10 Things to Do in San Diego in December

December is one of the most anticipated times of the year worldwide. Specifically, on the California coast this month is full of surprises, parades, Christmas markets and Christmas lights. It's ideal if you're looking for things to do in San Diego in winter, as it's celebrated during this time.

Many events are held near San Diego's best beaches, although the water tends to be cold at this time of year. Instead, you can take advantage of theme parks, ice rinks, events for kids and pets, as well as parties to welcome in the New Year.

The city has a variety of theme parks, ideal if you're planning things to do with kids in San Diego. It's an ideal entertainment option to start a relaxing holiday in the heart of California.

Legoland's Christmas cheer

Legoland San Diego is a very interesting theme park that you must visit during your stay. During Christmas and New Year's, they host rides, family activities and holiday-inspired Lego constructions. In fact, here you can see a huge Christmas tree that is reinvented every year and is usually made out of Legos.

There are only three franchises worldwide, so it tends to be very busy, especially in December. The best way to visit is to book tickets online in advance.

SeaWorld Holiday Celebrations

SeaWorld is a water and theme park where there is no shortage of fun, especially in December. Here you can spend Christmas, experience traditions and surprises of the season. You can find tickets from 90 €, which give you access to all rides and shows.

Some tickets are valid for a week, so they are ideal if you are planning to visit San Diego in 7 days. This way, you can tour the park at your own pace. You can ride a tall, fast roller coaster, or see a killer whale with an augmented reality system.

Even if you're planning things to do in San Diego in January, you may stumble upon some of their Christmas activities. That's because the park usually extends the festivities into the first few weeks of the year.

California offers a variety of activities for all ages, ideal if you're planning things to do in San Diego with kids. The zoo is usually a recreational space with plenty of entertainment options. You can find tickets from €66, which gives you free access to special events in December.

Every December the San Diego Zoo presents fun shows, based on the **city'**s traditions. Specifically, they celebrate the Jungle Bells party, which is set in an artificial jungle. The facility is decorated and there is music everywhere.

The local markets are a must-see, especially during December, where you'll find craft sales, art exhibits and food tastings. Here you'll find craft sales, art exhibits and food tastings - here are the best markets to check out in December!

Little Italy Christmas Market

Little Italy is the epicentre of San Diego's best food tours, so Christmas events and open-air markets are held here. Most of the year it offers a variety of restaurants, but in December they are overshadowed by street stalls offering local food.

Northpark Market

Northpark is one of San Diego's best neighbourhoods and is home to the Christmas Flea Market. It's a popular flea market with a variety of activities and food displays. Mostly you'll find vintage items and seasonal themed decorations.

La Posada Mexican Market

La Posada Mexican Market is a flea market in San Diego with a Mexican concept. Held on San Diego's commercial street, it's certainly ideal if you want to explore the traditions of other cultures. In fact, Las Posadas became popular in the city thanks to the Spanish friars who discovered the territory.

It is a Mexican-influenced activity, which represents the nights spent by Mary and Joseph seeking shelter for the birth of Jesus Christ. The best way to get to know the Christmas markets is to take advantage of San Diego's best tours, which offer guided experiences. A great option is the amphibious bus tour, which has a variety of stops.

Christmas parades are everywhere in San Diego in December, and most of them are usually Christmas-themed. To get to the different parade sites, you can take advantage of the city's tourist tram, which has a very comprehensive route. These are usually decorated floats that hand out sweets for the children and have Father Christmas on board.

• Coronado Christmas Parade: The Hotel Coronado is one of San Diego's most sought-after locations in December, due to its variety of activities. At the beginning of the month they hold a parade down Orange Ave, with floats and lights taking over the streets.
• Ocean Beach Holiday Parade: Ocean Beach is a surf town, ideal for a stroll in December. The holiday parade has been held here for over 40 years, with colourful lights and playgrounds. It's ideal if you're looking for things to do in San Diego with kids.
• Mission Bay Christmas Parade of Lights Boat Parade: This is an iconic California Christmas tradition that is definitely not to be missed. The decorated boats that circle around the bay turn on colourful lights.
• OceanSide Harbour Parade of Lights: you can spend the afternoon walking along the harbour or the beach, while taking in the parade and the festive activities held on the pier.
• San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade: this is a popular event, as it is the largest balloon parade in the United States. As such, you'll find giant balloons and themed floats strolling along the waterfront.

Lights and outdoor activities are among the best things to do in San Diego in December. The city's streets are dressed up from early December to early January, and it's definitely not to be missed. To make the most of your trip, I recommend planning an itinerary depending on how many days you'll be there.

Christmas lighting in Little Bay

Little Bay is one of San Diego's most charming Christmas villages. At the beginning of December, many people gather here to share with their families. You can enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree as well as the Christmas light shows.

As you walk around the area, you will find street vendors offering seasonal products. Some of San Diego's best food tours take place in this important waterfront district. Admission is completely free and is located in the Plaza de la Familia.

You can also take advantage of the South Bay lights and displays, an event that has been held in San Diego since 1995. Also, the El Cajon neighbourhood, located between Solomon Avenue and Pegeen Place, offers caroling during the Jingle Bell Hill show.

Christmas in the Park

San Diego's parks offer entertainment for all ages, with events revolving around the spirit of Christmas. There are guided experiences that take you to explore the city's night lights, which is an ideal plan in December. Definitely not to be missed:

• Poway's Christmas in the Park: offers typical San Diego Christmas delicacies and brings together old traditions for the whole family.
• Christmas in Balboa Park: it is the most important park in San Diego, and during December it offers impressive sculptures and illuminations. You can take advantage of local food tastings and enjoy live music.

Hanukkah is a Jewish tradition celebrated in San Diego in December for approximately 7 days. You will be able to enjoy gastronomic delights typical of the region, as well as dancing in an open-air courtyard. The celebration takes place at the Hotel La Valencia.

An ideal event if you are planning to visit San Diego in 7 days, it is a festival of lights featuring a nightly ritual, prayers and local street food. According to this tradition, oil is a blessing, so most of the food you can eat is fried. There is also a game of spinning tops known as dreidel, which is played with Hebrew letters.

This activity is usually free, and there are other events scattered throughout the city that celebrate the tradition. They are usually held at La Libertad Station, Seaport Village, Oceanside and the Coronado Hotel. It is considered the most important Jewish holiday in the United States, due to its proximity to Christmas. It was first celebrated in San Diego, due to the influence of the Jewish community in the region.

Ice skating is one of the best things to do in San Diego in December, and a family activity not to be missed. Here are the places where you can take advantage of this plan:

• Hotel Coronado: the rink is located on the hotel grounds, right in front of the beach. You can find tickets from 30 € per person.
• Liberty Station: it is located in Point Loma and is an area with a variety of lively activities, such as street markets, Nutcracker performances, Christmas themed parties and more. The Rady Children's Ice Rink is located here and is available every day in December. The approximate cost is €11 per child and €14 for adults.

The skating season is during the winter season, which runs from December to February. If you want to take advantage of winter things to do in San Diego, as well as the holiday spirit, I suggest adding this activity to your itinerary.

The Half Marathon is one of the most anticipated events in December. It is a fast and short race, which starts in Rancho Penasquitos and goes through the best beaches of San Diego. Be aware that this event is an early bird, as it leaves just in time to catch the sunrise.

You can find tickets from €145 per person. The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a race of approximately 21 kilometres, ideal for soaking up some California culture.

Other San Diego marathons in December

• Dirty December Half Marathon and 10K: You can run through the streets of San Diego, as well as participate in a Christmas-inspired costume contest. It's a gentle pace as it's a 5km run through the hills of the city. The cost starts at €55 per person.
• Holiday Bowl 5K: a healthy fun option, ideal for the whole family. It takes place in San Diego harbour at the end of December and costs approximately €30 per person. It starts at Harbour Drive and goes all the way to Ruocco Park.
• San Diego Santa Run 5K: You can walk or run, depending on your fitness level. The idea of this marathon is to wear your best Christmas attire. You'll get to see the Mission Bay neighbourhood and stroll along San Diego's best beaches. For the 5km race, you'll find adult tickets starting at €40. There are also tickets for children and pets, who can participate in the 1km marathon.
• Red Nose Run: This pet-friendly marathon offers 3km and 5km options. Held at Del Mar beach in Costa Norte, entry costs from €25.

To welcome in the New Year, many people escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head for quieter places. From the Catamaran Resort and Hotel Spa you can experience paradise. It offers the best views of Mission Bay, as well as a beach party until after the chimes.

You can find tickets from €115, but I recommend booking in advance as they tend to sell out quickly. The Official New Year's Eve Party is an unmissable all-inclusive event where you can enjoy drinks, snacks, dance floor, DJs and more.

One of San Diego's most special traditions is Starry Night, which can be seen in different parts of the city at the beginning of December. The most popular is held in the South Bay in Chula Vista.

It's a free activity, ideal if you're looking for things to do in San Diego with kids. It has a full itinerary, as there is a parade of lights to open the holiday season, as well as a children's fair with amusement rides and a Santa train.

This plan is ideal for exploring San Diego's most famous farmers' markets, which include Holiday Market, Third Avenue Village Market and Las Jefas Market. Here you can shop for arts and crafts, sample local foods, sample craft beers and more.

• Bring warm clothes, as if you're planning to travel to San Diego in the winter, you'll encounter cold temperatures.
• Book your accommodation well in advance, as the holiday season is usually the busiest time of year.
• Take advantage of San Diego' s best food tours to sample the local cuisine.
• For the best beaches in San Diego, be sure to arrive early to secure parking. Unfortunately the water is often cold in December, but the piers have recreational activities not to be missed.