While San Diego doesn’t typically offer much for snow – we sure know how to light up a town! From neighborhoods that go all out, to theme parks transformed into holiday spectaculars – you can’t look far without finding holiday lights around San Diego! Here are some of our favorites, and why.
Unreal experience at the Botanic Garden Lightscape. This is our absolute favorite; it really can’t be beat! The one-mile loop created around the garden turns areas into beautiful lit up landscapes of art. Grab a drink to begin your walk and a treat along the way!
Happening: November 17 – January 1
Tickets: $18/kids, $29/adults. Buy tickets here.
Rustic causal evening at The Camp Store Carlsbad.
Happening: November 19 – January 2
Tickets: None needed, this is a free show! Just make sure you get to the Camp Store before sunset so grab some food and a table! The menu is pizza, but they have a wide variety – or if you’re just stopping in for a snack, they have plenty of yummy bites available.
Pro-Tip: Parking here is a b*tch. Prepare to walk a few blocks to a close shopping center, and bring a wagon or stroller to keep the kids safe across the bridge!
Can’t beat the Hotel Del. “All That Jazz” is all new this year, with a fun new soundtrack! This year’s show also has more lights, more snow, and a brand-new bar and lounge for taking in the dazzling experience. A 12-foot-tall replica of the hotel’s signature red turret complete with holiday lights serves as the focal point of the new bar, which will be surrounded by Victorian-inspired lounge seating for the perfect spot to watch the show. This new bar will serve festive cocktails and cocoa.
Happening: Nov 17-Jan 7, nightly every 30 minutes between 5–9 pm.
Tickets: None needed, this is a free show! It can get crowded on weekend evenings, so go during the week if you can.
Pro Tip: Head over early and grab pizza from the shops to snack on while you picnic under the lights!
Over the top fun at the Coastal Christmas Holiday Lights Spectacular. Not only will you find a spectacular light show, you can also Ice Skate here! Plus, Santa will be making his rounds (for free!), the kids can play in Frosty’s Fun Zone, and you can even get some holiday shopping done at their Holiday Market.
Happening: Dec 14 – Dec 31
Tickets: $15/kids, $20/adults. Buy tickets here.
Only in San Diego, Jingle Jets at the USS Midway! The USS Midway Museum will deck out the carrier from bow to stern with hundreds of thousands of twinkling and shimmering lights to celebrate this year’s holidays with “Jingle Jets,” its inaugural festive lighting experience. At more than 40,000 tons, the Midway will be transformed from a mighty warship into a winter wonderland with an aviation twist to bring an extraordinary holiday spirit to the San Diego Bayfront.
Happening: Nov. 24 – Dec. 23, 5:30–9:30 pm
Tickets: $18/kids, $25/adults. Buy tickets here.
Pro Tip: Santa can be found here! Once you book your tickets, you can add on a photo with Santa for $37+
