Celebrate the Holidays with San Diego’s Best December 2025 Events
December in San Diego sparkles with festive lights, joyful parades, and cozy holiday traditions that make the season unforgettable. Whether you’re soaking up the magic of a local tree lighting, cheering at a high-energy sports match, or enjoying live music and theater, the city is brimming with ways to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best music, sporting, and family-friendly events happening this December in San Diego!
📅 December 4, 2025 | Balboa Theatre
Founded by Maestro José Hernandez, Mariachi Sol De Mexico brings a vibrant 13-piece ensemble to the stage. Expect an unforgettable performance rich with guitars, soaring vocals, and the colorful vibrancy of traditional charro suits.
📅 December 6, 2025 | San Diego Civic Theatre
Fall down the rabbit hole with MOMIX’s surreal and imaginative retelling of Alice in Wonderland. Through illusions, dance, props, and mesmerizing movement, this performance transports audiences into a world of whimsy and wonder.
📅 December 7, 2025 | Harrah's Southern California Casino & Resort
Laugh out loud with award-winning comedian Iliza Shlesinger. Known for her sharp wit and energetic storytelling, she brings a standout show full of humor, relatability, and holiday-season fun.
📅 December 9, 2025 | Solana Beach
This legendary gospel group—founded in 1939—brings timeless harmonies, soulful performances, and uplifting music that will move your spirit.
📅 December 10, 2025 | California Center for the Arts
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with exquisite choreography, stunning visual design, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score in a breathtaking winter wonderland.
📅 December 10, 2025 | Balboa Theatre
RuPaul’s Drag Race stars take the spotlight in a dazzling stage show filled with festive music, glamorous costumes, and unforgettable holiday performances.
📅 December 11, 2025 | The Conrad
Enjoy a night of exceptional musicianship and joyful holiday classics from one of the world’s most acclaimed brass ensembles. Expect festive fanfares, soulful melodies, and pure holiday cheer.
📅 December 11–14, 2025 | The Star Theatre
Follow Annie’s journey in this uplifting musical filled with iconic songs, heartfelt moments, and timeless holiday appeal.
📅 December 13, 2025 | The Rady Shell
Enjoy the beloved holiday film Home Alone accompanied by live orchestral music under the stars—a magical cinematic experience for all ages.
📅 December 27, 2025
The nation’s #1 yacht rock band brings smooth vocals, nostalgic hits, and feel-good energy to close out your holiday season.
📅 December 19–21, 2025 | The Rady Shell
The San Diego Symphony, Master Chorale, and Children’s Choir come together for a magical outdoor holiday concert filled with classics and sing-alongs.
📅 December 5–7, 2025 | Pechanga Arena
Experience nonstop hockey action as the Gulls take on the Texas Stars. Fast skating, hard hits, and an electric arena atmosphere make this game a must-see.
📅 December 6, 2025 | Pechanga Arena
Watch world-class athletes perform the most jaw-dropping stunts in FMX, BMX, skating, scooters, and more. This high-energy stunt show is perfect for adrenaline lovers.
📅 December 7, 2025
Join this community-centered race featuring scenic routes, local vendors, crafts, and family-friendly fun.
📅 December 13, 2025 | El Caballo Park
Conquer the trails and reach the top of Stanley Peak for breathtaking views. With a limited 300 participants, this is an intimate and scenic endurance challenge.
📅 December 13, 2025 | Pechanga Arena
Another thrilling night of hockey awaits—feel the intensity as the Gulls face off against Henderson.
📅 December 13, 2025 | Pacific Beach
Join thousands of Santas running along the coastline in this festive 5K. Expect music, holiday fun, and tons of cheerful energy.
📅 December 14, 2025 | Liberty Station
Dress in your festive best and join this fun run supporting arthritis research. Perfect for families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts.
📅 December 20, 2025 | Penasquitos Canyon
Race a fast downhill course with scenic canyon views and a rewarding finish at Torrey Pines State Beach.
📅 December 4, 2025 | Oceanside Sunset Market
Kick off the season with twinkling lights, holiday music, and a bustling market full of unique festive finds.
📅 December 5, 2025 | Fallbrook Community Center
Enjoy live music, local food vendors, and a heartwarming tree-lighting ceremony in this charming annual celebration.
📅 December 5–23, 2025 | Petco Park
Explore one of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions—meet Santa, enjoy dazzling light displays, festive characters, and magical photo ops in Gallagher Square.
📅 December 6, 2025 | Santee Lakes
Create a winter-themed painting while enjoying peaceful lakeside scenery and your favorite drink.
📅 December 6, 2025 | La Jolla Riford Library
Join in for festive crafts, snacks, music, and community fun—perfect for families.
📅 December 6, 2025 | Rancho Bernardo
Shop from local artisans and makers at this expanded holiday craft fair featuring handcrafted gifts and festive treats.
📅 December 6, 2025
Enjoy a vibrant showcase of floats, horses, marching bands, and dazzling holiday costumes at this beloved 44-year-old tradition.
📅 December 6, 2025 | San Marcos Civic Center
Experience festive vendors, entertainment, and a magical artificial “snowfall” after the tree lighting.
📅 December 6, 2025 | Chula Vista
Delight in glowing floats, family activities, and holiday cheer at South Bay’s iconic Starlight Parade.
📅 December 6, 2025 | South Coast Highway 101
Enjoy a movie-themed holiday parade filled with giant helium characters, music, and joyful community spirit.
📅 December 7, 2025 | The Shout! House
A kid-friendly afternoon of comedy, music, and interactive holiday fun for the whole family.
📅 December 7, 2025 | Wall Street
This beloved coastal parade features illuminated floats, festive costumes, music, and an enchanting holiday village.
📅 December 13, 2025 | Oceanside Museum of Art
Create vibrant botanical-inspired artwork using real plant materials, guided instruction, and provided supplies.
📅 December 13, 2025 | La Mesa Blvd
Experience a charming blend of holiday traditions, shopping, treats, and entertainment at this community favorite.
📅 December 13, 2025 | Whiskey Girl
Join the city’s jolliest bar crawl as thousands of Santas fill downtown in a lively holiday celebration.
📅 December 13, 2025 | Oceanside Harbor
Watch beautifully lit boats drift along the harbor in a magical sparkling display.
📅 December 14, 2025 | Point Loma
Board a festive yacht for holiday cocktails, decorations, and front-row views of the Parade of Lights.
📅 December 14, 2025
📅 December 14–21, 2025
This iconic event features 80+ brilliantly decorated boats parading across the bay, attracting over 100,000 spectators. Enjoy waterfront views or upgrade to a cruise for a premium experience.
📅 December 14–21, 2025 | Flagship Cruises
Watch the Parade of Lights in comfort aboard a luxury yacht with seasonal drinks, music, and stunning views.
📅 December 20–21, 2025 | The Soap Factory
Browse over 100 makers, enjoy food and drinks, and join fun holiday-themed activities throughout this lively market.
📅 December 28, 2025
End the year with a dazzling cirque-style holiday show filled with acrobatics, music, illusions, and festive storytelling.
December 2025 in San Diego brings an unforgettable mix of music, magic, sports, lights, and community traditions. With dozens of festive experiences unfolding every week, it's the perfect month to explore the city, celebrate with loved ones, and make lasting memories. Whether you're seeking cozy holiday charm, high-energy entertainment, or one-of-a-kind seasonal adventures, San Diego has something special waiting for you.
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