San Diego, December 12, 2025
This weekend, San Diego will host a variety of events including the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a pet parade in the Gaslamp Quarter, and a Winter Wonderland at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Families can enjoy ice skating and festive lights, while sports fans can catch the San Diego Gulls in action. Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng will perform at the Jacobs Music Center. With pleasant weather expected, it’s a perfect opportunity to explore the holiday spirit in San Diego.
San Diego’s Weekend Events: December 12-14, 2025
San Diego offers a variety of events this weekend, from festive celebrations to cultural exhibitions. Here’s a guide to what’s happening from December 12 to December 14, 2025.
Weather Forecast
Enjoy pleasant weather throughout the weekend:
- Friday, December 12: Mostly sunny, High: 69°F (21°C), Low: 52°F (11°C)
- Saturday, December 13: Periods of clouds and sunshine, High: 68°F (20°C), Low: 53°F (11°C)
- Sunday, December 14: Mostly sunny, High: 70°F (21°C), Low: 54°F (12°C)
Featured Events
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Experience the 55th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, themed “An Out of This World Christmas.” Over 80 boats will be adorned with festive lights, creating a dazzling display along the bay. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m., with prime viewing spots at various waterfront locations. This event is free for all to enjoy.
Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade & After-Party
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Dress up your pets and join the annual Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade. Starting at 1 p.m., pets and their owners will parade along Fifth Avenue, showcasing creative holiday costumes. Following the parade, the “Pups in the Pub” after-party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter will feature craft beers, food, music, and a holiday costume contest. Registration is $25 per pet.
Winter Wonderland at Del Mar Fairgrounds
December 12-26, 2025
Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts Coastal Christmas, a family-friendly event featuring a sparkling holiday light trail, an ice-skating rink, a wine walk, and a kids’ zone. Open from 4-9 p.m. on select nights, this event offers festive fun for all ages.
San Diego Gulls vs. Henderson Silver Knights
December 12 & 13, 2025
The San Diego Gulls return to Pechanga Arena for two games against the Henderson Silver Knights. Friday’s game at 7 p.m. features Karaoke Night, while Saturday’s 6 p.m. game includes a pregame tailgate, Winter Wonderland & Teddy Bear Toss, and the first 8,000 fans will receive a Gulls-themed Trapper Hat. Tickets start at $22 for Friday and $33 for Saturday.
Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng at Jacobs Music Center
December 12-14, 2025
Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng bring their “Hasan Hates Ronny | Ronny Hates Hasan” tour to Jacobs Music Center. Shows are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets start at $78.
Additional Activities
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
December 12-14, 2025
Celebrate the holiday season at the San Diego Zoo’s “Jungle Bells” event, featuring interactive light shows, music, acrobatic performances, and festive games. The event runs nightly through January 5, providing a unique holiday experience with wildlife.
Parade of Lights Cruises
December 11-28, 2025
Experience the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights from the water aboard a Flagship yacht. Cruises are available on select dates, including Sunday, December 14, and Sunday, December 21. This event sells out every year, so it’s advisable to book tickets in advance.
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
December 6-23, 2025
Petco Park’s Holiday Wonderland returns to Gallagher Square for select dates. Meet Santa and other holiday characters, enjoy dazzling light displays, and participate in family-friendly activities. Tickets start at $18 for kids and $25 for adults.
Ongoing Exhibits at UC San Diego
Campus Critters at Work and Play
December 12-14, 2025
Visit the “Campus Critters at Work and Play” exhibit at Geisel Library’s Outside Classroom 1. This free exhibit offers a glimpse into the diverse wildlife on campus. No registration is required.
The Art of Science: Five Years Through the Lens
December 12-14, 2025
Explore “The Art of Science: Five Years Through the Lens” at Geisel Library’s Exhibition Gallery. This free exhibit showcases the intersection of art and science through photography. No registration is required.
Welcome to UC San Diego
December 12-14, 2025
Discover the “Welcome to UC San Diego” exhibit on the 2nd Floor West of Geisel Library. This free exhibit provides insights into the university’s history and culture. No registration is required.
Conclusion
San Diego’s weekend events from December 12 to December 14, 2025, offer a blend of festive celebrations, cultural exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re interested in holiday traditions, sports, or arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQ
What is the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights?
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is the 55th Annual event featuring over 80 boats adorned with festive lights, creating a dazzling display along the bay. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with prime viewing spots at various waterfront locations. This event is free for all to enjoy.
How can I participate in the Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade?
Dress up your pets and join the annual Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The parade starts at 1 p.m., followed by the “Pups in the Pub” after-party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Registration is $25 per pet.
What is Coastal Christmas at Del Mar Fairgrounds?
Coastal Christmas is a family-friendly event at Del Mar Fairgrounds, featuring a sparkling holiday light trail, an ice-skating rink, a wine walk, and a kids’ zone. Open from 4-9 p.m. on select nights, this event offers festive fun for all ages.
What are the Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo?
Jungle Bells is a holiday event at the San Diego Zoo, featuring interactive light shows, music, acrobatic performances, and festive games. The event runs nightly through January 5, 2025, providing a unique holiday experience with wildlife.
How can I attend the Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park?
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park returns to Gallagher Square for select dates, including December 12, 2025. Meet Santa and other holiday characters, enjoy dazzling light displays, and participate in family-friendly activities. Tickets start at $18 for kids and $25 for adults.
Key Features of San Diego’s Weekend Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | December 14, 2025 | San Diego Bay | Annual parade featuring over 80 boats adorned with festive lights, creating a dazzling display along the bay. Free for all to enjoy. |
| Gaslamp Quarter Pet Parade & After-Party | December 14, 2025 | Gaslamp Quarter | Annual parade where pets and their owners showcase creative holiday costumes, followed by an after-party with craft beers, food, music, and a holiday costume contest. Registration is $25 per pet. |
| Winter Wonderland at Del Mar Fairgrounds | December 12-26, 2025 | Del Mar Fairgrounds | Family-friendly event featuring a holiday light trail, ice-skating rink, wine walk, and kids’ zone. Open from 4-9 p.m. |
| San Diego Gulls vs. Henderson Silver Knights | December 12 & 13, 2025 | Pechanga Arena | Two exciting hockey games with special promotions, including a Teddy Bear Toss and free giveaways. |
| Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng at Jacobs Music Center | December 12-14, 2025 | Jacobs Music Center | Comedy tour featuring performances from two renowned comedians. |
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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.
