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A practical plan for Friday, December 25, with confirmed options and closures.
Last updated
The zoo and Safari Park publish operating hours separately. Restaurant reservations, menus, availability and prices may change. Confirm the specific date and time directly before booking or driving.
Sources checked
The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park say they are open every day of the year, including holidays; check their calendars for December 25 hours. Island Prime lists a three-course Christmas Day meal from noon to 7:30 p.m. The USS Midway Museum and Cabrillo National Monument are closed Christmas Day. Hours, menus and reservations can change: confirm with the venue before leaving.
| Place | December 25 status | Plan ahead |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego Zoo and Safari Park | Open on holidays according to the operator | Check the specific park calendar and admission |
| Island Prime | Christmas meal listed noon–7:30 p.m. | Confirm menu and reserve |
| USS Midway Museum | Closed | Choose another day |
| Cabrillo National Monument | Closed December 25, 2026 | Choose another day |
The zoo says it is open every day, including holidays. Check the official calendar for December 25 hours and buy the appropriate admission. Balboa Park museums set their own schedules; do not assume that a museum is open just because the zoo is.
Local tip: Allow time for parking and check any same-day schedule changes.
The Safari Park also says it is open every day of the year. It is a separate location from the zoo, so verify the park, ticket and holiday hours before setting out.
Local tip: If you are choosing between the two, allow extra travel time for the Safari Park.
The restaurant lists a three-course Christmas Day meal on December 25, 2026, served from noon to 7:30 p.m. Check the restaurant’s current menu, seating availability, final price and cancellation terms before reserving.
Local tip: Request a specific table or view when booking, but treat it as a request rather than a guarantee.
Many venues use holiday-specific menus and hours. Search by December 25, confirm directly with the restaurant, and check deposits, service charges and cancellation rules. A regular Friday listing does not guarantee Christmas service.
Both list Christmas Day as closed. Cabrillo’s current NPS calendar explicitly marks December 25, 2026 closed. Plan either attraction for a different day.
Choose the zoo or Safari Park after checking hours, reserve your holiday meal, then leave a flexible window for a waterfront or neighborhood walk. Public facilities, parking lots and restrooms may have their own holiday schedules.
The zoo’s operator says the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are open every day, including holidays. Check the relevant park’s calendar for December 25 hours and admission.
No. The USS Midway Museum lists Christmas Day as a closure.
Island Prime lists a three-course meal on December 25, 2026, from noon to 7:30 p.m. Confirm the current menu, price and availability with the restaurant.
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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.