Festive Family Fun: Holiday Happenings in San Diego
Catch the holiday wave, San Diego style! This season, we’re trading snow for sand and sleighs for surfboards. San Diego is your ultimate coastal destination for festive fun and holiday magic. From dazzling Christmas lights and beachside amusement parks transformed into winter wonderlands to festive boat parades, there’s no better place to celebrate the season. Make your holidays unforgettable at your favorite San Diego hotel, The Dana on Mission Bay!
Don’t forget to bring your favorite furry friend with you to The Dana to enjoy a holiday vacation, too, as our bayfront hotel is known for being San Diego’s best dog lovers retreat due to our waterfront paths for walks, spacious areas to throw a ball, and pet-friendly Firefly Eatery & Bar, so your pet can enjoy Christmas in San Diego, too!
Mission Bay Parade of Lights (On-Site)
The family-friendly Mission Bay Parade of Lights sets sail on Saturday, December 14th at 5:30pm. Kick off this San Diego holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s fireworks, enjoy the best boat parade views from a designated spectator viewing area here at our hotel, and immerse yourself in holiday fun, including holiday music, bonfires, treats, surprise visits from your favorite holiday characters, and more! Planning a holiday weekend escape? Make it unforgettable with our two Parade of Lights Packages, designed to help you soak up all the festive fun!
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (1 Mile)
(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
Celebrate the holidays at SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, just minutes from our hotel—the closest to the park! Enjoy dazzling light displays, festive shows, holiday treats, and magical encounters with Santa and Rudolph. Our convenient shuttle service makes it easy for guests to join the fun. Don’t miss this unforgettable holiday event, running from November 15 to January 7!
Beachside Winter Wonderland (1 Mile)
(Photo: @belmontparksd)
Get into the holiday spirit with Winter Wonder at Belmont Park, just minutes from our hotel! Enjoy festive rides, family fun, and cozy holiday treats, all under a million twinkling lights. Join the fun November 16 – January 5!
Ice Skating in San Diego (4 Miles)
(Photo: @artdistrictlibertystation)
Experience the magic of ice skating San Diego style—right at the beach this holiday season! Glide into the festive spirit while supporting a heartfelt cause: helping kids battling cancer through the Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Outdoor ice skating begins November 21 and runs through January 5 at the Central Promenade at Arts District Liberty Station. It is a great way to enjoy fun activities for the whole family with ice skating and festivities celebrating the holidays!
Gaslamp Pet Parade (7.2 Miles)
One of San Diego’s most adorable holiday events is just around the corner! From our hotel, head to Downtown San Diego to watch festive pups parade in their holiday best at the Gaslamp Pet Parade. You’ll find plenty of vendors, free photos with Santa, and even special guests like Rudolph and Frosty. It’s a paw-sitively magical tradition you won’t want to miss!
Jungle Bells (8.2 Miles)
Held December 14 through January 5 at the San Diego Zoo, Jungle Bells is one of the most popular holiday events San Diego has to offer. This family-friendly event has extended hours for Christmastime and offers plenty of holiday lights, decorations, music, and delicious festive food and sweet treats. Take photos with Santa and ride the Twinkle Light Trolley for an amazing family-friendly San Diego event during the holidays!
Legoland Christmas Celebration (25.4 Miles)
Everyone will love spending the holidays at the festive Legoland Christmas celebration in San Diego. For those who visit during the holidays in November and December, Legoland offers guests a unique way to celebrate with seasonal characters, an amazing LEGO Christmas tree with over 400 Lego ornaments, and a life-size LEGO Santa with his reindeer! Exciting holiday shows and delicious holiday treats make this a great place to celebrate Christmas in San Diego.
Are You Ready to Spend the Holidays in Sunny San Diego?
If you want to be right in the middle of all the fun-filled San Diego Christmas events this season, make plans for your waterfront escape to The Dana on Mission Bay. The best dog-friendly hotel in San Diego offers resort-style amenities with an amazing onsite restaurant and a convenient location near all the San Diego Christmas lights and festivities. After soaking in the holiday magic around town, don’t miss out on the festive cheer happening right here at our hotel this season!
