San Diego In December: Festive Events, Weather, & More

Want to get in the Holiday spirit but without the winter weather? San Diego is your go-to December vacation spot.

You wouldn’t be alone in assuming that sunny San Diego lacks festive charm, due to its pleasant temperatures and beachside location. But this Californian city certainly knows how to celebrate the holidays in style. Check out our Holiday articles here:

Christmas in San Diego
Best Christmas Markets in San Diego
December Nights Balboa Park
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Where to See Christmas Lights in San Diego
New Year’s Eve in San Diego

Not only can you stroll along the coast at Torrey Pines State Reserve and pay a visit to the countless animals at San Diego Zoo, but there are also a bunch of exciting San Diego events in December.

Keep reading for everything to know about visiting San Diego in December, from expected weather to activities you must add to your holiday bucket list.

San Diego December Weather

December temperatures probably won’t entice you to take a dip in the ocean or spend your day chilling on a sunlounger.

However, the weather in San Diego in December is among the best you’ll find in the U.S.

Temperatures range between 50°F and 66°F, allowing you to explore the city in comfort. You can expect cloudy skies, but the weather remains mild throughout the month. 

Though San Diego experiences a few days of rain in December, the average rainfall is just 33 mm. The city doesn’t have a distinct rainy season, as heavy downpours are few and far between.

The city receives around 11 hours of daylight during this time and about 7.5 hours of sunshine.

Keep your bathing suit for another visit, as sea temperatures drop to 60°F in December.

What Should You Wear In San Diego In October?

You likely won’t need your wool layers on hand while visiting San Diego in December, but you should add some cozy attire to your packing list. This is primarily for the lower temperatures in the evenings.

Be sure to include a mix of t-shirts and long-sleeved tops that you can pair with jeans or trousers.

You’re best off leaving the shorts and flip-flops at home and swapping them for cardigans, warm jackets, and sneakers.

Don’t forget your sunglasses, you’ll have plenty of sunny days to enjoy even when the weather gets a little chillier.

Best Things To Do In San Diego In December

Celebrating Christmas In San Diego

Spending the holidays in San Diego? You’ll have a ton of festive things to do around town.

Some favorite activities to look out for include:

Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Gardens – Wander the mile-long pathway of dazzling light installations. San Diego Botanic Gardens, November 17th, 2023 – January 1st, 2024.

La Jolla Christmas Parade – Spread holiday cheer at the annual Christmas parade. Wall Street, La Jolla, at 1:30 p.m. on December 3rd, 2023.

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade – The largest balloon parade in the U.S. featuring floats, drill teams, and marching bands. Spend your day here and catch the bowl game, where two college football teams face off in an exciting game. Petco Park, on December 27th, 2023. Time TBC.

See the Christmas Lights in San Diego

When: Throughout December
Where: Multiple locations across the city

The San Diego Botanic Gardens aren’t the only place where you can admire elaborate displays of Christmas lights this holiday season.

There’s an array of places to see stunning light spectacles in San Diego.

Head to Old Town and join in on the Holiday Lights & Sights Trolley Tour, or make your way out to Coronado where Hotel del Coronado transforms into a winter wonderland.

If your schedule allows it, add itinerary stops at Seaport Village and Ej Cajon’s Jingle Bell Hill.

For a complete list, check out Best Places To See Christmas Lights In San Diego.

Play in the Snow

When: Every weekend in December and Christmas week
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds and Ventura Fairgrounds

Just because San Diego doesn’t typically get snow doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun! 

Thanks to the Snow ‘N’ Glow Holiday Festival, you and the family can play in real snow and even go tubbing. Then sip on hot chocolate and admire the holiday lights.

If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, venture out of the city and visit spots that get natural snow, like Cuyamaca Rancho State Park or Julian.

These spots are a real-life winter paradise.

Go Ice Skating

When: Throughout December
Where: Multiple locations across the city

Whether you have the grace of a gazelle or look more like Bambi when you hit the rink, nothing says Christmas quite like a few hours of ice skating!

You’ll have plenty of options when it’s time to lace up your skates, as San Diego has both year-round and seasonal ice skating spots.

However, there’s nowhere as magical as Hotel del Coronado’s beachside rink. 

Where else can you glide around on your ice skates with a legendary hotel to one side and the Pacific Ocean to the other?

Here’s a run down of locations to check out:

• Skating by the Sea – Coronado: November 17th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024.
• Liberty Station: November 16th, 2023 – January 7th, 2024.
• Viejas Outlet Center: November 3rd, 2023 – TBD.
• UTC Ice Arena – Westfield Shopping Center: Year-round.

December Nights Balboa Park

When: December 1st and 2nd, 2023
Where: Balboa Park
Website

One of the can’t-miss events in San Diego in December is Balboa Park December Nights.

This annual free festival will have you donning your Christmas jumper and singing classic carols.

Take the youngsters to meet Santa, watch the Christmas tree lights switch on, and grab some gifts for your loved ones at the pop-up stalls. 

Additionally, you’ll be treated to live choir and dance performances while enjoying delicious local and international dishes from the food vendors.

This is alway a favorite among things to do in San Diego in December.

For everything you need to know, check out Ultimate Guide To Balboa Park December Nights.

Christmas Markets in San Diego

When: Throughout December
Where: Multiple locations across the city

Ready to stock up on seasonal trinkets and do some Christmas shopping?

San Diego’s answer to Europe’s beloved Christmas markets can be found in several spots throughout the city. 

These are great places to find a unique gift and get into the holiday spirit.

Be sure to include visits to the following markets during your vacation:

• San Marcos Holiday Market – December 3rd, 2023
• Little Italy Christmas Village – December 3rd, 2023
• La Mesa Holiday Fest Market – November 25th, 2023

For more ideas, head over to: San Diego Christmas Markets To Put You In The Holiday Spirit.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

When: December 10th and 17th, 2023
Where: Starting from Shelter Island
Website

Running for two Sundays in December, the Parade of Lights is among the top holiday traditions on San Diego’s winter calendar.

This free parade features up to 80 incredibly decorated boats.

The boats make their way through the city, stopping at points like The Embarcadero and Seaport Village before finishing up at the Coronado Ferry Landing.

The parade has been dazzling San Diego for 53 years, having become more and more impressive each year. 

Go Whale Watching

When: Mid-December
Where: Various tour operators
San Diego Whale Watching: Best Tours

Anyone planning to visit San Diego during the second half of the month will have the chance of a lifetime to do some whale watching.

From mid-December until April, thousands of grey whales pass by San Diego during their migration.

For your chance to spot these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat, you can hop on one of the many tours that depart from the city.

Many companies even allow you to make the journey a second time, if you don’t spot whales during your first excursion.

SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off

When: December 3rd, 2023
Where: Thorn St. & 32nd St, North Park
Website

A must for foodies, the SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is an annual fundraiser that’s all about celebrating local crafts, listening to live music, and tasting delicious chili.

You’ll love witnessing chefs battle it out for the finest chili in San Diego.

When you’ve had your fill of chili, you can sample some light bites from the superb food trucks and sip on a refreshing beverage while waiting for the winner to be announced.

Entry to SoNo Fest is free, but you’ll need one of the ticket packages to taste the chili.

Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade

When: December 16th, 2023
Where: Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Website

If you’re a local pet owner or traveling to San Diego with your furry friends, you have to check out the Holiday Pet Parade.

Every year, dogs and cats strut their stuff in their finest Christmas attire to celebrate the holiday season.

Plus, get their paws on some well-sought-after prizes.

Even if you’re not coming with your pet, it’s well worth stopping by this buzzing parade to catch a glimpse of the cutest pups and kittens in their festive gear.

Be prepared to see some of the most creative pet and human-matching costumes you could imagine.

Get Cozy at a Luxury Movie Theater

On those brisk winter evenings, you’ll love curling up and watching the latest flicks or a Christmas classic at a luxury movie theater.

Many of these high-end cinemas are dotted around San Diego, including Cinépolis in Del Mar and Carlsbad or The Lot at Liberty Station and La Jolla.

Once you pick your film, order tasty food and your favorite hot drink right from your oh-so-comfy seat.

Hop Aboard The Polar Express

When: November 19th – December 30th, 2023
Where: Southern California Railway Museum
Website

At the Southern California Railway Museum, you can bring The Polar Express to life and take a train ride you won’t be soon to forget.

Over an hour, passengers can join in on Christmas caroling and a reading session of the iconic holiday children’s book.

The little ones can even meet Santa and all his helpers.

You’ll be gifted with a sleigh bell momento, heavenly hot chocolate, and fresh shortbread along the way.

For more fun Christmas ideas, you’ll love The Ultimate Guide To Christmas In San Diego.

San Diego in December isn’t the most typical Holiday destination, but there are a lot of fun things to do during the last month of the year. 

Which December events are you most excited for this year?

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