San Diego County: Your Ultimate Guide to Holiday Events
As the holiday season draws near, San Diego County is set to dazzle with a rich tapestry of festive community events for all ages. From vibrant parades to enchanting winter festivals and heartwarming concerts, there’s an abundance of cheer awaiting locals this December.
Holiday Parade Spectacles Across the County
Get ready to line the streets and soak in the festive spirit as numerous communities host their annual holiday parades, often accompanied by tree lightings and other family-friendly activities. Here’s a quick overview of some major parades:
| Event | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coronado Holiday Parade | Dec 5, 6 PM | Orange Avenue | Local organizations, clubs, businesses with lights; tree lighting, singalongs. |
| Escondido Jaycees’ Christmas Parade | Dec 5, 7 PM | Juniper & Grand Avenue | 74th annual parade with “A Merry Citrus Christmas” theme. |
| Encinitas Holiday Parade | Dec 6, 5:30 PM | Coast Highway (D to J Streets) | “Peace by the Pacific” theme, floats, marching bands, Santa, tree lighting at 5 PM. |
| Fallbrook Christmas Parade | Dec 6, 5 PM | Main Street | “Candy Cane Lane” theme, Santa, lighted floats, music, classic cars. |
| Ocean Beach Holiday Parade | Dec 6, 5 PM | Newport Avenue | Hosted by Ocean Beach Community Foundation. |
| Vista Christmas Parade | Dec 6, 1 PM | Downtown Vista | 67th annual, “Rockin’ Around Vista – A Parade of Holiday Hits” theme. |
| La Jolla Christmas Parade & Festival | Dec 7, 1:30 PM | Kline St & Girard Ave | “There’s No Place Like Home (for the Holidays)” theme, Santa’s Workshop (11:30 AM-4 PM), Santa’s Village (1:30 PM-4:30 PM). |
| San Marcos Holiday Parade | Dec 7, 1 PM | Comet Drive (Palomar College) to Civic Center | 28th annual Kiwanis parade, “Light Up the Holidays” theme, bands, floats, Santa. |
Winter Festivals & Enchanting Experiences
Beyond parades, several communities are transforming into magical winter wonderlands:
- Del Mar: The Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip and North Pole by the Sea takes place Dec 7 (1-4 PM downtown), featuring Santa, carolers, live music, hot chocolate, and the annual tree lighting at L’Auberge Del Mar.
- El Cajon: Experience a free Winter Wonderland at Wells Park on Dec 6 (1-5 PM), with train rides, bounce house, movie, Santa photos, and crafts.
- Escondido: The California Center for the Arts hosts Winter Wonderland on Dec 6-7 (1-5 PM), offering visits with Santa, Victorian carolers, storybook characters, crafting, and a holiday market.
- Vista: Enjoy Jingle Terrace Nights (Dec 5-6, 13, 19-21, 5:30-8:30 PM) at Moonlight Amphitheatre, featuring light shows, live entertainment, Santa, crafts, and costumed characters. The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum also presents Holiday Lights on select evenings (Dec 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 5-9 PM) with twinkling lights, animals, hay rides, and Santa.
Holiday Concerts & Festive Performances
Immerse yourself in seasonal melodies with these local concerts:
- Cardiff: The Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony chorus present “Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony” on Dec 6 at 3 PM at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
- Carlsbad: The Carlsbad Newcomers Club hosts the Seaside Singers performing holiday songs at their community Coffee Meeting on Dec 3 at 10:15 AM at the Carlsbad Senior Center.
- Encinitas: Bethlehem Lutheran Church presents its “Stars and Angels” Christmas Concert on Dec 7 at 4 PM. The Friends of the Encinitas Library also offer a free concert with Jimmy and Enrique on Dec 7 (2-3 PM).
- Escondido: The Escondido Chorale Arts Foundation brings “The Spirit of the Holidays” concert to Grace Lutheran Church on Dec 7 at 3 PM, featuring music from Baroque to contemporary.
- Fallbrook: The Fallbrook Music Society presents “A Jingles and Jazz Christmas” on Dec 7 at 2 PM at Mission Theater.
- North County: The Music Men Chorus performs “We Need a Little Christmas” at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Carlsbad (Dec 7, 2 PM) and San Marcos Lutheran Church (Dec 14, 3 PM).
- Poway: The Poway Community Choir will perform a Christmas Concert on Dec 7 at 6 PM at Del Norte High School. Incarnation Lutheran Church hosts a free Youth Christmas Program, “The Incredible Angel,” on Dec 7 at 10 AM.
- Rancho Bernardo: Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church offers a free Christmas Concert on Dec 7 at 4 PM, featuring a new spin on traditional lessons and carols.
- Rancho Santa Fe: The Village Church presents Carols in the Village, a family-friendly singalong, on Dec 7 (2-5 PM) on the lawn of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
Community Markets, Craft Fairs & Special Events
Discover unique gifts, support local artisans, and engage in diverse community gatherings:
- Alpine: The Cars for a Cause car show and holiday fiesta benefits the Autism Society of San Diego on Dec 7 (10 AM-2 PM) at Liberty Charter High School.
- Cardiff: The Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library hold their holiday half-price book and media sale on Dec 6 (10 AM-3 PM).
- Chula Vista: Attend the free annual Christmas Posada and Latin Concert on Dec 6 (1-4 PM) at St. Mark’s Church.
- El Cajon: The San Diego Laurel and Hardy Club presents “End of Year Film Fun” on Dec 6 (4:30-8:30 PM) at First Lutheran Church.
- Escondido: Sikes Adobe hosts an Artisan Fair on Dec 7 (10 AM-4 PM) with handmade goods, original art, and holiday gifts.
- Oceanside: Honor service members at the Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony on Dec 7 at 9:30 AM at the Little Fishing Pier. The Friends of the Oceanside Public Library also hold a Holiday Craft & Book Sale on Dec 6 at 10 AM.
- Point Loma: All Souls Episcopal Church hosts its European-style Festive Christmas Marketplace on Dec 6 (10 AM-2 PM) with vendors, handcrafted items, and musical groups.
- Poway: The Rancho Bernardo Woman’s Club holds its luncheon with a holiday performance by the Rhapsody Singers on Dec 4 at noon at Maderas Golf Club.
- Rancho Bernardo: The Seven Oaks Community Center’s Annual Holiday Craft Fair is on Dec 6 (9 AM-3 PM), featuring over 70 local artists, fine art, jewelry, and baked goods.
- Rancho Santa Fe: The Village Church hosts its annual Breakfast in Bethlehem for families on Dec 6 at 9 AM.
- San Diego: Little Italy’s Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is from 4 to 8 PM on Dec 6. The Logan Heights CDC is collecting new, unwrapped toys for its Holiday Toy Drive through Dec 4, with distribution at the Light Up Logan Community Celebration on Dec 5 (2-8 PM). The Lowriders at University Square Car Show takes place Dec 7 (1-4 PM). The Arc of San Diego presents its Winter Wonderland Fashion Show & Luncheon on Dec 5 at 10 AM at the US Grant Hotel.
- Santee: Grab a free photo with Santa at Santee Trolley Square on Dec 3 (4:30-7:30 PM).
- San Ysidro: Support the Holiday Gift Drive for Nazareth Orphanage in Tecate, Mexico, by dropping off donations at McDonald’s, 707 W. San Ysidro Blvd, on Dec 1 (10 AM-7 PM).
- Vista: The Vista Garden Club will host a presentation on Native Plants on Dec 5 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego’s Holiday Events
- What are the main types of holiday events happening?
You’ll find a wide variety, including festive parades, “Winter Wonderland” themed festivals, holiday concerts, craft fairs, and unique community gatherings like car shows and toy drives. - When do most of these events take place?
The majority of the listed events are scheduled for the first week of December, particularly from December 3rd to December 7th, with some extending through mid-December. - Are there many free events?
Yes, many events, especially parades and winter festivals, offer free admission or activities. Look for details on specific events regarding costs for tickets or donations.
Embrace the spirit of the season by exploring the diverse array of community events across San Diego County. Make plans now to create cherished holiday memories with family and friends!
San Diego County Holiday Events Guide
