Discover San Diego's festive holiday markets and Christmas shopping events throughout the county. From Seaport Village waterfront markets to Little Italy's seasonal celebrations and local artisan fairs, San Diego offers unique coastal holiday shopping. Many markets feature California crafts, beachside locations, and outdoor festivities perfect for Southern California's mild December weather.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
San Diego Made 2025 Holiday Market
Location: San Diego
Dates: More info coming soon
San Diego Made Market features a curated selection of locally handmade goods, showcasing a vibrant array of products made by local artisans. Visitors can explore racks of unique apparel, accessories, and a diverse collection of handmade ceramics and home goods, supporting the San Diego economy while finding unique holiday gifts. This market is a hub for community engagement and the perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind items from local makers.
Address: Made Factory, San Diego, CA 92113
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- San Diego's premier curated market for locally-made goods.
- A vibrant community hub for artisans and shoppers.
- Opportunity to find unique holiday gifts and treats.
Holiday in the Village
Location: La Mesa
Dates: Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 12 - 9 pm
Holiday in the Village transforms La Mesa Blvd. into a festive street fair, featuring enhanced holiday traditions and favorite activities such as meeting Santa Claus and listening to Mrs. Claus read stories. Visitors can enjoy a synthetic ice skating rink, mini-golf games, and the whimsical 'Elf Yourself' activity, along with beautifully decorated storefronts participating in an annual decorating contest and a life-sized gingerbread house display.
Highlights:
- Experience a vibrant street fair with enhanced holiday traditions and annual favorites.
- Meet Santa Claus for memorable photos in a dedicated 'Selfies with Santa' area.
- Listen to Mrs. Claus read holiday stories in a cozy reading nook.
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Location: San Diego
Dates: Saturday, December 6, 2025
The Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village features an annual Italian tree lighting ceremony accompanied by Santa's arrival and a vibrant Christmas Village filled with local artisan vendors. Attendees can browse for unique stocking stuffers and artisan gifts, enjoy live music, and take photos with Santa while marveling at the festive lights and decorations, including a 25-foot tree at Piazza della Famiglia.
Highlights:
- Experience the traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony.
- Browse a vibrant Christmas Village with local artisan vendors.
- Enjoy festive food and warm beverages from various vendors.
Spirit of Christmas
Location: Lakeside
Dates: Saturday, December 6th, 2025
The Spirit of Christmas event on Maine Avenue presents a nostalgic celebration filled with tree lighting ceremonies, artisanal goods, and festive foods. Attendees can engage in children's activities, enjoy live performances from local youth groups, and capture holiday memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event also features a classic car show and unique holiday treasures from local vendors.
Highlights:
- Experience an old-fashioned, hometown celebration with all the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas.
- Shop for holiday gifts and artisanal goods from local vendors.
- Enjoy a variety of delectable foods and festive treats.
Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park
Location: San Diego
Dates: Select Dates Dec. 5-27
The Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park features over 100 artisan vendors in a festive market atmosphere, complete with magical Christmas lighting displays and nightly snowfalls. Visitors can shop for unique handcrafted gifts, ride the Christmas Train, and enjoy seasonal treats such as cider and hot chocolate while exploring the enchanting holiday displays throughout the venue.
Address: San Diego, CA
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Immerse yourself in a festive holiday atmosphere with magical Christmas lighting displays and nightly snowfalls.
- Shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and stocking stuffers from over 100 artisan vendors.
- Enjoy seasonal treats like cider and hot chocolate, alongside delicious shortbread and other festive foods.
Gaslamp Holiday Market
Location: Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
Dates: December 7, 14, and 21, 2025
The Gaslamp Holiday Market is a free festive event held on the first three Thursdays in December, featuring over 40 holiday vendors, handcrafted gifts, live music, Santa, and holiday treats. It transforms the Gaslamp Quarter into a cheerful holiday wonderland with activities like Christmas tree lighting and festive photo opportunities.
Address: 5th Avenue & Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 40+ holiday vendors
- Free photos with Santa
- Live music including Jazz, Mariachi, and Yacht Rock bands
Seaport Village Holiday Market
Location: Downtown San Diego
Dates: November 28 - December 31, 2025
Seaport Village hosts a Holiday Market featuring beautiful light displays, elves on stilts, Christmas shopping, and festive entertainment. The market offers a charming seaside holiday atmosphere with twinkling lights and holiday-themed activities.
Address: 849 West Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Beautiful light displays
- Elves on stilts
- Holiday shopping and entertainment
Balboa Park Holiday Market and Light Displays
Location: Balboa Park
Dates: December 5 - December 24, 2025
Balboa Park hosts a Holiday Market with artisan vendors offering unique gifts, alongside beautiful holiday light displays throughout the park. Visitors can enjoy festive decorations, seasonal entertainment, and a vibrant holiday atmosphere in one of San Diego's most iconic locations.
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Artisan holiday market
- Festive light displays throughout Balboa Park
- Seasonal entertainment
Holiday Market at Liberty Station
Location: Liberty Station
Dates: November 15-16, 2025
The Holiday Market at Liberty Station in San Diego is a festive shopping event featuring over 125 curated local makers showcasing handmade goods and creative community talents. Visitors can enjoy live music, food trucks, craft cocktails, photo ops, and holiday activities in a vibrant outdoor marketplace.
Address: 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over 125 local makers showcasing unique handmade products
- Live music, gourmet food trucks, craft cocktails and mocktails
- Interactive art installations, kids activities, and seasonal workshops
Coronado Holiday Market
Location: Coronado Village
Dates: December 5, 2025
The Coronado Holiday Market is part of the festive holiday events in Coronado, held near or at the Hotel del Coronado, featuring unique artisan goods, holiday décor, and a festive atmosphere inspired by the Wizard of Oz theme for 2025. Visitors can enjoy shopping for one-of-a-kind ornaments, toys, resort wear, and local artisan products while experiencing a seaside winter wonderland.
Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A Holiday in Oz themed décor and light shows at Hotel del Coronado
- Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting at Rotary Plaza
- Holiday Market with unique artisan goods and festive shopping
Carlsbad Village Holiday Market
Location: Carlsbad Village
Dates: November 15, 2025
The Carlsbad Village Holiday Market is an annual event held at the Woman's Club of Carlsbad featuring local craft makers and vendors selling handmade gifts, food, accessories, and home decor. It offers a festive street fair atmosphere supporting small local businesses and community philanthropy.
Address: 3320 Monroe Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Local handmade gifts and crafts
- Support for community philanthropies
- Festive street fair atmosphere
Encinitas Holiday Market
Location: Encinitas
Dates: November 23, 2025
The Encinitas Holiday Street Fair is a lively annual event featuring over 450 vendors with arts, crafts, food, and live entertainment along the scenic Coast Highway 101. It offers a fun community celebration with children’s rides, multiple entertainment stages, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities.
Address: 101 North Coast Highway, Encinitas, CA 92024
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Over 450 unique food, arts, and crafts vendors
- Four entertainment stages with live music performances
- Children’s rides and a kid/dog-friendly beer garden
Vista Holiday Market
Location: Vista
Dates: December 13, 2025
The Dark X-mas Market of Vista is a European-inspired Christmas market offering a unique holiday experience in North County San Diego. It features local vendors, festive activities, and a special procession.
Address: 110 South Citrus Avenue, Vista, CA 92084
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- European-inspired Christmas market
- Local vendors and artisans
- The Wild Hunt of Vista Procession
North Park Holiday Market (SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off)
Location: North Park, San Diego
Dates: December 7, 2025
Neighborhood holiday market featuring a chili cook-off between local restaurants, hand-spun ceramic bowls, holiday gifts from local artisans, live music, kids' games, gourmet food trucks, and a beer garden.
Address: North Park, San Diego, CA 92104
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Chili cook-off with local restaurants
- Hand-spun ceramic bowls
- Holiday gifts from local artisans
- Live music and kids' activities
Fashion Valley Mall Holiday Shopping
Location: San Diego
Dates: Throughout November-December 2025
Fashion Valley offers upscale holiday shopping with over 200 stores, Santa photos, and elegant festive decorations. This premier San Diego shopping destination provides luxury brands and holiday atmosphere in Mission Valley.
Highlights:
- 200+ stores with luxury brands
- Santa photos and elegant décor
- Premier Mission Valley shopping
UTC Mall Holiday Shopping
Location: San Diego
Dates: Throughout November-December 2025
Westfield UTC offers extensive holiday shopping with Santa visits, festive events, and diverse retailers. This La Jolla area mall provides convenient shopping with holiday atmosphere and family-friendly activities.
Address: 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
Phone: 858-546-8858
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Diverse retailers and dining
- Santa visits and festive events
- La Jolla area convenience
Horton Plaza Area Holiday Shopping
Location: San Diego
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Downtown San Diego's Horton Plaza area offers urban holiday shopping with boutiques, restaurants, and festive decorations. This downtown district combines shopping convenience with city center holiday atmosphere.
Address: Downtown San Diego, CA 92101
Highlights:
- Downtown shopping district
- Boutiques and restaurants
- City center holiday atmosphere
Liberty Station Holiday Shopping
Location: San Diego
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Liberty Station offers unique holiday shopping in historic Naval Training Center buildings featuring local boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores. This Point Loma destination provides creative shopping with historic charm.
Address: 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Historic Naval buildings repurposed
- Local boutiques and art galleries
- Point Loma creative shopping
Seaport Village Holiday Shopping
Location: San Diego
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Seaport Village offers waterfront holiday shopping with boutique stores, restaurants, and bay views. This downtown San Diego destination combines shopping with scenic waterfront atmosphere and festive decorations.
Highlights:
- Waterfront shopping with bay views
- Boutique stores and restaurants
- Scenic downtown location
Old Town San Diego Holiday Shopping
Location: San Diego
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park features Mexican and Western-themed holiday shopping with historic shops, restaurants, and cultural celebrations. This historic district offers unique gifts with California heritage charm.
Address: 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Historic California shopping district
- Mexican and Western-themed items
- Cultural heritage charm
North County Coastal Holiday Markets
Location: Encinitas/Solana Beach
Dates: Various dates throughout December 2025
North County coastal communities host small holiday markets and craft fairs featuring local artisans and beachside shopping. These coastal markets offer unique gifts with laid-back California beach atmosphere.
Address: Encinitas/Solana Beach, CA
Highlights:
- Coastal community markets
- Local artisans and crafters
- Beach atmosphere shopping
Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Shopping
Location: San Diego
Dates: Throughout December 2025
Gaslamp Quarter downtown offers urban holiday shopping along Fifth Avenue with boutiques, galleries, and Victorian-era architecture. This historic district combines shopping with nightlife and festive decorations.
Address: Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Victorian architecture with holiday lights
- Fifth Avenue boutiques and galleries
- Urban shopping and nightlife
Westfield Plaza Bonita Holiday Shopping
Location: National City
Dates: Throughout November-December 2025
Westfield Plaza Bonita offers South Bay holiday shopping with Santa photos, festive events, and diverse retailers. This convenient mall provides family-friendly shopping atmosphere in National City.
Highlights:
- South Bay shopping convenience
- Santa photos and festive events
- Family-friendly mall atmosphere
San Diego Made Holiday Market in Liberty Station
Location: San Diego
This holiday market features local artisans and makers showcasing unique handmade goods. The market offers a curated selection of holiday gifts, crafts, and artisanal products from San Diego's creative community.
Address: 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Local artisans and makers
- Curated selection of holiday gifts and crafts
- San Diego's creative community
Holiday Wonderland Market at Petco Park
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 5-23, 2025 (select dates)
This holiday market is part of Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park, featuring seasonal shops with holiday gifts, festive food, and beverages. The market offers a festive shopping experience alongside the magical Christmas light displays and attractions.
Address: 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Seasonal shops with holiday gifts
- Festive food and beverages
- Part of Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in San Diego.