What to do This Season in San Diego
San Diego Holiday Happenings 2026: Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Events
San Diego celebrates the final months of the year with much more than sunshine and palm trees. From glowing Halloween nights and Thanksgiving turkey trots to beachfront ice skating, holiday markets and sparkling boat parades, the region offers festive events from September through New Year’s. Use this guide to plan the best Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas events in San Diego for 2026.
Halloween and Fall Events in San Diego
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, September 11–November 1, 2026
Where: SeaWorld San Diego, Mission Bay
This daytime celebration gives younger visitors a fun, not-too-scary Halloween experience. Families can explore a pumpkin patch, follow the trick-or-treat candy trail, watch seasonal entertainment and meet costumed characters throughout the park. Halloween Spooktacular is included with regular park admission.
View Halloween Spooktacular details
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld
When: Select nights, September 25–October 31, 2026
Where: SeaWorld San Diego, Mission Bay
After dark, SeaWorld shifts into a much scarier experience with haunted houses, scare zones, thrill rides, live shows and themed bars. Howl-O-Scream is designed for an older crowd and requires a separate ticket from daytime park admission.
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
When: Select Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, October 2–31, 2026
Where: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park
The San Diego Zoo lights up after dark with glowing décor, live music, roaming performers and family-friendly activities. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes while exploring the zoo’s seasonal entertainment and interactive experiences. HalGLOWeen activities are included with zoo admission.
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
When: Select dates in September and October 2026
Where: LEGOLAND California Resort, Carlsbad
Brick-or-Treat brings trick-or-treat stations, Halloween entertainment, character appearances and seasonal surprises to LEGOLAND. The event is especially well suited to families with younger children who want costumes and candy without a frightening atmosphere. Check the official calendar when planning, as activities and admission vary by date.
Check the LEGOLAND event calendar
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
When: Select nights from late September through early November 2026
Where: Balboa Park
The Haunted Trail turns a section of Balboa Park into an outdoor walk-through attraction filled with elaborate sets, costumed characters and unexpected scares. This is one for horror fans rather than small children. Timed tickets are recommended for popular October weekends.
Halloween Spooktacular at Santee Lakes
When: October 24, 2026
Where: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
This free community event includes a trunk-or-treat trail, games, crafts, inflatables, mini golf, face painting, photo opportunities and food trucks. Parking is ticketed, but admission to the celebration is free.
Halloween at the Station
When: October 25, 2026
Where: Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station
Liberty Station’s annual family Halloween celebration features trick-or-treating, crafts, inflatable obstacle courses, a DJ and a themed car show. The free event also makes it easy to continue the day at Liberty Public Market, nearby restaurants or the waterfront park.
Browse San Diego’s October events
Sherman Heights Día de los Muertos
When: October 15–November 2, 2026
Where: Sherman Heights Community Center
One of San Diego’s most meaningful Día de los Muertos traditions returns for its 32nd year with community altars, art workshops, film, food and cultural programming. The multiweek celebration culminates with a candlelight procession honoring loved ones who have passed.
Explore Sherman Heights Día de los Muertos
Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival
When: October 25, 2026, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Oceanside
This free North County festival fills downtown Oceanside with traditional dance, live music, community altars, food, crafts and local vendors. A Catrina and Catrín contest plus an impressive display of classic cars and lowriders add to the day’s colorful celebration.
View Oceanside Día de los Muertos details
Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration
When: October 25, 2026, from noon–4 p.m.
Where: MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus, Cardiff
Encinitas honors Día de los Muertos with an afternoon of art, music, dance and family-friendly cultural activities. Guests can explore community altars, watch artist demonstrations, join creative workshops and enjoy food from local vendors.
See Encinitas Día de los Muertos information
Old Town Día de los Muertos
When: October 31–November 2, 2026
Where: Old Town San Diego
Old Town’s historic streets come alive with beautifully decorated altars, marigolds, traditional artwork, live entertainment and activities honoring Día de los Muertos. The celebration concludes with a candlelight procession on November 2, creating a memorable and respectful tribute to loved ones.
Plan a visit to Old Town Día de los Muertos
Thanksgiving Events and Traditions
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving Day 5K
When: November 26, 2026
Where: Balboa Park
San Diego’s longest-running Thanksgiving Day turkey trot welcomes runners, walkers, families and strollers to Balboa Park. Proceeds benefit Father Joe’s Villages Food Services Program, making the event a festive way to begin the holiday while supporting meals for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Register for the Thanksgiving 5K
O’side Turkey Trot
When: November 26, 2026
Where: Oceanside
North County’s popular Thanksgiving tradition includes a 5K run and walk plus a kids’ run. The coastal course attracts participants of all ages and benefits the San Diego Food Bank, local schools and community nonprofits.
View O’side Turkey Trot information
Coronado Turkey Trot
When: November 26, 2026
Where: Tidelands Park, Coronado
This scenic Thanksgiving morning 5K follows the Bayshore Bikeway along San Diego Bay and beneath the Coronado Bridge. Runners and walkers of all ages can enjoy waterfront views before the day’s celebrations begin.
See Coronado Turkey Trot details
Thanksgiving in the Crown Room
When: November 26, 2026
Where: Hotel del Coronado
For a holiday meal without the cooking, Hotel del Coronado hosts an elegant Thanksgiving buffet inside its historic Crown Room. Reservations are required and typically fill early. Guests can also explore the resort’s holiday decorations and beachfront experiences while visiting.
Explore Thanksgiving at The Del
Christmas and Holiday Events in San Diego
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
When: November 13, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: SeaWorld San Diego, Mission Bay
SeaWorld transforms into a holiday destination with millions of lights, live music, seasonal shows, festive food and character appearances. Visitors can see Santa and his reindeer, watch holiday-themed performances and explore illuminated areas throughout the park. The celebration is included with regular park admission.
View Christmas Celebration details
Holidays at Hotel del Coronado
When: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: Hotel del Coronado, Coronado
The Del’s 2026 theme, “A Holiday Through Time,” combines the resort’s history with beachfront holiday traditions. Skating by the Sea, the Lightshow Spectacular, Beachside Igloos, holiday dining, photos with Santa, movies on the beach and gingerbread-house decorating create several ways to experience the property throughout the season.
Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting
When: November 28, 2026
Where: Julian
The mountain town of Julian begins its holiday season with a traditional tree lighting and small-town celebration. Make a day of the drive with apple pie, local shops and a stroll through the decorated historic district. Mountain temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, so bring a warm layer.
Browse San Diego’s December events
Balboa Park December Nights
When: December 4–5, 2026
Where: Balboa Park
One of San Diego’s largest free holiday festivals fills Balboa Park with light displays, cultural performances, live entertainment, shopping and food from around the world. The two-night event draws large crowds, so public transportation, shuttles or early arrival can make the experience easier.
Plan your December Nights visit
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
When: Select dates, December 4–23, 2026
Where: Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Petco Park’s seasonal celebration turns Gallagher Square into a holiday setting with light displays, seasonal food and drinks, festive characters and family activities. It offers a chance to experience the Padres’ ballpark in a completely different way during the off-season.
View Holiday Wonderland updates
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
When: December 6, 2026, from 1–5 p.m.
Where: La Jolla Village and the La Jolla Recreation Center
This free coastal celebration has brought holiday cheer to La Jolla since 1957. The afternoon includes a parade with festive floats, local performers and holiday music, followed by a community festival with entertainment for all ages.
Mission Bay Parade of Lights
When: December 12, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Mission Bay
Decorated boats bring color and holiday energy to Mission Bay during this waterfront tradition. Viewing areas around the bay offer different experiences, with select resorts and businesses hosting seasonal food, warm drinks, music and family activities.
See Mission Bay parade details
San Diego Santa Run
When: December 12, 2026
Where: Pacific Beach
Thousands of runners dressed as Santa take over Pacific Beach for a festive 5K, with additional races and activities typically offered for younger participants and four-legged companions. The costumes and beach setting make it as entertaining for spectators as it is for runners.
Explore San Diego running events
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
When: December 13 and December 20, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Where: San Diego Bay
Approximately 80 decorated boats travel from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado Ferry Landing. The 2026 theme is “Liberty Lights the Bay—Cheers to 250 Years.” Popular waterfront viewing areas fill early.
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
When: November 4–December 31, 2026
Where: The Old Globe, Balboa Park
The Old Globe’s whimsical musical returns for its 29th year with familiar songs, colorful scenery and the story of the Grinch’s change of heart. The 2026 holiday season also includes a fully produced Spanish-language version, ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!, giving even more families a way to enjoy the San Diego tradition.
View The Old Globe’s 2026 holiday season
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
When: Select dates during November and December 2026
Where: The Old Globe, Balboa Park
The Old Globe’s fast-moving, comedic take on A Christmas Carol gives the Dickens classic a distinctly San Diego personality. The compact production is a lively alternative for visitors who want a seasonal theater experience beyond The Grinch.
Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden
When: Select evenings during the 2026 holiday season; final dates to be announced
Where: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
Lightscape turns the garden into an illuminated nighttime trail with large-scale installations, music, color and seasonal food and drinks. Timed tickets and advance parking are recommended. The event is typically closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
When: Select dates in December 2026 and early January 2027; schedule to be announced
Where: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park
Jungle Bells extends the zoo’s evening hours with holiday lights, live entertainment, music and family activities. Seasonal programming is generally included with zoo admission, making it easy to pair with a full day of animal exhibits.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
When: Select dates from late November 2026 through early January 2027; schedule to be announced
Where: San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido
The Safari Park celebrates with a wildlife-themed tree, glowing displays, seasonal music and entertainment after dark. Because the park is farther inland, evenings can feel considerably cooler than along the coast.
View Wild Holidays information
Noel Noel at The Rady Shell
When: Select dates in December 2026
Where: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
The San Diego Symphony’s annual holiday concert brings orchestral favorites, choral music and sing-along moments to the waterfront. Select performances may also line up with the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, creating an especially festive evening on the Embarcadero.
Coronado Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
When: Early December 2026; final date to be announced
Where: Orange Avenue, Coronado
Coronado welcomes the season with a community parade, tree lighting, live entertainment and an appearance by Santa. Arrive early to explore the decorated shops along Orange Avenue or continue the evening at Hotel del Coronado.
North Pole Limited Christmas Train
When: Select dates in November and December 2026
Where: Campo Depot
This backcountry train ride creates a classic Christmas experience with cookies, hot cocoa, holiday storytelling and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is popular with families and typically requires advance reservations.
View Pacific Southwest Railway Museum events
SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off
When: December 2026; final date to be announced
Where: North Park
SoNo Fest combines a neighborhood street festival with a large chili cook-off featuring local restaurants. Live music, handmade gifts, food and family activities give the event a relaxed local feel while supporting McKinley Elementary School.
Make the Most of the Holiday Season in San Diego
San Diego’s holiday calendar offers everything from haunted trails and Thanksgiving runs to beachfront skating and illuminated boats. Because popular ticketed events and dining experiences can sell out, reserve early and confirm schedules before heading out.
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Event details may change. Confirm schedules, admission information and availability with each organizer before attending.
