Family-Friendly Activities for Spending Your Holidays in San Diego

It’s “the most wonderful time of year” in San Diego! Most everyone feels the magic of the holidays, but it is most magical through children’s eyes. We’re happy to present our five favorite family-friendly activities for spending your holidays in San Diego.

 

SeaWorld San Diego Christmas Celebration – November 14, 2022 – January 8, 2023

Partaking in the Christmas Celebration is included with your admissions ticket to SeaWorld San Diego during the holiday season. There is something extra spectacular about SeaWorld at Christmas time – festive food and drinks, fun live shows, and seasonal shopping! Their towering 30-foot Christmas tree lights up, and a music-activated tunnel of lights greets you at the entrance. There’s an opportunity to meet Santa and Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and their friends at Santa’s Christmas Village. The park is completely transformed into a winter wonderland, with faux snow and holiday fireworks in the evening. 

 

Holiday Festival at the Hotel Del Coronado – November 17, 2022 – January 1, 2023

The beautiful historic Hotel Del knows how to decorate for the holidays! The resort’s iconic red turrets are covered in thousands of twinkling lights and towering Christmas trees yearly. The Del does not let Southern California hold them back from giving its guests and visitors a traditional holiday feeling. Skating by the Sea® at the Hotel Del Coronado is back for the 2022 season with a beautiful ice rink on the beachfront, giving guests an unparalleled view of the Pacific. You can reserve a spot at the Frostbite Lounge and sit rink side with a fire pit, or grab your own Beachside Igloo and make s’mores. Be sure to click the link above for details and dates for holiday events such as the “At First Light” Lightshow Spectacular and Holiday Movies on the Beach.

 

Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! –  November 9 – December 31

The Old Globe presents Dr. Seuss’s beloved How the Grinch Stole Christmas! In its 22nd season of the annual performance, The Grinch returns with whimsical songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” They will also include all-ages performances for families with children under three and a sensory-friendly version for children on the autism spectrum and their families. Buy tickets in advance.

 

San Diego Symphony Noel Noel Family Concert – December 9 to 11

The San Diego Symphony performs its annual Noel Noel family-friendly concert at the Rady’s Shell, decked with boughs of holly and sparkling lights. Join the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Master Chorale, and San Diego Children’s Choir in celebrating the holiday spirit. Don’t miss this unique family-friendly outdoor holiday event under the stars! Get your tickets today.

 

Holiday by the Bay – November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023 

 

Hilton San Diego Bayfront hosts Holidays by the Bay. The events include a giant Christmas tree, light shows on the Bayfront Pier, holiday movie nights on Fridays and Saturdays, Sunday breakfasts with Santa throughout December, and more. Check out their Facebook page to stay updated with all the plans they are working on throughout the best month of the year!

 

All-Youth Production of The Nutcracker – December 10, 11, 23 & 24, 2022

No holiday list would be complete without Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Families will love The Scripps Ballet Theatre and Scripps Performing Arts Academy All-Youth Production of the full-length ballet! The dancers, aged 3 ½ to 17 years old, perform the timeless holiday tale of Clara and her magical adventure one holiday night. This production is perfect for families with children of all ages to attend! Visit the website for ticket information. 

 

For information on events that fit into your lifestyle and ideas to celebrate the holidays in San Diego and all year round, check out the Scripps Affiliated Medical Group’s Local Activities section!