Holiday Events in Oceanside

Season’s greetings from Oceanside, CA! Even with the winter months approaching, we’re still building snowmen in the sand! Enjoy a fun, unique and eclectic atmosphere in Oceanside when you enjoy holiday events around town. From traditional celebrations to unique outdoor holiday markets – the city is home to a variety of festive fun perfect for the entire family to enjoy. For a complete list of events happening this holiday season and beyond, visit our Oceanside Event Calendar.

In addition to continuing to ring in the holiday season at fun upcoming events in Oceanside, make the most of the season by enjoying Christmas lights and seasonal decorations around town. Head to Downtown Oceanside to see our O’side Christmas Tree and Menorah lit up in front of Regal Cinema Theatres. Cruise down Pacific St heading into the Oceanside Harbor to see North County Village’s trees wrapped in merry and bright lights as well! Docked boats at the Harbor often boast impressive holiday lights in the evenings too. If you’re ready to head a little beyond Oceanside’s city limits for the day, take a trip to close holiday attractions like San Diego Zoo’s Jungle BellsSeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration and Holidays at LEGOLAND. Oceanside’s close proximity to premiere SoCal attractions make it the best place to visit for a fun and memorable holiday itinerary with the whole family.

What: This holiday season, participate in Shop Local Oceanside. This socially distanced MainStreet program will run from Sat, Nov. 25-Sun, Dec. 11, 2023. Support participating local businesses safely and early in store and online by shopping with the new digital coupon book, entering our social media contests and giveaways, attending in-store socially distanced events as permitted by the County of San Diego Health Order, enjoying the Downtown Oceanside window decorations, attending the Fifth Annual Merry Makers Fair.

When: Saturday, November 25 through Sunday, December 10

Where: Oceanside, CA

More Info: Shop Local Oceanside

What: The Seabird Resort will be the location of the Holiday First Friday Oceanside Art Walk, a free family friendly in the heart of the Oceanside Cultural District. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with unique items from 50 local artists, while enjoying music and creating an interactive craft with Studio ACE!

When:  Thursdays, December 1, 4pm-8pm

Where: The Seabird Resort, 101 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Art Walk

What: Grab the whole family for the inaugural SnowSide Winter Festival. Experience this one of a kind holiday event never seen before in North County! SnowSide will take place Friday – Sunday, December 1-3, 2023. Hosted at the beautiful Emerald Isle Golf Course in Oceanside, PierClub and Emerald Isle welcomes all to this family-friendly event. There will be REAL SNOW and sledding, Christmas trees, live entertainment, jumpys, glow golf putting course, silent disco, food, drinks and much more!

When:  Friday, December 1, 5-9pm, Saturday-Sunday, December 2-3, 4-9pm

Where: Emerald Isle Golf Course, 660 South El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: PierClub Presents SnowSide

What: Mission San Luis Rey will be hosting a special two-night Christmas Concert on December 1st and December 2nd in the beautiful historical church. Enjoy an evening of traditional holiday music performed by the 60-person San Luis Rey Chorale. Following the concert on December 1st, there will be a dessert reception in the Sacred Garden. Encore performance on December 2nd at 2pm. Ticket proceeds will be benefiting the preservation and operation of Old Mission San Luis Rey.

When:  Friday December 1 at 7pm and Saturday, December 2 at 2pm

Where: Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057

More Info: Mission San Luis Rey

What: Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun-filled day, this event has something for everyone. Indulge your senses as you explore a diverse range of local artisans, showcasing their unique crafts, handmade goods, and artistic creations. From exquisite jewelry and captivating paintings to one-of-a-kind home decor, you’ll discover treasures that speak to your soul.

When: Saturday, December 2, 12pm-4pm

Where: Pacific Coast Spirits, 404 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Pacific Coast Spirits

What: Get in the spirit! Join Arrowood for their Holiday Fair and Boutique. There will be live music, food, local vendors, holiday cocktails and food and face painting. It’s time to shop!

When:  Saturday, December 2, 11am-4pm

Where: Arrowood Golf Course, 5201 Village Drive, Oceanside, CA 92057

More Info: Arrowood Golf Course

What: The Shepherd’s plays or “La Pastorela” originated in medieval Europe as religious dramas and were later brought in the new world and Alta California by the Spanish missionaries. “La Pastorela” recreates the long trek of those first “Pastores” to the holy site of the Nativity. The play is directed by Soledad Escobedo. Family event with a lot of humor and music. Come enjoy the Spanish Play and support Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts.

When: Saturday, December 2, 7pm and December 3, 2pm

Where: Brooks Theatre, 219 North Coast Highway, Oceanside CA 92054

More Info: Brooks Theatre

What: Come out and shop homemade goods by local vendors, thrifted items, and more! And a big surprise for the kiddos! Santa will be there from 11:30am-12:30pm

When: Sunday, December 3, 11am-3pm

Where: Rising Co., 332 Coast Highway, Oceanside, Ca, 92054

More Info: Rising Co.

What: Join Tipping Pint Brewing and Carruth Cellars for a fun Holiday Market with over 20 local vendors and artists. Enjoy woodfired, pizza, beer, wine, and a visit from Santa for the kiddos between the hours of 3 and 5 PM! 

When:  Saturday, December 3, 1pm-6pm

Where: Hangar 76, 3229 Roymar Rd, Oceanside, CA 92058 

More Info: Tipping Pint

What: Oceanside kicks off the Holiday Season with a splash! The annual Tree Lighting event is once again taking place in conjunction with the Holiday Sunset Market. Music and festivities will begin at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy beautiful decorations, live music, family-friendly entertainment and games, amusement rides, zip lines, bounce houses and more. There will be free cookies and milk for children and free holiday arts and crafts projects. At 6:00 p.m. a special guest will arrive on a vintage Oceanside fire truck, and will assist city officials in the tree lighting count down! Santa will stay for photos after the tree lighting, so please bring your camera to snap your family photos. Come and enjoy this family tradition! 

When:  Thursday, December 7, 6pm

Where: Regal Plaza, 401 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting

What: Why go to the mall? The Holiday Gift Market has it all! Every Thursday in December come enjoy the Sunset Market turned Holiday Gift Market. Discover eclectic holiday gifts from 200 artisans and merchants at San Diego County’s top weekly food and music street market. Enjoy one-stop shopping and dining with hot food from around the world, plus gourmet holiday goodies, live music, kids activities and more!

When:  Thursdays, December 7-28, 5pm-9pm

Where: Downtown Oceanside, 311 N Tremont St Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Holiday Markets

What: Take a boat ride with Santa this holiday season around Oceanside Harbor, bring your own camera for a photo op with Santa – Tickets are $5 per person and $3 for infants and toddlers 2 and under and all proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Oceanside. 

When: Saturday, December 9, 11am-3pm

Where: Oceanside Harbor

More Info: Oceanside Adventures

What: The annual Holiday Mercato is back at Beach House Winery! Sip, shop and be social shop while supporting your local farms, businesses and community while enjoying live music from local musicians and Wood Fired Pizzas!

When:  Saturday, December 9, 11am-4pm

Where: Beach House Winery, 1534 Sleeping Indian Road, Fallbrook, California 92028

More Info: Beach House Winery

What: The Tremont Collective will be transformed into a bustling hub of talented makers, artists, and emerging brands by Makers Arcade, San Diego’s largest handmade shopping event. Shop over 70 curated Makers Arcade vendors while listening to live music by Devv Lov and Maddy Vance and enjoying the shops, food, coffee, and goods from the Tremont Collective stores: Brixton, Bottlecraft, Al Fresko, Atacama Surf Shop, and Shootz Fish & Beer. Enjoy festive photo ops in front of the Holiday’s vintage trailer and get a FREE handmade gift with purchase from one of the vendors (while supplies last! This event is free and family-friendly!

When: Sunday, December 9, 11am-5pm

Where: Tremont Collective, 602 S Tremont St, Oceanside, Ca, 92054

More Info: Makers Arcade

What: Prepare for a merry and festive time at Street Level: Holiday Edition at Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) featuring a holiday craft market, food, music, performances, and art!

When: Saturday, December 9, 12pm-5pm

Where: Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Oceanside Museum of Art

What: Bring a blanket, some hot chocolate and pick a comfortable spot to watch this years Parade of Lights celebration in the quaint Oceanside Harbor. Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys will all be dressed-up in holiday swag and circling Oceanside Harbor enchanting onlookers along the harbor and at the neighboring restaurants. Many of the boats even feature people dressed up like Santa waving to the crowd! One of the best viewing spots is along the side of the Oceanside Harbor near the fishing dock and police station. From this vantage point, you can see the parade twice! The concrete walkway that surrounds much of the harbor is also good for viewing the parade.

When:  Saturday, December 9, 7pm-9pm

Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Parade of Lights

What: Get into the Holiday Spirit at Cococabana and Q&A Oyster Bar’s Onesie x Ugly Sweater Party The festivities begin at 7 pm with early drink specials from 7-9pm and DJ beats in 2 locations! Dress to impress because there will be prizes for the best ugly sweater and onesie!

When: Saturday, December 9, 7pm-12am

Where: The Brick Hotel, 408 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Cococabana

What: Join Vital Oceanside for their 3rd annual Makers Market, where the creative and talented community can showcase and sell their unique food, arts, crafts, and handmade goods.

When: Tuesday, December 12, 4pm-8pm

Where: VITAL Climbing Gym, 525 South Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Vital

What: Join O’side Handmade for holiday fun in Artist Alley! Enjoy live music, pictures with Santa, DIY gift station, vendors and Holiday shopping, snowball fights, hot cocoa bar, and more! Tons of fun for families, couples or anyone looking to have some fun and get in the holiday spirit!

When: Friday, December 15, 3pm-8pm

Where: Artist Alley, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Handmade Holiday

What: Blitzen is the most spontaneous of the reindeer family and always wants to try something new, so in that spirit Oceanside Theatre Company presents “Blitzen’s Ball” to celebrate different holiday traditions and build a sense of community. This family-friendly holiday show will songs, poetry/spoken word, and more. The event will include audience participation and, of course, an ugly sweater contest.

When: Weekends, December 15-24 8pm and 2pm Showings

Where: Brooks Theatre, 219 North Coast Highway, Oceanside CA 92054

More Info: Brooks Theatre

What: Come join the fun with pet focused vendors at Beertown! Enjoy music, food, fun and brings the pups too!

When: Saturday, December 16, 11am-3pm

Where: Beertown, 507 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054

More Info: Beertown

Published: December 1, 2023
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