Your Essential Guide to La Jolla’s Holiday Season 2025
As the festive season approaches, La Jolla transforms into a hub of joyous celebrations and cultural experiences. From dazzling holiday lightings to captivating art exhibits and musical performances, our picturesque coastal community offers a rich tapestry of events for everyone. Get ready to explore the best of La Jolla this November and December.
Embrace the Holiday Spirit: Festive Events
The heart of La Jolla truly glows during the holidays with a variety of themed events. Join the community for a La Jolla Village Sing-A-Long and cookie decorating on Sunday, Nov. 30, at the La Jolla Recreation Center, a perfect free family activity. The elegant La Valencia Hotel will host its annual holiday tree lighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, offering live music, carolers, and a chance to send letters to Santa.
For unique experiences, consider Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater on Dec. 5-6, or immerse yourself in Mexican traditions with “Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico” on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the same venue. Families won’t want to miss Santa’s Suite at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa (select Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 5-20) or the free Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center’s Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 11, featuring a musical instrument “petting zoo” and pet adoptions.
The iconic La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival returns on Sunday, Dec. 7, themed “There’s No Place Like Home (for the Holidays),” promising a vibrant procession starting at Kline Street and Girard Avenue. Chabad of La Jolla also hosts its annual free Hanukkah celebration and menorah lighting ceremony at the La Valencia Hotel on Sunday, Dec. 14, complete with live music, latkes, and dreidels.
Holiday Event Highlights
| Event Name | Date(s) | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Jolla Village Sing-A-Long | Sun, Nov 30 | Free | Community carols & cookie decorating, family-friendly. |
| La Valencia Hotel Tree Lighting | Thu, Dec 4 | Free | Live music, carolers, letters to Santa, elegant atmosphere. |
| Ginger Minj’s Holiday Spectacular | Fri-Sat, Dec 5-6 | $30-$80 | High-energy drag show at UCSD Epstein Amphitheater. |
| Chabad of La Jolla Hanukkah Celebration | Sun, Dec 14 | Free | Menorah lighting, latkes, doughnuts, cultural event. |
Art, Culture, and Performance
La Jolla’s vibrant arts scene shines brightly this season. The San Diego Pottery Tour on Dec. 6-7 includes local studios like Lisa Maher Ceramics. Dive into thought-provoking exhibits such as “Omni Intelligent” at UC San Diego’s Mandeville Art Gallery (through Dec. 6), exploring AI and the intersection of humans and machines. The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) also features “Land and Sea: Selections from the Collection” (through Dec. 31) and the significant “A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962 to 1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection” (through March 15, 2026), marking its public debut.
Music lovers can enjoy the Jewish Community Symphony on Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, or experience Handel’s “Messiah” presented by Bach Collegium San Diego at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6. For a festive jazz twist, don’t miss Camarada presents “Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz” on Dec. 19-20. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library concludes its Jazz Fall Series with Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O on Dec. 5.
Theater enthusiasts have compelling options with the La Jolla Playhouse DNA New Work Series (Dec. 4-14, free readings, reservations required for developing new projects) and the world-premiere musical “Working Girl” (through Dec. 14) at the Mandell Weiss Theatre, based on the classic 1988 movie with music by Cyndi Lauper.
Literary & Community Engagements
Warwick’s bookstore continues its popular author series with journalist Sam Quinones discussing “The Perfect Tuba” on Monday, Dec. 1, and author Janet Kintner presenting “A Judge’s Tale” on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Both events offer free admission with an option for reserved seating and a book copy.
The La Jolla/Riford Library hosts a practical and fun Community Swap for Families on Saturday, Nov. 29, where you can exchange books, kids’ clothing, and toys, alongside craft activities and story time. Additionally, the library houses the moving exhibit “Remember Us the Holocaust,” running through June 28, offering powerful stories and artifacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there free events available?
Yes! Many events, particularly holiday sing-alongs, tree lightings, Hanukkah celebrations, and library programs, offer free admission. - What kind of events are suitable for families and children?
Look for the La Jolla Village Sing-A-Long, La Valencia Tree Lighting, Santa’s Suite at Estancia, Warwick’s Holiday Dog Party, the La Jolla Christmas Parade, and the Conrad Prebys Holiday Open House. The La Jolla/Riford Library also has family-focused swap events and story times. - How can I get more details or specific ticket information for events?
While specific links are not provided in this summary, most event names are hyperlinked in the original source, or can be found by searching the venue’s official website. Reservations are often required even for free events. - What’s the best way to stay updated on La Jolla events?
Regularly check local publications like the La Jolla Light and the San Diego Union-Tribune. Many venues also have their own newsletters and event calendars.
From cherished holiday traditions to cutting-edge art, La Jolla offers an unparalleled array of experiences this season. Dive into the local culture, create new memories, and discover why La Jolla is truly a special place to celebrate.
La Jolla Holiday Events Guide
