The San Diego area has 13 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Lightscape in Encinitas on November 20 to Jungle Bells in San Diego, which runs through January 3. 7 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in California, part of our guide for every state.
The short version
- 13 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in San Diego for 2026, in San Diego, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Encinitas, La Mesa and Poway
- First: Lightscape, Encinitas, November 20. Runs latest: Lightscape, Encinitas, through January 3
- Free: Surfin' Santa Arrival, Balboa Park December Nights, Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting, Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village, La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, Holiday in the Village and Poway's Christmas in the Park
- Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our California Christmas train rides page.
San Diego Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 13 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- San Diego, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Encinitas, La Mesa and Poway
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 7
- Kinds of events
- holiday lights, holiday parade, tree lighting and Santa visit
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each San Diego Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Lightscape in Encinitas on November 20; the last runs to January 3. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- LightscapeEncinitas · Nov 20 to Jan 3
- Holidays at LEGOLANDCarlsbad · Nov 21 to Jan 3
- Jingle JetsSan Diego · Nov 27 to Dec 30
- Surfin' Santa ArrivalSan Diego · Nov 28
- Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree LightingCoronado · Dec 4
- Balboa Park December NightsSan Diego · Dec 4 to Dec 5
- Holiday WonderlandSan Diego · Dec 4 to Dec 23
- 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and FestivalChula Vista · Dec 5
- Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas VillageSan Diego · Dec 5
- La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday FestivalSan Diego · Dec 6
- Holiday in the VillageLa Mesa · Dec 12
- Poway's Christmas in the ParkPoway · Dec 12
- Jungle BellsSan Diego · Dec 18 to Jan 3
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in San Diego? Bring Rally home.
Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Christmas events for kids in San Diego
7 confirmed events for kids in San Diego, soonest first.
San Diego: Jingle Jets
Holiday lightsUSS Midway Museum · San Diego
- Host
- USS Midway Museum (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- USS Midway Museum, 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (select nights)
- Cost
- Ticketed; see museum site
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Jingle Jets brings holiday lights to the flight deck of the USS Midway, the aircraft carrier museum on the downtown waterfront. San Diego Tourism lists a Santa meet and greet as part of the experience, so kids can see the jets lit up for the season and say hello to Santa on the same visit.
The 2026 season runs on select nights from November 27 to December 30. It is a ticketed evening event and tickets tend to sell out, so check the museum's event page for the nights offered and book early. The museum sits at 910 North Harbor Drive on the downtown waterfront. Dress warmly, since the flight deck is open to the bay breeze in the evening.
Parent tip: Tickets often sell out; book early for weekend nights.
See dates and details from USS Midway Museum (opens in a new tab)San Diego: Surfin' Santa Arrival
Holiday paradeFreeSeaport Village · San Diego
- Host
- Seaport Village (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Seaport Village, 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- When
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Seaport Village welcomes Santa to the waterfront the Saturday after Thanksgiving. San Diego Tourism lists a Santa parade along the boardwalk, street performers and a chance for kids to take photos with Santa, all with the bay as a backdrop.
The 2026 arrival is Saturday, November 28, and it appears on the tourism board's list of free holiday happenings. The listing did not include a start time, so check Seaport Village's site that week. It is an easy outing to pair with a walk along the Embarcadero. Seaport Village is at 849 West Harbor Drive on the downtown waterfront. Bring a camera or phone for the Santa photos, and expect a crowd around the arrival.
Parent tip: Start time was not listed; check Seaport Village's site the week of the event.
See dates and details from Seaport Village (opens in a new tab)San Diego: Balboa Park December Nights
Tree lightingFreeCity of San Diego · San Diego
- Host
- City of San Diego (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
- When
- Fri December 4 (4 to 10 pm) and Sat December 5 (noon to 10 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
December Nights is the City of San Diego's biggest free holiday festival, held across Balboa Park for one weekend each December. The 2026 edition brings light displays, choir performances, live entertainment, craft vendors and food, and the annual tree lighting is part of the celebration. San Diego Tourism lists Santa Claus among the attractions.
The festival runs Friday, December 4, 2026, from 4 to 10 pm and Saturday, December 5, from noon to 10 pm. Admission is free. Saturday is the easier day for younger kids, since it starts at noon and lets families see the park in daylight before the lights come on. December Nights is spread across the park, so wear comfortable shoes and agree on a meeting spot with older kids. The San Diego Public Library has hosted a family booth at past editions.
Parent tip: Saturday opens at noon, which is easier for little ones than the Friday evening crowds.
See dates and details from City of San Diego (opens in a new tab)San Diego: Holiday Wonderland
Santa visitSan Diego Padres / Petco Park · San Diego
- Host
- San Diego Padres / Petco Park (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Petco Park, Gallagher Square, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (select dates), 4 pm
- Cost
- $18 kids, $25 adults (varies by date and time)
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday Wonderland takes over Gallagher Square at Petco Park for much of December. San Diego Tourism lists rides, games and holiday crafts included with entry, plus photo opportunities with Santa, which makes it a good fit for families with younger kids who want a lot to do in one place.
In 2026 it runs on select dates from December 4 to 23, opening at 4 pm. Tickets are about $18 for kids and $25 for adults, with prices that vary by date and time. Tickets are timed, so buy ahead for the night you want. Gallagher Square is inside Petco Park downtown. Rides, games and crafts are included in the ticket price, according to the listing.
Parent tip: Tickets are timed and priced by date, so book ahead for weekend nights.
See dates and details from San Diego Padres / Petco Park (opens in a new tab)San Diego: Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Tree lightingFreeLittle Italy Association of San Diego · San Diego
- Host
- Little Italy Association of San Diego (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Piazza della Famiglia, India St and Date St, San Diego, CA 92101
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Little Italy celebrates the start of the season with a tree lighting and a Christmas Village in the neighborhood's central piazza. San Diego Tourism lists live music, entertainment and snacks, and the lighting itself is the moment kids look forward to.
The 2026 tree lighting is Saturday, December 5, and it is on the tourism board's list of free holiday events. That is the same day as Balboa Park December Nights, so families can plan a full downtown holiday day. Check the Little Italy Association page for the start time. The celebration is put on by the Little Italy Association in the neighborhood's central piazza near India and Date Streets. Plan for street parking to be tight downtown that evening.
Parent tip: It falls on the same Saturday as December Nights; check the start time before planning both.
See dates and details from Little Italy Association of San Diego (opens in a new tab)San Diego: La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Holiday paradeFreeLa Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival Foundation · San Diego
- Host
- La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival Foundation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- La Jolla Recreation Center and Girard Avenue, 615 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037
- When
- Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 5 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The La Jolla Christmas Parade travels through the village with marching bands, vintage vehicles, horses and even a camel, according to San Diego Tourism, and the day includes a tree lighting. After the parade, families head to the La Jolla Recreation Center on Prospect Street for the Holiday Festival.
In 2026 the parade starts at 1 pm on Sunday, December 6, at Girard Avenue and Kline Street, and the festival runs from 1 to 5 pm at the recreation center. Watching is free. Parking in La Jolla is tight on parade day, and MTS lists the event on its rider page, so transit or an early arrival will make the afternoon easier. The parade and festival are run by a local foundation as a long running village tradition. Bring sunscreen, since the parade steps off in the early afternoon.
Parent tip: Parking in the village is limited; arrive early or check MTS for transit options.
See dates and details from La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival Foundation (opens in a new tab)San Diego: Jungle Bells
Holiday lightsSan Diego Zoo · San Diego
- Host
- San Diego Zoo (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
- When
- Friday, December 18, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; zoo open until 8 pm)
- Cost
- Included with zoo admission
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Jungle Bells is the San Diego Zoo's holiday season, when the zoo stays open later into the evening. It gives families a chance to see the zoo after dark, which is a different experience from a daytime visit, and it runs through the school winter break.
In 2026 Jungle Bells runs December 18 through January 3, 2027, and the zoo closes at 8 pm during the event. It is part of a zoo visit, so plan on regular admission, and check the zoo's site for the daily schedule and any closed days around Christmas. The zoo is in Balboa Park at 2920 Zoo Drive. Jungle Bells overlaps with the school winter break, which makes it an easy outing between Christmas and New Year.
Parent tip: Check the zoo calendar for any holiday closures before you go.
See dates and details from San Diego Zoo (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Carlsbad
1 confirmed event for kids in Carlsbad, soonest first.
Carlsbad: Holidays at LEGOLAND
Holiday lightsLEGOLAND California Resort · Carlsbad
- Host
- LEGOLAND California Resort (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- LEGOLAND California, 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (near San Diego)
- When
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates)
- Cost
- Included with park admission
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
LEGOLAND California dresses up for the holidays with seasonal characters around the park. San Diego Tourism lists meet and greets with Santa, a Toy Soldier and the Gingerbread Man, and a Holiday Light Show once the sun goes down, on top of the park's regular rides built for younger kids.
The 2026 holiday season runs on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027. It is part of a regular park visit, so plan around park admission and check the resort's calendar for which days the holiday activities are running. LEGOLAND is in Carlsbad, about 35 miles north of downtown San Diego. Plan to stay until dark if you want to see the Holiday Light Show.
Parent tip: Holiday activities run on select dates; check the park calendar before buying tickets.
See dates and details from LEGOLAND California Resort (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Chula Vista
1 confirmed event for kids in Chula Vista, soonest first.
Chula Vista: 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and Festival
Holiday paradeCity of Chula Vista · Chula Vista
- Host
- City of Chula Vista (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Memorial Park, 373 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (near San Diego)
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Cost
- Check the host's page
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The City of Chula Vista holds its 62nd annual Starlight Parade and Festival on Saturday, December 5, 2026, with this year's theme, Where Traditions Shine Bright. The organizers list Memorial Park at 373 Park Way as the location, and the full entertainment schedule is posted on the parade site.
Parking near the park is limited, so the city recommends carpooling, rideshares, bikes or public transit. Bring blankets or low chairs for curbside seating; there is food from vendors at the festival. It is a long-running South Bay tradition about 8 miles south of downtown San Diego.
Parent tip: Parking is limited, so carpool or ride transit. Bring blankets or low-profile chairs for seating.
See dates and details from City of Chula Vista (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Coronado
1 confirmed event for kids in Coronado, soonest first.
Coronado: Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Holiday paradeFreeCoronado Chamber of Commerce · Coronado
- Host
- Coronado Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Orange Avenue to Rotary Park, Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (near San Diego)
- When
- Friday, December 4, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Coronado's holiday parade is a small town tradition on the island. The route runs from the Ferry Landing toward the Hotel del Coronado, and the evening wraps up with singalongs and the lighting of the community tree at Rotary Park.
The 2026 parade and tree lighting are on Friday, December 4, and watching is free. The tourism listing did not give a start time, so check the Coronado Chamber page before you go. Plan to arrive early to find a good spot along the route. The parade is presented by the Coronado Chamber of Commerce, and the route passes through the heart of the island. The tree lighting at Rotary Park closes out the night.
Parent tip: Times were not posted yet; check the chamber's page closer to the date.
See dates and details from Coronado Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Encinitas
1 confirmed event for kids in Encinitas, soonest first.
Encinitas: Lightscape
Holiday lightsSan Diego Botanic Garden · Encinitas
- Host
- San Diego Botanic Garden (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024 (near San Diego)
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select nights)
- Cost
- Ticketed; see garden site
- Sign-up
- Required ahead of time
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Lightscape turns the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas into a nighttime trail of illuminated installations. San Diego Tourism describes a display of more than one million lights, and the walking route through the garden lets families see the installations together after dark.
The 2026 season runs November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027. It is a ticketed evening event, so check the garden's Lightscape page for open nights, entry times and prices, and book ahead for the busy weeks around Christmas. The garden is at 300 Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas, in North County. It is an outdoor evening walk, so dress the kids in warm layers.
Parent tip: Book timed tickets ahead for the weeks around Christmas.
See dates and details from San Diego Botanic Garden (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in La Mesa
1 confirmed event for kids in La Mesa, soonest first.
La Mesa: Holiday in the Village
Holiday eventFreeLa Mesa Village Association · La Mesa
- Host
- La Mesa Village Association (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- La Mesa Village, La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942 (near San Diego)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Holiday in the Village is La Mesa's yearly holiday street festival along La Mesa Boulevard in the historic downtown. San Diego Tourism highlights a kids' area with holiday movies and activities, so younger children have their own space while the family strolls the village and its shops.
The 2026 festival is Saturday, December 12, and it is on the tourism board's list of free holiday events. Times were not listed, so check the La Mesa Village Association page as the date gets closer for the schedule and the kids' area hours. The festival is organized by the La Mesa Village Association along La Mesa Boulevard. The kids' area makes it a good choice for families with younger children.
Parent tip: Times were not posted yet; check the village association page before you go.
See dates and details from La Mesa Village Association (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Poway
1 confirmed event for kids in Poway, soonest first.
Poway: Poway's Christmas in the Park
Santa visitFreeCity of Poway · Poway
- Host
- City of Poway (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064 (near San Diego)
- When
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Cost
- Free admission
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Christmas in the Park is the City of Poway's holiday festival at Old Poway Park, a historic park with its own small railroad. San Diego Tourism lists Santa visits, train rides around the park, theater performances and crafts, which adds up to a full evening for kids.
The 2026 festival is Saturday, December 12, and it is on the tourism board's list of free holiday happenings. Start times were not listed, so check the City of Poway's page before you go, along with any shuttle or parking details. Old Poway Park is at 14134 Midland Road in Poway. The festival is organized by the City of Poway and is listed among the tourism board's free holiday happenings.
Parent tip: Check the city page for times and parking or shuttle options before heading out.
See dates and details from City of Poway (opens in a new tab)Looking further afield? Our California Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.
A story for the drive home
A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.
Buy on AmazonSan Diego Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in San Diego in 2026?
We confirmed 13 Christmas events for kids in San Diego for 2026 on each host’s own page: Lightscape in Encinitas (November 20), Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (November 21), Jingle Jets in San Diego (November 27), Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego (November 28), Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego (December 4), Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Coronado (December 4), Holiday Wonderland in San Diego (December 4), 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and Festival in Chula Vista (December 5), Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village in San Diego (December 5), La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival in San Diego (December 6), Holiday in the Village in La Mesa (December 12), Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway (December 12) and Jungle Bells in San Diego (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in San Diego, California?
For families in and around San Diego, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Jingle Jets (Select nights, Nov 27 to Dec 30, ticketed; see museum site); Surfin' Santa Arrival (Sat, Nov 28, free); Balboa Park December Nights (Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 10 pm; Sat, Dec 5, noon to 10 pm, free); Holiday Wonderland (Select dates, Dec 4 to 23, from 4 pm, $18 kids, $25 adults (varies by date and time)); Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village (Sat, Dec 5, free); La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival (Sun, Dec 6, parade 1 pm, festival 1 to 5 pm, free); Jungle Bells (Dec 18 to Jan 3, zoo open until 8 pm, included with zoo admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the San Diego section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Carlsbad, California?
For families in and around Carlsbad, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holidays at LEGOLAND (Select dates, Nov 21 to Jan 3, included with park admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Carlsbad section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Chula Vista, California?
For families in and around Chula Vista, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and Festival (Sat, Dec 5, see the host for cost). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Chula Vista section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Coronado, California?
For families in and around Coronado, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting (Fri, Dec 4, evening, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Coronado section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Encinitas, California?
For families in and around Encinitas, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Lightscape (Nov 20 to Jan 3, evenings, ticketed; see garden site). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Encinitas section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in La Mesa, California?
For families in and around La Mesa, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday in the Village (Sat, Dec 12, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the La Mesa section of this page.
What Christmas events for kids are in Poway, California?
For families in and around Poway, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Poway's Christmas in the Park (Sat, Dec 12, free admission). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Poway section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in San Diego?
Yes. 7 of the 13 events here are free: Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego, Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego, Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Coronado, Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village in San Diego, La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival in San Diego, Holiday in the Village in La Mesa and Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in San Diego this December?
Santa appears at Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (November 21), Jingle Jets in San Diego (November 27), Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego (November 28), Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego (December 4), Holiday Wonderland in San Diego (December 4) and Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway (December 12). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Are there kids' Christmas events in San Diego on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Lightscape in Encinitas (through January 3), Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad (through January 3), Jingle Jets in San Diego (through December 30) and Jungle Bells in San Diego (through January 3).
How much is Lightscape in Encinitas?
Ticketed; see garden site. Lightscape is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select nights) at San Diego Botanic Garden. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holidays at LEGOLAND in Carlsbad?
Included with park admission. Holidays at LEGOLAND is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (select dates) at LEGOLAND California. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Jingle Jets in San Diego?
Ticketed; see museum site. Jingle Jets is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (select nights) at USS Midway Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Surfin' Santa Arrival in San Diego?
Free. Surfin' Santa Arrival is on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at Seaport Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Balboa Park December Nights in San Diego?
Free. Balboa Park December Nights is on Fri December 4 (4 to 10 pm) and Sat December 5 (noon to 10 pm), 2026 at Balboa Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Coronado?
Free. Coronado Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting is on Friday, December 4, 2026 at Orange Avenue to Rotary Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Wonderland in San Diego?
$18 kids, $25 adults (varies by date and time). Holiday Wonderland is on Friday, December 4, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (select dates), 4 pm at Petco Park, Gallagher Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
When is 62nd Annual Starlight Parade and Festival in Chula Vista in 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Memorial Park. The host has not posted a price on its page, so check there before you go.
How much is Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village in San Diego?
Free. Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Piazza della Famiglia. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival in San Diego?
Free. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival is on Sunday, December 6, 2026, 1 to 5 pm at La Jolla Recreation Center and Girard Avenue. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday in the Village in La Mesa?
Free. Holiday in the Village is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at La Mesa Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Poway's Christmas in the Park in Poway?
Free admission. Poway's Christmas in the Park is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Old Poway Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Jungle Bells in San Diego?
Included with zoo admission. Jungle Bells is on Friday, December 18, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (daily; zoo open until 8 pm) at San Diego Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in San Diego?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our San Diego Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
