San Diego
Jingle Belle Family Cruise
Dates: December 20 through 24, 2024
Price: $45 Per Person, and a portion of proceeds will support Mama’s Kitchen, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing nutritious meals for individuals and families affected by critical illness.
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego, CA
Get into the holiday spirit with the Jingle Belle Family Cruise, a cherished San Diego tradition on Mission Bay! Families are welcomed aboard with hot cider, while kids enjoy complimentary candy bags, face painting, balloons, and festive crafts. Guests can capture the season’s joy with a professional photo with Santa, complete with a printed copy to take home. A cash bar offers seasonal treats and beverages, while carolers spread cheer with classic holiday songs. This festive cruise is a memorable way to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. For more information, visit https://www.bahiahotel.com/jingle-belle-cruise.
Holiday Feasts and Treats at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Dates: Select dates in December 2026
Location: The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Bahia Resort, and Catamaran Resort, San Diego, CA
Throughout December, visitors to The Lodge at Torrey Pines can indulge in festive tastes of the season. Guests are invited to enjoy a hot chocolate station with chocolate tasting on December 6, boozy holiday eggnog on December 13, Glühwein (German mulled wine) on December 20, and champagne and oysters on December 27. Holiday feasts are planned across all three resorts.
Bahia Resort will offer a Christmas Eve Dinner at Dockside 1953 between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m., featuring a 3-course prix fixe menu.
The Catamaran Resort will host a Christmas Day Champagne Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Oceana Coastal Kitchen, with a buffet that includes a seafood cold bar and complimentary sparkling wine, as well as a Christmas Dinner from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Dockside 1953 will also serve a Christmas Day Brunch Buffet between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and a Christmas Day Dinner between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m.
The Grill at Torrey Pines offers unique holiday dining experiences, including a Chimney Roasted Prime Rib Dinner on December 5, 12, 19, and 26. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson and Chef de Cuisine Ryan Dzierzawski will craft 3-course prix fixe menus with seasonal ingredients for Christmas Eve (5:00 to 10:00 p.m.) and Christmas Day (11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
Celebrate the holidays with a taste of San Diego’s finest seasonal flavors. For more information, visit https://www.catamaranresort.com/press/article/evans-hotels-holidays.
San Clemente
Lil’ Elves: Breakfast with Santa
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 AM
Location: Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672
Celebrate the holiday season with San Clemente Playschool at the Lil’ Elves: Breakfast with Santa event, designed for children age 3 through 5. Little ones will enjoy a festive morning of holiday treats, crafts, carol singing, and a special pancake breakfast with Santa Claus himself! Parent or adult supervision is required throughout the event. Each registration includes breakfast for the child and up to two adults, with each plate featuring two pancakes, two sausages or two pieces of bacon, and a choice of juice, coffee, or hot cocoa.
For more information, visit https://www.san-clemente.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9475/2689?backlist=%2frecreation-community%2fspecial-events.
5th Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672
Calling all gingerbread architects! The 5th Annual Gingerbread House Contest invites community members of all ages to showcase their gingerbread-building skills. Participants can enter in one of three divisions: Individual Youth (ages 15 and younger), Individual Adult (16+), or Family/Group (all ages). Entry is free, and interested participants can register online at Gingerbread House Contest 2024.
Each participant will receive a gingerbread baseboard, available for pickup at the Community Center or Aquatic Center starting November 4. All materials used in constructing the gingerbread house must be edible. Completed houses should be delivered to the Community Center on December 5 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or December 6 between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Gingerbread creations will be on display and judged at the “Santa’s Village by the Sea” event on December 7 from 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division, plus an overall “People’s Choice” award. Winning entries will be displayed at the San Clemente Art Gallery from December 7 through 12.
For more details, contact the Recreation Division at (949) 361-8264 or (949) 429-8797. For more information, visit https://www.san-clemente.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9471/2689?backlist=%2frecreation-community%2fspecial-events.
Santa’s Village by the Sea
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Wristband Information:
- Presale: $9 for residents; $12 for non-residents
- Day-of: $12 for residents; $15 for non-residents
- Purchase: Wristbands are available at the Community Center on the day of the event. Avoid lines by purchasing presale wristbands online.
Location: Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672
The City of San Clemente and the Downtown Business Association present “Santa’s Village by the Sea,” a festive event combining the Holly Jolly Hoopla and the Glitz on Del Mar for a night of holiday fun. This family-friendly celebration will feature music, games, cookie decorating, and even a snow hill, making it an unforgettable holiday experience for everyone.
Schedule of Events:
- 4:00 p.m.: Activities begin
- 4:30 p.m.: Santa procession down Avenida Del Mar
- 5:00 p.m.: Tree lighting at Community Center
- 8:00 p.m.: Community Center activities end
- 9:00 p.m.: Del Mar activities end
- 10:00 p.m.: Trolley service ends
Free Activities (No Wristband Needed):
- Santa procession down Del Mar (4:30 p.m.)
- Tree Lighting (5:00 p.m.)
- Visits with Santa (5:30 to 8:00 p.m.)
- Gingerbread display
- Holiday music
Wristband Activities:
- Unlimited games
- Unlimited Snow Hill
- Cookie decorating, crafts, and hot cocoa (one per wristband, while supplies last)
Trolley & Parking:
Avenida Del Mar will be closed to traffic and parking on the day of the event. Additional parking is available at the San Clemente Outlets, with the San Clemente Trolley Red Line running between the Outlets and Community Center until 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.san-clemente.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/9457/2689?backlist=%2frecreation-community%2fspecial-events.
Dana Point
Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights: Santa’s Seaside Carnival
Dates: December 13, 14 and 15, 2024
Times: 6:30 p.m. each night
Location: Dana Point Harbor
Join the festive Dana Point Harbor Parade of Lights and experience “Santa’s Seaside Carnival” aboard a 90-minute Holiday Cruise. See the harbor lit up for the season and watch as boats compete for awards in categories such as Judges Choice and Best Use of Lights, with cash prizes and gift certificates up for grabs.
Onboard Highlights:
- Holiday music
- Cash bar
- Close-up views of parade boats
- Scenic harbor views
Notes: Seating is limited, and standing areas provide optimal views of the parade. All ages welcome.
For private charters, contact (949) 496-5794 ext. 2 or email [email protected]. For more information, visit https://danawharf.com/cruises-and-events/boat-parade-of-lights/.
Holiday Lights Cruises in Dana Point Harbor
Dates: December 6, 7, 20, and 21, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. each night
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Dana Point Harbor
Ages: All ages welcome
Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $25
- Children (ages 3-12): $15
- Toddlers: $5
Experience the magic of the season with a 60-minute Holiday Lights Cruise around Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy festive holiday music, scenic views of the decorated harbor, and a cash bar as you soak in the spectacular light displays from both land and sea. Limited seating is available, and standing areas offer the best views. This cruise is not part of the boat parade.
Don’t miss the chance to participate in this beloved local tradition and enjoy a truly unique holiday experience! For more information, visit https://danawharf.com/cruises-and-events/harbor-lights-cruise/.
Boat Ride With Santa at Dana Point Harbor
Dates: Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2024
Times: Trips run every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Duration: 20 minutes
Location: Dana Point Harbor, Dock #1
Ages: All ages
Tickets: $5 per person
Check-In: Please check in 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time at Dock #1.
Enjoy this special holiday experience and support a great cause!
Bring the family for a festive 20-minute boat ride with Santa around Dana Point Harbor! Children will have the chance to chat and interact with Santa aboard The Dana Pride, though direct contact will not be allowed. All proceeds from this holiday event benefit the Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations are required, with a limit of six people per reservation. For more information, please visit https://danawharf.com/whale-watching/boat-ride-with-santa/.
Newport Beach
Fire & Lights Festival at Newport Dunes
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Time: 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Celebrate the holiday season at Newport Dunes’ “Fire & Lights Festival,” where the waterfront transforms into a winter wonderland. Enjoy breathtaking views of the 34th annual “Lighting of the Bay,” featuring over fifty illuminated holiday decorations and Christmas trees floating on the tranquil bay.
The festival’s festivities will be held Thursday through Sunday evenings, with activities such as fire dancers, inflatable attractions, photos with Santa, and the Igloo Bar adding to the holiday cheer. The “Lighting of the Bay” display will be lit every evening throughout the season. (Please note, there will be no ice rink this year.) For more information, visit https://visitnewportbeach.com/events/fire-lights-festival-at-newport-dunes/.
Catalina Island
Shop Catalina Holiday Kick Off & Community Tree Lighting
Presented By: Love Catalina Island
Date: December 7 2024
Time: 12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Various locations around Catalina Island
Celebrate the season at Catalina Island’s 31st Annual “Shop Catalina” Holiday Kick Off & Tree Lighting. This festive event brings a week of holiday joy, exclusive shopping deals, and community fun. Enjoy rare discounts on island treasures, including jewelry, art, clothing, housewares, and unique gifts at participating stores.
Family-friendly activities include a Treasure Card “code word” hunt, a Christmas Craft Boutique with ornament decorating for kids, and a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn, and See’s Candies for sale to satisfy your holiday cravings.
Don’t miss the Catalina Kid Ventures Preschool holiday performance, the delightful holiday carolers known as “The Jingle Singers,” and, of course, Santa Claus himself as he arrives for the community tree lighting on Wrigley Stage. Capture the moment with photos with Santa and enjoy the magical start to the holiday season on Catalina Island. For more information, visit https://www.lovecatalina.com/shop-catalina/.
Long Beach
Holiday Tree Lighting
Date: December 4, 2024
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Terrace Plaza, Downtown Long Beach
Join Downtown Long Beach in celebrating the holiday season with the 10th annual Holiday Tree Lighting event! The evening features a magnificent 67-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 500,000 sparkling lights, transforming the Terrace Plaza into a festive wonderland. This free, family-friendly event includes photos with Santa, live music, special performances, and a variety of food trucks. The celebration will conclude with a spectacular fireworks finale. Take selfies with the holiday lights and decorations, and embrace the magic of the season in Downtown Long Beach. For more information, visit https://www.visitlongbeach.com/events/holiday-tree-lighting/.
Port of Los Angeles
2024 Holidays by the Sea on the LA Waterfront
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. PM
Location: San Pedro Town Square, LA Waterfront
Celebrate the holiday season with the Port of Los Angeles in partnership with Councilmember Tim McOsker and West Harbor at the annual Holidays by the Sea event on the LA Waterfront. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature a holiday market, a festive boat parade, holiday crafts, live entertainment, and a tree lighting ceremony in front of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. For more information, visit https://www.portoflosangeles.org/community/events.
