Things To Do in December 2023 Around San Diego

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“December is a month of enormous potential. It’s a time when we can all give and receive, a time when the spirit of humanity shines brightest.”
— Michael Josephson

December Nights
Forever Balboa Park
Dec 1 – Dec 2, 2023, Friday – 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m

Join us on Dec. 1 and 2 for the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family-friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds,… Learn more

OB Holiday Parade
Newport Avenue
December 2, SUNSET

For more 40 years, our quaint little surfing village of Ocean Beach has hosted one of the best Holiday Parades in SoCal. On Saturday, December 2nd, Newport Avenue is lined with colorful OBceans and visitors all eagerly awaiting the.. Learn more

Holiday in the Village
La Mesa Village
Dec 2, 2023, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The La Mesa Holiday in the Village is a FREE event featuring live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities including selfies with Santa, and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop! Learn more

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair
Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier
Dec 2 – Dec 3, 2023, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

This two-day holiday shopping event will feature more than 100 small-batch makers, craft cocktails, beer, gourmet food trucks, live music, photo trailers, styled lounges, door favors, and more! Learn more

Winter Wonderland Festival
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Dec 2 – Dec 3, 2023, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join us for a weekend of winter magic at the Annual Winter Wonderland! We’re thrilled to bring the North Pole to the heart of Escondido for this special holiday event. This year,… Learn more

Chula Vista Starlight Parade & Festival
Downtown Chula Vista
Dec 3, 2023

Join us to celebrate the holidays in Chula Vista at the Starlight Parade and Festival, a long-standing tradition in the South Bay community. Mark your calendars, and don’t miss the… Learn more

SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
Thorn & 32nd Streets in North Park
Dec 3, 2023, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The festive and fiery SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off promises everything a person could want in a fun day including craft beer, wine, shopping music and chili! Learn more

Polar Express Family Day
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Dec 9, 2023, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Film showing times: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM A special appearance from Santa from 12:15-1:30 PM

Watch the Classic Film and Visit with Santa
Don your pajamas for our Polar Express Family Day at the San Diego Model Railroad… Learn more

Parade of Lights Holiday Dinner
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Dec 10, 2023, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Dinner served 5:00-8:00 p.m. (General admission hours 10:00 am – 4pm), Recurs every Sunday

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. Continuing its… Learn more

Santa Paws at Paradise Point
Paradise Point
Dec 10, 2023, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Join us on the bay with your furry friend to celebrate the season. Our bayfront setting decorated for the holidays is the perfect backdrop for your next Christmas card. Get your pet’s… Learn more

The Nutcracker
The Magnolia
Dec 16, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
There is a 1pm and 5pm show

San Diego Ballet brings America’s favorite holiday event to dazzling life. The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and an international cast of more than 100 beautifully… Learn more

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
The Old Globe
Nov 17 – Dec 24, 2023.

It’s back! San Diego has another show in its Christmas stocking with this fast, funny, and highly theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. All the traditional… Learn more

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
Downtown San Diego
Dec 27, 2023, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

America’s Largest Balloon Parade! Marching bands, floats, drill teams and giant balloons parade down San Diego’s beautiful waterfront in celebration of the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl. Learn more

Kids’ New Years Eve at LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND California
Dec 31, 2023

“Midnight” comes early for families at LEGOLAND California Resort, celebrating the New Year together without missing their bedtimes. Learn more