the Henderson Silver Knights. Tickets are available through the Pechanga Arena’s official website.
December 13, 2025: San Diego Santa Run
Location: Pacific Beach, San Diego
Time: 9:00 AM
Details: Join thousands of participants dressed as Santa for a festive 5K run along the coastline. The event includes music, holiday fun, and a cheerful atmosphere. For more information, visit the Pacific Beach Community website.
December 14, 2025: Jingle Bell Run at Liberty Station
Location: Liberty Station, San Diego
Time: 8:00 AM
Details: Dress in your festive best and participate in this fun run supporting arthritis research. The event is suitable for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts. For more details, visit the Liberty Station event page.
December 20, 2025: San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K
Location: Penasquitos Canyon, San Diego
Time: 7:00 AM
Details: Race a fast downhill course with scenic canyon views and a rewarding finish at Torrey Pines State Beach. For more information, visit the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon’s official website.
December 5–23, 2025: Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
Location: Petco Park, San Diego
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Details: Explore a winter wonderland featuring artisan vendors, a 40-foot Christmas tree, carousel, live reindeer, Santa visits, festive food, and magical light displays in downtown San Diego. For more details, visit the Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park’s official website.
December 5–6, 2025: Balboa Park December Nights
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego
Time: Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Details: San Diego’s largest free holiday festival returns with festive lights, live music, vendors, extended museum hours, seasonal food, and a holiday atmosphere with crafts, entertainment, and Santa visits. For more details, visit the Balboa Park December Nights’ official website.
For more information on these events, please refer to the respective official websites or contact the event organizers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade?
The Pacific Beach Holiday Parade is an annual event featuring creative floats, marching bands, and community groups. It is followed by the Santa Run along the coastline and concludes with a Tree Lighting ceremony. For more information, visit the Pacific Beach Community website.
When is the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights?
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights takes place on December 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Approximately 80 boats adorned with lights sail through the bay, reflecting the theme “An Out of This World Christmas.” Prime viewing spots include Harbor Island, Seaport Village, and the Embarcadero. This event is free for spectators. For more details, refer to the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights information page.
What is the SeaWorld Festival of Lights?
The SeaWorld Festival of Lights is an event celebrating Hanukkah with nightly menorah lighting ceremonies, live music, and festive activities. It runs from December 14 to December 22, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and is included with park admission. For more information, visit SeaWorld’s official website.
| Event | Date | Location | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Beach Holiday Parade, Santa Run & Tree Lighting | December 13, 2025 | Pacific Beach, San Diego | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Creative floats, community participation, culminates in a tree lighting. |
| San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | December 14, 2025 | San Diego Bay | 5:30 PM | 80 lighted boats, theme “An Out of This World Christmas.” Free viewing. |
| SeaWorld Festival of Lights | December 14–22, 2025 | SeaWorld San Diego | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Menorah lighting, live music, festivities included with admission. |
| Seaport Village Hanukkah Fest | December 14, 2025 | Seaport Village, San Diego | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Free event with live music and menorah lighting. |
| Chanukah Train & Celebration | December 14, 2025 | Old Poway Park, Poway | 4:00 PM | Free train ride and celebratory activities. |
| Menorah Lighting at Del Mar Highlands | December 16, 2025 | Del Mar Highlands Town Center, San Diego | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Community menorah lighting, open to all. |
| Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo | December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Zoo transformed with lights and festive activities. |
| Vegan Food Popup | December 13, 2025 | North Park, San Diego | All day | Free event featuring plant-based vendors and crafts. |
| Brooks XC Championships | December 13, 2025 | Balboa Park, San Diego | 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM | High school cross-country meet, spectators welcome. |
| San Diego Gulls vs. Henderson Silver Knights | December 13, 2025 | Pechanga Arena, San Diego | 7:00 PM | Hockey match, tickets available. |
| San Diego Santa Run | December 13, 2025 | Pacific Beach, San Diego | 9:00 AM | 5K run with thousands of participants dressed as Santa. |
| Jingle Bell Run at Liberty Station | December 14, 2025 | Liberty Station, San Diego | 8:00 AM | Fun run supporting arthritis research. |
| San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K | December 20, 2025 | Penasquitos Canyon, San Diego | 7:00 AM | Fast downhill race with scenic views. |
| Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park | December 5–23, 2025 | Petco Park, San Diego | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Winter wonderland experience with vendors and festive displays. |
| Balboa Park December Nights | December 5–6, 2025 | Balboa Park, San Diego | Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Free holiday festival with activities and Santa visits. |
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