As the holiday season unfolds, San Diego offers a plethora of exciting and festive activities to enjoy this weekend. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Holiday Events and Festivals
December Nights at Balboa Park
Location: Balboa Park
Date: Typically the first weekend of December, but for 2024, it is scheduled for December 6-7[1][4].
Description: This iconic event transforms Balboa Park into a holiday wonderland with festive lights, live entertainment, food vendors, and unique crafts. Many of the museums offer free admission during December Nights.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Location: San Diego Zoo
Date: December 12, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Description: The zoo will be aglow with holiday cheer and decorations, featuring music, joyful roaming entertainers, and special food items and sweets[1][4].
Holidays at the Del at Hotel del Coronado
Location: Hotel del Coronado
Date: Throughout December
Description: Enjoy elaborate decorations, a stunning beachfront ice skating rink, festive events, and special dining experiences. You can also level up your ice skating experience in the Frostbite Lounge with fire pits and holiday cocktails[1][2].
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Location: San Diego Bay
Date: December 8 & 15, 2024
Description: This time-honored holiday tradition features more than 80 boats lavishly decorated sailing by the shores for all to see[1][4].
Seasonal Activities
Ice Skating
Location: Various venues including Hotel del Coronado and Liberty Station
Description: Enjoy ice skating at Hotel del Coronado’s beachfront rink or at the Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station. Both offer a festive atmosphere and additional amenities like holiday cocktails and hot chocolate[1][2][5].
Holiday Markets and Light Displays
Location: Multiple venues such as Petco Park, Belmont Park, and Liberty Station
Description: Experience festive markets and dazzling light displays. For example, Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder features a million twinkling lights, holiday-themed escapes, and charitable cocktails. Liberty Station hosts a festive celebration with an 88-foot Norfolk pine, outdoor movie nights, and holiday performances[2][4].
Unique Experiences
Art After Dark at Quartyard
Location: Quartyard, East Village
Description: This interactive light festival features six mind-bending zones where technology meets art. Enjoy responsive LED sculptures, dancing lasers, and captivating projections while sipping craft cocktails[2].
Boarded A New Pirate Adventure
Location: Maritime Museum of San Diego
Description: Embark on an interactive, family-friendly pirate adventure filled with thrilling pirate antics and maritime merriment[2].
Season’s Celebrations at Pendry San Diego
Location: Pendry Hotel, Downtown San Diego
Description: Enjoy whimsical winter experiences including pajama brunches with Santa, festive cocktails, complimentary hot chocolate, and lavish Christmas Day feasts[2].
Special Events This Weekend
The Jingle Bar
Location: Bang on 5th, Gaslamp Quarter
Description: Experience the most talked-about Christmas pop-up bar in the country, transforming the downtown spot into a winter wonderland[2].
Downtown Skate at Marriott Marquis Marina
Location: Marriott Marquis Marina
Description: Enjoy 6,000 square feet of roller rink magic, glide under palm trees, and indulge in exclusive treats while supporting Heal the Bay’s mission[2].
Fireside Films at Rooftop Cinema Club
Location: Rooftop Cinema Club
Description: Get cozy with fireside films, a perfect way to spend a chilly winter evening under the stars[2].
Important Facts
December Nights at Balboa Park: December 6-7, 2024, featuring festive lights, live entertainment, and free museum admission[1][4].
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo: December 12, 2024 – January 5, 2025, with holiday decorations and special events[1][4].
Holidays at the Del at Hotel del Coronado: Throughout December, including a beachfront ice skating rink and festive dining experiences[1][2].
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: December 8 & 15, 2024, with over 80 decorated boats[1][4].
Ice Skating: Available at Hotel del Coronado and Liberty Station throughout December[1][2][5].
Holiday Markets and Light Displays: Various locations including Petco Park, Belmont Park, and Liberty Station[2][4].
Unique Experiences: Art After Dark at Quartyard, Boarded A New Pirate Adventure at the Maritime Museum, and Season’s Celebrations at Pendry San Diego[2].
These events and activities ensure that your weekend in San Diego is filled with holiday cheer, unique experiences, and memorable moments.
