Though we're not waking up to snow everywhere, wearing thick jackets and gloves or shoveling snow off our driveways every morning, we San Diegans still enjoy everything Christmas has to offer...just the San Diegan way. These are my top five must-dos for this Christmas season.
1. Viejas Outlets Ice Skating Rink
Viejas Outlets Ice Skating Rink
The coldest it's going to get for ice skating near San Diego is in Alpine. The Viejas Outlets is a great place to dine, shop and spend time with family friends. Across the way from the outlets is a casino and hotel, which by far is my favorite place to escape. They have a huge pool, the rooms are very nice and comfortable and I am able to check out the outlets within walking distance. During the winter, they make space for an enormous ice rink that, in the middle of the outlets with a huge Christmas tree at the bottom end. You can skate during different sessions and they also sell kettle corn, regular popcorn, and hot beverages.
2. Coronado Ice Skating Rink
Hotel Del Coronado - Ice Skating Rink
Want to make it more "San Diegan"? Coronado beach has one of the most historic and well-known hotels in San Diego called "Hotel Del Coronado." This hotel brings an ice rink right by the beach for you to skate, and still feel the nonstop summer weather San Diego carries all year round.
3. December Nights in Balboa Park
Balboa Park - December Nights
In Balboa Park, every year on the first weekend of December, "December nights" is hosted by many food vendors, performing art groups and schools. You can watch the carolers, eat food, listen to live music or a few of the rides they bring to one of the main parking lots in the park. This event is only two days. If you don't get to the event before five p.m., it will be hard to find parking—that is how crazy this event gets. Heading towards the Old Globe Theatre. you can also take pictures and meet Mr. Grinch.
4. "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" Show at The Old Globe
Mr. Grinch in Balboa Park
The Old Globe annually presents "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." Every year, they put on a fascinating play with the best props and actresses giving the most joyful and "grinchiest" feel of Christmas spirit! Tickets usually start going on sale in early November (or late October if possible) and sell out pretty quickly.
5. Taking a Roadtrip to Julian
People lining up for pie at "Moms" in Julian, California
If you're looking to get away from San Diego during the winter season, Julian is a not-so-far great road trip to take to go enjoy the cold, sometimes snow, and the best pie you'll ever eat. The best times to go during the winter are late December to early February. It's a small village with many shops, cafes, pie shops, diners, and there are many areas to park and find hills to slope down on boogie boards, trash can tops and sleds.
As sunny as it is, and as sandy, as it stays...spending winter in San Diego can still give you the nice warm feeling of Christmas spirit. From the sandy beaches to the soft snow... as a San Diego Native, I can definitely assure that you will not want to miss any of this!
