The holidays in San Diego often include warm days and picnics on Sunset Cliffs. Point Loma Nazarene University students are finding ways to make the holiday season magical despite the 75-degree weather and finals week approaching.
PLNU kicked off the holiday season on Dec. 4 with the annual tree lighting and continued festivities on Dec. 6 and 7 with the concert choir’s Cider Celebration. Although most of the Christmas events at PLNU are over to make time for finals preparation, students can still celebrate the holiday season off-campus.
Here’s a breakdown of the top five best holiday things to do in San Diego, according to PLNU students.
1. Take a day trip to Coronado
Coronado is a favorite summer vacation spot for tourists, but also an iconic Christmas destination for locals. Located 30 minutes from campus, the beachfront ice rink at the Hotel del Coronado has become popular among students, although some find the price hefty.
“Parking can [also] be pricey and hard to find since it’s such a popular destination,” Maddie Manley, a second-year education major, said. “But if you’re able to get a ride there, I highly recommend checking out Coronado.”
If you don’t go ice skating, you can walk around and see holiday decorations.
“It’s super fun to get a group of friends together and walk around the hotel,” Manley said. “They have a little light show they do every once in a while.”
2. Go ice skating at Liberty Station
The Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station is located only three miles from campus. Although it’s smaller than the Hotel del Coronado’s ice rink, it’s ideal for a college student on a budget. With general admission tickets only $20 compared to $40 at the hotel, the Liberty Station ice rink is a great option for students wanting to save some money.
3. See the Christmas lights at the San Diego Zoo
Balboa Park, where the San Diego Zoo is located, is one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions. Many travel guides list it as a “must-see” spot in the city. From Dec. 14 through Jan. 5, the zoo hosts “Jungle Bells,” an after-hours holiday celebration.
The zoo is decked out with Christmas decorations, according to Sarah Shaw, a second-year psychology major. “Jungle Bells” activities are included with general admission tickets, which start at $70. Located nine miles from campus, “Jungle Bells” could be an escape from finals week chaos.
4. Visit the Del Mar Fairgrounds
For those willing to make the 45-minute drive, the “Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular” begins on Dec. 13 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The light spectacular has become a must-see North County San Diego tradition, featuring holiday light trails, a holiday market and “glice” skating (made from eco-friendly synthetic ice).
Vivyan Gripp, a second-year mechanical engineering major, said that the Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular is one of her favorite Christmas traditions. According to the website, the Del Mar Fairgrounds lights up their trails with millions of Christmas lights. Tickets start at $22 (excluding the parking and skating fees), with the event running every weekend until Dec. 26.
5. Walk down Candy Cane and Christmas Card Lane
A hidden gem in San Diego is Candy Cane and Christmas Card Lane. The homeowners take their street names seriously and deck out their homes for the holiday season. Both streets are located 45 minutes from PLNU in Poway, but Shaw thinks the drive is worth it.
“They go all out with Christmas lights,” Shaw said. “It’s a yearly thing for me and my family just to go walk the neighborhood and see the Christmas lights. It’s surprisingly popular.”
If you’re not willing to drive or spend money on any holiday activities this year, walk around campus and the neighborhoods near campus. There’s a Christmas tree on Caf Lane, and houses nearby are made merry and bright with Christmas lights.
Tessa Balc 
Grace Barrera