Where to find holiday light displays in San Diego
Nov 22, 2024
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The holiday season is in full swing and there are several holiday light displays you can find around the county from now through the end of the year.
Visit just one or take the family to all of them as there is no shortage of things to do this holiday season.
Tree lightings to see in San Diego County
Guide to family-friendly holiday events in San Diego
COASTER Holiday Express is coming back to town: how to ride with Santa
San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells
The San Diego Zoo's holiday event -- Jungle Bells -- runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5. The zoo will light up until 8 p.m. with entertainment and "merry experiences."
New this year -- Holiday Light Treks. Also, Santa’s Factory opens on Nov. 29.
All Jungle Bells activities are included with admission.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Wild Holidays
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park will transform into a walk-through light show with characters, entertainment and treats for the entire family to enjoy.
The Wild Holidays event is taking place Nov. 29 - Dec. 1; Dec. 7 - 8, 14 -15, 21 - 23; and Dec. 26 - Jan. 5, and is open until 8 p.m.
Thanksgiving in San Diego: Where to find free Thanksgiving meals 2024
Lightscape
The San Diego Botanic Garden turns into a walk-through, one-mile trail from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5. This year, the Botanic Garden's "Lightscape" will feature brand-new art installations from international artists, along with some returning favorites.
December Nights 2024
Balboa Park December Nights is taking place on Friday, Dec. 6, from 3 to 11 p.m., and again on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
December Nights 2024 will feature a Family Zone with STEAM activities, free photos with Santa, light displays, musical performances, attractions, festive food and more.
“All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular
The “All That Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular at the Hotel Del Coronado is underway through Jan. 5.
During the holiday season, Norfolk Island Pines on the Founders Lawn turns into a light show featuring holiday jazz music, ending in a finale of "snow flurries."
Where to find holiday toy drives in San Diego County
An adjacent bar features a 12 foot-tall replica of the hotel’s red turret, complete with holiday lights and Victorian-inspired lounge seating. The bar is open Nov 22-24, Nov 29-30, Dec. 1, Dec. 4-8, Dec. 13-15, and Dec. 20-Jan 5.
The free 10-minute show takes place every 30 minutes from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly and is open to the public.
City Lights
City Lights — an immersive walk-through journey for the whole family that combines digital art, interactive light and sound art installations — runs from Dec. 6 to Jan. 19, in the Quartyard in East Village.
“City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light & Sound” takes you on a 50-minute walk-through of six zones, each inspired by a different aspect of city life. The walk-through journey ends at El Comal in North Park where you can enjoy a seasonal tapas-style menu.
Immersive holiday experience coming to downtown San Diego
Tickets can be found online and are timed for every 30 minutes.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is taking place Sunday, Dec. 8 and again on Sunday, Dec. 15.
The community can watch as 80 boats decked out in holiday decor parade around San Diego Bay.
This year, the parade will once again head to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park before making the turn to Coronado, giving spectators another area to view the parade.
The procession will start at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the parade route.
Old Town Trolley's Holiday Sights & Festive Nights
Experience America’s Finest City this holiday season during the Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour.
Purchase tickets to view holiday sights around Old Town, Little Italy, Banker's Hill, Garrison Street, and more as caroling Elf conductors share fun holiday facts, trivia, history, and traditions.
Santee Lakes' Lights at the Lakes
All December, the community can walk through or drive golf carts through a tunnel of holiday lights at the Santee Lakes Campground.
The clubhouse will be open Friday and Saturday evenings in December from 5 to 8 p.m. with hot cocoa, holiday crafts, and activities for the community. The event ends on Dec. 31.
Jingle Terrace Live
"Jingle Terrace Live 2024: SoCal Holiday Splash" is taking place Dec. 6 to Dec. 21 at the Moonlight Amphitheatre at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista.
The free holiday event for the whole family features light shows, live entertainment, photo opps and more.
Admission, parking, and all activities are free.
Del Mar Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Coastal Christmas opens Dec. 13 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
The fairgrounds transform into a winter wonderland by the sea, complete with holiday lights, photos with Santa, festive food and drink options, Igloo/fire pit reservations, Frosty's Fun Zone, a holiday market, and "glice" skating.
Tickets and an event calendar that shows special promotional days can be found online.
Jingle Jets at USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is holding its second annual Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration on select dates in November and December.
The USS Midway Museum transforms into a holiday wonderland by the sea for the whole family with 750,000 lights adorning the former naval aircraft carrier.
Tickets and a list of festive scheduled events can be found online.
These are just a few of the holiday events happening around San Diego County from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. Follow FOX 5/KUSI's holiday coverage for everything you need to know this holiday season.