San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad · CA
Things to do with kids in San Diego — December 2026
110 family events in December 2026. Every listing links to the organizer’s own page. Dates are in Pacific Time.
What’s on now in San Diego →Events
Nov24TueNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 24
A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre
Cygnet Theatre at The Joan (Joseph Clayes III Theater), Liberty Station
PaidAll ages
- Community
Through Jan 3
A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place San Diego
Sesame Place San Diego
With admission
Nov13FriCommunityThrough Jan 3
Christmas Celebration at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
With admissionAll ages
Nov4WedNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 31
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at The Old Globe
Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, The Old Globe, Balboa Park
PaidAges 3+
Nov28SatOutdoorsThrough Dec 25
Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
With admissionAll ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Through Dec 27
Lamb's Festival of Christmas (Lamb's Players Theatre)
Lamb's Players Theatre
Paid
Nov20FriOutdoorsThrough Jan 3
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
San Diego Botanic Garden
From $18All ages
Nov19ThuPublic skatingThrough Jan 3
Rady Children's Ice Rink at Liberty Station
Rady Children's Ice Rink, Legacy Plaza, ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
From $15
Nov20FriOutdoor rinksThrough Jan 3
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado (Windsor Lawn ice rink)
Paid
Nov1SunOutdoor rinksThrough Jan 5
Viejas Outdoor Ice Rink
Viejas Casino & Resort ice rink
From $20
Dec2WedArts & craftsWed, Dec 2
Cygnet's A Magical Holiday
Cygnet Theatre at The Joan, Liberty Station
PaidAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Wed, Nov 4 · 4:00 PM
Kids Coding Camp
National City Public Library
- Santa visits
Wed, Dec 2 · 4:00 PM
Photos with Santa — Vista Library
San Diego County Library - Vista Branch
Dec2WedSanta visitsWed, Dec 2 · 4:00 PM
Selfies with Santa (Santee)
Santee Trolley Square (amphitheater stage)
Free
- Sports & play
Thu, Nov 5 · 4:00 PM
Let's Play Pokémon for ages 5-12 with Parent
Oceanside Public Library - Civic Center Library
Ages 5–12
Dec4FriCommunityFri, Dec 4 · 4:00 PM
Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park
Free
Dec4FriTree lightingsFri, Dec 4 · 5:30 PM
Fallbrook Tree Lighting Festival
Fallbrook Community Center
Dec4FriNutcracker and showsFri, Dec 4 · 1:00 PM
Holiday Songs Around the World Concert
Coronado Public Library
Nov27FriTree lightingsFri, Nov 27 · 5:30 PM
Jingle Jets Holiday Lighting Celebration aboard USS Midway
USS Midway Museum
Paid
Dec4FriTree lightingsFri, Dec 4 · 5:00 PM
Liberty Station Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting
Central Promenade, Liberty Station
Nov27FriSanta visitsFri, Nov 27 · 5:00 PM
North Pole Limited Holiday Train — Campo
Campo Depot (Campo Railroad Museum)
From $15All ages
- STEM & discovery
Fri, Nov 6
Stars at Mission Trails Star Party
Kumeyaay Lake Campground, Mission Trails Regional Park
Dec4FriCrafts and cookiesFri, Dec 4 · 3:30 PM
Winter Craft: Hanukkah Suncatchers — Cardiff Library
San Diego County Library - Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch
Ages 3–12
Dec5SatParadesSat, Dec 5 · 6:00 PM
75th Annual Jaycees Christmas Parade (Escondido)
Grand Avenue parade route, Escondido
Nov21SatSports & playSat, Nov 21
Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California Resort
With admission
Nov7SatSTEM & discoverySat, Nov 7 · 11:00 AM
Creekside Critters Animal Programs — Del Mar Library
San Diego County Library - Del Mar Branch
Nov7SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Discovery Table at Ramona Grasslands
Ramona Grasslands County Preserve (Main Staging Area)
Nov7SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Discovery Tour at San Elijo Lagoon
San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (Nature Center Loop Trail)
FreeAges 9+
Dec5SatParadesSat, Dec 5
Fallbrook Christmas Parade
Downtown Main Avenue, Fallbrook
Dec5SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 5 · 9:30 AM
FAM Studio: Patch It Forward at The New Children's Museum
The New Children's Museum
- Community
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
Holiday at the Rancho — Leo Carrillo Ranch
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Paid
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 4:00 PM
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village
Piazza della Famiglia, Little Italy
Nov7SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Morning Ranger-led Hike at San Dieguito County Park
San Dieguito County Park (upper entrance kiosk)
With admission
Nov7SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 7 · 9:00 AM
Saturday Morning Hike at Wilderness Gardens Preserve
Wilderness Gardens County Preserve
With admissionAll ages
- Tree lightings
Sat, Dec 5 · 3:00 PM
Small Town Holiday & Tree Lighting — Imperial Beach
Pier Plaza, Imperial Beach
- Community
Sat, Dec 5 · 3:00 PM
Starlight Parade and Festival (Chula Vista)
Third Avenue, downtown Chula Vista
Nov7SatArts & craftsSat, Nov 7 · 2:00 PM
Tiny Wheel Throwing
San Diego Craft Collective
From $90Ages 12+
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 2:00 PM
Westwind Brass Holiday Concert at Mission Trails
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center (outdoor amphitheater)
- Outdoors
Sat, Dec 5 · 9:00 AM
Wild Winter Family Festival
Helen Woodward Animal Center (Humane Education Campus)
Free
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Wingin' It: Up Close with Real Raptors at The Nat
San Diego Natural History Museum (Coast to Cactus gallery)
- Train rides
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
Winter Movie in the Park: The Polar Express
Old Poway Park
- Markets and festivals
Sat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Winter Wonderland Festival — California Center for the Arts, Escondido
California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Free
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Nov 28 · 7:30 PM
ei8ht – JCompany Youth Theatre Hanukkah musical
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, Lawrence Family JCC
From $36
- Light displays
Sun, Dec 6 · 3:00 PM
Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon
Downtown El Cajon
Free
- Parades
Sun, Dec 6 · 1:00 PM
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
La Jolla Recreation Center (Holiday Festival); parade starts at Kline and Girard
- Nutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 6 · 11:00 AM
Nutcracker Tea with San Diego Ballet at Liberty Station
Liberty Station
Paid
- Outdoors
Sun, Nov 1 · 9:00 AM
Raptor Talk with Dr. Bob Gordon at Mission Trails
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
Nov1SunOutdoorsSun, Nov 1 · 10:00 AM
Sunday Family Fun Day at San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
FreeAll ages
Nov1SunOutdoorsSun, Nov 1 · 4:00 PM
Sunday Hike with Ranger Craig at San Dieguito County Park
San Dieguito County Park (lower park, butterfly garden)
With admission
- Community
Mon, Nov 2 · 4:00 PM
Knights Realm Chess Club
Escondido Public Library
- Arts & crafts
Tue, Nov 10 · 4:00 PM
Tween Art Squad: Cyanotype Tote Bags — Escondido Library
Escondido Public Library
Ages 9–12
- Markets and festivals
Tue, Dec 8 · 4:00 PM
Winterfest — Alpine Library
San Diego County Library - Alpine Branch
All ages
- Markets and festivals
Wed, Dec 9 · 7:30 PM
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland — Escondido
California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Concert Hall
From $54
- Community
Wed, Dec 9 · 4:00 PM
Paws to Read!
Escondido Public Library
Dec9WedNutcracker and showsThrough Dec 20
The Nutcracker 2026 (San Diego Civic Youth Ballet)
Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park
From $30
- Sports & play
Wed, Nov 4 · 2:00 PM
Yoga for Kids
Oceanside Public Library - Mission Branch Library
Ages 2–12
- Community
Thu, Dec 10 · 5:00 PM
Holiday Tree Trimming Celebration
Escondido Public Library
Dec10ThuArts & craftsThu, Dec 10 · 10:30 AM
Sugar Plum Fairy Ballerina Storytime — Lakeside Library
San Diego County Library - Lakeside Branch
Dec11FriCommunityFri, Dec 11 · 3:30 PM
Christmas in the Park at Old Poway Park
Old Poway Park
Dec11FriCommunityFri, Dec 11 · 4:00 PM
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular — Del Mar Fairgrounds
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Paid
- Community
Fri, Nov 13 · 3:30 PM
Read to a Dragon
Escondido Public Library
- Outdoors
Fri, Nov 13 · 11:00 AM
Reading with a Ranger at Valley Center Library
San Diego County Library - Valley Center Branch
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Oct 24 · 1:30 PM
Critter Chats in the Living Lab at The Nat
San Diego Natural History Museum (Living Lab)
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Oct 31 · 10:00 AM
Discovery Tables at Mission Trails Visitor Center
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
Dec12SatOutdoorsSat, Dec 12
Flagship Gray Whale Watching Cruises
Broadway Pier (Flagship Cruises departure)
From $40.50
Dec12SatMarkets and festivalsSat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM
Holiday in the Village (La Mesa)
La Mesa Village (La Mesa Blvd)
Dec12SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 12 · 6:00 PM
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - Live in Concert at The Rady Shell
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Paid
Dec12SatCommunitySat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Rancho Christmas at Rancho Guajome Adobe
Rancho Guajome Adobe
From $3
Nov14SatSTEM & discoverySat, Nov 14 · 4:30 PM
Star Party at Oakoasis
Oakoasis County Preserve
Dec12SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Symphony Kids: Meet The Brass - March of the Toys
Jacobs Music Center
PaidAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Thu, Oct 22 · 10:30 AM
Nature & Me Storytime at The Nat
San Diego Natural History Museum
Up to 5
Dec13SunLight displaysSun, Dec 13 · 5:30 PM
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
San Diego Bay waterfront (viewing along the parade route, including Cesar Chavez Park pier)
Free
- Sports & play
Mon, Nov 9 · 4:00 PM
Library Littles
Oceanside Public Library - Civic Center Library
- Crafts and cookies
Tue, Dec 15 · 5:30 PM
Carols, Crafts, & Cookies
San Diego County Library - Rancho San Diego Branch
- STEM & discovery
Tue, Nov 17 · 4:30 PM
Natural Sciences Workshops with Project NexTech — 4S Ranch Library
San Diego County Library - 4S Ranch Branch
Dec15TueNutcracker and showsTue, Dec 15 · 7:00 PM
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at Jacobs Music Center
Jacobs Music Center
Paid
Nov18WedOutdoorsWed, Nov 18 · 10:30 AM
Reading with Reptiles
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
FreeAll ages
Nov19ThuArts & craftsThu, Nov 19 · 10:00 AM
Music Pop-Up with Music n Me at the Children's Museum of Discovery
Children's Museum of Discovery
Dec17ThuNutcracker and showsThu, Dec 17
The Nutcracker — Golden State Ballet with the San Diego Symphony
San Diego Civic Theatre
PaidAll ages
- Cooking
Fri, Oct 23 · 4:00 PM
Berry Good Foods Family Cooking Class — Oceanside
Oceanside Public Library - John Landes Community Center Library
FreeAll ages
Oct30FriOutdoorsFri, Oct 30 · 10:30 AM
Franklin & Friends: Tortoise Storytime at Solana Beach Library
San Diego County Library - Solana Beach Branch
- STEM & discovery
Fri, Nov 20
Stars at West Sycamore Star Party
West Sycamore Staging Area, Mission Trails Regional Park
Nov28SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 28
Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
With admissionAll ages
Dec18FriCrafts and cookiesFri, Dec 18 · 3:30 PM
Winter Craft: Foam Gingerbread Houses
San Diego County Library - Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch
Ages 3–12
- STEM & discovery
Sat, Nov 21 · 9:00 AM
Accessibility Mornings at the Fleet Science Center
Fleet Science Center
With admission
Dec19SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 19 · 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Santa in Fallbrook
Fallbrook Community Center
From $5
Nov21SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 21 · 8:00 AM
Early Bird Special Bird Walk at El Monte County Park
El Monte County Park (El Monte Staging Lot)
- Outdoors
Sat, Nov 21 · 1:00 PM
Family Discovery Walks at Mission Trails
Kumeyaay Lake Campground (Mission Trails Regional Park)
FreeAll ages
Nov21SatSTEM & discoverySat, Nov 21 · 1:00 PM
Hour of AI & Code — 4S Ranch Library
San Diego County Library - 4S Ranch Branch
Ages 7–12
Dec19SatCommunitySat, Dec 19 · 11:00 AM
Noteworthy Puppets: Holiday Hijinks
San Diego County Library - Del Mar Branch
Nov1SunArts & craftsSun, Nov 1 · 2:00 PM
Paint Your Sneakers
Bravo School of Art
From $78Ages 7+
- Outdoors
Sat, Nov 21 · 8:00 AM
Ranger-led Interpretive Hike
Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch
Dec19SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 19 · 2:00 PM
The Nutcracker (City Ballet of San Diego) at California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Concert Hall, California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Paid
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 19 · 1:00 PM
The Nutcracker (San Diego Ballet) at The Magnolia, El Cajon
The Magnolia
Paid
- Community
Sat, Dec 19 · 10:30 AM
Winter Movies Marathon — Cardiff Library Family Matinee
San Diego County Library - Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch
- Outdoors
Sun, Nov 15 · 12:00 PM
Picnic with the Goats
Los Penasquitos Ranch House
Dec21MonNew Year’s EveMon, Dec 21 · 9:30 AM
Holiday Surf Camp (Christmas and New Year's Weeks) – Surf Diva
Surf Diva Surf School (meets at La Jolla Shores)
From $430
Dec21MonSTEM & discoveryMon, Dec 21 · 9:00 AM
Winter Camp at the Children's Museum of Discovery
Children's Museum of Discovery
PaidAges 4–8
- Sports & play
Wed, Dec 23 · 3:30 PM
Teen Mario Kart Tournament
Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane
- Arts & crafts
Wed, Oct 28 · 4:30 PM
Teen Zine Scene — Escondido Library
Escondido Public Library
Dec24ThuCrafts and cookiesThu, Dec 24 · 3:30 PM
Winter Craft: Pom-Pom Snowflakes — Cardiff Library
San Diego County Library - Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch
Ages 3–12
Nov27FriSTEM & discoveryFri, Nov 27 · 7:00 PM
Star Party at Sycamore Canyon
Sycamore Canyon Preserve (Highway 67 Staging Area)
FreeAll ages
Nov28SatArts & craftsSat, Nov 28 · 10:30 AM
BOARDED! Interactive Pirate Show on San Diego Bay
Maritime Museum of San Diego
From $38
Oct31SatOutdoorsSat, Oct 31 · 1:00 PM
Heritage County Park Historical Tour
Heritage County Park
FreeAll ages
Oct25SunOutdoorsSun, Oct 25 · 9:00 AM
Trail Trek at Wilderness Gardens Preserve
Wilderness Gardens County Preserve
FreeAll ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Sun, Dec 27 · 6:00 PM
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker with Live Orchestra — Escondido
California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Concert Hall
PaidAges 2+
Dec28MonParadesMon, Dec 28 · 8:00 AM
Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade
Downtown San Diego waterfront (Harbor Drive)
Free
Nov10TueSTEM & discoveryTue, Nov 10 · 10:30 AM
Storytime Engineers at the San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Air & Space Museum (MoonBase room)
With admission
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31
Kids' New Year's Eve at LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California Resort
With admission
- Crafts and cookies
Thu, Dec 31 · 10:30 AM
Preschool Storytime and Noon Year's Eve Craft
San Diego County Library - Cardiff-by-the-Sea Branch