Holiday Events to Plan for December

It’s nearly December and getting a calendar together of festive events throughout the area is best done in advance for planning purposes and ensuring everyone you want to attend is available. From tree lighting ceremonies to holiday light parades, get those diaries out and start making a list of all the fun holiday experiences available around San Diego during the month. Visit all the links below for the most updated information prior to attending any and all of these!

December Nights in Balboa Park – San Diego’s largest free festival is back in Balboa Park on December 2 & 3. Enjoy food, entertainment, lights and Christmas festivities for the entire family.

Lights at the Lake – Between November 25 and December 24 in Santee at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, you and up to seven passengers can drive through a mile of colorful lights and unique winter scene displays that blink, swirl and dance all synchronized to holiday tunes.

52nd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – Always a fun time for everyone who attends or participates, this year’s theme is FantaSEA on the Bay. On both Saturday, December 11, and Saturday, December 18, beginning at 5:30 p.m. bundle up and watch dazzling light displays sail by during this iconic holiday event.

Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting – For a most traditional holiday event, head to Julian for roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa and lots of festive activities. On November 26 spend the day and enjoy hayrides, carolers, ornament crafts, a Christmas market and tree lighting.

Encinitas Holiday Parade – This year’s theme “Classic Encinitas” will delight families with classic cars, fashion and music. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. the parade will begin along Hwy 101, and prior to the parade Santa and a tree lighting event will be held at 5 p.m. at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard.

Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village – San Diego’s charming Little Italy neighborhood will host its annual event transforming the neighborhood into a winter wonderland, San Diego style. It all starts at 4 p.m. on December 3.

La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival – For 66 years La Jolla has been delighting families and friends with this exciting holiday event. Starting at 1:30 p.m. on December 4, this year’s parade titled “Grand Ole Christmas” celebrates La Jolla’s history. The festival begins at 11:30 a.m.

Starlight Nights in Chula Vista – On Sunday, December 4, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., the City of Chula Vista and Downtown Chula Vista will host a merry holiday event for all.

San Diego Santa Run – For those more inclined to run their way through the holidays, the 10th Annual Santa Run is where to go. Dress up in your most festive Santa suit and commit to running a 5K. Kids and dogs can also participate!

Cornerstone Communities is building modern, innovative new construction homes across the county. Stunning eco-friendly townhomes are coming to Santee in 2022 at Laurel Heights. Additional new communities are also underway in Otay Mesa, La Mesa and Poway for 2023 and 2024. To learn more, visit our website at https://www.cornerstonecommunities.com/laurelheights/.

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