Decembe;
1–2
Ring in the holiday season
with family-friendly
entertainment and free
admission to Balboa
Park’s museums during
the December Nights
celebration. Join over
350,000 revelers for fun,
food, and holiday cheer
in this long-standing San
Diego tradition.
2
A special guest from the
North Pole will be on hand
for the Little Italy Tree
Lighting and Christmas
Village festivities, featuring
farmers market vendors and
holiday performances.
3
Make new four-legged
friends at the Doggie Street
Festival at NTC Park.
8
The world-famous San
Diego Zoo transforms into
a winter wonderland during
its three-week Jungle Bells
celebration. Take the Twinkle
Light Trolley past illuminated
animal sculptures, festive
carolers, acrobatic elves, and
more (through 1/1).
9
Raise a glass and explore
downtown in the Toast of
Gaslamp celebration.
10
Guess which costumed
critter will win the grand
prize as the Gaslamp
Holiday Pet Parade steps off
in downtown San Diego.
10
The San Diego Bay Parade
of Lights brings together
around 80 illuminated
vessels done up with pirate-
themed and traditional
Christmas decor as over
100,000 spectators look on
(also 12/17).
28
Test-drive a few of the
over 400 cars, trucks,
and SUVs at San Diego
International Auto Show at
the convention center
(through 1/1).
Januar;
13–14
Start planning your next
vacation at the San Diego
Travel & Adventure Show.
21–28
Dine on prix-fixe fare at
over 180 eateries throughout
the county during San Diego
Restaurant Week.
31
The San Diego Black Film
Festival, one of the largest
of its kind in the country,
shines a spotlight on African
American and African
diaspora cinema
(through 2/4).
Februar;
7–18
Learn more about Jewish
culture around the world at
the 28th annual San Diego
Jewish Film Festival.
10
Savor New Orleans–style
cuisine at 20 hot spots in
downtown San Diego on the
Big Easy Booze &
Bites Tour.
13
Let loose this Fat Tuesday
at the Gaslamp Quarter
Masquerade Mardi Gras
Parade & Celebration with
beads, floats, performers,
and more.
24–25
Celebrate the Year of the
Dog at the 36th annual
Chinese New Year Fair in
downtown San Diego.
Marc;
11
Cheer on San Diego Half
Marathon runners as they
pass by Petco Park, San
Diego Bay, Spanish Landing
Park, and Liberty Station on
their 13.1-mile trek.
15–25
The 25th annual San
Diego Latino Film Festival
showcases work by and
about Latino artists,
complete with filmmakers’
appearances, workshops,
music, art, and a gala
celebration.
17
Go green with step dancers,
folk singers, and Celtic food
at the St. Patrick’s Day
Parade and Irish Festival
in Balboa Park.
17
Find a pot of gold—or
at least a green beer—as
shamROCK takes over the
Gaslamp Quarter, where
50,000 square feet of
Astro Turf is rolled out for
over 20,000 revelers at this
St. Patrick’s Day bash.
18
Marshmallow and
sweets stations line the
downtown streets during
the Hot Chocolate 5K and
15K races. A postrace party
with hot cocoa, chocolate
fondue, and more follows
at Petco Park. PORT OF
SAN DIEGO
HOLIDAY BOWL
DECEMBER 28
Watch marching
bands, floats, and
gigantic balloons
hit the streets for
the Port of San
Diego Holiday Bowl
Parade, America’s
largest balloon
parade. College
football fans will
pack the stadium
stands in Mission
Valley as the 40th
annual Holiday
Bowl game kicks off
that evening.
SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 12–19
Indulge in some of world’s finest wines, spirits, craft beers, and gourmet dishes at
the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. The weeklong epicurean event culminates
with a grand tasting finale on the Embarcadero featuring pourings of 700 different
wines and 60 of the city’s most talented chefs competing for top honors.
FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN
JANUARY 25–28
Follow pro golfers to the Torrey Pines Golf Course
in La Jolla for the Farmers Insurance Open.
