Lights are beginning to line houses, Point Loma Nazarene University’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting has passed and hot chocolate is becoming an acceptable daily drink. Even without a chance of snow or colder weather for that matter, the holiday season has arrived, and there are many ways to get in the spirit.
Below are five activities that will help you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland without ever leaving sunny San Diego.
Open through Jan. 4, Rady’s Ice Rink, located in Liberty Station, is the closest option on the list to PLNU. For $25 a person, your purchase includes skate rentals and supports the Thriving After Cancer Program. You can also take a walk around the rest of Liberty Station, before or after skating, to find a path lined with decorated Christmas trees by its new postcard mural for different photo opportunities.
Experience the holidays at Hotel Del Coronado
While Hotel del Coronado has long been known for its infamous, yet slightly more expensive, ice rink during the holiday season, this year the hotel is taking advantage of the popular film “Wicked.” Now, as you visit, you can see film-inspired attractions such as the “Tinsel Trail to Oz” and the “‘Wonder of Oz’ Lightshow Spectacular.” The trail features 11 themed Christmas trees along a self-guided path, all of which are visible to the public, excluding those in the Crown & Coronet Rooms. The light spectacular is a 10-minute nightly show that begins at 5 p.m., runs every 30 minutes, is backed by an Oz-inspired soundtrack and ends with a snow experience.
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is back for its 55th year and is free for anyone watching from the shore. On Dec. 14 and 21, the participating boats begin their path at 5:30 p.m. in Shelter Island and end around 7:40 p.m. at the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Exact times for when you can expect the boats to pass based on your viewing location can be found on the parade’s website. This is the perfect free activity to clear your mind the night before finals week.
Holiday Wonderland at Petco Park
You’re never too old to get on a carousel and slide down a snowy hill. Take the trolley over to Petco Park to feel the magic of the holidays like you do at home or when you were younger. During Holiday Wonderland, Gallagher Square is filled with lights, displays, themed drinks and snacks, as well as a chance to get your annual photo with Santa. Each ticket costs $25 for adults and can be purchased directly from the San Diego Padres website.
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
This mile-long trail, open on select days through January, offers a holiday-themed experience full of lights and music. For its fourth year, this attraction is relatively new to the San Diego area, so you could be among the first to make this a yearly tradition. It’s recommended to purchase the event and parking tickets in advance for discounts and reduced rates.
Now there’s no excuse for you to say you didn’t touch snow this December — even if it is artificial or shoveled in from who knows where. Grab some friends or a warm drink, and experience the holiday season with those around you.
Carson Dillon