There’s always something fun to do in America’s Finest City. Our Weekend events guide is here to help. Get up. Get out. Play!
What to Know
- Our Weekend Events guide is published every Thursday in our In Your Neighborhood section of NBC7.com
- Like our mission always, our guide will do its best to span the county -- north, south, east, and west — to bring you fun, fresh and affordable things to do in San Diego
- Have any events to share? Please send them to Brenda.Gregorio-Nieto@nbcuni.com or christina.bravo@nbcuni.com
Friday, Dec. 6
December Nights
Friday & Saturday at Balboa Park | Free
It's the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival at Balboa Park. Visitors can enjoy Christmas lights, festive music, attractions, and food.
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East Village Holiday Happy Hour
5 p.m. at UC San Diego Park & Market| $12
Enjoy drink specials, a festive holiday vibe, and live music from the Full Strength Band.
City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light and Sound at Quartyard
5:30 p.m. at the Quartyard| $20
Embark on a 50-minute journey through six unique zones – featuring lasers, reactive video, LED sculpture, projection mapping, and more – each inspired by a different aspect of city life.
Over-the-Top Holiday Lounge
7 p.m. at the Top of the Hyatt
Over the Top Holiday Lounge will bring a snowy wonderland to sunny San Diego. Enjoy a festive cocktail menu near the hearth.
In Your Neighborhood
NBC7 goes in your neighborhood
Jingle Terrace Live
5:30 p.m. at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista | Free
A free holiday event featuring light shows, photo opportunities, food and drinks.
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
6 p.m. at The Forum Carlsbad| Free
The evening will be filled with festive activities including a live performance by The Mar Dels, holiday characters and entertainers, Santa’s arrival, the official lighting of the Christmas Tree and a light show and magical snowfall.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Encinitas Holiday Parade
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Coast Highway 101 | Free
Nearly 100 parade entries will roll, march, and cruise down the Coast Highway. This year’s theme is “Creativity in Motion.”
OB Holiday Parade
5:00 p.m. at Newport Avenue | Free
The 44th Annual OB Holiday Parade will include holiday festivities and Christmas lights for the family to enjoy.
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Piazza della Famiglia | Free
Little Italy will be adorned with 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, along with Christmas songs, and more.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Until Jan. 5
Lights, decorations, fanciful characters, musical entertainment, festive storytelling, and culinary treats create family fun and get everyone in the spirit of the season.
USS Midway Jingle Jets
Until Dec. 23, 5:30 p.m. - 9: 30 p.m. | USS Midway Museum | Ticket prices vary
The Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration is back for its second year, where families can enjoy twinkling lights, festive music, holiday treats and more.
Sunday, Dec. 8
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
5:30 p.m. at the San Diego Bay | Free
Returning for its 54th year, the parade is filled with around 80 boats decked out in holiday decorations and spectacular lights.
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Thorn & 32nd Streets in North Park | Free
McKinley Elementary School is holding a fundraiser where several chili competitors will present their plates. Live music, arts & crafts, and indie goods will also be available.
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Girard Avenue & Prospect St. | Free
Families can enjoy floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, and much more. A Holiday Festival called Santa’s Village will also take place, featuring Santa visits.
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
5 p.m. at The Old Globe| $59
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book.
Skating Rinks
Check out a list here
Multiple skating rinks around town are now open. We have a full roundup, here.
