Christmas Lighting Locations in San Diego

No matter where you are in San Diego, there are public displays of holiday lighting that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here are Christmas lighting locations throughout the San Diego region. Many areas will also have activities for the whole family, such as crafts and shows, during the Christmas lightings.

North County

In Poway during their Christmas in the Park, families can experience evening lights, and crafts for the children. It happens on December 11th, and will include the community Christmas tree lighting and caroling. The cost is free and goes until 8:30 in the evening.

What: Poway Christmas in the Park
When: December 11, 2010, 3:30 to 8:30pm
Where: Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway

La Mesa gets into the spirit with holiday bonfires, as well as Christmas lights. Their Christmas lighting celebration happens over a two day period with the La Mesa Christmas in the Village festival. Carolers and various street entertainers will be out and about keeping everyone in the mood. The cost is free, with many stations set up to purchase from local merchants.

What: La Mesa Christmas in the Village Festival
When: December 11 to December 12, 2010, 5 to 10pm both nights
Where: Downtown La Mesa

Downtown

The Gaslamp Quarter is always special, and The Gaslamp For the Holidays runs from November 7th to January 1. Visiting the historical area in San Diego is fun for locals and for visitors to the city, and is perfect for those who want to experience holiday lights downtown, while going on a walking tour and getting bit to eat from the many restaurants in the area.

What: Gaslamp For the Holidays
When: November 7, 2010 to January 1, 2011, nightly entertainment
Where: Downtown San Diego, in the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District

Near the Water

The Pacific Beach Pier will be lighted for the holidays during their celebratory Christmas on Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. It begins early with Santa arriving, and lasts through the evening when the entire pier will be lighted up.

What: Pacific Beach Pier Christmas Lighting
When: December 11th, 2010
Where: Pacific Beach Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, and the city takes advantage with beautiful Christmas lightings with boats. The Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on Mission Bay will have over 100 vessels on parade. This event will happen on December 18, and begins at 7pm. The event ends at 9pm with a fireworks display.

What: Mission Bay Parade of Lights
When: December 18, 2010, 7 to 9pm
Where: Mission Bay, beginning at the Quivira Basin area

Amusement Parks
If you are going to go to an amusement park, check out these Christmas light displays for the public.

SeaWorld dominates with their Christmas lights as this is also the location to Southern California's largest Christmas tree. In SeaWorld, their Christmas Tree of Lights will flash to the holiday music of channel KyXy 96.5 FM, so bring the radio to sing along with the flashes. Cost is general admittance.

What: SeaWorld Christmas Tree of Lights
When: Weekends of December 4 to 12, and Nightly December 18 to 31, 2010
Where: SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego

The San Diego Zoo is also a fun family place to view a Christmas lighting. They will have their Night Before Christmas with animal figures and a nightly tree-lighting ceremony. There is a 'snow watch' at the entrance at 5pm daily for extra fun. Cost is general admittance.

What: San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells Celebration
When: December 11 to 23, December 25 to 31, 2010. Closed Christmas Eve.
Where: San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park, San Diego