Winter break can be a time of boredom for many students stuck at home; however, San Diego offers a wide variety of exciting activities. From ice skating to theme parks, the city is filled with fun experiences waiting to be explored!
10. San Diego Botanic Garden – Unlike any ordinary garden, the San Diego Botanic garden glows with its after-dark light trail, creating a magical winter atmosphere among the plants and pathways. Additionally, it houses over 5,000 species of plants and is 37 acres long (sdbg.com).
9. Gaslamp Quarter – Looking for a night out in the city? The Gaslamp Quarter not only offers modern restaurants and shops but also a special holiday market, tree tours and themed teas only available during the holiday season (gaslampquarter.com).
8. Themed Dining at Coronado Island – During the holidays, at Coronado Island, enjoy holiday-themed treats, igloo dining, and a wide variety of drinks at plenty of seaside venues. It serves as the perfect finishing touch to the winter experience (sandiego.org).
7. Winter Whale Watching – According to San Diego Whale Watch, winter is the best time for whale watching in San Diego. You can spot them from the shore at locations like Torrey Pines Natural Reserve or Cabrillo National Monument. Not only will you spot gray whales, but possibly also dolphins, fin whales, and humpback whales (sandiegowhalewatch.com).
6. Holidays at LEGOLAND – Although LEGOLAND is fun year round, during the holiday season one can expect seasonal shows filled with singing and dancing, writing letters to Santa, and even meet and greets with much loved Lego characters. It is a fan favorite during Christmas time because of the fun activities and short lines (legoland.com).
5. SeaWorld Winter Wonderland on Ice – SeaWorld Winter Wonderland on Ice happens every year on a stage with ice, lights and jewels. Freshman Aaliyah Colmenares said, “The Winter Wonderland experience at SeaWorld is one I’ll never forget. I went with my friends during Winter Break. When I got there, there was a performance on a stage by many staff and it really put me in the holiday spirit. I’ve gone two times in a row and I hope to go again this year.”
4. Balboa Park December Nights – Balboa Park hosts San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, filled with dancing, music and food. With over 350,000 people attending this two-night event each year, it’s one of the most anticipated celebrations of the season (sandiego.gov).
3. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – The Parade of Lights is a tradition brought to San Diego every year by the boating community. Participants in this parade are to decorate their boats to fit the theme of the year. According to the San Diego Parade of Lights, this year’s theme is “An Out of this World Christmas.” This parade brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and tourists to the shores of the San Diego bay each year (sdparadeoflights.org).
2. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo – During the holiday season, the San Diego Zoo transforms with shows, lights, and festivities. It is a great spot for families, especially with young children, and is one of the most popular attractions in San Diego (ciaobambino.com).
1. Ice Skating at Hotel del Coronado – Each year, the Hotel del Coronado sets up a skating rink on its beachfront, offering comfortable seating, delicious treats, and stunning ocean views. It’s the perfect winter activity to enjoy with friends or family (hotaldelcoronado.com).