Family Christmas Activities in San Diego
Make memories with your family & friends this Christmas!
Events
Christmas Eve at Canyon Ridge
Join us for a candlelit service celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. December 24th at 5:00 PM at 6866 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111. www.canyonridgebaptist.com
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
At the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego Balboa Park. Christmas activities wouldn't be the same without the Grinch. Shows at various times, and some shows may be adults only. Get your San Diego Grinch Tickets at www.theoldglobe.org. Dates: Nov. 5 to Dec. 31
Holidays At Hotel Del Coronado
Happenings include a merry mix of activties such as Skating by the Sea, photos with Santa, and more. Also, not-to-be-missed is the hotel’s upside-down Christmas tree in the lobby. Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026. https://hoteldel.com/experience/holidays/
Old Town Holiday in the Park & A Christmas Carol
See Old Town State Park decked out for the season during Old Town Holiday in the Park. And check out their staging of A Christmas Carol! Date: Ongoing https://www.oldtownsandiego.org/
www,cygnettheatre.org
Rady Children’s Ice Rink
The Rady Children’s Ice Rink is located at Liberty Station. All proceeds from this event benefit the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s. Dates: November 20 – January 4 Cost: $25 https://rchicerink.org
Christmas in the Park - Poway
Stop by Old Poway Park and go back in time with caroling, live music, a visit with Santa, children’s crafts, model train displays, and more. Dates: Friday & Saturday December 12 - 13 Cost: Free https://poway.org/
Where to See Christmas Lights
Clairemont Christmas Park (Clairemont)
Dates: December 1 – December 25, 2025 Location: Lana Dr. & Jamar Dr. (off Mt. Abernathy Ave.)
A local favorite for over 40 years. 40+ homes on this circular street decorate with a cooperative theme. It’s a great drive-through or walking experience.
Belardo Lights (Tierrasanta)
Dates: November 29 – December 27, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM Location: 5306 Belardo Dr. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025!
Merry-tage Court (Scripps Ranch)
Dates: December 1 – December 31, 2025 Location: Stonebridge Pkwy & Merritage Ct. The entire cul-de-sac participates with a variety of themes. A fun, community-driven display.
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular (Del Mar)
(Formerly Snow N Glow) Dates: Select dates December 12 – December 26, 2025 Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds transforms into a winter wonderland featuring a holiday light trail, “Glice" skating, and photos with Santa. Note: This is a paid experience. https://www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com/
The Forward House (Bankers Hill)
Dates: November 28 – December 31, 2025 Location: 108 Ivy St. (1st & Ivy) Built for Mayor John Forward Sr. in 1905, this historic mansion is decked out in lights every season. Santa typically makes an appearance on the roof in his sleigh.
Starlight Circle (Santee)
Dates: December 1 – December 25, 2025 Time: Dusk – 10:00 PM Location: N. Magnolia Ave. & Tomel Ct. One of the largest neighborhood displays in the county. Over 75 homes participate with elaborate themes. Residents often sell hot cocoa and snacks in their driveways.
Candy Cane Lane (Poway)
Dates: December 7 – December 25, 2025 Location: Hickory Court, Hickory Street (off Twin Peaks Rd & Silverset St). A massive neighborhood display where houses are estimated to have over 50,000 lights each. It includes neighboring cul-de-sacs like Butterwood Ct. and Rockrose Ct.
Jingle Bell Hill (El Cajon)
Dates: December 7 – December 25, 2025 Location: Solomon Ave. / Pegeen Pl. (off 67 & Bradley) Also known as "Pepper Drive Lights," this area features dozens of homes with intricate light displays.