The holidays are here and that means it’s time to take advantage of all the activities that make the season special. Luckily, here in the San Diego are we have so many holiday activities to enjoy. Here are five holiday activities you don’t want to miss.
Encinitas Holiday Parade
The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a family-favorite tradition. Between floats, bands, and marching groups, there are over 100 different sights to see as the parade makes its way down the Coast Highway 101.
Image: local.encinitaschamber.com
This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Arts”. The 60th annual parade kicks off at 5p.m. on Saturday December 2nd with a tree lighting ceremony and brief appearance by Santa. Because so many attend this parade, there is free shuttle service available from Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and the YMCA Ecke/Sports Complex.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Who said you can’t decorate boats for the holidays? See boats of all shapes and sizes decked out at the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights on December 9th.
It’s not only the boats that are decorated; captains and boat crews come out in their holiday bests. You may even see some of Santa’s elves! The best-decorated boats sail away withprizes. Be sure to come down early because there are a lot of people that come to this free event. Festivities start at 6p.m.
Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado
Ice skating at the beach? It’s a thing in San Diego and a very popular one at that.
Head down to the Hotel del Coronado between November 23rd and January 1st to check out views of the Pacific and Coronado Beach while you skate. The rink is located seaside at Windsor Lawn. Skating is $30 per person and ice skates are included. You can buy your tickets online or at the rink. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish San Diego.
Balboa Park December Nights
Celebrate Balboa Parks December Nights as it marks its 40th year of providing fun holiday traditions to the area.
This is San Diego’s largest free festival with more than 350,000 guests. This year’s festivities are being held December 1st and 2nd. See dazzling light displays like “The California Tower” and “The Botanical Building”, choirs, and bands and enjoy a variety of food and holiday treats. Don’t forget to visit the variety of stores and get some holiday shopping done too.
San Diego Botanic Garden – Garden of Lights
See the Botanic Garden come to life with 125,000 sparkling lights.
You may even see some snow! Catch a horse-drawn wagon ride on select nights as well as marshmallow roasting and other great holiday snacks. The Garden of Lights is open every night from 5-9p.m. December 2nd- through the 30th and just closes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There are different pricing levels depending on what night you go and whether you are a member of the Botanic Garden.
Celebrate the season as San Diego rings in the holidays with all that is merry and bright!
