Sleigh Bells & Surfboards: Our Team’s Favorite San Diego Holiday Traditions!
Welcome to the holiday season in San Diego! We may not get snow, but there are plenty of opportunities to make cozy memories, festive cheer, and meaningful traditions. We’ve gathered some incredible ideas inspired by the agents at our brokerage. From cherished family recipes to unique local events, these traditions are sure to bring a little fa-la-la-la-fun to your season.
So, whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, we hope these ideas inspire you to create memories that last a lifetime.
See Santa at the Hotel Del Coronado. Visiting Santa at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado is a magical way to kick off the holidays. The historic beachfront resort transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and festive décor. Santa himself sets up shop for photos, creating the perfect opportunity for a family outing. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the sea or taking in the festive ambiance, this tradition is a classic blend of holiday cheer and San Diego's unique coastal charm. Check out dates & times to meet Santa here.
Make a Traditional French Bûche de Noël. A Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log cake, is a show-stopping dessert with roots in French holiday traditions. This rolled sponge cake is typically filled with cream and decorated to resemble a log, complete with meringue mushrooms and powdered sugar “snow.” The tradition symbolizes the Yule log burned in hearths during Christmas celebrations of old. Want to give it a try? Here’s a recipe that is sure to WOW your family and friends.
Wear Matching Pajamas. Nothing says cozy holiday vibes like wearing matching pajamas with your family (or friends!). Whether you go for festive flannels, classic red and green stripes, or even a quirky Grinch-themed set, matching PJs add an extra layer of fun to those lazy holiday mornings. Snap a photo by the Christmas tree or wear them while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies – it’s a simple tradition that’s guaranteed to create laughs and warm memories.
Go Ice Skating at the Hotel Del Coronado. Gliding across the ice with the ocean as your backdrop? Only in San Diego! Skating by the Sea at the Hotel Del Coronado is a truly unforgettable experience. The rink is set up outdoors, giving you breathtaking coastal views while you skate. It’s the perfect mix of winter wonderland and beachside bliss—and a great activity for visiting families or friends. See the rink schedule here!
Bake Cookies for Those You Love. Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like freshly baked cookies. Gather your favorite recipes – from classic sugar cookies and gingerbread men to decadent chocolate crinkles – and get the whole family involved in the fun. Wrap your creations in festive packaging and deliver them to your neighbors to brighten their day. Not only is this a great way to give back, but it also fills your home with the irresistible scent of the holidays.
See Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe. Get into the holiday spirit with a San Diego favorite – the Old Globe’s production of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This beloved adaptation brings Whoville to life with vibrant sets, whimsical costumes, and songs that will have you humming all season long. Perfect for all ages, this annual performance is a heartwarming reminder of the joy, generosity, and magic of the holidays. Get your tickets here!
Go to Disneyland During the Holidays. There’s something truly magical about Disneyland during the holiday season. The park transforms into a winter wonderland, from towering Christmas trees to gingerbread-scented air—the attention to detail is pure Disney perfection. A highlight for many visitors is the holiday parade, which fills the park with cheer as beloved characters march by in festive attire. And don’t miss the magical moment when it "snows" on Main Street – a sprinkle of wintery delight in the California air. Treat yourself to seasonal favorites like gingerbread Mickeys, and soak up the joy, warmth, and excitement that make Disneyland at Christmastime a perfect holiday tradition.
Celebrate with a Signature Holiday Breakfast. Start your holiday mornings with a breakfast tradition your family will look forward to year after year. Pancakes shaped like snowmen, cinnamon rolls, or even a savory breakfast casserole are all great options. For a unique twist, try making Chipped Beef on Toast, affectionately known as "SOS" by some. This dish combines salty dried beef in a creamy milk-based sauce served over toast. It’s a savory and satisfying way to bring the family together for a delicious start to the day.
Attend the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a dazzling spectacle that blends the holiday spirit with San Diego’s nautical charm. Watch as festively decorated boats sail across the bay, lighting up the water with a mesmerizing display. Bundle up, bring a thermos of hot cocoa, and pick a spot along the shoreline to enjoy this festive tradition with family and friends. Learn more about it here!
The holidays are all about creating connections and celebrating the traditions that bring us together. Whether you’re baking cookies, catching a Grinch performance, or sharing breakfast with loved ones—each tradition adds its own sprinkle of magic to the season.
Inspired by the expert agents at our brokerage, these ideas are a great way to make your San Diego holidays uniquely festive and unforgettable. So go ahead, try something new this year – and make the season merry and bright!
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From cherished family recipes to unique local events, these traditions are sure to bring a little fa-la-la-la-fun to your season.
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