San Diego's Holiday Guide

Holiday Events and Activites

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  Balboa Park

  San Diego

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  Balboa Park

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  December Nights at Balboa Park -

     Join us in Balboa Park for December Nights to celebrate the spirit of the holiday and enjoy our amazing Family Zone with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, attractions, delicious food, and more! Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California. Placed in reserve in 1835, the park's site is one of the oldest in the United States dedicated to public recreational use. The park hosts various museums, theaters, restaurants, and the San Diego Zoo. It is managed and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of San Diego.

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  Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum

  San Diego

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  Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum

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  Holiday Market at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum. November 22,2025. Support local small businesses and find the perfect gift at the annual JFGM Holiday Market.*Included with admission.

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  San Diego Botanic Garden

  Encinitas

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  San Diego Botanic Garden

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  Lightscape Returns November 15!

     After the sun goes down in December, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland! More than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminate the flora of this fantastic 37-acre urban oasis each evening for a magical holiday experience. Lightscape has events and activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. Numerous family-friendly activities are also part of the festivities. Unique plant-related gift items will be on sale at our Gift Shops for the plant lovers in your life. Cork purses, garden-themed jewelry, hats, aprons, candles, and garden art are all available. As well as winter plants, ready to enhance your holiday garden. Come out and experience the holidays 'Southern California Style' at San Diego Botanic Garden's Lightscape! (less) ... Read more

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  The Old Globe Theatre

  San Diego

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  The Old Globe Theatre

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  Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for its 27th incredible year, the family favorite features the songs "Santa for a Day," "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and "Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze)," the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. For Ages 3+: For Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, children under the age of three are not permitted. Each individual attending the show must have a ticket for admission. 10:30 a.m. Performances Are All-Ages Children under the age of three will be admitted to 10:30 a.m. performances only, which are open to all ages. At the 10:30 a.m. performances only, children under the age of two are free, but must occupy the same seat and sit on the lap of a parent or guardian in attendance. Regardless of age, each audience member, including babes in arms, must have a ticket to be admitted into the theatre. Free lap tickets for children under two must be obtained from the Ticket Services Department at (619) 234-5623. (Please note: free lap tickets are not available for three-year-olds.) (less) ... Read more

Winter Break Camps

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  Coastal Kiddos

  North County SD and La Jolla

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  Coastal Kiddos

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  Winter Break Camps - Coastal Kiddos is an after school and full day outdoor education and adventure program based in San Diego. We offer a weekly 2.5 hour program or 5 hour program based in Encinitas or La Jolla.

  School Year Discount Code!

  Back to School Special Use code BACK2SCHOOL at checkout for a special discount on any of our fall programs!

  View Coastal Kiddos Coupon
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  Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

  Alameda

  Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

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  Winter Break and Spring Online and Commuter Workshops: 1. There is an abbreviated version of the Biomedical Research workshop during winter break (12/26-12/31). This workshop (commuter-only) is held at our facility in Alameda, CA. 2. The Medical Bioinformatics workshop and the Medicinal Chemistry workshops will be held online during winter break (12-26-12/30, approximately 5 hrs/day). 3. The Emerging Pathogenic Viruses workshop (3 hrs/day, afternoon/evening PST, online) is 3/14-3/25. 4. The Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Medicine workshop (2 hrs/day, afternoon/evening PT, online) is 3/28-4/8. All Winter/Spring workshops require an application but no letter of recommendation. (less) ... Read more

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  Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

  Multiple CA Locations

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  Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

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  We offer workshops on molecular medicine for high-achieving high school/middle school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or related fields, such as pharmacy, nursing or research. Camps are offered winter and summer and there are online and in-person options available, including residential camps held at some of the world's best universities. Workshops that are offered include Molecular Biology of Cancer, Molecular Neuroscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Molecular Immunology, Molecular Biology of Aging, Biomedical Research, Emerging Pathogenic Viruses, and Introductory Cellular/Molecular Medicine.

Shopping

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  Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

  Multiple Colorado Quests

  Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

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  Save 20% on a Fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure Use Code: FG20

     This smartphone-guided scavenger hunt combines the fun of the Amazing Race with a sightseeing tour of the city. Your group will solve clues and complete mental challenges while discovering hidden gems and famous sites in the city. Visiting guests and relatives? Bring the whole family on this interactive adventure. Use promo code FGCOUPON for 35% off scavenger hunts and gift cards. Games available in over 70 locations across the U.S. (less) ... Read more

  Save 20% on a Fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure

  20% off. Urban Adventure Quest's Scavenger Hunt Code: FG20. Turn Your City into a giant game board with this fun scavenger hunt adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a t…

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  OYLA Magazine

  National

  OYLA Magazine

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  OYLA is a monthly print magazine for STEM learning. It offers scientific articles that the whole family can enjoy. Every issue is filled with a broad range of topics, from the latest scientific breakthroughs to centuries-old unsolved problems, to spark an interest in science and encourage creativity.