Top 10 San Diego holiday events, 2017 edition

San Diego Union-Tribune

Nov. 29, 2017 4:15 PM PT

San Diego is a happening town during the holidays. From the vibrant Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay to the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, these are just a few of our favorite things to help you boldly embrace this festive yuletide season.

San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells

Dec. 8-Jan. 1

San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. zoo.sandiegozoo.org/junglebells

It’s Christmas on the wild side as the San Diego Zoo welcomes the holiday season with festive decor, dazzling animal light displays and merry-making performances. Dr. Zoolittle’s animal-themed version of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” will entertain both young and old and Santa’s elves will delight audiences with their acrobatic feats. The highlight of the festivities is the illumination of the tooga tree during the Celebration of Lights music and light ceremony each evening.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov. 30-Dec. 24

1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org

The Old Globe Theatre stage once again becomes the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. Will the Grinch return all the presents he steals from the Who people? Attend a show and find out.

Garden of Lights

Dec. 2-23, 26-30

230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. sdbgarden.org

The San Diego Botanic Garden will transform into a winter wonderland with more than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminating numerous gardens within the 37-acre oasis. Nightly entertainment includes local blues and jazz bands, food, hot coffee and treats and more.

Global Winter Wonderland

Dec. 8-10, 15-27, 29-31, Jan. 1-2, 5-7

SDCCU Stadium (formerly Qualcomm Stadium), 9449 Friars Road, San Diego. globalwonderland.com

San Diego’s first globally inspired holiday land of enchantment features millions of LED lights and 100 handcrafted Chinese lanterns of all shapes and sizes on 17 acres. There’s also carnival rides and games, activities for the family, live entertainment and international cuisine.

San Diego Santa Run

Dec. 9

900 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach. sandiegosantarun.com

More than 4,000 Kris Kringles — young and old — donned in their finest or ugliest Santa suits, white beards, Santa hats and sunglasses (it’s San Diego, after all) will blanket Garnet Avenue in a sea of red as they race down Garnet Avenue during the Fifth annual Santa Run. Following the run, stick around for a front-row seat of the 38th annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade.

The San Diego Union-Tribune Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

Dec. 10

Martin Luther King Promenade Park, 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, downtown. gaslamp.org

Critters and their pet handlers will don festive costumes at one of the furriest seasonal events of the year. Grand Marshals Sammie, a Maltipoo and SweetPea, a toy poodle, will lead the tinseled procession up Fourth Avenue to E Street making their way down Fifth Avenue ending under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter Archway.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Dec. 10 and Dec. 17

San Diego Bay from Shelter Island toward Coronado Ferry Landing. sdparadeoflights.org

Discover a new side of holiday entertainment with the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, back for its 46th year. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to line the San Diego coastline as they view 80-lit, ornament-bedecked boats.

Magical Nightly Snowfall

Dec. 2-24

878 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista. shopvillagewalk.com

Frolic in the snow at Village Walk at Eastlake. The courtyard becomes a giant snow globe of falling snow nightly at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Stop by the Giant Snow Globe located near the Children’s Play area between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade

Dec. 28

Along Harbor Drive, from the County Administration Center south on Harbor Drive, downtown. holidaybowl.com

Enormous balloons fill the sky as the scenic bayside streets downtown come alive with world-class marching bands, festively decorated floats and engaging drill teams.