Holiday Happenings in San Diego
Holidays look a little different this year due to Covid, but there are still plenty of festive (and safe) activities to do in San Diego this season! Check out my list below to see what a few of my favorite local businesses and restaurants are doing to spread holiday cheer.
Sip on a gingerbread cookie butter latte from s3 coffee bar
Get in the holiday spirit with a trip to S3 coffee bar in Mission Gorge, where they’ve transformed the space into a chic winter wonderland. The gingerbread cookie butter latte is as delicious as it is cute!
Hang out at the Hotel del
Although the Hotel isn’t operating their ice rink this year, you can host a private s’mores roasting party for your quarantine crew or opt for watching a holiday movie on the beach at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado.
Jingle Roast: December 11, 2020 - December 25, 2020
Holiday Movies on the Beach: December 12, 19, 26, 31
get Boozy beverages at mr. trustee
Head to Mr. Trustee for holiday drinks that can be upgraded to boozy beverages. Be sure to take home a few pints of their delicious small batch ice cream too!
Lineup from left to right: Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Chantilly, Apple Cider and Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Whip
Photo by Haley Hill Photography
Holidays in Your Car
Drive through a winter wonderland at the Del Mar Fairgrounds December 5th through the 31st! Take in over a million LED lights and sing to festive music, all in the comfort of your own car! You must reserve a specific date and time, and the cost varies per number of people in the vehicle.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/subaru-presents-holidays-in-your-car-del-mar-tickets-125511350829
Take a trip to julian for apple pie and cooler temps
My favorite holiday tradition is going to the quaint mountain town of Julian to pick out my Christmas tree and to grab a slice of fresh apple pie from Julian Pie Company. If you want to make a day out of it, check out Julian Beer Co. or grab a meal at Miner’s Diner.
Nom on donuts from broad street dough co
Looking for something low key? Pick up the cutest holiday donuts from Broad Street Dough Co. in Encinitas and throw on your favorite holiday movie. Christmas and Hanukkah options available!
Photo provided by Broad Street Dough Co.
treat yo self at Stella Jeans
The new winter menu drops tomorrow (12/4/20) at my FAVORITE ice cream shop, Stella Jeans, located in University Heights. Flavors listed below!
1. spumoni (v+gf)
a classic Italian dessert with a Stella Jean’s plant based twist, featuring pistachio, cherry, and chocolate. Oat & coconut milk base.
2. chai sweet potato + candied pecan + toasted marshmallow (v+gf)
-chai spice sweet potato ice cream with house-made citrus candied pecans and toasted mini marshmallows folded in. oat & coconut milk base.
3.peppermint w/ dark chocolate candy cane bark (gf)
sweet cream and peppermint ice cream with bits of dark chocolate peppermint candy cane bark folded in.
4.sweet ginger w/ gingersnap cookies
sweet cream ginger and cream cheese ice cream with fresh baked gingersnap cookies folded in.
Support your local disTillery
East Village’s You and Yours Distilling Co. has festive cocktails for the season! Order one of these cute drinks and purchase a few bottles of their Gin or Vodka for gifting!
From left to right: Let’s Get Toasted, Merry & Bright, Old Fashioned Christmas, You’re a Green One Mr. Grinch, and Feliz Navidad
Photo by Megan Jane Burgess
Spend time at one paseo
Grab a bite from one of the outdoor dining options, get your holiday shopping done at local stores like Pigment and “enjoy snow cascading from the rooftops near the Fire Pit and Plaza West every Saturday and Sunday evening from 6pm - 8pm.”
Ice Skate at the Peltzer Winery in Temecula
Just a short hour drive away from San Diego, you can find yourself in the beautiful wine country of Temecula. The Peltzer Winery annual ice skating rink is in full effect and looks super fun and festive. Tickets must be reserved in advance.
Drive thru the Taste of December nights
While the traditional December Nights we know and love cannot happen this year, the event will still go on as a new drive-thru experience called Taste of December Nights. “The program will have some of your favorite food vendors and food trucks from past December Nights in a drive-thru setting in the Inspiration Point parking lot near Balboa Park. The three-day event will be Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6 with over 20 food truck/food vendors offering their most popular menu items.”