Top San Diego Holiday Activities

Spending the Christmas holiday season in San Diego has its benefits: the weather is usually mild - in fact December is one of the sunniest months of the year. Which means unlike other parts of the country, we miss out on rituals like shoveling snow - although the nights can get pretty darn chilly this time of year. But that doesn't mean San Diegans lose out on traditional holiday activities...San Diego has plenty of traditional things to do. Here are my top holiday season picks.

1. December Nights in Balboa Park

Traditionally, the holiday season kicks off with a grand celebration in Balboa Park. Balboa Park December Nights is a two-day gift to the community that brings out the holiday spirit in all, this year taking place December 4 and 5, 2009. The beloved San Diego event features sparkling lights, theatrical and musical entertainment, and exotic Food/Spirits throughout the Park.

2. See Christmas Lights

Who doesn't love to see Christmas lights? Several neighborhoods around town put on annual displays (competitions?), but none more venerable than Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, a tradition for over 46 years. People come from all over San Diego to see the wonderful displays. You'll find Christmas Circle between First and Second Avenues, just south of H. Street and I Street.

3. Ice Skate Outdoors

It's our own version of the Rockefeller Center ice rink - the downtown ice rink at Horton Square is a perfect holiday setting, nestled between Horton Plaza and the NBC 7/39 TV studios (can you see the Rockefeller Center parallels?). Beginning Nov. 19 through Jan. 10, 2010, bring the family downtown, in the evening, so you can bundle up in stocking caps and mittens, pretend you're Manhattanites and skate away. It's only $12/$10 and proceeds benefit Children's Hospital. In addition, the Hotel del Coronado offers ice skating by-the-sea with an outdoor ice rink overlooking the ocean. And Viejas Outlet Center boasts San Diego's largest outdoor ice skating rink.

4. See Boats On Parade - At Night

Now this is quintessential San Diego: the 38th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. On Dec. 13 and 20, 5:30 - 9 p.m., see over 100 boats, all decked out in lighted glory, cruise a 7.5 mile route on San Diego Bay. This year's theme is a "Christmas At The Zoo" and it promises to be better than ever. Best vantage points from the shore are along the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Harbor Island and Coronado.

5. The Holiday Bowl Parade

Speaking of parades...the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Parade at 10 a.m. on Dec. 30 is known for one thing: balloons. Dubbed "America's Largest Baloon Parade," more than 30 giant ballons will float down the one-mile route along the Embarcadero, along with bands, drill teams and more. It's the precursor to the evening's main event: the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium, one of college footballs most exciting and successful bowl games. After the parade, hit the Family Festival at the Broadway Pier.

6. Take in the Grinch

The Old Globe Theater production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" has quickly become an annual holiday classic in a mere 5 years. The musical, directed by acclaimed director Jack O'Brien, brings to life the classic Dr. Seuss book with incredible sets and memorable performances. The 2009 production runs through Dec. 28.

7. See Sugar Plum Fairies

Of course, what's Christmas without the Nutcracker? This year, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet is proud to present the premiere of a totally revised Nutcracker. Performances will be held at the Casa del Prado Theater in Balboa Park on December 6-20, 2009.

8. Go Shopping

It kind of goes without saying during Christmas, right? But shopping over the holidays is often more than just buying gifts. For many it's a way to hook up with friends and family, making the shopping trip more of a social outing. Plus, doing it this way makes the crush of humanity just a little more tolerable, and we have the most beautiful mall in San Diego County, Otay Ranch Town Center. Come shop, stay for a bite to eat, or just take in a movie and relax!

9. Give A Gift

Lest we get all wrapped up in the material aspect of Christmas, how about buying one extra gift and donating it to someone needy? Whether it's through the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots or one of the many gift drives conducted by local TV stations, giving to those less fortunate helps remind us all what the holiday season is really about.

10. Ring in the New Year

Celebrate at any of the many parties at hotels and nightclubs to revel in the New Year (the Gaslamp Quarter is a natural setting for this).