San Diego’s Holiday Schedule Connects the City with Over 20 Events. The holiday season kicks off with celebrations starting on Thanksgiving and continues through New Year’s, with set schedules and access via public transit.
San Diego officially launched its holiday season with a schedule that, according to the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), will combine community events, artisan markets, and traditional celebrations alongside adjustments to transit service starting on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Service Adjustments
On Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day, MTS will operate buses on a Sunday schedule, Trolley service will run on modified 30-minute frequencies, and Rapid Express routes 280 and 290 will not operate. Rural routes will be limited: Route 892 will run instead on Wednesday, Nov. 26, while routes 888, 891, and 894 will not operate. All customer service offices—including Transit Store, PRONTO assistance, and trip-planning services—will be closed.
On Friday, November 28, bus service returns to regular schedules, the Trolley will run on a Sunday schedule, and Rapid Express and rural routes will operate normally, except for Route 892, which already ran on Nov. 26. Customer service offices will resume regular hours.
Late November Events
The weekend of November 29–30 marks the start of community activities with the San Diego Made Holiday Market at Liberty Station, offering outdoor shopping with local creators. On November 30, East Village will host its Tree Lighting & Holiday Market at Faultline Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., conveniently located near the Park & Market Station.
Early December Events
The annual December Nights returns to Balboa Park on December 5 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and December 6 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with free admission. Special shuttle service from City College Transit Center will be available for these two days, with drop-off and pick-up only on the west side of the park. Coronado will celebrate its parade and tree lighting on December 5 at 6 p.m., marking the 50th anniversary of this tradition.
December 6 features multiple celebrations: the Starlight Parade & Festival in Chula Vista runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with the parade starting at 6 p.m.; Ocean Beach begins its Galactic Holiday Beach Bash at 5:05 p.m.; and Little Italy hosts its Tree Lighting and Christmas Village from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the main ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Second Week of December
La Jolla celebrates its Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival on December 7, starting at 11:30 a.m., with the parade at 1:30 p.m. Between December 9–12, MTS will host Happy Trolley-Days at transit centers in UTC, Palomar Street, Grossmont, and Fashion Valley, offering information booths, hot beverages, and giveaways from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
La Mesa presents Holiday in the Village on December 13, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., while Liberty Station will host the menorah lighting on December 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The artisan fair Makers Arcade Holiday Fair runs on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and December 14 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights will take place on December 14 and 21, starting at 5:30 p.m. on both days.
Markets and Immersive Experiences
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park will operate on selected dates from December 5–23, featuring a Christmas train, snowy hill, and themed activity areas. Additional transit-accessible experiences throughout the month include The Golden Girls Christmas Experience in Little Italy, Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern and Emo Christmas in Gaslamp, Snowed In in Mission Hills, and Holiday Oasis Experience in Hillcrest.
The USS Midway will continue its Jingle Jets display from November 28 to December 30, with illuminated shows and special performances on select evenings.
Late December and New Year’s Activities
The San Diego Zoo presents Jungle Bells from December 19 to January 4, while Otay Ranch hosts HoliGlow during the same period. At Seaport Village, the Let It Snow experience will produce daily artificial snowfalls from December 1–31, between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
The season concludes with Kwanzaa celebrations at the WorldBeat Cultural Center from December 26–29, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring ceremonial activities, music, and traditional food.
MTS stated that its transit network will provide access to most of these events without the need for private vehicles and encouraged residents and visitors to consider public transportation as a safe and practical option during peak holiday weeks.