December Holiday Kickoff
People get very into holidays in San Diego — just look at the Big Bay Boom on the Fourth of July or the Halloween Zombie Crawl — and Christmas and Hanukkah are no exception. Here’s a guide to the best of the holiday happenings coming to this city in 2019, from tree lightings to boat parades.
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (visible from The Dana on Mission Bay) Event TBD For 2020
If you’ve ever wanted to see a Christmas boat parade, Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights is a perfect introduction to this type of holiday event. Along with watching colorful light displays, you’ll see 32 life-sized figurines inspired by the life of Jesus, including The Nativity, The Wise Men, Fleeing Egypt, and the Annunciation. As a bonus, as a Dana guest, you can watch the procession directly from the resort grounds.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration (note that we are the closest hotel to SW – it’s down the street — 1 mile from The Dana on Mission Bay) – Cancelled for the rest of 2020
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration might be better described as a tribute to all things Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; the famous character inspires the theme park’s seasonal ring-toss game, the goods at the holiday shop, and the on-site photo booth. The event also brings readings with Mrs. Claus, a lighting of the 40-foot tree, and tricks by the sea lions and dolphins.
Ocean Beach Christmas Parade (1.9 miles from The Dana on Mission Bay) December 5th, 2020
Ocean Beach isn’t the biggest or most populous San Diego neighborhood, so it says a lot that its holiday parade has become such an iconic San Diego event — it’s now entering its 38th year. This year looks a little different with the introduction of OB’s “Reverse” holiday parade! The best floats will be set up at Dog Beach in OB available for people to drive through and view from the comfort and safety of your own car. If anything, this year has brought with it incredible innovation!
Virtual Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village (6.3 miles from The Dana on Mission Bay)
For an Italian twist on your holiday fun, pop by the lighting of Little Italy’s 25-foot tree. Like several of the city’s lightings, this ceremony has grown to encompass a range of different events, and in this case, you can enjoy arts-and-crafts programs, horse-drawn carriage rides, and booths just steps-away from Little Italy Mercato. This year’s event will be virtual in order to practice safe social distancing.
Balboa Park December Nights (7.5 miles from The Dana on Mission Bay) Cancelled for 2020
Drawing more than 350,000 annual visitors, December Nights brings light displays, ballet and choral performances, food vendors, and shopping booths sponsored by the park’s museums. And, as if you needed another reason to visit, the 17 museums themselves offer complimentary admission for both nights of the festival.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (14 miles from The Dana on Mission Bay) – Cancelled for 2020
Holidays In Your Car (19 miles from The Dana) – Now through January 5th, 2021
Enjoy dazzling lights and holiday cheer from the comfort and safety of your vehicle at Holidays In Your Car this year! Located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this event is a spin on a classic and features over 100,000 amazing holiday lights for the whole family to view!