Escondido Other Christmas Activities 2026

Spectators gather along Grand Avenue from Juniper to Orange Avenue to watch community contingents celebrate the season. Presented by the Escondido Jaycees and the City of Escondido, this community tradition brings festive parade traffic through downtown. Official event programs are...

Spectators gather along Downtown Main Avenue to watch festive parade entries make their way through town. The procession features marching band performances from regional high schools. Viewers can also watch the festivities virtually via an official live stream.

Participants don Sunny Santa suits and sunglasses to run or walk through the streets of Pacific Beach in festive 5K waves. Younger runners can take part in a dedicated kids mile, while pets join the fun in a separate dog...

Guests can explore the historic park illuminated with seasonal lights and festive decorations, including a festival of trees in the barn. Activities include holiday cookie decorating, crafts, a plush snowball fight, face painting, train rides, and a visit from Santa....

Visitors can play in real snow, make party hats, and take photos in a holiday-themed VW bus. Families can write wish lists to drop off at the North Pole mail room on the ocean view deck while enjoying holiday music...

Visitors can celebrate the season with a community tree lighting ceremony, sledding, and face painting. The celebration also features live music by Upstream, festive photo opportunities, and photos with Santa.

Guests can explore a variety of local craft and food vendors throughout the community center. Children can make crafts and take a commemorative photo with Santa. The celebration concludes with an official council greeting and the lighting of the holiday...

Families can take train rides, jump in bounce houses, and watch a movie in the park. Children can meet and take photos with costumed characters or participate in arts and crafts with the El Cajon Rec Squad. The event also...

Participants run a fast point-to-point course starting in Rancho Penasquitos and descending along the scenic 56 Bike Path. The route features rolling downhill sections and gentle flats before reaching the finish on Sorrento Valley Road. At the finish area, runners...

Participants can run or walk a 5K course or take part in a 1K Kid's Fun Run. The family-friendly event brings the aloha spirit to San Diego and features special entry options including a Top Dog division. Proceeds and toy...

Participants run or walk a 3K or 5K course along the sandy Del Mar beach, with options open to all paces and leashed dogs. After crossing the finish line, attendees gather for an after-party featuring live music and awards for...

Visitors step into the hot shop to experience live glassmaking firsthand using studio tools and equipment. Participants pick out custom colors, apply them, and blow and shape molten glass with the help of studio instructors. Each guest creates a unique,...

Guests enjoy a festive morning meal and welcome Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Activities include photo opportunities with Santa, crafts, a Pick-a-Bag game, and an opportunity drawing.

Participants test their knowledge of Buddy the Elf, the four main food groups, and North Pole lore. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in holiday costumes for the competition.

Visitors gather to watch the lighting of an iconic 88-foot Norfolk pine tree. The celebration features live entertainment, festive firetruck rides, and an outdoor screening of The Grinch movie. Families can also visit with Santa and download their photos.

Spectators gather along designated viewing areas around the bay to watch a floating light display of creatively decorated boats. SeaWorld's fireworks kick off the celebration over the water. Viewing locations along the route feature holiday music, bonfire seating, food and...

Spectators gather along the route to watch brightly illuminated entries travel south toward Old Town Temecula. The procession features marching bands, decorative floats, dancers, specialty performers, and vehicles. Visitors can set up along the street to enjoy the festive holiday...

Guests can explore illuminated light treks including the Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and a festive holiday pathway at the Polar Bear Plunge. Entertainment throughout the park features brass music, strolling carolers, a holiday a cappella quartet, and Santa's high-flying acrobatic...

The community gathers to celebrate the holiday season with the annual Ocean Beach parade. Spectators can attend the festivities in person or view the procession remotely through a live web camera feed positioned on Newport Avenue looking away from the...

Board a decorated trolley to view festive holiday lights across Old Town, Little Italy, Banker's Hill, and Garrison Street. Elf conductors entertain riders with sing-along caroling, local history, holiday trivia, and seasonal traditions.

Head to Santa’s cozy cottage to welcome Mr. Claus to Old Town for the holiday season. The gathering marks Santa's official welcoming to the community before regular weekend visiting sessions begin.

Experience San Diego's biggest holiday party with the 46th Annual Holiday Bowl! This signature event includes a spectacular parade with giant balloons and marching bands, a lively tailgate party, and a thrilling football game. Enjoy free family fun at the...

Get ready for the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade! This beloved community event brings festive cheer to the coast. Watch as decorated floats and local groups parade down South Coast Highway 101, filling the street with holiday spirit. It's a wonderful...

Experience the magic of the Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, where a festive fleet of decorated boats cruises through the harbor. Bring a blanket and hot chocolate to enjoy this enchanting holiday spectacle, complete with Santa waving from the decks....

Get ready for the 67th Annual Vista Christmas Parade! This beloved community event brings together vibrant floats, lively marching bands, and enthusiastic participants for a festive procession through Downtown Vista. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with...

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This festive event features a special arrival by Santa Claus on a fire truck, followed by the enchanting tree lighting ceremony. Families can enjoy a variety...

Get into the holiday spirit by crafting your own fused glass ornaments and night lights. This hands-on workshop offers a chance to create unique winter-themed pieces, perfect for gifting or decorating your home. Participants can choose from a wide array...

The historic La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla invites guests to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of festive events. From the annual tree lighting ceremony to elegant holiday teas and special Christmas and New Year's Eve dining experiences,...

Temecula invites you to celebrate the holiday season with a series of enchanting events. Kick off the festivities with Santa's Arrival at Pennypickle's Workshop, followed by the magical Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Don't miss the spectacular Santa's Electric Light Parade,...

Lace up your skates for a magical outdoor ice skating experience at the Rady Children's Ice Rink in San Diego's ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. This festive event offers public skating sessions daily, with special hours on major holidays. All proceeds...

Experience the warmth and light of Hanukkah at Liberty Station's public menorah lighting. This magical, family-friendly celebration features entertainment, special treats, and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah. The illuminated menorah will remain on display each night of Hanukkah, adding...

Experience the magic of the holiday season as Santa Claus makes his special arrival at Pennypickle's Workshop. Visit him in a charming, old-fashioned cottage, a cozy retreat borrowed from Professor Pennypickle. This intimate setting offers a non-commercial, family-friendly atmosphere perfect...

Experience the magic of Christmas at this FREE community event! Visit Santa's petting zoo, enjoy carols and entertainment, and witness a live Nativity scene. Kids can build gingerbread houses, play on the playground, and join a reindeer scavenger hunt. Don't...

Europa Village invites you to step into a European winter wonderland this holiday season. Experience a magical transformation with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a spirit of merriment. Enjoy delightful activities, from a European Holiday Market with unique vendors and...

Children can embark on Professor Pennypickle's Polar Express for a special "kids only club" evening filled with fun activities and adventures. Additionally, a Christmas Eve party offers science-themed play for kids aged 5-10, giving parents a few hours of free...