Check out these terrific free ideas for the whole family!
1. Join the festivities during Balboa Park December Nights, a two-day holiday celebration of food, entertainment and fun on December 4 – 5.
The sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air, as the museums and cultural institutions in Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park, open their doors free of charge. Festivities include carolers, live music, light displays, theater and dance performances and delicious foods from around the world. www.balboapark.org/decembernights
2. Witness a tradition that began as a gift to the children of San Diego in 1947 – the Annual Mother Goose Parade on November 22 in the East County city of El Cajon.
One of the biggest parades of its kind in the country and the largest single-day event in San Diego County, the parade features floats, clowns, Santa Claus, marching bands, equestrian teams and celebrity appearances. www.mothergooseparade.org
3. Whale watch from the shores and cliffs of Point Loma, as California gray whales migrate south to the warm water breeding grounds off the coast of Baja, California.
Spectators can catch a spectacular show during December through March when these majestic mammals pass through the waters off San Diego’s coastline. www.nps.gov/cabr/whales
4. Listen to live blues, rock and R&B music during the Blue Christmas in the Gaslamp Quarter on December 10 in downtown San Diego’s historic neighborhood.
Live musical performances take place at 10 venues in Gaslamp Quarter, and admission is free. www.gaslamp.org
5. Enjoy free organ concerts at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park beginning at 2 p.m. each Sunday.
The Organ Pavilion features the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, a San Diego landmark for over 90 years, where organists resound holiday favorites, waltzes and show tunes from the organ’s monstrous 32-foot lead alloy pipes. www.sosorgan.com
6. See Old Town State Park decked out for the holidays during Fiesta Navidad on December 12 –15.
Guests can learn how residents celebrated the holidays in the 1800s while enjoying candlelight tours, holiday singers, live performances and complimentary refreshments. www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/events
7. Take a walk around Balboa Park and discover its beautiful architecture.
Take advantage of the park’s variety of free offerings, including free admission to select museums on Tuesdays and tours of the park and its spectacular gardens. Be sure not to miss the “Whoville” decorations in the plaza outside The Old Globe theatre, which are on display November 21 through December 27 to coincide with the theatre’s annual holiday production of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” www.balboapark.org
8. Head over to Seaport Village for the festive Surfing Santa at Seaport Village event on November 28.
Hang-ten with Santa and enjoy a lively parade along the Seaport Village boardwalk, live music, stilt walkers, kid’s crafts and photo opportunities of your family and friends surfing with Santa. www.seaportvillage.com/holidays
9. Spread some holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival on December 6 in downtown La Jolla.
The event includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and an appearance by Santa Claus. http://ljparade.com
10. Drive to the mountain town of Julian for a warm mug of hot apple cider and a delicious piece of Julian’s legendary homemade apple pie.
On Saturdays, stroll through the quaint neighborhood streets and enjoy the sounds of wandering Christmas carolers and a living nativity scene. www.julianca.com
11. Explore the tide pools in Point Loma when the tide is low to see some of the magnificent creatures of the sea.
Point Loma tide pools are located just south of the tip of Cabrillo Point. www.nps.gov/cabr
12. Take a walk along one of San Diego’s 70 miles of beaches, all free and open to the public.
Collect seashells for decorating special holiday gifts or just enjoy the magnificent Pacific Ocean. www.sandiego.org/beachguide
13. Watch the season sail by at the Oceanside Parade of Lights on December 12.
The popular parade circles the harbor and features a wide variety of boats, brightly decorated for the holiday season. www.visitoceanside.org
14. Enjoy the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade on December 13 in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Owners and their dressed-up pets march down the decorated streets of the neighborhood, ending at a Pet Expo featuring an award-ceremony for best-dressed pups. www.gaslamp.org
15. Enjoy the twinkling waters of San Diego Bay and more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights for the 38th Annual Port of San Diego Parade of Lights on December 13 and 20. G
reat views are available on dry land from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Marina Park and Coronado’s Ferry Landing. www.sdparadeoflights.org
16. Take a drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for a panoramic view of the city all spruced up in holiday finery.
Along the way, take a peek at the beautifully decorated homes in this exclusive community. www.soledadmemorial.com
17. Drive to the 600,00-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to marvel at wildlife and a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers amidst the desert warmth.
Anza-Borrego is located just two hours from San Diego via Highway 78 and Interstate 8. www.parks.ca.gov
18. Gaze up at the massive balloons during the Big Bay Balloon Parade, the country's largest balloon parade, on December 30.
Floats, balloons and marching bands are just some of the offerings in this colorful holiday parade along San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. www.holidaybowl.com
19. How about a parade?!
Get in the holiday spirit with Chula Vista’s 47th Annual Starlight Parade on December 5, featuring carolers, holiday cheer, floats, drill teams, marching bands, classic cars, children’s event and a visit from Santa. www.thirdavenuevillage.com
20. Watch runners compete in San Diego's oldest marathon during the scenic Carlsbad Marathon & Half-Marathon on January 24 along the Pacific Coast.
www.carlsbadmarathon.com
21. Experience a white Christmas in San Diego when you make the scenic, one-hour drive to the top of Mount Laguna.
Sled down mountain slopes, build snowmen and have snowball fights (weather conditions permitting).
22. Delight in the festive gatherings along the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on December 13.
Over 100 brightly illuminated powerboats and sailboats parade along Mission Bay; the parade ends with a fantastic firework show at 9 p.m. above SeaWorld San Diego. www.missionbayparadeoflights.org
23. Enjoy complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown Escondido during an array of holiday celebrations and events.
Carriage rides run between Grand Avenue and Juniper Street during 5- 9 p.m. on December 5, 12 and 19. www.downtownescondido.com/holidays
24. Celebrate holiday cheer with Christmas in the Park – Poway.
The event features a tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, train rides, live music, theatre performances, food, treats, crafts and more. www.powaymidlandrr.org/christmas.htm
25. Rock out at the Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands in the Gaslamp Quarter on December 21.
Kicking off two days prior to the annual Poinsettia Bowl, which is played in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, bands representing the two Bowl football teams line up at opposite ends of Fifth Avenue in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter and face-off in an old fashion battle of the bands. www.gaslamp.org.
For more information on San Diego offerings, click here!
