What To Do On Christmas Day
Not everyone’s Christmas involves staying home. If you’re looking for things to do on the actual day of Christmas, December 25, 2025, San Diego offers plenty of options—from beachfront ice skating to museum visits, bay cruises to special dinners. Here’s what’s actually open and happening on Christmas Day.
Outdoor & attractions
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
The iconic beachfront ice rink stays open Christmas Day. Glide on real ice with Pacific Ocean views and the resort’s spectacular holiday decorations as your backdrop.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
Open Christmas Day with holiday shows, the illuminated SkyTower Christmas tree, festive decorations, and regular park attractions.
San Diego Zoo
The world-famous zoo is open Christmas Day with Jungle Bells decorations, holiday entertainment, and all the regular animal exhibits.
LEGOLAND California
Open Christmas Day with the 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree, holiday characters, decorations throughout the park, and all regular rides.
Belmont Park
The beachside amusement park stays open Christmas Day with rides including the Giant Dipper roller coaster, plus Winter Wonder decorations. Belmont Park
All San Diego beaches
Open every day of the year. Christmas Day beach walks, surf sessions, and bonfire gatherings are a San Diego tradition.
Museums & culture
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Open Christmas Day with access to the Star of India and the entire historic ship collection. Maritime Museum
Fleet Science Center
Open 365 days a year including Christmas Day with hands-on exhibits, Kid City for young children, and IMAX films. Fleet Science Center
USS Midway Museum
Open Christmas Day for self-guided tours of the historic aircraft carrier. USS Midway Museum
Cabrillo National Monument
Open Christmas Day with tide pools, lighthouse tours, and panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific. Cabrillo National Monument
Balboa Park grounds & Miniature Train
The park itself is open 24/7. The Balboa Park Miniature Train operates Christmas Day with reduced hours. Individual museum hours vary—check before visiting. Christmas in Balboa Park
Japanese Friendship Garden
Open Christmas Day for peaceful walks through landscaped gardens, koi ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture. Japanese Friendship Garden
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Open Christmas Day with marine life exhibits and stunning ocean views from the clifftop location. Birch Aquarium
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)
The La Jolla location typically opens Christmas Day—verify hours before visiting. MCASD
Cruises & harbor activities
Flagship Christmas Day Brunch Cruise
Special holiday brunch cruise around San Diego Bay with buffet, unlimited champagne, and skyline views. Flagship Cruises
Hornblower Christmas Day Cruises
Various holiday cruise options on Christmas Day with dining and bay views. Hornblower
Bahia Belle
Mission Bay cruise typically operates Christmas Day—check current schedule for holiday hours. Bahia Belle
Seaport Village
Open Christmas Day with shops, waterfront walking, and bay views. Individual store hours vary. Seaport Village
Christmas dinner & dining
Numerous San Diego restaurants open Christmas Day with special menus and prix fixe options. These consistently include:
The Marine Room (La Jolla) – 4-course prix fixe with waves crashing against windows, $165 per person
George’s at the Cove (La Jolla) – 3-course Christmas dinner with ocean views
JRDN (Pacific Beach) – 3-course prix fixe overlooking the ocean
Rustic Root (Downtown) – 3-course holiday dinner, herb-roasted chicken and prime rib
A.R. Valentien (La Jolla) – Farm-to-table Christmas menu at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Grant Grill (Downtown) – Christmas dinner at US Grant Hotel
Roy’s San Diego (Downtown) – Hawaiian fusion Christmas menu with bay views
Tidal at Paradise Point (Mission Bay) – 3-course Christmas dinner with island resort setting
ARLO at Estancia La Jolla – Plated or reception-style Christmas dinner
Zinqué (Little Italy) – French bistro open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Jasmine Seafood Restaurant – Dim sum and Chinese cuisine, always packed Christmas Day
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina (Lemon Grove) – Italian favorites, dine-in and takeout platters
Chain restaurants: Denny’s, IHOP, Marie Callender’s (select locations)—verify hours before going
Most restaurants require advance reservations for Christmas Day. Book early for best availability and preferred dining times.
Neighborhoods & walking
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Free to enter year-round. Walk the historic district, see decorations, visit shops and restaurants that choose to open.
Coronado
Walk or bike around Coronado Island, see the Hotel del decorations, enjoy the beach and village atmosphere.
La Jolla
The Cove, village shops, and coastal walks remain accessible Christmas Day. Some businesses open, many closed.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Open Christmas Day for hiking with dramatic coastal views and beach access. Torrey Pines
What’s closed Christmas Day
Most neighborhood events, parades, and tree lightings happen before Christmas. These are NOT available December 25:
Holiday events & attractions:
❌ December Nights at Balboa Park (happens Dec 5-6 only)
❌ Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden (closed Dec 24-25)
❌ Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at Old Globe (final performance Dec 24)
❌ San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (happens earlier in December)
❌ All Christmas parades (held earlier in the month)
❌ Petco Park Holiday Market (closes before Christmas)
Shopping & retail:
❌ Most shopping malls and retail stores
❌ Fashion Valley, UTC Westfield, Mission Valley (major malls closed)
❌ Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s (most major chains closed)
❌ Costco, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods (grocery chains typically closed)
Government services & municipal:
❌ Post offices (all USPS locations closed, no mail delivery)
❌ Banks (all major banks closed, ATMs remain available)
❌ DMV offices (closed)
❌ City & county offices (all government offices closed)
❌ Libraries (San Diego Public Library branches closed)
❌ Trash & recycling pickup (typically delayed one day, check your specific service)
Transportation note:
MTS buses and trolleys operate on reduced Sunday/holiday schedules. Coaster and Sprinter run limited service. Verify schedules before traveling.
Planning tips
Verify hours before you go. Many attractions operate reduced holiday schedules on Christmas Day, and some individual businesses within larger venues may close even when the venue stays open.
Make restaurant reservations weeks in advance. Christmas Day dining books fast, especially at waterfront and resort restaurants.
Expect lighter crowds than normal days. Christmas Day is often one of the quieter times to visit major attractions, though some venues (Hotel del, certain restaurants) stay busy.
Consider the weather. San Diego averages mid-60s on Christmas Day, but it can be cooler near the water and after sunset. Bring layers for outdoor activities.
Most holiday programming runs through early January. If you can’t make it Christmas Day, Skating by the Sea, Jungle Bells, SeaWorld Christmas, and LEGOLAND Holidays all continue past December 25.