By Gina Tarnacki
San Diego Expert, about.com
The holiday season is here! Find lights, treats and cheer at these fun holiday activities in San Diego.
Get Your Picture Taken with a San Diego Santa
Ho
ho ho! December means the chance to see a jolly old fellow, but don’t
just head to the local mall to get a picture with Santa. Find him at a
location that doesn’t just capture the holiday charm, but also adds in
some San Diego flair. Seaport Village hosts Santa Claus each year in a
charmingly decorated booth that is right next to the glistening harbor.
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For more sea views, head to the aptly named Santa by the Sea photo op at L’Auberge Del Mar.
You’ll find a holiday wonderland right next to the ocean complete with
Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas trees, music and holiday treats. For
some extra time with Santa, head to Julian
for Breakfast with Santa at Pine Hills Lodge on December 13; you'll
also get to enjoy the cooler weather Julian often has which makes it
feel a bit more like the holiday season for those who grew up in colder
climates.
Jungle Bells at the Zoo
San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells is
back again this year, providing a fun way to spend a holiday evening
surrounded by animals. The famous San Diego Zoo is decorated in lights
and provides holiday activities for visitors such as a 4-D Polar Express
experience and live holiday music. Jungle Bells is the same price as
general admission to the zoo – though if you’re a resident, you may want
to give yourself an early holiday present and get a zoo membership!
San Diego Botanic Garden Holiday Lights
For
more natural elements alit in holiday lights, head to the San Diego
Botanic Garden. Enjoy an evening of twinkling ambiance while you walk
along the manicured trails and enjoy the flora and fauna decorated with
some holiday pizazz.
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You’ll also find holiday crafts, horse-drawn
carriage rides, marshmallow roasting and other holiday treats and
drinks, carolers and puppet shows.
Balboa Park December Nights
A San Diego holiday staple is visiting Balboa Park for December Nights, when the park becomes a glowing array of colorful lights and the musuems open for free from 5 p.m.
to 9 p.m. each night. This event is only two
nights and gets crazily busy, but it’s worth braving the crowds for
global cuisine and holiday performances happening in the park. This
year, December Nights is December 4 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and December 5
from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Holiday Fun at Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado
has a variety of holiday activities this time of year. The most visible
one is Skating by the Sea, a memorable ice skating rink that is set up
each year on the grounds of the hotel. Rent a pair of skates and glide
around the rink as you take in views of the sandy beach and ocean plus
the holiday lights of the hotel.
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The Hotel del also does a lovely
holiday Victorian tea. Enjoy a selection of tea, tiered plates of treats
and champagne in one of the Del’s impressive dining rooms. Afterward
head to the lobby for a picture in front of the two-story tall Christmas
tree.
