San Diego’s Christmas celebrations blend coastal charm with holiday spirit.
Harbor cruises stand out as the city’s top yuletide experience, offering dinner and brunch options with fresh-cooked meals and festive entertainment – perfect for families seeking a memorable holiday meal.
Downtown walking tours deliver excellent value, connecting visitors with local history while showcasing spectacular light displays at Petco Park and through Little Italy’s decorated streets.
We particularly love the evening harbor cruises for their combination of bay views, quality dining, and unrushed atmosphere – it’s the kind of relaxed celebration that defines Southern California.
Check out these recommended Christmas tours and experiences in San Diego:
Key Points
- Take a 2-3 hour Christmas Day or Christmas Eve dinner cruise along San Diego’s harbor with a buffet, live entertainment, and scenic views.
- Explore the holiday displays and festive decorations on a private walking tour through downtown San Diego, including the 40-foot Christmas tree at Petco Park.
- Enjoy a chef-prepared holiday buffet with breakfast and dinner options, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and live music on a Christmas Day or Christmas Eve cruise.
- Experience the Christmas atmosphere in San Diego with a wheelchair and stroller accessible 2.5-hour Christmas Day dinner cruise featuring a holiday buffet and DJ entertainment.
- Book a private group walking tour to see the colorful holiday displays and decorations in neighborhoods like Little Italy, with a flexible cancellation policy.
San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise
Typically, the San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise offers a 2.5-hour excursion along the city’s scenic harbor.
The cruise can accommodate up to 200 travelers and includes a winter holiday dinner buffet, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and live DJ entertainment. Guests can also enjoy boarding photos with Santa and take in the festive holiday decor.
The cruise departs from the meeting point at 1800 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, with pay-to-park options available. The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate, and the cruise ends back at the original meeting point.
According to a recent review, the cruise was “very nice and flexible,” with good food and friendly, helpful staff.
The reviewer noted that the ride was smooth, and everyone seemed happy, indicating a positive overall experience.
Read our full review: San Diego Christmas Day Dinner Buffet Cruise Review
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San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrate the holiday season in San Diego with a festive Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise. Priced from $123.88 per person, these 2-3 hour cruises depart from Pier 1, Hornblower Landing, offering magnificent views of the USS Midway and Coronado Bridge.
Aboard the cruise, guests can indulge in a chef-prepared buffet with a full bar service, accompanied by a live tour guide. The brunch menu features breakfast classics like scrambled eggs and French toast, along with entrees such as birria-style chicken and hand-carved tri-tip steak.
The dinner menu includes dishes like three-cheese baked macaroni and oven-roasted turkey. Complimentary beverages, from mimosas to iced tea, are available throughout the experience.
Guests can also enjoy holiday decor, music entertainment, and boarding photos with Santa. Although the cancellation policy is non-refundable, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive holiday celebration on the water.
Read our full review: San Diego: Christmas Day Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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Christmas Time in San Diego – Walking Tour
Explore the magic of San Diego’s holiday season with the Christmas Time in San Diego – Walking Tour. Operated by Opatrink.com USA, this private walking tour takes you through the city’s festive highlights, starting at Petco Park and ending in the charming Little Italy neighborhood.
Along the way, you’ll marvel at colorful holiday displays, including a 40-foot Christmas tree adorned with 16,000 lights and over 250 ornaments. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as you enjoy the decorations, food, and drinks in Little Italy.
The tour is priced from $334.07 per person, with the exact cost varying based on group size. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is located near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers.
Confirm your booking and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Read our full review: Christmas Time in San Diego – Walking Tour Review
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San Diego: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
For a memorable Christmas Eve celebration in San Diego, the Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a delightful experience. Priced at $107.72 per person, the 2-3 hour bay cruise includes a lavish buffet, live music, and stunning views of the San Diego skyline.
The brunch buffet features an assortment of breakfast classics, from scrambled eggs to French toast, as well as a selection of salads, pasta dishes, and carved meats. Unlimited mimosas during brunch ensure a festive atmosphere.
The dinner buffet offers a delectable spread of salads, main courses like baked macaroni and roasted salmon, and decadent desserts.
Both options provide a climate-controlled interior, holiday decor, and carolers during boarding. Wheelchair accessibility and a live tour guide in English cater to all guests.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy, it’s advisable to book early to secure your spot on this unique Christmas Eve adventure.
Read our full review: San Diego: Christmas Eve Buffet Brunch or Dinner Cruise Review
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Christmas Time in San Diego – Walking Tour
The Christmas Time in San Diego – Walking Tour provides a delightful way to take in the city’s festive spirit.
This 2-hour guided tour takes participants through some of San Diego’s most enchanting holiday displays, including the dazzling lights at Petco Park, the festive atmosphere of the Grand Stairway, the Martin Luther King Promenade, and the charming neighborhood of Little Italy.
Along the way, visitors will be treated to festive street melodies and heartwarming holiday decor, creating a truly magical experience.
The tour is priced at $654.63 for a group of up to 4 participants, making it an affordable option for small groups.
The tour departs from the main entrance of Petco Park, with the option to book a private group.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and participants can reserve their spot and pay later.
With a professional local guide and the inclusion of the Petco Park entrance fee, this tour offers an excellent value for those seeking to enjoy San Diego’s Christmas spirit.
Read our full review: Christmas Time in San Diego – Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
San Diego offers a variety of festive Christmas experiences, from scenic dinner cruises to guided walking tours. Whether you’re looking for a lavish buffet or a relaxing sightseeing adventure, there’s something to suit every holiday mood. With its mild weather and beautiful coastal setting, San Diego is an ideal destination to celebrate the season and create lasting memories.