San Diego may never have a white Christmas, or even cold weather during the holidays, but the community still knows how to celebrate and get into the holiday spirit every year. The light displays are some of the best in the nation and multiple parades and free events give families a lot of opportunities to get together during the holidays. Local businesses compensate for not having any cold weather by creating outdoor ice skating rinks where people can have a unique experience of ice skating under the sun. Santa rides a surfboard here in San Diego, so grab your bathing suit and join in the Southern California spirit this holiday season. (Image Source)
- December Nights – The 33rd consecutive December Nights festival will take place December 3rd from 5-10pm and December 4th from noon-10pm. This is the largest community event of the holidays and it is both a ton of fun and free. The festival features cuisine from around the world, light displays, theatrical and musical performances, children’s rides, and free admission to museums from 5-9pm both nights. This is a great way to get in the spirit of the holiday season and enjoy some family time in your local community.
- La Jolla Christmas Parade – The 53rd annual La Jolla Christmas Parade will continue the holiday tradition on December 5th starting at 2pm. Kids will have a chance to say hello to Santa Claus, watch beautifully decorated floats pass by during the parade, and watch the Christmas tree lighting. The live music and delicious food will be sure to spread the holiday cheer during one of San Diego’s finest annual parades.
- Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade – Another great event for the whole family is the 3rd annual Holiday Pet Parade in the famous Gaslamp Quarter. Dress up your pets and enter them into the competition or just visit downtown to see the cute animals in their finest holiday outfits. The festivities and competition start at 3pm on Sunday December 12th. Visit their website for an official pet entry form.
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – The best thing about having great weather during the holidays means that we can head outdoors to enjoy spectacular Christmas light shows. The 39th annual Parade of Lights hosts the best light display in San Diego and is completely free. The family can take a blanket down to the Embarcadero and enjoy the show on Sunday December 12th or Sunday December 19th.
- Holiday of Lights Drive Through – The largest animated drive-through light show on the west coast is at the famous Del Mar Racetrack and is bigger than ever this year. The event will have over 400 elaborate light displays set up for you to drive through in the warmth of your own car. The show runs from November 25 – January 2, 2011 and keeps the holiday spirit alive on the beautiful San Diego coast.
- Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays – The annual tradition of decorating your home with lights has turned into somewhat of a competition in certain San Diego neighborhoods. Entire neighborhoods join in the fun and deck out their homes with extravagant holiday light displays. Although their electricity bills are skyrocketing, the popular neighborhoods are a great way for a San Diego family to walk through their community and enjoy the magnificent light decorations. Here is a list of several neighborhoods that “light up” every year: http://sandiego.about.com/od/thingstodo/a/holiday_lights.htm
- Outdoor Ice Skating – San Diego may not have the best winter weather, but we still know how to celebrate the season. The city has four temporary ice skating rinks that are set up outdoors during the holidays so families can enjoy a little winter while soaking up California sunshine at the same time. There are at least four annual outdoor ice skating rinks that usually open around Thanksgiving and run through Christmas.
- Big Bay Balloon Parade – Don’t miss your chance to witness America’s largest balloon parade; right here in San Diego. You may not be attending the popular Holiday Bowl football game at Qualcomm Stadium, but the entire family can still enjoy the free ($15 for grandstand tickets) parade featuring marching bands, drill teams, holiday floats, and the world’s best balloons. The event is December 30, 2010 and kicks off with the annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals and a 5K run.
- Holiday Charity Run – The holiday season is a great time of year to give back to your community and work off some of those extra calories by signing up for a charity run. There are multiple events during late November through December that will get you out and about with the entire family. Here are four popular annual events you can try:
- 11/25: Father Joe’s Thanksgiving Day 5K
- 12/11: 18th Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk
- 12/17: Red Nose Run 2010
- 12/30: Bumble Bee Foods 5K Run
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas!– The Old Globe Theater brings to life one of the most popular holiday fables ever told. The annual musical production attracts both kids and adults alike and brings out the holiday cheer in everyone. Dr. Seuss would have loved to see his story come to life in his hometown of San Diego. Don’t miss the most popular annual production at the Old Globe Theater.



1. Mission Beach: One of San Diego’s top beaches, loaded with everything from a roller coaster to popular night clubs. Mission Beach is home to
3. Oceanside: North San Diego is often ignored by tourists visiting downtown, but it is home to some of California’s best beaches.
4. San Clemente: One of the most popular beach towns in California owes its fame to the beautiful beaches. You can camp, stay in one of the many cute southern California vacation rentals, or simply make it a day visit. Learn to
6. Coronado Beach: If you plan on visiting downtown San Diego, do not pass up the opportunity to cross the bridge over to
9. Santa Monica: Over 300 days of sunshine gives visitors the perfect excuse to head down to the 3.5 miles of sandy beaches in 








The New Year is under way, and even though we’re still fresh off the holiday season, it’s never too early to start planning your spring and summer vacations. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “There’s no way I can afford to go on a big, expensive vacation this year.”













