San Diego's Holiday Events by the Beach (2025 Update)
- San Diego Beach Review
- Dec 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Looking for the best holiday events in San Diego by the beach? Each winter, the coastline transforms into a festive wonderland with lighted boat parades, beachside markets, and oceanfront celebrations.
Whether you’re a local planning family traditions or a visitor chasing sunshine instead of snow, San Diego’s coastal holiday events combine holiday cheer with ocean views.
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This 2025 guide highlights the most popular and unique celebrations you won’t want to miss.
Why Celebrate the Holidays by the Beach in San Diego?
Mild Weather: Average temps in the 60s make it perfect for outdoor festivities.
Unique Traditions: Think boat parades instead of sleigh rides.
Scenic Backdrop: From La Jolla Cove to Coronado, holiday lights reflect off the Pacific Ocean.
San Diego’s Best Holiday Events by the Beach (2025)
1. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dates: December 14 & December 21, 2025
Where: San Diego Bay (view from Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Embarcadero, and Seaport Village)
Why Go: A classic San Diego tradition for over 50 years. Dozens of boats, decked out in holiday lights, cruise the bay.
2. La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
Date: December 7, 2025
Where: Girard Avenue & La Jolla Cove
Why Go: A small-town feel with marching bands, floats, and local groups, ending by the ocean at La Jolla Cove.
3. Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House
Date: December 5, 2025
Where: Orange Avenue & Coronado Ferry Landing
Why Go: Parade, snow play area for kids, and the Lighting of the Holiday Tree in Coronado.
4. Seaport Village Holiday Festivities
Dates: Ongoing December 2025
Where: Seaport Village & Embarcadero
Why Go: Waterfront shopping, carolers, holiday markets, live music, and Santa photos with the bay in the background.
5. Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Date: December 13, 2025
Where: Oceanside Harbor
Why Go: A North County tradition where decorated fishing boats and sailboats cruise the harbor with festive lights.
6. Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights
Date: December 13, 2025
Where: Mission Bay, including views from Crown Point and Ski Beach
Why Go: A family-friendly boat parade with fireworks over Mission Bay to close out the evening.
7. Encinitas Holiday Street Fair (Near Moonlight Beach)
Date: November 23, 2025
Where: Downtown Encinitas, walking distance from Moonlight Beach
Why Go: 450 vendors, live music, children’s rides, and local holiday shopping in a laid-back surf town.
8. Del Mar Holiday of Lights at the Fairgrounds
Dates: December 12 - 14, 18-23, 26, 2025
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds, near the beach
Why Go: Drive-through holiday light experience featuring more than a million lights.
9. Hotel del Coronado’s Holiday Festivities
Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Where: Hotel del Coronado, beachfront
Why Go: Famous beachfront ice skating rink, holiday market, themed dining, and thousands of twinkling lights on the hotel’s iconic Victorian architecture.
10. Pacific Beach Holiday Parade & Winter Wonderland
Date: December 14, 2025
Where: Garnet Avenue & Pacific Beach Boardwalk
Why Go: Santa run, Beachside parade followed by holiday activities near Crystal Pier.
Insider Tips for Visiting Holiday Beach Events
Arrive Early: Parking near popular beaches fills quickly.
Bundle Up: Evenings by the ocean get chilly — bring a jacket.
Use Transit: Trolley and shuttle services make getting to events easier.
Stay Coastal: Book hotels near Coronado, Mission Bay, or La Jolla for walkable access.
Where to Stay for Beach Holiday Events
Hotel del Coronado (luxury, beachfront, festive holiday decor)
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa (Mission Bay, near the boat parade)
La Jolla Shores Hotel (close to La Jolla parade and oceanfront fun)
Seabird Resort (Oceanside) (walk to Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights)
FAQ: San Diego Holiday Events by the Beach (2025)
Q: Are San Diego holiday events free to attend?
A: Many are free, including the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, Coronado Holiday Parade, and Oceanside Parade of Lights. Some events like Hotel del Coronado’s ice skating or Del Mar Holiday Lights require tickets.
Q: What’s the best family-friendly holiday event by the beach?
A: The Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights (with fireworks) and Coronado Holiday Parade are perfect for kids.
Q: Can I see holiday events without a car?
A: Yes! Seaport Village, the Embarcadero, and downtown holiday events are accessible by trolley.
Q: When do holiday events usually start in San Diego?
A: Festivities kick off in late November (around Thanksgiving) and run through early January.
Q: Where’s the best place to watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights?
A: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and the Embarcadero are top viewing spots. Arrive early for the best views.
Final Thoughts
San Diego’s holiday events by the beach bring festive cheer with a coastal twist. From glowing boat parades and seaside ice skating to parades by the ocean, 2025 is full of family traditions and oceanfront magic.
Whether you’re planning a local holiday outing or visiting San Diego for the season, these events guarantee sun, surf, and holiday sparkle.
Ready for your next coastal adventure? Subscribe to San Diego Beach Review for more guides on the best things to do in and around the water.
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