Last updated on March 4th, 2026
Planning a trip to San Diego in December?
You’ve chosen a truly magical time to visit! With sparkling holiday lights and sunny days that never feel too cold, San Diego in December is where winter meets the best of Southern California. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where you can wear flip-flops by day and enjoy festive lights at night — all without ever needing a snow shovel.
While December brings plenty of holiday cheer, it’s also a great month for exploring San Diego without the summer crowds. You’ll find exciting family-friendly events, tons of activities, and mild weather perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and visiting theme parks.
As a San Diego local, I’ve rounded up everything you need to know about visiting San Diego in December in this helpful guide — from top attractions and events to insider tips for making the most of your visit.
San Diego December Weather
The weather is mild and pleasant in San Diego all year long, and December is no exception! While the rest of the country may be bundling up for winter, San Diego enjoys cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and crisp coastal evenings. This beautiful year-round weather is the reason I moved to California from the east coast 20+ years ago and still my favorite thing about living here!
San Diego stays mild and pleasant in December, making it a perfect escape from colder winter destinations. Expect cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and crisp coastal evenings as you explore the city’s holiday lights and outdoor attractions.
- Daytime highs: mid-60s°F, with occasional days reaching the low 70s
- Evenings: cool, often dipping into the low 50s°F
- Rain: possible – you might see a few light rain showers, but most days are clear and comfortable.
You won’t find snow in San Diego, but you will find plenty of warm weather, sunshine, and fresh ocean air. Bring a light jacket or sweater for evenings, and you’ll be perfectly comfortable exploring everything this Southern California city has to offer.
Top Tip: Dress in layers! You’ll be comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans during the day, but you’ll want a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially near the coast.
Top Things to Do in San Diego in December
Whether you are visiting the area on Christmas break or live nearby, here are the very best things to do during December in San Diego.
1. Take a Whale Watching Cruise
One of my favorite things to do in San Diego in December is take a whale watching tour. December kicks off the best time for whale watching in San Diego — the gray whale migration, one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Southern California.
There are a number of whale watching tours in San Diego you can hop aboard. The boat tours depart from a couple different locations and typically last around three hours. There are always tour guides or marine naturalists on board to narrate what’s going on and answer your questions. Guided tours depart from Mission Bay, San Diego Harbor, or La Jolla, with naturalists providing fun, educational commentary.
Most boat tours include dolphin and sea lion sightings along with gray whales; it’s a true ocean adventure for the whole family. But even from shore, you might spot spouts and fins, especially from Point Loma or Cabrillo National Monument.
Top Tip: Bring binoculars and a jacket for everyone in your family. Although even cooler days are perfect for whale watching, it can get very windy and cold out at sea this time of year.
► Click here to book San Diego’s most highly-rated Whale Watching Tour
2. Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Local Attractions
December brings festive transformations across San Diego’s major theme parks and attractions. Even if you’re not visiting specifically for Christmas, you’ll love the cheerful atmosphere.
Here’s a quick rundown of San Diego’s top attractions and how they go all out for the holiday season. For the full scoop on holiday events and activities, be sure to check out our complete guide to Christmas in San Diego.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld lights up with millions of twinkling lights, festive shows, Santa’s Village, and themed food and drinks. Kids will love Rudolph’s Christmastown and the live entertainment. SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration runs from November 7, 2025 through January 2, 2026, so you can enjoy it all throughout December.
This year, the SeaWorld Christmas celebration includes some great new shows and attractions, plus plenty of returning favorites. From sea lions to Santa Claus, there’s something for everyone at SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration!
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
Every December, the world-famous San Diego Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. This year, Jungle Bells kicks off on December 19, 2025 and runs through January 4, 2026, filling the zoo with holiday cheer.
The Zoo stays open well into the evening, filled with lights, decorations, music, roaming entertainers, and special food items and sweet treats. You can explore the zoo decked out in festive decor, enjoy seasonal music and tasty treats, and experience special entertainment, including the show Aurora.
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The Safari Park celebrates with illuminated paths, interactive animal presentations, and entertainment for all ages. You can sip hot cocoa while strolling through twinkling displays surrounded by wildlife.
LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days & Winter Nights
Even if you’ve visited before, December at LEGOLAND California brings an entirely new experience for families.
During the holiday season – which runs from November 24, 2025 through January 4, 2026 – LEGOLAND transforms into an Elf Extravaganza. Enjoy Holiday Fireworks all December long, Brickmas Greetings with LEGO Toy Soldier and live music, plus the Jingle Jamboree featuring LEGO Holiday characters. There’s a Christmas tree with over 400 LEGO ornaments, and a life-size model of LEGO Santa and his reindeer.
As you can see, many of these attraction extend the festivities well past New Years Day, so you can still enjoy them if you are visiting San Diego in January.
3. Ice Skating in San Diego
Yes, you can ice skate in sunny San Diego! Ice skating is a great way to enjoy the festive season while staying active and having fun outdoors — and it’s something you won’t find in San Diego the rest of the year!
Here are two seasonal outdoor rinks that pop up in December.
Liberty Station Ice Rink
A family-friendly alternative with rental skates and nearby food vendors, perfect for little ones. All proceeds from the ice rink benefit the Thriving After Cancer program in the Rady Children’s Hospital’s Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Hotel del Coronado Ice Rink
Skate right on the beach with twinkling holiday lights and ocean views. The rink typically runs from early December through New Year’s.
While you’re there, you can enjoy other holiday offerings at the Hotel del Coronado including beachside igloos, Victorian tea, gingerbread houses, and special events for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
► Don’t miss this article on Christmas at Hotel del Coronado for a complete guide to all the 2025 holiday events and activities happening at the resort.
4. Explore Balboa Park During December Nights
December Nights at Balboa Park is the City of San Diego’s largest free holiday festival! The park’s museums open their doors for free, food vendors from around the world fill the plazas, and local performers bring holiday cheer to every corner. This year the event will take place on December 5 and 6, 2025.
One of the coolest things to do during December Nights is visit the Balboa Park International Cottages. More than 30 cottages participate in the International Christmas Festival, with food and festivities inspired by winter holidays from around the world. It is not only educational for kids, but lots of fun to explore the different holiday cultures.
Even if you miss the main event, Balboa Park is a perfect place to visit all month long. The gardens stay lush year-round, and the many awesome Balboa Park museums like the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Us make perfect indoor activities on cooler or cloudy days.
► For more fun things to do throughout the winter months, check out this guide to San Diego in Winter.
5. Ride the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley
Taking a ride on the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley is the perfect way to maximize your time in San Diego, see all the great sights, and hear some cool facts about America’s Finest City.
The fully narrated bus tour lets you get on and off at any of 11 stops, including Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway, Old Town, Little Italy, and many more. This is a great tour to take if you are visiting San Diego in December, because – although it is considered an open-air trolley (great for summer in San Diego when the weather is warm) – during the colder months the windows can be rolled down. So, you’ll be riding around in a climate-controlled vehicle and still able to enjoy all the sights in comfort.
And if you are visiting San Diego in December, hop on the Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour. This special 90-minute trolley tour is offered on select evenings in December and will transport you past some of the city’s most fantastic holiday displays.
► Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
6. Watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
If there’s one December event you shouldn’t miss, it’s the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. On December 14 and December 21, 2025, the iconic and always free annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns, with over 80 lavishly decorated boats set to cruise past the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island, and Coronado. The theme for this year is “An Out of This World Christmas.”
Bring a blanket and find a spot along the waterfront. This parade has been a local tradition for over 50 years and is completely free to watch.
7. Visit Local Holiday Markets and Light Displays
Even if you’re not planning a full holiday itinerary, you’ll naturally stumble upon San Diego’s festive flair throughout the month of December. Here are some of our top picks:
- Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park: Shop for gifts, enjoy live music, and take photos with Santa at this downtown holiday pop-up.
- Jingle Jets aboard the USS Midway: The aircraft carrier museum gets decked out in lights and themed displays — a fun twist on one of San Diego’s most popular attractions.
- Experience Winter Wonder at Belmont Park every weekend. Immerse your family in holiday magic with sparkling lights, vibrant decorations, festive desserts, cozy seasonal beverages, and holiday-themed rides and attractions.
- Neighborhood Light Displays: For a dose of local charm, drive through Christmas Card Lane in Rancho Peñasquitos or Candy Cane Lane in Poway. These neighborhood traditions feature houses transformed into glittering works of art.
- Coastal Christmas in Del Mar: This seaside holiday event transforms the Del Mar Fairgrounds into a twinkling winter wonderland near the coast. The event runs kicks off on December 12 and runs most evenings through December 26.
8. Stroll Through Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego is a great place to visit any time of year. December is nice because there are just enough holiday decorations to add a little festiveness, but it is not overwhelmingly Christmas-y.
Known as the birthplace of California, Old Town State Historic Park is the site of the first Spanish settlement in California, founded in in 1769. Today, it is a lively attraction with 50 shops and restaurants and numerous museums, historic sites, and educational experiences – many of which are free to explore. In fact, Old Town San Diego is high on our list of best free things to do in San Diego with kids.
You can wander through historic buildings, check out the museums, and savor authentic Mexican cuisine. It’s a nice thing to do in December because many attractions are indoors so you don’t need to worry if it’s chilly outside.
We love visiting Old Town San Diego! There is always something fun to see, and it is a great place to enjoy some of the best Mexican food in San Diego. Although many restaurants have outdoor seating, heat lamps allow you to dine outdoors even in the wintertime.
9. Enjoy San Diego’s Beaches and Outdoor Adventures
Mild winter weather makes December ideal for hikes and scenic walks:
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve — Enjoy cliffside views and easy family hikes.
- Cabrillo National Monument — Check out the monument and museum, watch for whales from the shore, and explore tide pools.
- Sunset Cliffs — Gorgeous sunset views for memorable family photos.
- Take a Scenic Hike: Cooler weather makes it a great time to explore kid-friendly hiking trails like Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Cabrillo National Monument, or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
- Visit the Beaches: While the ocean may be chilly, sunny days are perfect for tide pooling, beach walks, or watching surfers at La Jolla Shores.
- Take in the Views: Head to Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach for one of the most breathtaking sunset views you’ll find anywhere in California.
10. Celebrate New Year’s Eve, San Diego Style
Say farewell to the year with fireworks over the bay or family-friendly celebrations across the county. Many hotels and restaurants host special dinners and events.
Family favorites include:
- New Years Eve fireworks over Downtown San Diego
- LEGOLAND Kids’ New Year’s Eve (with an early-evening fireworks show so little ones can join the fun!)
- Hotel del Coronado’s Beachside Ice Skating and NYE Celebrations
Tips for Visiting San Diego in December
- Book early for holiday events. Balboa Park December Nights, the Zoo, and the Parade of Lights all draw big crowds.
- Bring a light rain jacket. December is one of San Diego’s wetter months, though rain usually passes quickly.
- Mix indoor and outdoor plans. Museums, aquariums, and markets make great rainy-day options.
- Pack layers. Mornings and evenings can feel crisp even if afternoons are sunny.
- Use public transit for big events. Parking fills up quickly near the waterfront and Balboa Park.
- Enjoy smaller crowds. Outside of the Christmas-to-New-Year holiday week, you’ll find lighter crowds and lower hotel prices.
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
There are a variety of ways to save money on hotels and tickets to San Diego’s many theme parks and attractions – including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and CityPASS San Diego.
I highly recommend CityPASS when visiting San Diego, as you can bundle and save up to 45% on admission to the top theme parks and attractions in San Diego. Choose either SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND and then add three other attractions of your choice, with options including the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Old Town Trolley Tours, and more! It’s a great way to save money and makes planning your itinerary easy.
Final Thoughts: Why Visit San Diego in December
There’s no bad time to visit San Diego, but December has its own special magic that makes it one of the best times to visit. With holiday lights twinkling across the city, migrating whales off the coast, and warm winter sunshine, it’s the perfect mix of holiday festivities, fun activities, and relaxed vibes.
Whether you’re here for the events, the beach walks, or just to escape the cold weather back home, San Diego in December is the kind of trip that makes you smile long after the holidays are over.
Save These San Diego December Activities for Later!
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