10+ things to do in San Diego this weekend
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The San Diego House of Scotland Pipe Band will perform at December Nights. Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
There are plenty of holiday happenings this weekend from Christmas parades and tree lightings to San Diego's biggest holiday festival.
Check out these fun events:
✨ December Nights
Museums are open late during this massive two-day event featuring holiday attractions and performances that draws hundreds of thousands to Balboa Park.
- When and where: Friday, 3-11pm, and Saturday, 11am-11pm throughout the park. Transportation tips
- Cost: Free
🎄 More holiday fun
- Ocean Beach parade Saturday along Newport Avenue
- Encinitas holiday parade on the 101 on Saturday
- Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village on Saturday
- La Jolla's "Palm Trees & Poinsettias" parade and festival on Sunday
- San Diego Bay Parade of Lights with lavishly decorated boats on Sunday
- Holiday markets at Petco Park and Broadway Pier all weekend
- Vista's "Christmas at the Movies" parade on Saturday
😋 SONO fest and chili cook off
The best chefs in town compete for the title of best chili at this family-friendly festival with live music and local brews. It also raises money for McKinley Elementary.
- When and where: Sunday, 11am-5pm at Thorn St. and 32nd St. in North Park
- Cost: Tickets are $25-$30, which includes 5 chili tastings
⚡City Lights
Walk through this edgy interactive light and sound show featuring digital art installations with lasers and an LED sculpture.
- When and where: Friday-Sunday, 5:30-10:30pm at Quartyard in East Village
- Cost: $15-$20
🏀 SDSU vs. USD
Catch the crosstown game between the No. 24 Aztecs and Toreros.
- When and where: Saturday, 7pm at Viejas Arena
- Cost: $13+
🎅 SUP Santa cruise
Bring your Santa hat for this festive stand up paddleboard cruise on the Carlsbad Lagoon.
- When and where: Sunday 10:30am-noon at Agua Hedionda Lagoon
- Cost: Free but bring your own SUP
⚽ MLS Cup final watch party
Join San Diego FC for the LA Galaxy vs. NY Red Bulls game, including a Q&A with sporting director Tyler Heaps, free beer and merch giveaways.
- When and where: Party starts at noon Saturday with a 1pm kickoff at Fairplay in North Park
- Cost: Free but RSVP