Holiday Events 2024 – San Diego, CA

The holidays are a time for togetherness, and San Diego’s community spirit shines brightly during this special season. Discover a wide array of holiday events in 2024 that bring people together. Explore dazzling light displays, festive markets, heartwarming charity drives, and unique cultural celebrations. Let’s make this a joyful season for all!

These are local Christmas holiday events in the San Diego area for 2024:

1. December Nights

• Location: Balboa Park
• Date/Time: Typically the first weekend of December (check the website closer to the date for 2024 specifics)
• Website: https://www.balboapark.org/december-nights
• Description: This iconic event transforms Balboa Park into a holiday wonderland with festive lights, live entertainment, food vendors, and unique crafts. Many of the museums offer free admission during December Nights.

2. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

• Location: San Diego Zoo
• Date/Time: Generally late November through December (check the website closer to the date)
• Website: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells
• Description: The zoo gets decked out with twinkling lights, and you can enjoy festive entertainment, animal encounters, and holiday-themed activities.

3. Wild Winter Nights at SeaWorld San Diego

• Location: SeaWorld San Diego
• Date/Time: Mid-November to early January (check the website closer to the date)
• Website: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/christmas/
• Description: SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, shows, and holiday-themed animal encounters.

4. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe

• Location: The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park
• Date/Time: November 6 – December 31, 2024
• Website: https://www.theoldglobe.org/
• Description: This classic holiday play is a San Diego tradition, bringing the beloved Dr. Seuss story to life on stage.

5. Holidays at the Del at Hotel del Coronado

• Location: Hotel del Coronado
• Date/Time: Throughout December (check the website for specific events and dates)
• Website: https://hoteldel.com/experience/holidays/
• Description: This historic hotel goes all out for the holidays with elaborate decorations, a stunning beachfront ice skating rink, festive events, and special dining experiences.

6. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

• Location: San Diego Bay
• Date/Time: Typically two Sundays in December (check the website closer to the date)
• Website: https://sdparadeoflights.org/
• Description: Watch as elaborately decorated boats parade through the bay, illuminating the night with festive cheer.

7. Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden

• Location: San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas
• Date/Time: Select evenings in November and December (check the website for dates and tickets)
• Website: https://sdbg.org/lightscape/
• Description: This enchanting event features a mesmerizing trail illuminated with festive lights and artistic installations.

8. Salute the Season at Liberty Station

• Location: Liberty Station
• Date/Time: Throughout December (check the website for specific events and dates)
• Website: https://libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season
• Description: Liberty Station offers a variety of holiday festivities, including a Christmas tree lighting, holiday markets, and festive events at the various shops and restaurants.

9. LEGOLAND California Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights

• Location: LEGOLAND California
• Date/Time: Select dates in November and December (check the website closer to the date)
• Website: https://www.legoland.com/california/
• Description: Enjoy festive LEGO decorations, seasonal shows, and meet-and-greets with LEGO Santa at LEGOLAND.

10. Old Town San Diego’s Fiesta Navidad

• Location: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
• Date/Time: Throughout December (check the website for specific events)
• Website: https://www.oldtownsandiegoguide.com/
• Description: Experience a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration with festive decorations, live music, and delicious food in historic Old Town.

These are local Christmas holiday Canned Food & Toy drives in the San Diego area for 2024:

 

1. Life Science Cares Holiday Toy Drive

• Website: https://lifesciencecares.org/lscsd-holiday-toy-drive-2024/
• About: This drive benefits Home Start, a non-profit helping children in poverty. They collect toys and host a shopping event where parents can choose gifts for their children.
• Dates/Times/Locations: Typically runs from late November to mid-December. Check their website for 2024 updates on registration deadlines, drop-off locations, and the toy distribution event.

2. San Diego Food Bank Holiday Food Drive

• Website: https://www.sandiegofoodbank.org/food-drives/host-a-food-drive/
• About: While they don’t have a specific holiday drive listed yet, the San Diego Food Bank always needs donations. You can host your own food drive or donate directly.
• Dates/Times/Locations: Ongoing. Check their website for most up-to-date needs and drop-off locations.

3. Toys for Joy

• Website: https://www.toys-for-joy.org/
• About: Run by the Rock Church San Diego, this program provides toys and groceries to families in need.
• Dates/Times/Locations: Details for 2024 are forthcoming. Their website will be updated with information on toy collection, donation deadlines, and distribution events as it becomes available.

4. Toys for Tots San Diego

• Website: https://san-diego-ca.toysfortots.org/
• About: The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to less fortunate children.
• Dates/Times/Locations: Usually runs from October to December. Check their website in the fall for local campaign dates, toy drop-off locations, and distribution information.

5. The Salvation Army San Diego

• Website: https://sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/events/
• About: The Salvation Army has various holiday programs, including toy drives, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and their iconic Red Kettle campaign.
• Dates/Times/Locations: They have a calendar of events on their website, which will be updated with holiday program details as they become available. Look for events like their Red Kettle Kickoff, toy drives, and holiday meal distributions.