01 Nov 2025

Festive Family Fun: Holiday Happenings in San Diego

By The Dana

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!

Festive Fun at The Dana (On-Site)

The holidays are brighter by the bay! From festive feasts to cozy movie nights, The Dana is the perfect place to celebrate the season. Kick things off with a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner at Firefly Eatery & Bar, complete with seasonal flavors and waterfront views. Sip on seasonal sips (details coming soon!) and mark your calendars for our Holiday Special — a decadent Prime Rib Dinner on December 25th and December 31st. Raise a glass to 2026 with our New Year’s Eve Toast at 9pm, then ease into the new year with a refreshing brunch and mimosas by the water. Families can enjoy nightly holiday Dive-In Movies by the heated Tropical Pool, and don’t forget to stop by the lobby for a warm cup of cheer from our Hot Chocolate Station. However you celebrate, make it merry and memorable right here on Mission Bay.

Mission Bay Parade of Lights (On-Site)

The family-friendly Mission Bay Parade of Lights sets sail on Saturday, December 13th at 4:00pm. 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 Parade of Lights Package, designed to help you soak up all the festive fun! Upgrade your experience with VIP seating, which includes a heated area for up to 4 people, 4 chairs, a cocktail table, and unlimited hot apple cider and hot cocoa.

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 14 to January 4!

Beachside Winter Wonderland (1 Mile)

(Photo: @belmontparksd)


Get into the holiday spirit by the beach 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 (Miles Vary)

(Photo: @artdistrictlibertystation)


Experience the magic of ice skating in San Diego’s coastal paradise this holiday season! Glide into the festive spirit while supporting a meaningful cause — proceeds from the Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station benefit Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, helping kids bravely battling cancer. Outdoor skating runs November 20 – January 4, surrounded by sparkling lights, holiday cheer, and family fun. For more seaside skating, head to Coronado’s beachfront rink, where you can twirl on the ice just steps from the sand — a truly iconic SoCal holiday experience.

Gaslamp Pet Parade (7.2 Miles)

One of San Diego’s most adorable holiday traditions is back! The Gaslamp Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party returns to the historic Gaslamp Quarter on December 13, from 11am to 4pm. Register your pet for just $30 and let them strut their stuff in San Diego’s most festive holiday parade — or enjoy the fun for free from a Gaslamp patio while soaking in the holiday cheer. All pets are welcome — dogs, cats, and every fur baby in between! Dress them in their holiday best and enjoy marching bands, festive floats, eight holiday costume contest categories, and free photos with Santa, Rudolph, and Frosty. After the fun, head back to our dog-friendly hotel for some cozy downtime by the bay — because every good pup deserves a post-parade nap!

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo (8.2 Miles)

a panda bear

Held December 19 through January 4 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)

Legoland

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!

guests in a yoga class
09 Jan 2025

Wellness in Winter – Staying Active and Healthy in the New Year in San Diego  

By The Dana

Although many of us resolve to be healthy in the New Year, staying active during the winter months isn’t as easy to do when you live in colder climates that have harsh winters and few sunny days. That’s why San Diego is the perfect winter escape and is just what you need to beat the wintertime blues!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to make plans to spend some time in the California sunshine this winter and take advantage of all the exciting San Diego winter activities we have to offer! Since we are fortunate to have near-perfect weather that is sunny and 70 degrees most days, there are so many wonderful San Diego winter activities to keep you active and healthy this season. The Dana puts you right in the middle of a plethora of activities and amenities for the perfect winter escape. Here are some of the best San Diego winter activities, located near your room or suite right here on Mission Bay!

Bayside Dining at Firefly Eatery & Bar (Onsite)

Fuel your wellness journey this winter with fresh, local cuisine, and a dose of sunshine at Firefly Eatery & Bar, located onsite here at The Dana on Mission Bay. Dine al fresco on our waterfront patio, where you can soak up Vitamin D while enjoying delicious dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients. Pair your meal with a refreshing mocktail, local craft beer, or curated wine as you take in breathtaking views of our Bayside Pool, private marina, and Mission Bay. Firefly is your go-to spot for a healthy and vibrant dining experience in San Diego this winter!

Patio Dining

Get Outside and Get Active (Onsite)

At The Dana on Mission Bay, winter doesn’t mean staying indoors—San Diego's sunshine invites you to explore the great outdoors all year long! Start your adventure by biking around Mission Bay, soaking in the crisp coastal air and snapping photos of the stunning waterfront scenery. Ready to hit the water? Adventure Water Sports, conveniently located onsite, has you covered with an array of rentals. From wave runners and ski boats to kayaks and paddleboards, there's no better way to spend a day outdoors. Whether you’re chasing thrills or enjoying a peaceful paddle, your ultimate bay adventure awaits!

guests riding bikes

Fitness February by Discover Mission Bay (Onsite & Various Locations)

Plan your vacation to San Diego this winter and join our friends at Discover Mission Bay for an exciting month dedicated to fitness and wellness all across the neighborhood, including special events right here at our hotel. Immerse yourself in a new fitness experience, or enjoy your favorite mind, body, and spirit activities. With free events that are open to all levels of experience, you can enjoy fitness activities during your San Diego winter escape. More details are coming your way soon!

Yoga at the Dana

Visit a San Diego Farmer’s Market (Various Locations)

With over 5,100 farms in the San Diego area, the city is a top producer of tomatoes, avocados, flowers, citrus, mushrooms, poultry, eggs, and strawberries. This means guests and locals can find an amazing local farmer’s market within minutes of the best San Diego hotel, The Dana. From the Coronado Certified Farmers Market and the Little Italy Mercato Certified Farmers Market to the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and Pacific Beach Certified Farmers Market, you’ll definitely have your pick of the crop at these popular San Diego Farmer's Markets.

farmers market

Cheers to Dry January (Various Locations)

Dry January is the perfect time to explore San Diego’s delicious mocktail scene! Stop by Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach for the tropical Ed’s No Rum Runner, or head to Kindred in South Park for their refreshing Miracle Cure, a zesty mix of pineapple, coconut, and Thai basil. For something truly unique, visit Mothership and try the floral and tangy Tracking Device with coconut and hibiscus. These wellness-friendly sips make staying dry in San Diego delicious and fun!

friends drinks

Wellness Experience at MCASD (6.5 Miles From Hotel)

Located in La Jolla, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego hosts the 2025 Wellness Experience and allows guests to embark on a transformative journey of wellness with stunning views of the ocean. Enjoy a variety of unique wellness practices with a backdrop of coastal views, art, and nature. Enjoy a peaceful environment with relaxing views and enlightening experiences you won’t want to miss during your winter wellness vacation to San Diego.

pilates

Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla (7.4 Miles From Hotel)

The Trilogy Sanctuary was designed to provide a place that nurtures balance and inspires people to lead healthy lives in harmony with themselves and with nature. Trilogy Sanctuary offers a peaceful space that encourages connection in the heart of La Jolla for yoga (including aerial yoga!), vegan cuisine, and spiritual healing. From the rooftop aerial yoga studio to the vegan cafe that offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Trilogy is a great place to stay active and healthy this winter in San Diego.

aerial yoga

Are You Ready to Plan Your San Diego Winter Wellness Retreat at The Dana on Mission Bay?

The Dana on Mission Bay is the place to be this winter to keep all of your health-minded resolutions in check. Not only will you relax and unwind at one of the best hotels in San Diego, but the prime location puts you near all the best San Diego winter activities. Our guests here at The Dana will experience stunning rooms and suites in a bayside setting in three-story buildings with beautiful views of the marina and beyond. It’s the perfect place to stay to soak up all the California sun and take part in all the best things to do in San Diego. Make plans today for your winter wellness escape to San Diego!

two people rollerskating on the waterfront

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two surfers at sunset at the beach

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children trick or treating

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