Escape the Cold This Winter in LGBTQ+-Friendly San Diego
Trade in your heavy coats, boots, and scarves this winter for sunshine in San Diego. From internationally-acclaimed immersive experiences and famed pop-up cocktail bars to tree lights and festive events and more, this year is looking extra bright in “America’s Finest City”! Here’s a quick list of iconic holiday events in San Diego this year.
Lightscape: Holiday Lights Get the Glow-Up
The internationally acclaimed light experience Lightscape returns to the San Diego Botanic Garden for its second year. On select nights from November 17 through January 1, explore the whimsy of nature through music, light, fire, and color. Following its inaugural year, this year’s outdoor illuminated trail will make spirits bright with new light-filled installations along with favorite and reimagined pieces.
Custom-designed for San Diego, Lightscape ticket holders will walk a one-mile-long path with suspended strands and tunnels of light, a fire garden, lantern trees, and artistic installations while toasting marshmallows over a fire and drinking hot chocolate and other seasonal drinks along the trail. Reimagined for 2023, this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience at the garden will guide visitors through a festive world of wonder with over one million twinkling lights featuring light installations designed by international artists. Tickets go on sale in September.
Belmont Park: A Clark Griswold-Worthy Holiday Pop-Up Bar
Miracle at Belmont Park will debut at Draft restaurant and bar featuring festive original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, and exciting new mug designs to bring the holiday season to life. The most wonderful time of the year, this famed Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail experience will open on Friday, November 17 and run through Sunday, December 31. This year will feature new holiday-inspired cocktail creations along with some enduring fan favorites all served in Miracle’s signature kitschy glassware.
Draft will also be serving up some festive eats and treats including Wagyu Lasagna, Winter Squash Soup & Grilled Cheese, Truffle Fries, and a Pretzelcuterie Board. Plus, Belmont Park’s festive frivolities continue throughout the park with the fifth annual Winter Wonder happening from November 11 through December 31. Guests can meet and greet their favorite seasonal characters and admire the oversized winter sculptures and hundreds of twinkling lights sprinkled throughout the park.
Lakehouse Resort: Holiday Escape on the Lake
Experience the magic of winter at Lakehouse Resort’s enchanting lakeside Winter Wonderland experience. Nestled along the 80-acre Lake San Marcos, Lakehouse Resort offers a unique and charming winter experience every weekend in December. Debuting on Friday, December 1st this winter experience will feature a 140-foot holiday light tunnel with a mesmerizing display of holiday lights, exclusive igloo dining complete with twinkle lights, tapas and wine near the lake, nostalgic Polar Express-inspired hayrides, a European-style Holiday Market to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, holiday-themed Pontoon and Duffy boat cruises on the lake and much more through Saturday, December 30th.
One Paseo: Festive for the Whole Family
Spend this holiday season at Del Mar’s favorite urban village, One Paseo, where every corner is adorned with twinkling lights and joy. This urban village will be transformed into a charming holiday village all season long with a lineup of festive events. Bring the entire family and gather around One Paseo’s 30-foot tree as it lights up the sky during the annual tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 25 starting at 5 pm. This also marks the beginning of December Nights where the center will glisten with holiday lights and magical snowfall cascading from the rooftops every Friday and Saturday throughout December from 5 pm to 7 pm. One Paseo is bringing back its beloved Moonlight Cinema for a special holiday showing of The Grinch on The Lawn on Saturday, December 9 from 6 pm to 9 pm. For those who want to spend more time with Mr. Claus, enjoy hot cocoa, and holiday treats and grab a selfie with Santa and his elves on Sunday, December 17 from 11 am to 3 pm. One Paseo will also host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 12 from 5 pm to 7 pm to celebrate the start of Hanukkah.
Oceanside: Holiday by the Sea
The ocean breeze mingles with the holiday spirit in Oceanside with an abundance of festive happenings! Oceanside’s proximity to premiere SoCal attractions make it the best place to visit for a fun and memorable holiday itinerary with the whole family. Ideal for a day trip or coastal holiday vacation at Oceanside’s hotels and resorts, plan your visit around events like the Holiday Tree Lighting, complete with Santa’s arrival on a vintage Oceanside fire truck, as well as amusement rides, bounce houses, and more. Admire the annual Oceanside Parade of Lights at the harbor, or attend a candlelight concert at Mission San Luis Rey. Shop local at the Holiday Gift Market, happening every Thursday in December from 5-9 pm. Take family photos building snowmen in the sand and make your relatives jealous that you’re on the beach in December!
Fort Oak: Tipsy and Toasty Holiday Lunches
San Diego’s favorite holiday tradition is back; Holiday Lunches at Fort Oak are returning for six very special midday services. Not normally open during lunch, Fort Oak is taking the holidays as an excuse to decorate the space and get tipsy and toasty while the sun is still shining. Decked out in their holiday best, the restaurant will be serving up Fort Oak favorites, alongside some new dishes Chef Brad Wise loves to indulge in during the holidays.
Chef Brad’s cozy hearth grilled fare feels extra magical this time of year and behind the bar, Bar Manager Jess Stewart is serving up new, festive cocktails, with some special bubbles and bottles brought in just for the occasion. Guests are encouraged to set their out-of-office messages, leave the car at home, and bring their office pals, friends, and family to join Fort Oak in celebrating the best time of year. Holiday lunches will be offered Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from December 14 through December 23. Secure a sought-after reservation via Fort Oak’s website.
Plan your next vacation to California and be prepared to fa-la-la in love with San Diego this holiday season! And don’t forget to check out our list of things to do in San Diego, including the gay beach, bars, museums, and annual events you should add to your itinerary when visiting.
