El Cajon Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Holiday Lights on Main in Downtown El Cajon. This festive event offers a delightful evening for all ages, featuring trackless train rides, live music, and a variety of holiday vendors. Capture cherished memories with free photos with Santa Claus and explore local...

Discover the enchanting Starlight Circle neighborhood light display in Santee, California. Residents transform their homes into a festive wonderland with dazzling holiday lights. This beloved, community-coordinated event offers a magical experience for all ages. Visitors can drive or walk through the neighborhood to admire the creative displays, creating a memorable...

Balboa Park December Nights returns in 2025 as San Diego's premier free holiday festival. This beloved event transforms the park into a festive wonderland with dazzling lights, captivating music, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Attendees can explore a variety of entertainment, enjoy delicious food and drinks from numerous vendors, and...

Step into a winter wonderland at the 18th Annual Alpine Holiday Home Tour. This cherished event invites visitors to explore a curated selection of homes, each exquisitely decorated for the holidays. Beyond the stunning home tours, discover a vibrant Holiday Marketplace at the Alpine Woman's Club Clubhouse, offering unique gifts...

Step into a magical holiday wonderland at the San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells celebration. This annual event transforms the zoo into a festive spectacle with dazzling light displays, captivating live entertainment, and opportunities to meet Santa Claus. Families can enjoy carols, acrobatic elves, and interactive games, all while exploring the...

Discover the magic of Christmas Card Lane, a beloved San Diego tradition where an entire neighborhood goes all out with festive holiday decorations. Residents transform their homes into dazzling displays of light, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for all to enjoy. It's a perfect, free way to immerse yourself in...

Step into a magical world of 'A Holiday in Oz' at the Hotel del Coronado this holiday season. The iconic resort is transformed with stunning themed decor, thousands of glittering lights, and enchanting experiences for all ages. Enjoy ice skating by the sea, festive feasts, and a spectacular light show.

SeaWorld San Diego transforms into a magical winter wonderland for its annual Christmas Celebration. Visitors can immerse themselves in a dazzling display of over one million lights, enjoy festive shows like the all-new 'Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas,' and meet beloved characters like Santa and Rudolph. Experience nightly snowfall, a festive...

Experience the magic of the holidays at North Pole By The Sea in Del Mar Village. Families can capture professional photos with Santa Claus, write letters to him, and enjoy festive giveaways. Roaming holiday characters and carolers add to the cheerful atmosphere, while warm drinks are available for purchase. The...

Discover a magical holiday expedition at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Wild Holidays. This event transforms the park into a glowing wonderland with dazzling light displays, festive entertainment, and unique animal-themed decorations. Visitors can enjoy live music, storytelling, and the chance to meet Santa Claus, all while exploring the...

Step into a world of enchantment at San Diego Botanic Garden's Lightscape, a mile-long illuminated trail that transforms the garden into a dazzling spectacle. Explore vibrant new installations by international artists alongside returning favorites, all set to lively music. Enjoy festive food and drinks as you create unforgettable holiday memories.

Join the 23rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad for an enchanting evening of holiday cheer. This festive event features Santa's arrival, a live performance by Woodie and The Longboards, and the magical lighting of the Christmas tree. Families can capture photos with Santa, enjoy strolling characters, a...

Step into North County's original Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Resort. This magical event features twinkling lights, festive treats, and seasonal drinks on the Lakeside Lawn. Kids will delight in the Frozen Fun Zone with the Lakehouse Express train, s'mores, and Build-a-Buddy. For a more exclusive experience, reserve private igloos or...

Step into a classic holiday wonderland at Holiday at the Rancho. Explore Leo Carrillo Ranch aglow with festive lights and decorations, accompanied by the sounds of holiday music. The event features a tree lighting ceremony, cookie decorating, crafts, a playful snowball fight, and enchanting entertainment. Meet Santa Claus, enjoy face...

Step into a festive European wonderland at the German American Societies Christmas Market. This cherished event brings the charm of Germany to El Cajon, offering a delightful array of traditional crafts, festive decorations, and authentic German culinary delights. Enjoy the sounds of live music and immerse yourself in a truly...

Experience the charm of La Mesa's 10th annual Holiday in the Village! This festive event transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, a special reading nook with Mrs. Claus, and opportunities for selfies with Santa. Explore unique vendor offerings, enjoy mini golf, and capture festive memories...

La Mesa Village transforms into a festive wonderland for the annual Holiday in the Village event. This cherished tradition invites visitors to explore downtown La Mesa, adorned with dazzling decorations and seasonal cheer. Enjoy a synthetic ice skating rink, a fun mini-golf course, and delightful activities like 'Elf Yourself.' Capture...

Step into a heartwarming, old-fashioned hometown celebration at the Spirit of Christmas event. This beloved annual tradition invites everyone to enjoy the magical sights, sounds, and scents of the holiday season. Browse unique gifts from local vendors, savor delicious festive treats, and delight in children's activities. The evening culminates with...

Join the community in Downtown Chula Vista for a magical evening as they celebrate the start of the holiday season with a festive tree lighting ceremony at Memorial Park. This cherished event features remarks from city officials and the highly anticipated lighting of the Christmas tree. Attendees can also enjoy...

Experience the magic of the Holiday Market and Trail at Petco Park, returning for its fourth year. This festive event transforms Gallagher Square into a winter wonderland with dazzling Christmas lights, a charming Christmas Train, and a carousel. Visitors can shop for unique handcrafted gifts from over 100 artisan vendors,...

Del Mar Village invites you to celebrate the season with a delightful array of holiday events. Stroll through streets adorned with festive lights, support local artisans on Small Business Saturday, and savor seasonal flavors at the Winter Taste & Sip. Capture cherished memories with Santa by the sea and enjoy...

Get ready for a "Wild and Swinging Holiday Party" with the iconic Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! They are set to deliver their signature blend of high-energy swing, jazz, and rock and roll, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Prepare for an unforgettable night of music and holiday cheer.

Big Night San Diego has been a premier New Year's Eve celebration for over two decades, offering an unforgettable experience to ring in the new year. While they have concluded their annual events, they express gratitude to all attendees who have celebrated with them over the past 21 years. Stay...

Celebrate New Year's Eve and Day at PROPER NYE/NYD 2026, a premier electronic music festival in San Diego. This 21+ event spans two days, featuring an extensive lineup of over 40 acclaimed DJs and live acts across five stages at the iconic Petco Park. Prepare for an unforgettable start to...

Ring in the New Year with the 'Dance Into 2026' package at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. This exclusive offering provides a festive celebration with a special New Year's Eve dinner and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of beautiful waterfront views. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations and a memorable start...

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of 'The Nutcracker,' a cherished holiday tradition. This spectacular performance brings Tchaikovsky's timeless score to life with captivating choreography and breathtaking stagecraft. It's the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting spirit of Christmas with 'Irish Christmas in America.' This highly anticipated holiday show, celebrating 20 years, brings a captivating performance of traditional Irish music, song, and dance. Experience the humor, energy, and rich historical traditions of Ireland through evocative visuals.

El Cajon invites families to its annual Winter Wonderland celebration at Wells Park. This festive event offers a magical afternoon and evening filled with holiday cheer, including complimentary train rides, opportunities to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a special movie screening in the park. Engage in fun arts and...

Join the City of Santee for their annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Santee Trolley Square. This festive event kicks off the holiday season with live music, exciting sledding opportunities, and memorable photos with Santa. Don't miss the magical tree lighting at 6:15 PM, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for all.

Discover the magic of the Filipino Christmas at the 28th Annual Parol Lantern Festival. This vibrant event celebrates the iconic parol lantern, a symbol of hope and pride. Attendees can immerse themselves in cultural performances, browse unique vendor offerings, and participate in engaging Parol making workshops perfect for the whole...

Experience a one-of-a-kind family Christmas event at Sesame Place San Diego. The park transforms into a festive wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights, dazzling decorations, and thrilling rides. Enjoy special Christmas shows, a vibrant cavalcade with festive floats, and dance parties with beloved Sesame Street characters. Meet Santa Claus and...

Witness the dazzling Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights, a cherished annual tradition. Decorated boats illuminate the bay with creative and brilliant light displays, creating a magical spectacle for all ages. Kick off the holiday season with this festive event, perfect for creating cherished family memories.

Lace up your festive spirit for the 13th Annual San Diego Santa Run, celebrated as the 'Best Fun Run in the US'! This vibrant event invites thousands to fill the streets of Pacific Beach in a sea of Santa suits. Choose your pace with two 5K start times, or bring...

Discover the charm of a Small Town Holiday event, a festive celebration designed to bring the community together. This event promises a delightful experience with seasonal activities and a heartwarming atmosphere. Details about specific attractions and entertainment are expected soon, so check back for updates on this anticipated local gathering.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Christmas by the Sea Pow Wow 2025. This cultural celebration brings together diverse Native American tribes for a weekend of dancing, singing, and community. Experience the energy of the Gourd Dance, witness the spectacle of the Grand Entry, and enjoy performances by...