Posted on 11/29/2023 by On The Sand Vacations

2023 Guide to Holiday Events in Oceanside & San Diego!

The holiday season is upon us, and Oceanside and the nearby San Diego areas are gearing up for a festive celebration! From winter festivals to New Year's Eve parties, there's something for everyone. Mark your calendars for these exciting events:

1. SnowSide Winter Festival

  • When: Dec 1-3, 5 pm - 9 pm

  • Where: Emerald Isle Golf Course

  • Cost: $20 For Children, $25 for Adults. Discounts availabe for 3-day passes.

Experience the magic of the SnowSide Winter Festival at the Emerald Isle Golf Course. This family-friendly event features real snow, sledding, Christmas trees, live entertainment, jumpys, glow golf putting course, silent disco, and more! Join us for three days of holiday fun.

2. Christmas Concert and Sing Along San Luis Rey

  • When: Dec 1st, 7 pm; Dec 2nd, 2 pm

  • Where: Mission San Luis Rey

  • Cost: Seats range from $40-$60 per ticket. Ticket proceeds benefit the preservation of Old Mission San Luis Rey.

Join us for a special two-night Christmas Concert at the historical Mission San Luis Rey. Enjoy traditional holiday music performed by the San Luis Rey Chorale, followed by a dessert reception on December 1st. A festive encore performance awaits on December 2nd at 2 pm.

3. Arrowood Holiday Fair and Boutique

  • When: Dec 2, 11 am - 4 pm

  • Where: Arrowood Golf Course

  • Cost: Free entry

Indulge in the holiday spirit at the Arrowwood Holiday Fair and Boutique. Featuring live music, local artisans, face painting, and delectable holiday food and drinks, this event is perfect for the whole family.

4. Rancho Christmas

  • When: Dec 3, 10 am - 4 pm

  • Where: Rancho Guajome Adobe, Vista, CA

  • Cost: $5 ages 13 & older • $3 ages 4 to12 FREE Ages 3 and under • CASH ONLY

Step back in time at the Rancho Christmas celebration at Rancho Guajome Adobe. Experience the holidays in the mid-1800s with historic tours, tractor rides, Native American storytelling, and festive decorations.

5. Holiday Artisan Market by Creative Communal

  • When: Dec 3, 10 am - 3 pm

  • Where: Rising Co,

  • Cost: Free entry

Join Rising Co. and Pacific Coast Spirits for a day of holiday shopping at the Holiday Artisan Market. This pet-friendly and kid-friendly event promises a fun-filled day with local vendors.

6. Annual Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting

  • When: Thursday, December 7th, 6 pm

  • Where: Regal Plaza, 401 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054

  • Cost: Free entry

Join the festive atmosphere at Regal Plaza for the Annual Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy live music, family-friendly entertainment, amusement rides, and witness the magical moment when the holiday tree is lit up. Don't forget to capture your family photos with Santa!

7. Liberty Station Hanukkah and Menorah Lighting

  • When: Dec. 7, 2023

  • Where: Liberty Station's Central Promenade

  • Cost: Free

Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah at Liberty Station's Central Promenade with a public menorah lighting. In partnership with The Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach, this event brings the community together for a joyous celebration.

8. Holiday Gift Markets

  • When: Every Thursday in December, 5 pm - 9 pm

  • Where: Downtown Oceanside

  • Cost: Free entry

Avoid the mall and explore San Diego County's top weekly food and music street market. The Holiday Gift Markets feature 200 artisans and merchants offering eclectic holiday gifts, gourmet goodies, live music, kids' activities, and more!

9. Star Theatre presents Annie

  • When: Dec 7-10, 2 pm & 7:30 pm showings

  • Where: The Star Theatre, 402 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054

  • Cost: Ticket prices vary between $20-$30

Experience the classic musical "Annie" at the Historic Star Theatre in downtown Oceanside. With memorable songs and a heartwarming story, this Broadway favorite is a treat for the whole family.

10. Las Posadas: An Old Town Celebration

  • When: Dec. 8, 2023 at 7pm

  • Where: Heritage County Park, 2454 Heritage Park Row, San Diego, CA 92110

  • Cost: Free entry

Join the journey of Joseph and Mary at Heritage County Park during Las Posadas. Six stations will feature narrations and call-and-response verses. After the finale, enjoy refreshments back at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site.

11. Jingle Terrace Live

  • When: Nightly Dec. 8-23, 2023, 5:30pm-8:30pm

  • Where: Moonlight Amphitheatre at Brengle Terrace Park - 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista

  • Cost: Free entry

The Moonlight Amphitheatre transforms into a holiday wonderland with "Jingle Terrace Live." Walk through a spectacular light show, indulge in holiday refreshments, enjoy live entertainment, family activities, and capture festive memories.

12. Boat Rides with Santa

  • When: Dec 9th, 11 am - 3 pm

  • Where: Oceanside Harbor - Oceanside Adventures

  • Cost: $5 per person, $3 for infants and toddlers 2 and under

Take a scenic boat ride with Santa around Oceanside Harbor. Bring your camera for a photo op with Santa, and all proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Oceanside.

13. Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

    • When: Dec. 9, 2023, 7 pm - 9 pm

    • Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA

    • Cost: Free

Get cozy with a blanket and hot chocolate to witness the Parade of Lights in Oceanside Harbor. Watch as fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, and kayaks light up the harbor, spreading holiday cheer.

14. Holiday Mercato at Beach House Winery

  • When: Dec 9, 11am-4pm

  • Where: Beach House Winery, 1534 Sleeping Indian Road, Fallbrook, California 92028

  • Cost: Free entry

Indulge in the Annual Holiday Mercato at Beach House Winery. Shop local products, enjoy live music, and participate in the holiday cheer. Don't forget the special holiday wine discount with a toy donation for Toys for Tots.

15. Street Level Vol 1.5 Holiday Edition

  • When: Saturday, December 9, 12:00-5:00 pm

  • Where: Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA)

  • Cost: OMA ticket - $10 for adults, free for children under 18 and OMA Members

Celebrate the holiday season at Street Level: Holiday Edition at Oceanside Museum of Art. Enjoy a holiday craft market, food, music, performances, and art. Explore unique gifts from local designers and participate in a free wrapping paper workshop.

16. Makers Arcade North County Pop-Up

  • When: Sunday, December 9, 2023, 11 am - 5 pm

  • Where: Tremont Collective, 602 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA, 92054

  • Cost: Free entry

Transform your holiday shopping experience at the Makers Arcade North County Pop-Up in Tremont Collective. With over 70 curated vendors, live music, and festive goods, this event promises a unique and family-friendly atmosphere.

17. Holiday Tamale Making Class w/ Maribel Y Olivia Cocina

  • When: Dec 14th, 5 pm

  • Where: Rising Co, 332 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

  • Cost: $100 per person

Get hands-on with the Mexican holiday tradition of tamale making at Rising Co. In this class, learn to make delicious tamales, champurrado, and pan dulce. All materials are provided, and the class ends with a festive meal and plenty of left overs to take home.

18. Blitzen's Ball - Variety Show

  • When: Dec 15-24, 8 pm

  • Where: Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

  • Cost: Tickets are $25 for GA or $20 for Military personnel/Students

Join the spontaneity of Blitzen at "Blitzen's Ball." This family-friendly variety show at Brooks Theater celebrates different holiday traditions with songs, poetry, audience participation, and an ugly sweater contest.

19. Handmade Holiday in Artist Alley

  • When: Sunday, December 18, 2023, 12 pm - 6 pm

  • Where: Artist Alley, Oceanside CA

  • Cost: Free entry

Experience holiday joy in Artist Alley with live music, pictures with Santa, a DIY gift station, snowball fights, hot cocoa, and more. This event promises fun for families, couples, and anyone ready to embrace the holiday spirit.

20. Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade

  • When: Dec 27, 2023 at 10am

  • Where: San Diego Bay, Downtown San Diego

  • Cost: Grand Stand Seats are $30, but you can also view the parade for free along the route

Gaze up at massive balloons during the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, the country's largest balloon parade. Enjoy colorful floats, balloons, marching bands, and more along San Diego Bay.

21. RADY CHILDREN'S ICE RINK AT LIBERTY STATION

  • When: Now - Jan. 7, 2024

  • Where: Central Promenade at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station

  • Cost: $20 Adult Admission, $15 Child Admission (12 and under)

Celebrate the holiday season with the outdoor ice skating rink at Liberty Station. Presented by Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary, Sentre, and NTC Foundation, this festive activity is perfect for families and friends.

22. North Coast Village Holiday Lights

    • When: Now through January 7

    • Where: North Coast Village, 999 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA

    • Cost: Free

Experience the magic of the season with the enchanting North Coast Village Lights. Take a stroll through this holiday wonderland and enjoy the festive decorations that light up the night.

23. New Years Eve Comedy

  • When: Dec 31st at 7pm

  • Where: Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

  • Cost: Ticket prices vary between $25-$45

Ring in the New Year with laughter at the New Year's Eve Comedy Show at Brooks Theater. Featuring Chris Martin, Joe Sib, and hosted by Tim Lee, this alcohol-free event promises a hilarious start to the year.

24. New Year's Eve Party: Neon24 at the Seabird

  • When: Dec 31st, 9pm-1am

  • Where: The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa

  • Cost: GA $150, 21+

Step into a vibrant world of lights and colors at the Neon24 New Year's Eve Party. Hosted at The Seabird, this immersive event invites you to dress creatively and celebrate the start of the new year in style.

25. Pier View Presents Club 12 New Years Eve

  • When: Dec 31, 9 pm - 1 am

  • Where: Hello Betty, 211 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA, 92054

  • Cost: $30-$50

Join the double countdown celebration at Club 12 New Years Eve at Hello Betty. With two stages of music, casino games, and hosted champagne countdowns at 9 pm and 12 am, it's the perfect way to welcome the New Year.

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