Holiday light shows come in numerous shapes and forms in San Diego County. There are laser shows, classic holiday lights, jazz music, animals, botanic gardens and boats.
This guide provides some options for seeing holiday light shows across the county this year, based on online listings and promotions. Light shows are listed in chronological order from when they open officially to the public.
The light show Lightscape returns for a third year at the San Diego Botanic Garden. (Lightscape)
Lightscape: San Diego Botanic Garden will host its light show for the third time, opening on Nov. 15 and running through Jan. 5. Lightscape is a one-mile trail filled with flowers and trees covered in lights, illuminated tunnels, suspended lights and artistic installations from international artists. Holiday drinks and treats will be available on the trail. Ticket prices range from $13-31, based on age and time of day. The parking fee is $10-$25. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760-436-3036, sdbg.org/lightscape
At SeaWorld San Diego, holiday lights are arranged and illuminated in the form of a Christmas tree. (SeaWorld San Diego)
SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration: There will be numerous attractions including the “Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show” at this years SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5. The light show features laser beams hovering over guests and immersing them in various colors, with holiday music playing in the background. Other entertainment options are a Santa Claus village, Christmas fireworks displays, a tree lighting ceremony, live musical performances and holiday food and drinks to try. Admission to this Christmas event is included with the purchase of a SeaWorld San Diego ticket, starting at $59.99 for an any-day ticket. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. 619-222-4732, seaworld.com/san-diego/events/christmas
San Diego, CA November 21: The trees are decorated in twinkling lights during Hotel Del Coronados Holiday Light Show on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023 in San Diego, CA. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
‘All That Jazz’ at Hotel del Coronado: The Norfolk Island Pines on the Hotel del Coronado’s Founders Lawn are the centerpiece of the “All That Jazz” light show. From 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 to Jan. 5., the Hotel del Coronado gives the public a free holiday light show that is synchronized with jazz music. There will also be a hotel duplicate 12-foot-tall red turret with holiday lights, a bar and lounge seating. The free light show is 10 minutes long and occurs every 30 minutes. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. 619-435-6611, hoteldel.com/events/at-first-light-lightshow-spectacular
Lights at the Lakes: The Santee Lakes Campground will turn into a holiday light show Dec. 1-31 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Lights at the Lakes is a free event that allows registered campground guests to walk or drive their golf court to see the light displays. 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee. 619-596-3141, santeelakes.com/event/lights-at-the-lakes-campground-edition
Jingle Terrace Live: The Brengle Terrace Park at Moonlight Amphitheatre will present a holiday light show from Dec. 6-21. Jungle Terrace Live will feautre live entertainment, holiday displays, seasonal activities, photo opportunities and light shows. This all-ages event is free to attend.1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-live
The urban park Quartyard will host a light show called City Lights featuring lasers, reactive video, an LED sculpture, projection mapping and more. (Erica Joan)
‘City Lights at Quartyard: This holiday season, locals can journey through a 50-minute experience of six unique lighting zones at City Lights: An Immersive Journey Through Light & Sound. This light show at the downtown urban park Quartyard is influenced by a “different aspect of city life,” according to event organizers. Zones contain lasers, projection mapping, an LED sculpture, reactive video, interactive displays and motion graphics. Ben Guerrette, a visual artist, designed the walkable installation. This all-ages event is accessible from Dec. 6 to Jan. 19 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Adult admission will cost $20 and student entry costs $15. Children under 5 years can attend for free. 1301 Market St., San Diego. quartyardsd.com/event/city-lights-an-immersive-journey-through-light-sound
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: For two nights, the 54th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will shine the local waters with free holiday light shows. On Dec. 8 and 15, the public can see about 80 boats decorated with holiday lights. Each night, the parade begins at Shelter Island at 5:30 p.m. and make its way down Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, the Cesar Chavez Park Pier and end at the Coronado Ferry Landing at 7:30 p.m. sdparadeoflights.org
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular: Eight days of holiday joy await guests to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This December attraction features a holiday light trail with “millions of lights,” according to event organizers. Other destinations include photo opportunities with Santa Claus, an igloo fire pit, holiday food and drink areas and a children’s play area. Coastal Christmas will be open Dec. 13-15, 20-23 and 26 from 4 to 9 p.m. Tickets are priced at $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 4 to 12 years. Children 3 years and under can attend for free. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. coastalchristmasdelmar.com
Jungle Bells: The San Diego Zoo will once again celebrate the holiday season with its Jungle Bells seasonal event. From Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, the park will offer three holiday light trails: celebration, discovery and symphony from 5 to 8 p.m. These paths allow guests to venture into the zoo and explore exhibits such as the cactus garden and the tiger trail. Jungle Bells also brings holiday musical acts and performances. It is free with paid admission to the zoo or a membership. Parking is available for free. 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells