Starting New Holiday Traditions in San Diego

Updated October 2026 · Rudy Flores

Holidays can look different from one year to the next, and that can be a chance to start something new. These are low-pressure events across San Diego County, many of them free, that you can join for an hour or make a full evening. All of the dates were confirmed with the organizers.

The first week of December

Hotel del Coronado Holiday Festival

When: Wednesday, December 2 · Where: Hotel del Coronado

Skating by the Sea (4 to 10 p.m.), a light show of decorated trees from 5 to 9 p.m., a skydiving Santa at 4:30 p.m. and fireworks at 6:45 p.m. Hotel del details.

Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

When: Friday, December 4, parade at 6 p.m. · Where: Downtown Coronado

A hometown parade followed by the lighting of a 120-foot tree. Coronado Chamber.

Balboa Park December Nights

When: Friday, December 4, 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, December 5, noon to 10 p.m. · Where: Balboa Park

The City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival. City of San Diego.

The first weekend

Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village

When: Saturday, December 5, 4 to 8 p.m., tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. · Where: Little Italy

A Christmas village, two decorated trees and Santa. Little Italy Association.

Starlight Parade and Festival

When: Saturday, December 5 · Where: Third Avenue, Chula Vista

The 62nd annual parade, with floats and festival activities for all ages. Starlight Parade.

Rotary Holiday Tree Lighting

When: Sunday, December 6, 2 to 4:30 p.m. · Where: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad

Santa arrives on an antique fire truck, and the tree is lit at 4:30 p.m. Event details.

Through the month

Village Walk light show and snowfall

When: November 29 through December 20, Fridays to Sundays, 6 and 7 p.m. · Where: Village Walk at EastLake, Chula Vista

Free and brief: two 15-minute shows of falling snow and music-synced lights each night. Village Walk 2026 events.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

When: Sundays, December 13 and 20, 5:30 p.m. · Where: San Diego Bay

Decorated boats travel from Shelter Island to the Coronado Ferry Landing. Public spots along the Embarcadero and the Coronado pathway are good for watching. Route.

Holiday Bowl

When: Monday, December 28, 2 p.m. · Where: Snapdragon Stadium

The 47th Holiday Bowl. The matchup had not been announced at the time of writing. Holiday Bowl.

If you want a simple plan

Pick one evening event, one daytime event and one that is just for you. Then repeat next year, or change it. That is how traditions start.

If housing is part of your season, Rudy can talk through the timing and your options. He does not give legal or tax advice and will work alongside your other professionals.

Thinking about what comes next for your home? Rudy would be glad to talk it through. The four-question Home Strategy Quiz takes about a minute, and he will follow up personally.

Dates and times were checked on the organizers’ and cities’ own pages on October 3, 2026. Events can change or sell out, so open the linked page before you head out. This site is not affiliated with any event listed here.

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