As we roll into December, like much of this year, many are wondering if their favorite holiday events are taking place. For our friends stationed in San Diego, many events are still taking place, albeit they may look a little different this year. From pop-up winter wonderlands to outdoor light displays, there’s many ways to celebrate the season and socially-distance this year.
Here’s what we could find:
Winter Wonderland at Hotel Del Coronado
A truly magical experience, the Hotel Del Coronado offers Skating by the Sea, where you can watch sunset over the ocean with views of the beach and the historic Hotel Del, while ice skating to Christmas music. Skating by the Sea is cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but the Hotel Del still plans on hosting their winter wonderland, complete with Santa photos, holiday libations and crafts.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
If you’re looking for a good time to use your annual SeaWorld passes (which is free for military families), December might be the right time. The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration offers the usual attractions, creatures and shows, with the addition of holiday decorations, Christmas characters, holiday boutiques and food. The site offers over 100 acres of beautifully decorated areas of the park, including a towering sea-themed Christmas Tree and holiday music-activated tunnel of lights. The celebration is going on now thru January 4.
Seas n Greetings at Birch Aquarium
We keep an annual membership to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps as the kids love all the sea creatures, tidepools and interactive exhibits. For the holidays the aquarium hosts “Seas n Greetings,” where the “magic of the holidays meet the magic of the underwater world.” The month-long celebration offers fun themed activities, including Deck The Hall (of Fishes), scavenger hunts and special appearances of Santa Scuba diving!
San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells
Another great attraction to visit during the holidays is the San Diego Zoo. The park hosts “Jungle Bells,” treating guests to views of some of their favorite animals, seasonal decorations, lighted displays, festive music and joyful roaming entertainers. Festivities take place December 4-6, 11-23, 25-31 and January 1-3.
Balboa Park December Nights
As the largest free community festival in San Diego, “December Nights” at Balboa Park will be operating drive-thru style this year. Dubbed a “Taste of December Nights,” the program will offer some favorite food vendors and food trucks in a drive-thru setting in the Inspiration Point parking lot near Balboa Park. The three-day event will be Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec.
Christmas Tea at Westgate Hotel
Formerly known as Teddy Bear Tea, this year is simply being called “Christmas Tea,” might be a fun mommy-daughter date for fancy teas and pastries with some holiday cheer. Hosted by the Westgate Hotel, Christmas Tea will be offered select dates in December, with all-inclusive tickets $65 per adult, $35 per child and complimentary for children under three.
What have I missed? There are so many activities, as always, in San Diego. We cannot wait to put this pandemic in the rearview and get back to enjoying all of them!