San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
When: December 10 and December 17, 2023, the procession will start at 5:30 p.m
Where: San Diego Bay, full map is here.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored holiday tradition brought to San Diego by the boating community. Continuing its long-standing San Diego tradition, the 53rd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights promises to dazzle and entertain bayfront crowds during 2 evenings on December 10 and December 17, 2023. Participants in this year’s highly anticipated holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme.
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
When: November 8 – December 31, 2023
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
Tickets: $26-$109 – can be found here.
PRO TIP: 10:30 a.m. Performances Are All-Ages. Children under the age of three will be admitted to 10:30 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages.
December Nights
When: Dec. 1 & 2, 2023
Where: Balboa Park
This free family-friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions, and of course, the amazing food. While entrance is free, make sure you’re prepared to buy food, drinks, and activities for your family! Parking can be a pain – prepare for it mentally!
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
When: December 3, 2023
Where: Wall Street (between Girard & the alley by the Athenaeum)
Join in the holiday fun with horses, floats and antique planes fly over earlier in the day, with the La Jolla San Diego parade starting at 1:30 pm in downtown La Jolla at Kline & Gerard. After the parade is a festival with crafts, games, fun and food, and Santa. The tree lighting begins around 4:30.
Encinitas Holiday Parade
When: December 2, 2023 at 5:30pm
Where: Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street.
Holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony in historic Encinitas. Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 pm in the Lumberyard shopping center courtyard on Coast Highway 101.
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
When: December 27th, 2023
Where: N. Harbor Drive
It’s America’s Largest Balloon Parade! The streets of downtown San Diego come alive with the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente! This exciting family event brings world-class marching bands, magnificent floats, entertaining drill teams, and a procession of enormous balloons. Street side viewing of the parade is free!
Poway’s Christmas in the Park
When: Dec 8 – Dec 9, 2023, Friday 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Old Poway Park
Old Poway Park for an old-fashioned holiday tradition that will take you back in time! Enjoy live music, visit with Santa, purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your Christmas shopping at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time ride around the park.
Lakehouse Hotel Winter Wonderland
When: Dec 1, 2023 to Dec 24, 2023
Where: Lakehouse Hotel
Tickets here.
The Lakeside Lawn is transformed into a Winter Wonderland brimming with twinkling lights, a holiday makers market, delightful treats and festive drinks for all! Kids of all ages will enjoy the Frozen Fun Zone with the return of the Lakehouse Express train, make your own smore’s station, pictures with Santa and more!
