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Thanksgiving Weekend · November 26–29, 2026
Thanksgiving Weekend in San Diego 2026: Events & Things to Do
Thanksgiving weekend is when the holiday season switches on here: turkey trots Thursday morning, restaurants serving prix-fixe dinners all afternoon, and the first holiday light displays and harbor parades starting Friday. Dated listings first, then the four-day plan.
Thanksgiving Weekend events, day by day
Dated listings for November 26–29, 2026, pulled from our live San Diego calendar and refreshed daily.
Thursday, November 26
⚾ SportsEncinitas Turkey Trot
7:30am
Moonlight Beach · Encinitas
⚾ SportsCarlsbad Turkey Trot
7am
Legoland Drive · Carlsbad
- ⚾ Sports
SD Turkey Trot Coronado
7am
Coronado · Coronado
🎭 CultureAdministrative Closure
8am
Port of San Diego
Friday, November 27
👨👩👧 FamilySan Diego Zoo Jungle Bells
10am
San Diego Zoo · Balboa Park
👨👩👧 FamilyFreeJulian Christmas Tree Lighting
5pm
Town Hall Park · Julian
🎤 ComedyKevin Nealon LIVE!
7pm
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
- 🎭 Culture
Administrative Closure
8am
Port of San Diego
🎵 ConcertCristian Castro: Nada Solo Exitos Tour
8pm
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
Tickets & event details
Get tickets on Official box officeOfficial listingAffiliate link — we may earn a commission. Our picks are chosen editorially.
🎵 ConcertSan Diego Jazz Fest
See website for times
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina · Harbor Island
Saturday, November 28
👨👩👧 FamilyLEGOLAND Holidays
10am
LEGOLAND California · Carlsbad
🍽️ Food & DrinkFreeEtsy Made Local Holiday Market
10am
Liberty Station · Point Loma
🎭 CultureLamb's Players Festival of Christmas
7:30pm
Lamb's Players Theatre · Coronado
- 🎤 Comedy
Kevin Nealon LIVE!
7pm
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
🎵 ConcertAcordeones Y Corridos: EL POTRO DE SINALOA
7pm
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
Tickets & event details
Get tickets on Official box officeOfficial listingAffiliate link — we may earn a commission. Our picks are chosen editorially.
- 🎵 Concert
Dueto Voces Del Rancho / El Potro De Sinaloa / Roberto Tapia
See website for times
Pechanga Arena · Midway
🎭 CultureShop Small Saturday 2026
See website for times
Downtown Encinitas · Encinitas
Tickets & event details
Get tickets on Official box officeOfficial listingAffiliate link — we may earn a commission. Our picks are chosen editorially.
🎵 ConcertSaosin / Like Moths to Flames / Silent Planet / Save Us
See website for times
SOMA San Diego · Midway
Sunday, November 29
- 🎵 Concert
Blind Boys of Alabama - Christmas Show featuring special guest Shemekia Copeland
See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
- 🎭 Culture
Deck the Windows: Downtown Encinitas Holiday Art Week
See website for times
Downtown Encinitas · Encinitas
Tickets & event details
Get tickets on Official box officeOfficial listingAffiliate link — we may earn a commission. Our picks are chosen editorially.
How locals plan Thanksgiving Weekend
Turkey trots start early Thursday
Coronado, Oceanside and Balboa Park all host Thanksgiving-morning runs with 7–8 AM starts. Register online in advance; race-day entry is more expensive and sometimes closed.
Book Thanksgiving dinner by early November
Hotel restaurants in Coronado, La Jolla and downtown serve prix-fixe Thanksgiving menus and fill three to four weeks out. Many neighborhood restaurants close entirely for the day.
Friday is the quietest attraction day of the year
While the rest of the country shops, the Zoo, Balboa Park museums and the USS Midway run at low volume on Black Friday morning. It's the easiest day to bring visiting family somewhere big.
Holiday season starts that weekend
December Nights setup, the first Christmas tree lightings, and the harbor's lighted boat parade schedule all land right after Thanksgiving — a good weekend to buy tickets for the December events.
Thanksgiving Weekend in San Diego: common questions
What is there to do in San Diego on Thanksgiving?
A morning turkey trot in Coronado, Oceanside or Balboa Park, a prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner at a hotel or bayfront restaurant, and an afternoon at the beach — the Zoo and most attractions are open on Thanksgiving Day with holiday hours. Dated listings for this year are at the top of the page.
Are restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Diego?
Many are, especially hotel and waterfront restaurants serving a set holiday menu, but a large share of independent neighborhood restaurants close for the day. Reserve a few weeks ahead rather than assuming walk-in availability.
Is the San Diego Zoo open on Thanksgiving?
Yes — the Zoo and Safari Park are open 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving, though with shortened holiday hours. Balboa Park museum hours vary, so check individual museums before driving over.
What is the weather like in San Diego at Thanksgiving?
Mild and usually dry: highs near 68°F, lows around 52°F, with short days and cool evenings. A light jacket after sunset is enough.
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About this guide
Published by the Sandi Spots Editorial team at Sleep Coast LLC. Guides combine local perspective and source research. Check the individual guide for firsthand observations and follow official links to confirm current details.