November
Nov. 20
Mother Goose Parade
The largest parade in San Diego County takes place in the East County city of El Cajon and features celebrities, floats, clowns, bands, equestrians, and more.
Now-January 1
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
The theme park features Santa’s Reindeer, sea lions, snow, a nightly lighting of Christmas tree lights, the Christmas Village, and much more.
December
Dec. 2 and 3
Balboa Park December Nights
This annual event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park, and kick off the “most wonderful time of the year.”
Dec. 4
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
Marching bands, floats, equestrians, vintage automobiles, and more parade down the streets of La Jolla. The parade ends with a holiday festival featuring craft booths, carnival rides, food, entertainment, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Dec. 10-11 and 16-24
Nutcracker
Audiences of all ages will enjoy the magical story of Clara, who dreams that her new toy nutcracker soldier has come to life, in this classic ballet at the San Diego Civic Theater.
Dec. 11 and Dec. 18
45th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
More than 80 boats are decorated for this holiday boat parade of lights on San Diego Bay. This year’s theme is “It Began with a Roar – San Diego Zoo Celebrates 100 Years.” The Parade proceeds from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the new Pier and then across the bay to Coronado and Ferry Landing in Coronado.
Dec. 27
Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade
A harborside parade along Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego is followed by a major college football bowl game at Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley featuring teams from the Pac 12 and Big Ten conferences. The exciting gridiron action also has spectacular pregame and halftime pageantry.
November-April
Whale Watching
The California gray whales make their annual migration from the Arctic waters to the warm lagoons in the Gulf of California for breeding. These peaceful giants of the sea come within miles of San Diego’s coastline and can be viewed during daily whale watching excursions and from the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma.
January
Dec. 29-Jan. 2
San Diego International Auto Show
This popular annual show at the San Diego Convention Center features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof. Visitors can also participate in exciting family entertainment and interactive activities.
Jan. 12-16
Borrego Springs Film Festival
The festival features five days of independent films. Networking events and parties take place at various local resorts throughout the weekend.
