San Diego Holiday Guide
Looking for some fun holiday activities around San Diego? Look no further! We conjured up an awesome list, in partnership with some of our local friends, filled with fun and festive events all around town!
All Month Events
Christmas at Hotel del Coronado
From November 22nd to January 3rd, visit Coronado’s favorite beach front property as it transforms into a winter wonderland! Enjoy beachfront ice skating and a beautiful two story tree, along with the twinkling lights all around the property! This is our favorite Holiday spot to visit!
For more information, visit their website!
Nightmare Before Christmas Speakeasy
A favorite of SDFoodies, False Idol the hidden speakeasy located within Craft and Commerce in Little Italy is well known for its yearly festive decor. This year they took a twist by adding some elements from Tim Burtons Nightmare Before Christmas. This speakeasy is known for its strong, tiki centric drinks with a flair for the boozy and over the top creations. We love the Sandy Claws with Macadamia Nut blended rum, chai bourbon, chocolate biscotti, orange bitters.
Holiday Baked Goodies
Photo by Brendan Cleak at One Apparatus
Alleviating the stress and time commitment of holiday baking, Hommage Bakehouse has you covered with fresh seasonal favorites. Bring home Holiday sweets that are sure to keep your family gathered around the table like the Challah and Cinnamon Rolls available for preorder via the Hommage website through December 17, fresh and ready for pickup on December 23!
If you’re craving something sweet before Holiday break, stop in for the seasonal Maple Pecan Scones, Apple Butter Kougin Amann offered through December, or a classic croissant and fresh loaf of bread available all year around!
Miracle on 30th Street Cocktail Pop-Up
Miracle at Polite Provisions in all its festive, kitschy glory will run through Christmas Eve; the bar turned winter wonderland will be offering its regular cocktail lineup in addition to Miracle’s special holiday drink menu. Opens 11/26
Photo by Arlene Ibarra
Parade of Lights - Boat Festival
The annual Boat Parade in San Diego bay is back and better than ever! This year’s theme is 12 days of Christmas and we can expect 80 boats lit up and ready to spread the holiday cheer!
The event will be happening on two separate days December 12th and December 19th, starting at 5:30pm to give everyone a chance to see. There is an expected 100,000 visitors coming to watch so its best to come early and grab a seat along the bay!
The route is as follows, Free bleacher seating will be available on Broadway Pier and will feature food concessions and festive music. Keep in mind, bleacher seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Read more here
Route of Parade of Lights!
Holiday Market at Petco Park
The Petco Park Holiday Market returns for a 2nd year. The Holiday Market in Gallagher Square is a fun night for the whole family and will feature local and European artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverage, Santa and other holiday characters! After the success of the inaugural Holiday Market in Trail last year, organizers promise a bigger event for 2021 with even more food, beverage and vendors. Enjoy safe and festive holiday fun for the whole family, in the heart of Christmas season, taking advantage of the Padres beautiful, spacious and convenient facilities of Petco Park in downtown San Diego.
What To Expect
Festive gift shops (ornaments, handmade soaps, wooden figurines, kitchenware, fleece, local arts and crafts and gift ideas)
Light displays (Candyland, Winter Wonderland and Classic Christmas)
Holiday refreshment (Alcohol, schnitzel, bratwurst, shortbread, festive treats)
Santa Claus and his Christmas yuletide squad
30-foot Christmas Tree
Carousel ($3 cost)
Live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage (Select nights only)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas At the Old Globe
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
Holiday Events at La Valencia Hotel
La Valencia has a packed schedule for this holiday season! Take a peak at all they have to offer for the month of December:
Annual Tree Lighting Thursday, Dec. 2 From 4:30pm
A free event, open to the public! Enjoy some warm beverages, homemade sweets, live music, and some arts and crafts for the kids. Lighting count down to being at 5:45pm! Reservations Not Required (unless you decide to dine on the property)
Holiday Tea at The Med Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 30 | 11:00am each day
Celebrate the holiday season with La Valencia's award-winning tea service! Enjoy a variety of DAMMANN Frères teas paired with scones, quiche, delectable tea sandwiches, assorted mini pastries, and more. $70 per adult | Champagne enhancements available. Reservations Required via OpenTable
Storytime Brunch With Santa at The Med Sunday, Dec. 4, 11, 18 | Brunch menu available from 9:00am-2:00pm; Santa Visit From 11:00am-1:00pm
Santa's coming to the Pink Lady! Enjoy The Med's decadent brunch menu including the La V cinnamon roll, eggs benedict and more, plus a visit from Santa himself. Santa will be spreading holiday cheer from 11:00am-1:00pm. Reservations Required via OpenTable
For more information and events, please visit their website!
Holiday Hip-Hop Brunch at Liberty Call Distilling
On December 12th from 12-2pm, visit Liberty Call Distilling for their Holiday Hip Hop brunch! Enjoy bottomless mimosas, some delicious seasonal food, and a live Dj!
For more information and to explore all the Liberty Call has to offer, visit their website!
The Grass Skirt: Sippin Santa
Photo curtesy of Sippin’ Santa
Kicking off November 23 through December 31, Sippin’ Santa at The Grass Skirt, led by Bar Manager Tony Coxum, will feature a holiday oasis with over-the-top kitschy, festive décor and a tiki-themed cocktail menu.
Twenty-eight bars are participating in Sippin Santa around the US, The Grass Skirt hosting the only pop-up in San Diego! The pop-up will be decked in boughs of holly, from twinkling lights, vintage garlands, ribbons, tchotchkes, and more, paired with a soundtrack of holiday songs for the ultimate setting of merriment.
For more information and reservations, check out their website!
Fireside Stories with Santa at the Sheraton Carlsbad
The Sheraton Carlsbad will be hosting Santa Claus himself for two nights only on December 9th and 16th at 6:30pm each evening for Fireside Stories with Santa, a special free event. Santa will be taking a break from checking his lists (twice) in the North Pole to come read holiday stories to the kiddos while they munch on candy canes, roast s’mores by the fire and sip on creamy hot cocoa.
Kids are invited to rock their favorite pajamas and bring blankets to sit on while Santa shares his festive stories. There will also be a letter writing station for kids to share their wildest dreams and wish lists with Santa. But this event isn’t just for the kids—for the adults, we will have homemade alcohol-infused marshmallows for grownup s’mores and alcoholic hot cocoa. We will also have local carolers from the Carlsbad High School choir singing all the classics for an extra special musical treat.
The event is free to attend, and snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Please RSVP to the event, here!
Christmas Eve and Day Events
Christmas Eve Dinner at Herb and Wood & Herb and Sea
Make your holiday extra special this year and join us for Christmas Eve dinner at Herb & Wood. Chef Carlos and his team have prepared a herbaceous, locally-sourced 3-course menu for you to enjoy with your loved ones. $84 Adults / $34 Children 3 - 8pm
Sample Menu:
Whipped Burrata Toast - Asian Pear, Marcona Almonds, Chive
Lemon Herb Stuffed Porchetta - Green Chermoula
California Buttermilk Polenta
Braised Winter Greens with Acorn Squash
Tiramisu - Mascarpone, Espresso, Cocoa
Make a reservation for Herb and Wood or Herb and Sea
Mister A’s Prix Fixe Christmas Eve and Day Dinner
Celebrate the holiday season with the best views in San Diego at Mister A’s Restaurant, both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
The Christmas Eve prix fixe menu will include options such as Prime Beef Chateaubriand, Slow Roasted Brandt Farm Prime Rib, and Oven Roasted Maine Lobster Tail. The Christmas Eve meal starts at $95.50 per person. The full menu can be found here.
The Christmas Day prix fixe menu will include dishes such as Braised Lamb “Osso Buco”, Pan Seared Maine Scallops, Vegetarian Carnelori Rice with Wild & Tame Mushrooms, and Slow Roasted Brandt Farm Prime Rib. The full menu can be found here.
Reservations required, for more information visit their website!
ANIMAE Christmas Eve Dinner
Photo by Dustin Bailey
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with us at Animae. Chef Tara Monsod and her team have prepared an epic 4-course dinner featuring new dishes that will only be available for Christmas Eve. $115 Per Guest | 4 - 8pm
Sample Menu
Shrimp Toast - Trout Roe, Lemon
A5 Beef Tartare - Sesame Cracker
Kare Kare Short Rib -Bagoong Peanut Oil,
Add on: Whole Roasted Duck +$130 - Bao Buns, Herbs, Hoisen
Marinated Grilled Trumpet Mushrooms - Black Garlic Vinagrette, Herbs
Mostra Coffee Chocolate Mousse Bar with Taiyaki
Make a reservation here!
Waverly Prix Fixe Christmas Eve Dinner
Photo by Kimberly Motos
Located in beautiful Cardiff by The Sea, Waverly is a full-service restaurant with a full bar & specialty cocktails. Offered this Christmas Eve is a five-course menu from award-winning Chef Brian Redzikowski with optional wine pairings from Beverage Director Leigh Lacap.
More information and reservations? Visit their website!
Photo by Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Christmas Eve menu at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Eat, drink and be merry with an a la carte Christmas Eve menu at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar. From 4pm to 9pm enjoy a delicious menu of mouth watering dishes on Greenfinche’s festively decorated patio like the Prime Tomahawk Steak, Diver Scallops, Ceviche Tostata and Saffron Corn Soup while overlooking the Garden Courtyard. If you and your loved ones prefer a Christmas Brunch from 8am to 2pm enjoy Greenfinch’s brunch menu, along with special additions like the bananas foster french toast, decadent charcuterie boards and crab cake eggs benedict, plus the option to toast with bottomless mimosas or bloody marys! Reserve your Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas morning brunch here.
New Years Eve Events
New Years Eve Dinner at ANIMAE
Photo by James Tran
Ring in the new year with us at Animae! Chef Tara Monsod and the team have prepared an indulgent 4-course menu for you to enjoy with your loved ones. Come and celebrate with us. December 31st, 2021 - 5pm ($110), 7pm ($110), 9pm ($130)
Sample Menu:
Ora King Salmon Crudo - Trout Roe, Daikon, Tosazu, Pomegranate
Taiwanese Fried Chicken - Hot Honey, Basil Aioli, Pickled Mustard
Upcharge: Singapore Chili Lobster $75
Filet Mignon - Adobo Demi, Potato, Mushroom, Chives
Upcharge: A5 Wagyu & Banchan $125
Jasmine, Raspberry, and Prosecco Entremets
Make a reservation here!
New Years Eve at Herb and Wood & Herb and Sea
Come celebrate and ring in the New Year at Herb & Wood with our delicious pre-fixe menu! Sit back and indulge in the intimate ambiance that will transport you into 2022! Dec 31, 5pm, 7pm, 9:15pm (with champagne) Prices Range from $85 - $130
Sample Menu:
Moroccan Coffee Rubbed Venison Carpaccio
Grilled Quail - Pomegranate Barbeque Sauce
Grilled Filet - Whipped Potatoes, Wild Mushroom Demi
Upcharge: +Winter Truffle | Upcharge: + Lobster, Chili Butter
Prosecco & Strawberry Panna Cotta
Make a reservation for Herb and Wood or Herb and Sea
NEED A CHRISTMAS TREE?
Check out guide of where to get yours in San Diego