Seasonal & Holidays

Holiday Events San Diego Co. 2022: Christmas Parades; Tree Lightings

Your guide to Santa visits, Hanukkah menorah fests, Nutcrackers, concerts, ice rinks, craft boutiques & more throughout San Diego County.

Christmas, Chanukah and holiday festivities are in full swing throughout the San Diego region.
Christmas, Chanukah and holiday festivities are in full swing throughout the San Diego region. (Shutterstock)

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — 'Tis the season!

It's time to start filling your 2022 calendars with such holiday events as Christmas parades, tree and menorah lightings, breakfasts with Santa, Nutcracker ballets, concerts and other community extravaganzas throughout San Diego County.

Peruse Patch's annual guide to find festivities going on near you.

Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Christmas this year falls on Sunday, Dec. 25, while Hanukkah runs Dec. 18 through Dec. 26.

Always confirm with organizers that events are proceeding as planned when posted.

Find out what's happening in San Diegowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

And to all our readers, Happy Holidays, from Patch!

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ALPINE:

THROUGH JAN. 8: Outdoor, Holiday Ice Skating At Viejas Outlets: Viejas Casino & Resort. Rental skates included in ticket price.

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CARLSBAD:

DEC. 2: Tree-Lighting Holiday Celebration & Santa. The Forum hosts Crown City Bombers, entertainers, Santa’s arrival & more.

DEC. 2-3, 9-10 & 16-17 : 'Winter Wonderlights' Holiday Light Show & Snowfall. Festive fun at The Forum.

DEC. 3-4, 10-11 & 17-18: Visits With Santa: The Forum. Free, but don't forget your camera!

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

DEC. 6: Carlsbad Republican Women Christmas Party. Advance tickets required.

DEC. 7: Holiday Dinner Series with Santa. At Bob's Steak & Chop House/Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

DEC. 10: Holiday Artisan Market. At Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

DEC. 11: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa’s Gingerbread Academy. Gather the gang to build festive gingerbread houses.

DEC. 17: Poinsettias, Pajamas & Pancakes Brunch. "A memorable brunch starring jolly Old Saint Nick, his friends from the North Pole & Poinsettia Princess."

DEC. 21: Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting: The Forum. With games for children & refreshments.

THROUGH JAN. 8: Holidays At LEGOLAND. "So much to see and do."

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CARMEL MOUNTAIN:

DEC. 4: Second Chance Beer Company Pawliday Market. Free & dog-friendly!

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CHULA VISTA:

DEC. 4: Starlight Nights. With market, music & rides on Santa’s Holiday Train.

DEC. 11: Friendship Pop Up Market - OMG Santa Event! At Friendship Park.

THROUGH JAN. 8: Sesame Place San Diego 'A Very Furry Christmas Celebration.' Festive, family-friendly fun with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends.

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CORONADO:

DEC. 2: Holiday Parade, Tree & Menorah Lighting. With music, sing-alongs & more.

DEC. 11 & 18: San Diego Bay Parade Of Lights. A time-honored holiday tradition!

THROUGH JAN. 1: 'Skating By The Sea' Holiday Ice Rink: Hotel Del Coronado. "Spectacular beachfront ice rink."

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DEL MAR:

NOV. 25: Tree Lighting at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Celebrating the season!

NOV. 26-JAN. 14: Holiday 'Glice' Skating Rink: Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Recreational skating on an eco-friendly "Glice" rink!

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

DEC. 23: Holiday Tea & Nutcracker Ballet at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Starring dancers of Scripps Performing Arts Academy.

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EL CAJON:

NOV.: Holiday 'Mother Goose Parade'- Canceled for 2022.

DEC. 3-4: Christmas Begins in Heaven. Musical theatre with East San Diego County youth top talent.

DEC. 17: San Diego Ballet 'The Nutcracker': The Magnolia. "San Diego Ballet brings America’s favorite holiday event to dazzling life ."

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ENCINITAS:

DEC. 2: Beer and Hymns - Christmas Edition. Supports community partner Encinitas 4 Equality.

DEC. 3: Encinitas Holiday Parade. "A blast from the past & holiday celebration."

THROUGH DEC. 30: ‘Lightscape’ Holiday Walk-Thru: San Diego Botanic Garden. "A festive world of wonder with over 1 million twinkling lights."

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ESCONDIDO:

DEC. 1: Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "HOLIDAY IN" -"Hip, sophisticated twist on classic holiday tunes."

DEC. 8: Escondido Community in Unity. Holiday cheer with food, wine, entertainment & toy & PJ drive.

DEC. 10: Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade. This year, it's a "Miracle on Grand Avenue!"

DEC. 27-29 & JAN. 3-6: Little Explorers Winter Camp. At San Diego Children's Discovery Museum on Broadway.

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IMPERIAL BEACH:

DEC. 3: 'The Grinch Comes To Town': IB Artisan Market. Free & family- & pet-friendly.

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JAMUL:

DEC. 10-11: Christmas Begins in Heaven. Musical theatre with top talent of East San Diego County youth.

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JULIAN:

DEC. 1-23: Annual Victorian Christmas Teas: Julian Tea & Cottage Arts. With special, seasonal menu, plus options for children & vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

DEC. 17: Country Christmas Parade of Lights. A town tradition!

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LA JOLLA:

DEC. 4: Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival. It's a "Grand Ole' Christmas celebrating La Jolla's history."

DEC. 9-10: Holidays at Hogwarts Dinner. At Sugar & Scribe. Call for reservations.

DEC. 10: Birdstock Musical Festival & Holiday Market. Bands, beer garden, kids' fun & more.

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LA MESA:

DEC. 3: Holiday In La Mesa Village. Festive time with live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, kids’ area & more.

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LEMON GROVE:

DEC. 2: Annual Holiday Bonfire: Treganza Heritage Park. Music, bounce houses, food trucks & more on the agenda.

DEC. 5-31: Christmas in the Village Series. Select dates at My Space and Early Learning Time.

DEC. 17: Holiday Craft Fair. Supports Mount Miguel High School.

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OCEANSIDE:

NOV. 26-27: Ceramics Holiday Sale. Get your holiday shopping started!

DEC. 3-22: Studio ACE Holiday Art Shop. Dec. 3 kick-off features free “Make ‘n Take,” treats & more.

DEC. 7: Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert. With MiraCosta Symphony Orchestra & Choirs.

DEC. 10: Harbor Parade Of Lights. An enchanting, town tradition!

DEC. 16-18: Megill & Company's Not Your Normal Nutcracker. Whimsical modern jazz theater tells the classic tale.

DEC. 21: A Winter’s Eve Concert with David Arkenstone & Friends. At Oceanside Theatre.

DEC. 31: Nerd Comedy New Year's Eve. LOL your way into 2023.

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PACIFIC BEACH:

DEC. 5-16: Gelson's Markets Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Toys go to Children’s Hospital of LA, Toys for Tots, Unity Shoppe, Miracles for Kids, Miller’s Children Hospital & Barbara Sinatra Children's Center.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve NYE Bar Crawl. Ring in the New Year at 10+ venues.

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POWAY:

DEC. 4: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party. Showcasing holiday classics & Christmas originals.

DEC. 9-10:'Christmas In The Park' Train Rides & Santa. "Old-fashioned holiday tradition that will take you back in time!"

DEC. 17: Cookies with Santa at My Gym. Space limited, so book soon.

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RAMONA:

DEC. 3: Christmas Tree Lighting & Festivities. Fun includes classic cars, live music, vendors, kids' crafts, dancing, carolers & Santa.

DEC. 3- 18: Ramona Valley Winery Holiday Wine Trail. Three weekends, 15+ wineries & festivities!

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RANCHO BERNARDO:

DEC. 14-18: Breakfast With Santa: Bernardo Winery. With cookie making, animal friends & more. Save your seat!

DEC. 14-18: Holiday Nights: Bernardo Winery. Five evenings of "twinkling lights and holiday magic."

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RANCHO SANTA FE:

DEC. 2-4, 9-10, 16-17: Holiday 'Wild Winter' & 'Wild Winter Nocturnal': Helen Woodward Animal Center. Family festivities — day or night — with Santa, critters & more.

DEC. 6: Jingle & Mingle - A Festive Fundraiser Giving Help & Hope. Supports Community Resource Center.

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SAN DIEGO:

NOV. 25: Liberty Station’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Festive night with live entertainment, fire truck rides, Santa photos & outdoor holiday movie.

NOV. 25: Green Friday Holiday Market. With local & sustainable small business vendors.

NOV. 30: Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaii. Featuring "Ukulele master and jolly ambassador of aloha."

DEC. 2: A Merry-Achi Christmas with Mariachi Sol de Mexico. At Balboa Theatre.

DEC. 2-3: Balboa Park December Nights. Free holiday fest with food, slew of entertainment & sock drive.

DEC. 3: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village. "Downtown neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland."

DEC. 3: Sips & Sweets with Santa. Hosted by AleSmith Brewery.

DEC. 3: Holiday Community Gathering & Bazaar. With artists, crafts, treats & rescue puppies at Spirit Yoga & Barre Studios.

DEC. 3-4: Makers Arcade Holiday Fair. At Broadway Pier.

DEC. 9 - JAN. 1: SD Zoo Holiday 'Jungle Bells' - "Twinkling lights, live entertainment, festive music & views of awe-inspiring wildlife."

DEC. 10: 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Pawty. Bring your pups for photo booth, raffles, silent auction, music by DJ C-Riz, food, drinks & Pawliday market.

DEC. 10-11: Winter Express Experience. Story time with Santa, too, at San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

DEC. 11 & 18: San Diego Bay Parade Of Lights. A time-honored holiday tradition!

DEC. 11 & 18: Holiday Parade of Lights Cruises. Book soon, as tickets sell fast.

DEC. 17: Ales N' Rails. Holiday fest for 21+ with music, ugly sweaters, trains & more at San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

DEC. 18: Graceband’s Elvis & Buffett Christmas Spectacular. Don those blue suede shoes!

DEC. 19: Seaport Village Hanukkah Menorah Lighting. Family-friendly fest with music & more.

DEC. 19: Home Depot Menorah-Building Workshop. Free with RSVP.

DEC. 21: A Berkley Hart Christmas. Concert at Music Box.

DEC. 31: New Year's Eve NYE Bar Crawl. Ten-plus parties in one night!

THROUGH JAN. 8: Rady Children's Hospital Outdoor, Ice Skating Rink: Liberty Station. Benefits the Thriving After Cancer Program.

THROUGH JAN.8: SeaWorld Christmas Celebration & Fireworks. Select dates through holiday season.

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SAN MARCOS:

DEC. 4: Holiday Market. Featuring more than 100 local artisans & crafters.

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SANTA YSABEL:

DEC. 2-23: Celebration of Light. Walk-thru light display on Fridays & Saturdays at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures.

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SANTEE:

NOV. 25-DEC. 24: Lights at the Lakes Holiday Light Show. Tickets on sale for drive-thru with sparkling holiday displays.

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SCRIPPS RANCH:

DEC. 3: Pacificaires & Cedar Center Chorus Holiday Concert. Free event at the library.

DEC. 9: "The NOTEables" Sounds of the Season. Another free holiday concert at library.

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SOLANA BEACH:

NOV. 30: Anuhea (All Is Bright Holiday Tour). At Belly Up.

DEC. 4: A John Waters' Christmas. Tickets on sale.

DEC. 13: The Venice Christmas Show. More festive fun from Belly Up Tavern.

DEC. 21: An Evening With Abbey Road Christmas Show. Holiday time with The Beatles!

DEC. 22: Betamaxx's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with The 80's Underground. Tickets available from Belly Up.

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SPRING VALLEY:

DEC. 2-3: Holiday Craft Show. Shop for handcrafted items, home decor, jewelry & more.

DEC. 16-22: Noah Homes 'Enchanted Village' Holiday-Lights Walk-Thru. Acres of "brilliantly lit trees, magical cottages, light tunnels, live entertainers, hundreds of giant candy canes, over a million lights, interactive displays & other festive decorations."

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VALLEY CENTER:

NOV. 25-27: Holiday Craft Fair, Face Painting & Pony Rides: Bates Nut Farm. Kick off your gift shopping with handmade arts and crafts, plus kids' fun planned.

DEC. 9-10: Christmas In The Valley & Santa Visits: Bates Nut Farm. With Polar Express, crafts, carols & more holiday fun.

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VISTA:

DEC. 3: Annual Christmas Parade: Downtown. This year's theme: A Toy Stories Christmas.

DEC. 7-8 & 14-16: 'Jingle Terrace Live': Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park. Free event & no tickets required.

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