Let’s face it—2020 has been a rough year for a lot of people. And with the coronavirus still spreading, lots of Christmas events in San Diego have been canceled.
But not all!
Here at Team Foote, we strongly believe that it’s important to keep hope, charity, and joy alive, especially at the end of a tough year. So we’ve compiled a list of our favorite Christmas events that are still scheduled to happen this year (with some extra safety precautions of course).
So get out your calendar and start scheduling some of these Christmas events that the whole family can enjoy!
Family-Friendly Christmas Events in San Diego
California Center of the Arts in Escondido
There are plenty of reasons to visit the California Art Center, from their museum exhibits to their education programs and special events. And their upcoming Christmas events only add to that list.
With COVID-19 still a threat, the center is shifting its in-person events to drive-in showings to avoid spreading the virus.
Their upcoming film events promise hilarious, family-friendly entertainment.
Dec. 6—Drive-in showing of A Christmas Story
Dec. 13—Drive-in showing of Cocktail Hour: Songs of the Rat Pack
Dec. 17—Drive-in showing of Elf
Dec. 19-20—Drive-in showing of A Big Band Christmas
If you needed any further convincing to go to one of these shows, the Art Center is giving a portion of every ticket sale to support the Cal State San Marcos School of Arts. And by buying a ticket, you also help them raise up to $5,000 for the Escondido Community Foundation and the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.
Their box office is closed, but you can still buy tickets 24/7 on their website.
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
This Christmas event is full of socially distanced fun and entertainment for the whole family!
Featuring the San Diego Zoo Rock Radio 201.8, Jingle Singers, a “Celebration of Lights” experience, and more, this event is happening on weekends all throughout the month of December and into early January.
And they’re offering more than performances. Your kids will love the interactive activities like “Act Like an Animal With Dr. Zoolittle” and “Northern Frontier’s Holiday Forest,” where you can follow a festive pathway decorated for Christmas to see polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer, and more.
Available dates: Dec. 4-6, 11-23, 25-31, and Jan. 1-3.
Christmas Events at SeaWorld
SeaWorld is upping their safety precautions this year because of COVID-19, but the Christmas celebration is still on!
You can sip hot cocoa with candy toppings while you see the sea lions, turtles, sea otters, and bat rays. The whole park will be decorated for Christmas, and your kids will even get the chance to see Santa and enjoy animal presentations.
SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is available Nov. 13 through Jan. 4.
La Jolla Christmas Parade
La Jolla refuses to let COVID-19 crush their holiday spirit as they host their “Christmas in the Cove” parade this year. The event is still scheduled to go on from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Sunday, Dec. 6, but with some unique twists in order to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
Despite COVID-19, you’ll still be able to enjoy and vote on your favorite floats, and kids can still write their letters to Santa. So bring the whole family on Dec. 6 and have some wholesome fun!
Holidays at Del With a Winter Wonderland
Normally, the Hotel del Coronado offers Skating by the Sea, where you can enjoy outdoor skating right next to the gorgeous San Diego ocean. Unfortunately, though, that event has been canceled this year due to California’s safety guidelines.
But don’t worry! Instead, they’re transforming their beachfront grounds into a massive winter wonderland with plenty of Christmas decorations, a huge decorated Christmas tree, and snowy surprises.
Instead of skating, you’ll get delicious feasts, holiday movies on the beach, Jingle Roast s’mores, and pictures with Santa Claus. It’s sure to be one of the most beautiful Christmas events in San Diego this year!
Click here to see the specific dates for each of the winter-themed events.
Holiday Nights in the Garden: Botanic Wonderland
The yearly Holiday Nights at the San Diego Botanic Garden are still on for 2020!
This year’s Botanic Wonderland will feature gorgeous Christmas decorations and lights throughout its 37 acres of gardens. Enjoy live music, laser lights, light-up animals, fire pits, hot beverages, and food.
Your whole family will love this experience! It’s available on Dec. 2-6, 9-10, 12-13, 16-23, and 26-30 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).
Hopefully, this list of Christmas events in San Diego convinces you that Christmas is not canceled this year. In fact, why not attend several events this month and get an extra dose of the Christmas spirit? (Just remember to wear a mask, sanitize your hands, and stay 6 feet away from people.)
The Jessica Foote & Associates team hopes you have tons of holiday fun this month!
Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash