Just when you think Encinitas can’t become any more charming and pleasant, the holiday season hits and takes the vibe to a whole new level.
December is packed with holiday activities in Encinitas so we compiled a list of our favorites for you. Whether you’re an Encinitas local or taking a Christmas trip to this corner of Southern California, make sure to pencil some of these festivities into your itinerary!
1. Encinitas Holiday Parade
Mark your calendars for December 7th at 5:30 pm because this is not an event to miss! About 100 entries will parade down Highway 101 in a spectacular display of lights and music. Singers, dancers, scooter-ers, bikers and all sorts of talented performers will have their time in the spotlight. Expect to see some dazzling floats and keep an eye out for horses and other animals!
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without Santa. Meet at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard at 5 pm for a brief tree lighting and visit with good Ol’ St. Nick prior to the parade.
The Encinitas Holiday Parade is a big hit with just about everyone, no matter their age and interests. Young adults make date nights of it. Families with kids camp out on the sidewalk in Christmas sweaters. Older adults sit back and watch the fun. Since there are smooth sidewalks on either side of the 101, the parade is easily accessible for those in wheelchairs.
This event can get crowded due to its popularity. Be sure to get there early to claim your spot. (Check this link for updates and event info.)
Pro tip: bring a Christmas treat like cookies or candy canes to munch on while you watch! Or stop by one of the many local coffee shops along Highway 101 for some hot chocolate. ☕️
2. Learn to Surf
Believe it or not, winter is one of the best times to learn to surf! Why? Because the beaches are less crowded and the waves are better than in the summer. Here at Encinitias Surf Lessons, we provide thick wetsuits for all our students so the cooler water isn’t uncomfortable for them. Clients usually comment on how surprisingly warm they felt in their wetsuit during the lesson.
Surf lessons are perfect holiday activities in Encinitas if you have kids who need to get some wiggles out on their school break or if you want to make special memories with the family in town. Or perhaps you just want to do something out of the ordinary and learn a new skill!
Encinitas has incredible beaches for all levels of surfing. According to SanDiego.org, National Geographic even listed it as one of the top twenty surf towns in America. This means that beginner to intermediate surfers have amazing opportunities to become more confident in the water – the waves here really cater to novices. However, there are also many awesome local spots for advanced surfers to hone in their skills too!
At Encinitas Surf Lessons, we teach surf lessons to all ages and abilities at beaches in Encinitas and across San Diego County. We’ll find the right waves for you – whether you’ve never seen a surfboard before or you’re ready to learn carves and maneuvers. We offer private group surf lessons and individual private lessons for one-on-one coaching. Click here for more info.
Pro tip: Surf lessons make rad Christmas gifts!! Snag a lesson, lesson package or gift card for someone you love and give them the gift of riding waves.
3. The Lightscape at San Diego Botanical Garden
Photo Credit: Axios.com
If you haven’t been there before, the world famous San Diego Botanical Garden consists of 37 acres of beautifully landscaped plants and flowers. It’s a gorgeous place to visit all year round, however, during November and December they deck out the gardens in a stunning artistic display of lights. Walking paths meander through the park, providing you a front-row perspective of the many lights and also bringing you to ocean viewpoints.
This is a fan-favorite thing to do in Encinitas so be sure to buy your tickets and parking pass ahead of time – the prices go up the day of and often sell out. Allow at least an hour to walk the premises. This is an easily accessible experience. If you have someone in your group who uses a wheelchair or needs certain accommodations, be sure to contact the team ahead of time at lightscape@sdbgarden.org . Click here to get the scoop on everything you need to know and to purchase tickets.
4. Christmas Shopping at the Downtown 101 Shopping District
Photo Credit: neverendingvoyage.com
Whether you’re looking for gifts for that special someone or want to treat yourself to a little something, this is the place to be. This section of the Highway 101 is lined with one-of-a-kind surf shops, cafes, upscale restaurants, thrift stores, creameries and boutiques. The historic architecture and the beach vibes combine to create a coastal flare unparalleled at most other shopping centers. It doesn’t get much better than shopping two blocks from the beach in December while feeling the sunshine and the salty ocean breeze on your skin!
The majority of the shops are located along both sides of the 101, south of Encinitas Boulevard. This area is very pedestrian-friendly so park on a side-street and stroll down Highway 101 so you can get the full “coastal Christmas” experience. The Christmas decor in this area is always very well-done!
Click here for a directory of the Downtown Encinitas shops and restaurants.
