Experience the Best January Events in San Diego 2025

Start the new year with an unforgettable lineup of events in San Diego this January. From live music and sporting competitions to family-friendly activities and delicious food experiences, the city offers something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top January 2025 events, categorized into Music Events, Sporting Events, and Food & Family Fun.

 

Music Events

 

1. soundON Festival of Modern Music  

When: January 9-11, 2025  

Where: TBA  

 

Experience three days of contemporary chamber music performed by international composers and performers. This festival is a must for music enthusiasts seeking avant-garde sounds and boundary-pushing performances.

 

2. Back To The Future - The Musical

When: January 14-19, 2025  

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre  

 

Get ready to travel back in time!  The Olivier Award-winning musical adaptation of Back to the Future is coming to town, promising a hilarious and heart-warming journey with Marty McFly and Doc Brown.

 

3. Jesse Cook

When: January 22, 2025  

Where: Concert Hall

 

Experience the electrifying rhythms of Jesse Cook, the Canadian guitar virtuoso celebrated for his captivating blend of flamenco, rumba, jazz, and world music.

 

4. Dark Star Orchestra

When: January 31, 2025  

Where: The Sound

 

Relive the magic of The Grateful Dead with Dark Star Orchestra, a world-renowned tribute band known for recreating entire Grateful Dead concert sets with stunning authenticity. 

 

Sporting Events

 

1. San Diego Rodeo  

When: January 10-12, 2025  

Where: Petco Park  

 

History is made as Petco Park hosts its first-ever rodeo! Brought to you by the San Diego Padres in partnership with C5 Rodeo Company Inc. and Outriders Present, this event promises action-packed entertainment for all.

 

2. San Diego Resolution Run 5K / 10K / Half Marathon  

When: January 11, 2025  

Where: TBA  

 

Kick off the year with a health-focused event suitable for all fitness levels. Whether you walk, jog, or run, this event welcomes everyone to enjoy the scenic course.

 

3. Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon  

When: January 19, 2025  

Where: Carlsbad Village & Pacific Coast Highway  

 

Enjoy breathtaking ocean views as you run through Carlsbad Village and along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. This marathon and half-marathon event is ideal for competitive runners and casual participants alike.

 

4. Kids Marathon Mile at LEGOLAND California  

When: January 18, 2025  

Where: LEGOLAND California  

 

This 1-mile fun run gives kids the chance to dash through LEGOLAND’s colorful world before the park opens to the public. It’s an active, family-friendly way to start the day.

 

5. Farmers Insurance Open 

When: January 22-25, 2025  

Where: Torrey Pines Golf Course  

 

Experience San Diego’s premier golf tournament featuring top PGA Tour golfers. Spectators will enjoy ocean views, world-class competition, and interactive fan attractions.

 

Food & Family Fun Events

 

1. Holidays at LEGOLAND  

When: Through January 5, 2025  

Where: LEGOLAND California  

 

Don’t miss the final days of holiday cheer at LEGOLAND, where festive décor, seasonal entertainment, and holiday-themed rides are in full swing.

 

2. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration  

When: Through January 5, 2025  

Where: SeaWorld San Diego  

 

Wrap up the holiday season with SeaWorld’s beloved Christmas Celebration. Enjoy dazzling lights, festive shows, and unique holiday-themed encounters with marine animals.

 

3. Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station  

When: Through January 5, 2025  

Where: Liberty Station  

 

Glide across the ice at this family-friendly rink, where all proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. Skate surrounded by the charm and history of Liberty Station.

 

4. Viejas Outlet Center Ice Rink  

When: Through January 5, 2025  

Where: Viejas Outlet Center  

 

Embrace the winter season with a classic ice-skating experience at one of Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rinks.

 

5. Sesame Place’s A Very Furry Christmas Celebration  

When: Through January 5, 2025  

Where: Sesame Place San Diego  

 

Immerse yourself in the magic of Sesame Street’s holiday wonderland with festive shows, a Christmas parade, rides, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Sesame Street characters.

 

6. Skating by the Sea  

When: Through January 5, 2025  

Where: Hotel del Coronado  

 

Skate alongside the Pacific Ocean with this unique seaside experience. The iconic Hotel del Coronado transforms its Windsor Lawn into a beachfront ice rink.

 

7. Poway Winter Festival  

When: January 10-11, 2025  

Where: Poway Community Park  

 

Build a snowman, sled down snow hills, and roast marshmallows at the Poway Winter Festival. This family-friendly event offers interactive activities and winter fun for all ages.

 

8. San Diego Brew Fest  

 When: January 11, 2025  

 Where: TBA  

 

Beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss the San Diego Brew Fest. Enjoy craft beer tastings from local and international breweries, indulge in food truck cuisine, and groove to live music.

 

9. Borrego Springs Film Festival  

When: January 15-19, 2025  

Where: Borrego Springs  

 

Enjoy five days of cinematic magic at this juried film festival. Discover narrative, documentary, animation, and short films in one central theater with an engaged community of film enthusiasts.

 

10. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade  

When: January 19, 2025  

Where: Harbor Drive  

 

Join thousands in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This iconic parade features high-energy marching bands, dazzling floats, youth organizations, and cultural performances.

 

11. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration  

When: January 20, 2025  

Where: WorldBeat Cultural Center, Balboa Park  

 

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a vibrant family-friendly festival. Enjoy live music, dancing, vegan food, and an outdoor cultural arts marketplace.

 

12. SeaWorld Mardi Gras 

When: January 24 - March 2, 2025  

Where: SeaWorld San Diego  

 

Celebrate Mardi Gras at SeaWorld with New Orleans-style festivities. Indulge in Cajun cuisine, groove to live music, and collect colorful beads in this immersive experience.

 

Plan Your January 2025 in San Diego 

No matter your interests, San Diego has something for everyone this January. From live music and rodeos to ice skating and beer festivals, this city’s dynamic event calendar guarantees fun for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to start your year with unforgettable memories and adventure. Plan your visit to San Diego and immerse yourself in the best of what January 2025 has to offer.