We use cookies for essential site functions and, with your permission, for analytics and advertising. California residents can opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information at any time. See our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
December · Updated weekly
The best month for locals. December Nights, Hotel Del ice, Parade of Lights, mild-and-magical.
Last updated · 154 San Diego events tracked for December 2026
Weather
Highs 66°F, lows 49°F. Ocean 60°F. Occasional rain, mostly cool and sunny.
Why December
December Nights at Balboa Park (350K attend free), Hotel Del outdoor ice, Parade of Lights.
Signature events
Auto-updated from our events database — concerts, festivals, sports, family, culture, and nightlife.
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$35 · See website for times
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
The Shit Show LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-02 at 8:00 PM.
Check website · 8pm
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$45 · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
Kacey Musgraves presents: Middle of Nowhere Tour 2026 coming to Pechanga Arena San Diego December 2, 2026.
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Joey Avery LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-03 at 8:00 PM.
Check website · 8pm
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
SOMA San Diego · Midway
Alison’s Halo / Alison’s Halo / Alison’s Halo / Blossom / Cathedral Bells live at SOMA San Diego in San Diego on 2026-12-03.
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
San Diego's largest free community festival — 350,000+ attendees, free museum entry.
Free · 3pm
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
Free light show and holiday displays.
Free · 5pm
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
San Diego Gulls vs. Tucson Roadrunners at Pechanga Arena San Diego on December 4, 2026.
Check website · 7pm
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Joey Avery LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-04 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Observatory North Park · North Park
Me First And The Gimme Gimmes / Riverboat Gamblers / The Cineramas live at Observatory North Park in San Diego on 2026-12-04.
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Observatory North Park · North Park
Spike & The Gimme Gimmes / Riverboat Gamblers / Cineramas live at Observatory North Park in San Diego on 2026-12-04.
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station · Point Loma
Two-day local maker holiday market.
Free · 10am
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
Second day of December Nights with international food and cultural performances.
Free · 12pm
Newport Ave · Ocean Beach
Quirky OB holiday parade.
Free · 5:05pm
Newport Avenue · Ocean Beach
Quirky OB holiday parade with floats, bands, and Santa on a longboard.
Free · 5:05pm
State Street · Carlsbad
Village Christmas tree lighting with carolers and hot cocoa.
Free · 5:30pm
Pechanga Arena · Midway
Annual Teddy Bear Toss night benefiting local kids.
$20–$85 · 7pm
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Joey Avery LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-05 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Soda Bar · Normal Heights
Michelle Zauner brings her acclaimed indie pop project Japanese Breakfast to intimate Soda Bar.
$30–$50 · 8pm
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre · College Area
Pedro Fernandez live at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre in San Diego on 2026-12-05.
Check website · See website for times
Frontwave Arena · Oceanside
Max McNown / Ian Munsick / Graham Barham live at Frontwave Arena in San Diego on 2026-12-05.
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Coast Highway 101 · Encinitas
Holiday-themed extension of the Encinitas Street Fair.
Free · 10am
Newport Avenue · Ocean Beach
Community tree lighting on Newport Ave.
Free · 6pm
Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre · College Area
Victoria Monét live at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre in San Diego on 2026-12-06.
Check website · See website for times
Observatory North Park · North Park
The Pineapple Thief live at Observatory North Park in San Diego on 2026-12-06.
Check website · See website for times
Downtown Encinitas · Encinitas
Check website · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$25 · See website for times
Port of San Diego
Check website · 1pm
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
San Diego Gulls vs. Calgary Wranglers at Pechanga Arena San Diego on December 9, 2026.
Check website · 7pm
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$30 · See website for times
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Janine Harouni LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-10 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · See website for times
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Yannis Pappas LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-11 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
House of Blues San Diego · Gaslamp
Yung Gravy / Terror Reid live at House of Blues San Diego in San Diego on 2026-12-11.
Check website · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$40 · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$60.50 · See website for times
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Rachel Williams LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-11 at 8:00 PM.
Check website · See website for times
Observatory North Park · North Park
Stephen Lynch live at Observatory North Park in San Diego on 2026-12-11.
Check website · See website for times
San Diego Botanic Garden · Encinitas
Guided poinsettia walks and holiday plants.
Included · 10am
San Diego Zoo Safari Park · Escondido
Nighttime caravan safari with a special holiday sighting of Santa.
$135–$189 · 5pm
Pechanga Arena · Midway
Toss teddy bears onto the ice after the first goal.
$20+ · 7pm
Mission Bay · Mission Bay
Decorated boats parade around Mission Bay.
Free · 7pm
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Yannis Pappas LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-12 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Oceanside Harbor · Oceanside
Decorated boats parade around Oceanside Harbor.
Free · 7pm
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
Costume 5K raising money for the Arthritis Foundation.
$50 · 8am
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Rachel Williams LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-12 at 8:00 PM.
Check website · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$60.50 · See website for times
Viejas Arena · College Area
Triumph / April Wine live at Viejas Arena in San Diego on 2026-12-12.
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$22 · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$22 · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Civic Theatre · Downtown
Classic holiday ballet performed by the San Diego Ballet with a live orchestra at the Civic Theatre.
$35–$150 · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Copley Symphony Hall · Downtown
Sing-along Messiah performance — bring your score.
$25–$75 · 3pm
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
The Casbah · Little Italy
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Viejas Arena · College Area
Tyla live at Viejas Arena in San Diego on 2026-12-15.
Check website · See website for times
5200 Campanile Dr. San Diego CA 92182
Who were the women who built San Diego, and why don’t we hear more about them? Join Elsa Sevilla, an Emmy-nominated and award-winning journalist, filmmaker, and creator and host of "Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla," at KPBS on Wednesday, December 16.
Check website · 11:30am
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$26 · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$35 · See website for times
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Desi Banks LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-18 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Balboa Theatre · Downtown
Annual holiday tradition — Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker at the Balboa.
$35–$95 · 2pm
San Diego Bay · Harbor
The second parade of decorated boats lights up the bay for the holiday season.
Free · 5:30pm
Coronado Ferry Landing · Coronado
Nightly fake-snow shows and tree lighting.
Free · 5pm
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
San Diego Gulls vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds at Pechanga Arena San Diego on December 19, 2026.
Check website · 6pm
Copley Symphony Hall · Downtown
Christmas symphony concert with SD Master Chorale.
$35–$95 · 7:30pm
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Desi Banks LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-19 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Civic Theatre · Downtown
Annual Nutcracker performance.
$45+ · 7pm
Del Mar Fairgrounds · Del Mar
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
Desi Banks LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-20 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Viejas Arena · College Area
Pentatonix live at Viejas Arena in San Diego on 2026-12-20.
Check website · See website for times
Jacobs Music Center · Downtown
Check website · See website for times
Civic Theatre · Downtown
Full production of the Nutcracker with live orchestra.
$40–$135 · 2pm
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$23 · See website for times
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$22 · See website for times
Port of San Diego
Check website · 8am
Port of San Diego
Check website · 8am
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$25 · See website for times
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
San Diego Gulls vs. Tucson Roadrunners at Pechanga Arena San Diego on December 27, 2026.
Check website · 5pm
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$42 · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · 10am
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · 10am
San Diego Convention Center · Downtown
300+ new vehicles from 30+ manufacturers plus test tracks.
$14–$18 · 10am
Petco Park · East Village
Annual college football bowl game at Petco Park featuring top teams from the ACC and Big Ten.
$50–$250 · 5pm
Snapdragon Stadium · Mission Valley
ACC vs Big Ten postseason bowl game at Snapdragon.
$45–$200 · 5pm
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · 6pm
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · 6pm
Pechanga Arena San Diego · Midway
San Diego Gulls vs. San Jose Barracuda at Pechanga Arena San Diego on December 30, 2026.
Check website · 7pm
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Petco Park · East Village
Temper Festival with Zeds Dead, Crankdat, Levity, and more (18+) 2026 live at Petco Park in San Diego on 2026-12-30.
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens · Escondido
Check website · See website for times
Petco Park · East Village
Crankdat / G Jones / Levity live at Petco Park in San Diego on 2026-12-30.
Check website · See website for times
Hotel del Coronado · Coronado
Beachfront gala with fireworks over Glorietta Bay.
$395+ · 7pm
American Comedy Co. · Gaslamp Quarter
NYE 2027 w/Pablo Francisco LIVE! at American Comedy Co. in the Gaslamp Quarter on 2026-12-31 at 7:00 PM.
Check website · 7pm
Port of San Diego
Check website · 8:30am
Broadway Pier · Downtown
NYE dinner cruise with midnight fireworks.
$225+ · 8:30pm
5th Avenue · Gaslamp
Downtown block party with countdown, DJs, and confetti drop.
$45–$150 · 8pm
San Diego Bay · Harbor
Luxury dinner cruise with open bar, live DJ, and front-row views of the midnight fireworks over the bay.
$175–$350 · 9pm
Waterfront Park · Downtown
Family-friendly fireworks over the bay.
Free · 9pm
Del Mar Fairgrounds · Del Mar
Check website · See website for times
Petco Park · East Village
PROPER NYE/NYD 2026/2027 live at Petco Park in San Diego on 2026-12-31.
Check website · See website for times
Del Mar Fairgrounds · Del Mar
Check website · See website for times
Del Mar Fairgrounds · Del Mar
Check website · See website for times
Petco Park · East Village
Sara Landry live at Petco Park in San Diego on 2026-12-31.
Check website · See website for times
Del Mar Fairgrounds · Del Mar
Check website · See website for times
December is the month San Diego does best: 66°F afternoons, holiday events almost every night, and no snow to plan around. Three things anchor the calendar — December Nights in Balboa Park (the largest free festival in the city, roughly 350,000 people over two days), the Parade of Lights on two December Sundays, and outdoor ice skating at Hotel del Coronado. Everything else stacks around them: light displays, holiday markets, the Holiday Bowl and a New Year's Eve slate that ranges from free harbor fireworks to ticketed Gaslamp parties.
First weekend
Free admission to most Balboa Park museums Friday evening and Saturday, plus food booths from dozens of cultural houses and live stages. Park at a trolley stop and ride in — on-site parking is effectively impossible after 3pm.
Typical cost: Free entry; food booths $5–$15
Second weekend
Decorated boats run the harbor from Shelter Island past the Embarcadero to Coronado. Free to watch from Harbor Island, Seaport Village or Coronado Ferry Landing — arrive 90 minutes early for a good spot with a view of the turn.
Typical cost: Free; harbor cruise viewing $50–$90
Third weekend
The parade runs a second Sunday, and neighborhood light displays are at full strength — Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Peñasquitos, Garrison Street in Point Loma, and the Jungle Bells nights at the zoo.
Typical cost: Free displays; zoo evening events with admission
Christmas and New Year's week
The Holiday Bowl fills Snapdragon Stadium, gray whale watching season opens offshore, and New Year's Eve runs the full range from free bayfront fireworks views to Gaslamp ticketed parties and hotel dinners.
Typical cost: Bowl tickets $40+; NYE parties $60–$200
| Event | When | Where | Price | Book ahead | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December Nights, Balboa Park | First Friday and Saturday of December | Balboa Park | Free, including most museums | Nothing to book — but take the trolley or bus | The single biggest free event of the San Diego year |
| San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Two Sundays in mid-December | Shelter Island to Coronado | Free from shore | Arrive 90 minutes early; cruises book 3+ weeks out | A classic harbor-city holiday night |
| Skating by the Sea | Through early January | Hotel del Coronado | $50–$60 per session with skates | Reserve weekend sessions 1–2 weeks out | Ice skating in 65°F weather next to the ocean |
| Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo | Most December evenings | Balboa Park | Included with zoo admission | Timed entry tickets a week out for holiday week | Families wanting lights plus animals |
| Christmas Card Lane | Mid-December through Christmas | Rancho Peñasquitos | Free | Go on a weeknight — weekend traffic crawls | A drive-through neighborhood light display |
| New Year's Eve on the bay | December 31 | Embarcadero, Gaslamp, Coronado | Free viewing to $200 parties | Ticketed parties and dinners sell out mid-December | Choosing your own budget level |
December Nights fills Balboa Park with free museums and food booths the first weekend, the Parade of Lights sails the bay on two Sundays, Hotel del Coronado runs outdoor ice skating, and neighborhood light displays like Christmas Card Lane run through Christmas. The Holiday Bowl, whale-watching season and a full New Year's Eve slate close out the month.
Yes. Afternoons stay near 66°F, holiday events run nearly every night, and the first two weeks are still off-season priced. Rates jump after December 20 and Christmas week is the second-busiest stretch of the year.
Nothing. December Nights is free, including admission to most Balboa Park museums during the event. You only pay for food and drink at the cultural-house booths, typically $5–$15 per item.
Highs average 66°F and lows 49°F, with about 1.5 inches of rain spread over a handful of days. The ocean cools to around 60°F, so swimming needs a wetsuit, but outdoor events run comfortably with a jacket.
The Sandi Spots Newsletter
New beach finds, hidden taco shops, weekend events, and seasonal guides — once a week from a local. No spam, ever.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.