This Weekend In San Diego 12/6-12/8

By Alyssia Baldan | December 6, 2019

Santa is coming to town and San Diego is ready to bring on the holiday cheer! Cozy up by the fireplace with some hot cocoa, or watch the annual parade of lights happening at the San Diego Bay. There will be plenty of holiday festivities happening all weekend long for you and your family to enjoy!

Friday, December 6

December Nights

Watch Balboa Park light up this weekend for the 42nd annual free holiday festival. December Nights will feature light displays, Christmas choirs, amazing food, hot cocoa and much more!

Holiday Lights in the Garden

Gather your family and friends and come spend an evening (or two!) at the all-new Botanic Wonderland. at San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas. This family-friendly festival contains a musical light show, a mulled wine garden, live entertainment, visits with Santa and much more. Tickets are $20 per person, youth ticket prices are $12 for ages 3-17. The event is from 5-8:30 pm.

Santa Photos in La Jolla Towne Centre

Santa Claus is coming to town and he is ready to hear all of your wishes! This Friday from 10-9 pm Santa will be located at the Westview University Towne Centre in La Jolla. Reserve your spot ahead of time to skip the line. Santa will often take a break between 3:30-4 pm to feed his reindeer.

Holiday by the Bay

Bring your family and friends out to Holiday by the Bay to enjoy fun holiday festivities at the Hilton Bayfront. Friday night will feature cookie decorating, stocking decorating, a naughty or nice cocktail menu and an all-time favorite holiday movie, Elf. Guests will also have the opportunity to win a 2-night stay at the Hilton Bayfront if you post a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #HolidaybytheBay.

Olde Fashioned Christmas

This Friday night, head over to the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to celebrate the holiday season. There will be plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy like real snow for sledding, crafts at Santa’s workshop, a bounce house and Christmas cocktails at the Huntsman Whiskey Bar. As of Friday, December 6, the Hunstman Whiskey Bar will transform into a holiday pop-up bar, featuring a speakeasy and faux-snow falls on the patio.

Saturday, December 7

San Diego Street Food, BBQ & Beer Festival

Calling all local foodies to the San Diego Street food fest. From 12-5 pm guests will enjoy over 75+ beer and cider selections, delicious gourmet food trucks, live music and more! General admission tickets are $35 per person, the live band will begin at 12:30 pm.

Holiday Family Festival

Santa will listen to children’s wishes and pose with them for parent picture-taking. People of all ages will enjoy magic tricks and hand-blown balloon creations by Santa’s Elves, musical entertainment, rides on the Holiday Express Train, and a magical snowfall experience at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The event is from 12-3 pm at Village Walk in Eastlake.

Festival Of Carols

Musica Vitale is a professional ensemble presenting a cappella chamber works of Western European and Slavic origin from the last 300 years. The event begins at 7 pm at the Coronado Public Library, free and open to the public.

Rady Children’s Ice Rink

For $15 enjoy outdoor skating at Liberty Station. All proceeds will go towards Thriving After Cancer. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some holiday fun at this incredible outdoor ice rink! Rady Children’s Ice Rink is located in the Central Promenade at Liberty Station. The rink will be open from 10 am-10 pm.

Jingle Bell Run

Get your jingle on at the most fun and festive holiday fun-run from 8 am-1 pm at Liberty Station NTC Park. Your registration fee will go towards the Arthritis Foundation. Jingle all the way with your friends or family on Saturday morning!

Sunday, December 8

Parade of Lights

The 48th annual parade of lights returns back to San Diego, featuring 80 lavishly decorated boats. Participants in this year’s highly anticipated holiday boat parade will decorate their boats to fit this year’s theme, which will be Comic-Con on the Bay. The procession will begin at 5 pm.

A Christmas Carol

This Sunday at 2 pm and at 7 pm an all-time favorite, A Christmas Carol, will be playing at The Old Town Theater. This production features original music, stagecraft, puppetry, and live sound effects. The price of tickets varies but is going for between $30-$65 per person.

Winter Wonder at Belmont Park

Belmont Park is turning its traditional sandy beachside park into a winter wonderland for family and friends to enjoy this holiday season. From 4-8 pm enjoy free photos with Santa, holiday sculptures larger than life, live carolers from 2-5 pm and much more at Belmont Park! In the spirit of giving, Belmont will feature a toy drive to change the lives of children. Tickets start at $21 per person.

Queen Bee Market Expo

As described as “Etsy coming to life,” this expo will feature artisans showcasing their handmade home décor, accessories, clothing, vintage items, furniture and more. Interactive workshops will also be available for those who want to learn a few tips and tricks. The time of the event is from 10-6 pm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. There is a $3 entry fee, kids under 12 are free. Parking is $15.

Breakfast with Santa

Bring the kids and enjoy a memorable breakfast at Riverwalk Golf Club with the big guy himself, Santa Claus! Beginning at 10 am until 2 pm you will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa, enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and a cookie making station for kids. Price is $22.99 for adults, $12.99 for children ages 6-12 and children ages 5 and under are free.

Wacky Wonderland Holiday Festival

Bring your friends, family, and co-workers to the San Diego Center for Children’s Wacky Wonderland – a fun community holiday festival and donation drive! The event will benefit and bring holiday cheer to children and families served through our program services. The event will run from 11-2 pm. The event is free and open to the public.