San Diego sparkles with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout America's Finest City. From Balboa Park's December Nights to the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and neighborhood displays across coastal communities, the region offers dazzling holiday attractions. Explore festive light shows, beachside celebrations, and family-friendly displays across San Diego County with mild winter weather.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting
Location: Ramona
Dates: Event hours are 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. with the Tree Lighting at 7:00 p.m. The 'Find the Elf' contest runs from November 28th to December 6th. Candlelight Dinner is on December 6th.
Cost: $
The Ramona Christmas Tree Lighting takes place in Old Town Ramona, featuring the annual lighting of the Christmas tree as a central holiday tradition. Visitors can participate in the 'Find the Elf' contest by visiting local shops, and enjoy photos with Santa Claus, along with a catered Candlelight Christmas Dinner at the Guy B. Woodward Museum. The event includes vibrant holiday decorations throughout Old Town and a classic car display.
Highlights:
- The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, a central holiday tradition.
- A vibrant community gathering with late shopping and dining opportunities.
- Photos with Santa Claus, bringing holiday cheer to attendees of all ages.
Holidays at The Del: A Holiday in Oz
Location: Coronado
Dates: November 21 - January 4
Cost: $$
Holidays at The Del features the iconic Hotel del Coronado transformed into a festive 'Holiday in Oz' theme, showcasing enchanting decorations and thousands of lights. Visitors can ice skate by the sea, enjoy themed dining experiences, and watch the Oz Lightshow Spectacular with synchronized lights and snow flurries. This event runs throughout the holiday season, offering a unique experience by the ocean.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in 'A Holiday in Oz' theme with enchanting decor.
- Enjoy ice skating by the sea with ocean views.
- Experience festive dining and holiday events throughout the season.
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Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Excluding December 24)
Cost: $$
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo transforms the venue into a winter wonderland with extended evening hours and numerous festive light displays. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, including musical performances and acrobatic shows, while walking through illuminated pathways synchronized to holiday music. This family-friendly event offers interactive games and activities for all ages.
Highlights:
- Experience the San Diego Zoo transformed into a winter wonderland with extended evening hours.
- Enjoy a variety of live entertainment, including musical performances and acrobatic shows.
- Immerse yourself in festive light displays synchronized to holiday music.
Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall
Location: Chula Vista
Dates: November 30 - December 21: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays at 6 PM & 7 PM
Cost: FREE
The Dazzling Holiday Light Show & Snowfall at Village Walk at Eastlake features a free holiday light show with synchronized music and dancing lights. Visitors can also enjoy magical snowfall, free train rides, and photo opportunities with Santa Claus. This event provides a festive atmosphere for families and children.
Address: 884 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91914
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A free holiday light show featuring synchronized music and dancing lights.
- Magical falling snow in San Diego County.
- Free visits and photos with Santa Claus.
Holiday at the Rancho
Location: Carlsbad
Dates: Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 5 - 8 p.m.
Cost: $15
Holiday at the Rancho takes place at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historical Park, where visitors can enjoy festive entertainment and a special visit from Santa Claus. Activities include cookie decorating, crafts, and a holiday film screening on an outdoor movie screen. The ranch is adorned with dazzling holiday lights, creating a festive setting.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a classic holiday setting with festive entertainment and a special visit from Santa Claus.
- Watch a holiday film on the outdoor movie screen.
- Decorate holiday cookies and create festive crafts.
San Diego Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Gardens
Location: Encinitas
Dates: November 14 – January 4
Cost: $$
San Diego Lightscape features a mile-long illuminated trail at the San Diego Botanic Garden, showcasing vibrant light installations by international artists. This event includes festive food and drinks for purchase along the trail, making it an immersive experience. Visitors can capture memorable photos at various picture-perfect spots throughout the garden.
Highlights:
- A mile-long, immersive light trail transforming the San Diego Botanic Garden.
- Vibrant new installations and beloved returning favorites from global artists.
- Festive atmosphere with music, seasonal food, and drinks.
Holidays at LEGOLAND California
Location: Carlsbad
Dates: November 22-30, December 6-7, 13-31, January 1-4
Cost: $$
Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort features a unique LEGO-themed celebration with festive characters, shows, and spectacular fireworks displays. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, meet LEGO characters, and watch the Christmas Magic Fireworks show on select nights. The centerpiece is a giant 35-foot LEGO Christmas Tree constructed from over 366,000 bricks.
Highlights:
- Celebrate the holidays with a unique LEGO twist, featuring themed characters, shows, and decorations.
- Enjoy spectacular holiday fireworks displays lighting up the night sky.
- Build lasting family traditions with interactive holiday experiences.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Location: Escondido
Dates: Select Evenings November 28–30; December 19–23; and December 26–January 4, 2026. Park open until 8 p.m. on these dates.
Cost: $$
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers an expedition of light through animal-themed displays and illuminated paths. Visitors can enjoy a giant Celebration Tree adorned with wildlife decorations and the 'Light Up the Holidays' choreographed light show. Activities include visits with Santa and interactive storytelling sessions.
Highlights:
- Embark on an expedition of light through dazzling displays and illuminated paths across the park.
- Enjoy a giant, Safari Park-themed Celebration Tree adorned with wildlife decorations and holiday lighting.
- Experience the 'Light Up the Holidays' choreographed light show with a merry holiday soundtrack.
SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration
Location: San Diego
Dates: Daily, November 14 - January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
The SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration features over one million lights, including a 320-foot SkyTower Tree of Lights. Visitors can enjoy the 'ALL-NEW Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas' show and nightly snowfall at SkyTower Lawn and Wild Arctic. Additional highlights include the 'Mrs. Claus' Christmas Parade' and opportunities to meet Santa and Rudolph for photos.
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland with 'One Million Lights Meet Ocean Delights'.
- Enjoy the 'ALL-NEW Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas' show.
- Experience a spectacular holiday event with dazzling shows, shopping, and entertainment.
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Location: Del Mar
Dates: December 12-14, December 18-23, December 26
Cost: $$
The Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at the Del Mar Fairgrounds features millions of lights along a scenic coastal trail, creating a stunning visual experience. Guests can enjoy an eco-friendly Glice skating rink and a vibrant Holiday Market with local artisan gifts. Other activities include capturing holiday photos with Santa Claus and sampling wines during the Holiday Wine Walk.
Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Millions of lights transform the venue into a breathtaking winter wonderland by the sea.
- Festive food and drink options, including holiday spirits from on-site bars.
- Experience an eco-friendly Glice skating rink, offering a smooth glide similar to real ice.
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Winter Wonder Beachside at Belmont Park
Location: Mission Beach
Dates: Mid-November to Early January 2026
Cost: Free to enter; rides priced individually
Enjoy festive rides and attractions including the iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, oversized holiday sculptures, and holiday-inspired drinks while strolling through the Midway under a million lights.
Highlights:
- Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
- Oversized holiday sculptures
- Holiday-inspired drinks
- Million lights on the Midway
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Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights - Oceanside Harbor
Location: Oceanside
Dates: December 13, 2025
Cost: Free
The Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights is a festive holiday event featuring boats of all shapes and sizes decorated in holiday lights and trimmings, circling the harbor. Captains and crews often dress in holiday attire, with some even portraying Santa. The event includes prizes for the best decorated boats and is a magical experience for families and holiday enthusiasts.
Highlights:
- Boats decorated with holiday lights and ornaments
- Santa and holiday-themed costumes on boats
- Prizes for best decorated boats
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Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival - Chula Vista
Location: Chula Vista
Dates: December 13, 2025
The Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival is a dazzling holiday event featuring over 100 entries including whimsical floats, marching bands, dance squads, and classic cars. The parade transforms Third Avenue into a festive wonderland, with vibrant lights and holiday entertainment for all ages.
Address: Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over 100 festive parade entries
- Marching bands and dance squads
- Classic cars and holiday floats
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Port of San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Location: San Diego Bay
Dates: December 14, 2025 and December 21, 2025
Cost: Free
The 55th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights features about 80 festively decorated boats parading along San Diego Bay with multiple viewing points including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Cesar Chavez Park, and Coronado Ferry Landing.
Address: San Diego Bay, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over 80 decorated boats
- Multiple waterfront viewing locations
- Theme: An Out of This World Christmas
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Imaginarium San Diego Light Festival - Las Américas
Location: San Diego
Dates: November 21, 2025 - January 5, 2026
Cost: Ticket prices vary; check website for details
An immersive light festival at Las Américas Premium Outlets featuring 35 themed attractions, over 5 million LEDs, mirror rooms, and a magical wonderland experience called 'Utopia' that transforms two acres into a dazzling world of romance and fantasy.
Address: 4211 Camino de la Plaza, San Diego, CA 92173
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 35 themed light attractions
- Over 5 million LED lights
- Immersive mirror rooms and interactive displays
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Birch Aquarium Holiday Light Displays - La Jolla
Location: La Jolla
Dates: December 1-31, 2025
Cost: Included with aquarium admission
Seasonal holiday light displays and special events at Birch Aquarium featuring marine-themed decorations and festive activities for families.
Highlights:
- Marine-themed holiday light displays
- Educational holiday events
- Family-friendly activities
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Candy Cane Lane
Location: Poway neighborhood, San Diego
Dates: December 1-31, 2025
Cost: Free
A neighborhood tradition where residents decorate their homes elaborately with Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive walking and driving experience for visitors.
Address: Poway, San Diego, CA (specific streets vary)
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Extensive residential Christmas light displays
- Family-friendly festive atmosphere
- Popular local holiday tradition
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Del Mar Highlands Town Center Light Display
Location: Carmel Valley
Dates: November 12 - December 25, 2025
Cost: Free
Del Mar Highlands Town Center hosts the 'Tis the Sea Sun holiday event featuring a towering 36-foot Christmas tree made of 44 surfboards with LED lights, light and music shows every 15 minutes from dusk to 9pm, a 15-foot surfing Santa on the Sky Deck roof, interactive décor, live music, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday shopping and dining specials.
Address: 12925 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 36-foot surfboard Christmas tree with LED lights
- Light and music shows every 15 minutes
- 15-foot surfing Santa on the Sky Deck roof
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Holiday Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds
Location: Del Mar
Holiday Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is a festive seasonal event featuring a drive-through light show with millions of colorful lights, holiday-themed displays, and music. It offers a family-friendly holiday experience with spectacular illuminated scenes and is a popular attraction in the San Diego area during the Christmas season.
Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Drive-through holiday light displays
- Millions of colorful lights and themed scenes
- Family-friendly holiday experience
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Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Location: Escondido
Dates: November 28, 2025 - January 5, 2026
Cost: $$
San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents Wild Holidays featuring illuminated trails, interactive animal presentations, and holiday entertainment. This unique safari park experience combines wildlife with festive lights and seasonal celebrations.
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027
Phone: 760-747-8702
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Illuminated walking trails
- Interactive animal presentations
- Holiday entertainment at safari park
La Jolla Christmas Lights
Location: La Jolla
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
La Jolla neighborhoods and commercial areas feature elegant holiday light displays throughout December. This coastal San Diego community showcases upscale decorations along streets and businesses with ocean-view charm.
Address: La Jolla, CA 92037
Highlights:
- Coastal community light displays
- Upscale elegant decorations
- Ocean-view charm
Carlsbad Village Holiday Lights
Location: Carlsbad
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Carlsbad Village features charming holiday light displays along State Street and in residential neighborhoods. This North County coastal town combines beach atmosphere with festive decorations throughout December.
Address: State Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Highlights:
- State Street commercial displays
- Coastal town charm
- Beach atmosphere with holiday lights
Chula Vista Christmas Lights
Location: Chula Vista
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Cost: FREE
Chula Vista neighborhoods and downtown feature community holiday light displays throughout December. This South Bay San Diego city embraces holiday traditions with decorated homes and festive commercial areas.
Address: Chula Vista, CA 91910
Highlights:
- South Bay community displays
- Residential and commercial decorations
- Local holiday traditions
SeaWorld San Diego's Christmas Extravaganza
Location: San Diego
Dates: November 14, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Cost: $$
SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a festive winter wonderland with over one million low-energy Christmas lights from November 14 to January 4. The park features Santa's Village where you can meet Santa and his reindeer, a 320-foot SkyTower decorated with holiday lights, and a music-activated tunnel of lights. The event includes a cheerful parade with festive floats and holiday-themed animal shows.
Highlights:
- Over one million low-energy Christmas lights
- Santa's Village with Santa and his reindeer
- 320-foot SkyTower decorated with holiday lights and music-activated tunnel
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Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 5-23, 2025 (select dates)
Cost: $$
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park opens December 5 and runs select dates through December 23, from 4 to 10 p.m. The venue features magical Christmas light displays, nightly snowfall, a 40-foot Christmas tree, a grand carousel, photo opportunities with Santa and holiday characters (included in admission), a Christmas train for kids, and seasonal food and beverages. The park also offers the new Oz Light Show Spectacular, a 10-minute dynamic light show choreographed to an Oz-inspired soundtrack with snow flurries, running every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 p.m. and free to watch.
Address: 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Magical Christmas light displays with nightly snowfall
- 40-foot Christmas tree and grand carousel
- Oz Light Show Spectacular with dynamic light show
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Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in San Diego.