For the luxury travel fan considering a winter vacation in Southern California, look no further than San Diego. Luxury vacations extend beyond stays at 5-star inns and resorts and upscale dining – both of which San Diego has in spades. Cultural events in San Diego are hardly few and far between. This Southern California city is a mecca for tourists who seek more than simply the beach. There are many cultural events and family-friendly activities during the winter travel season; these recommended winter events in San Diego will make a luxury trip there more interesting.
Winter Festivals and Parades in San Diego
Balboa Park December Nights is a popular holiday event, and in 2010 it is on December 3rd and 4th. It's free, completely family-friendly, and full of the holiday spirit. It's actually the largest annual free community festival in San Diego; a large crowd looks forward to it all year. Balboa Park December Nights is sprawling, with a re-creation of a traditional Native American village, live entertainment and dance performances, free admission to Balboa Park's museums, and, of course, Christmas carolers.
Come see Santa, Southern California style! Every year, Santa comes dressed in board shorts to San Diego, in the Surfing Santa at Seaport Village event. He arrives by water, as befits the coastal city, and for the rest of the day there are live seasonally appropriate tunes and music, a Christmas parade on the Seaport Village boardwalk, stilt walkers, and more. The result is a very festive atmosphere that gets everyone feeling primed and ready for Christmas. In 2010, Surfing Santa arrives on November 27.
The 39th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a long-standing tradition in the city, and tourists vacationing in San Diego in winter should be happy to avail themselves of this free activity. On December 12 and 19 this year, over a hundred private boat and small yacht owners decorate their boats with holiday lights – some quite extravagantly – and sail or motor slowly though San Diego Bay. There is a very impressive fireworks show immediately proceeding the boat owners' showing off their handiwork. Tourists can view the display standing along San Diego Bay, or from Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Shelter Island, Seaport Village, Marina Park and the Ferry Landing at Coronado.
Winter Theater and Fine Arts Events in San Diego
The Old Globe is more than just a regionally famous theater; it's known throughout the nation as a premier San Diego destination for fine arts aficionados. Just in time for the holiday season, the Old Globe theater is mounting a month-long production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (based, needless to say, on the Dr. Seuss book). This family-friendly, fun show will be running from November 20 through December 26. What a treat for the kids.
Also running for a month, the Lamb's Players Theatre presents the Festival of Christmas. Lamb's Players Theatre puts on this show every year, and in 2010 it runs from November 30 - December 30. This year's twist on the tradition is that it takes place in a 1950s all-girls school. The usual holiday music and classic ensembles will still be performed, of course. Can't have a Christmas show without the old standards.
Lamb's Players Theatre continues its holiday run during December 12-26, with performances of An American Christmas. The show is in San Diego's Hotel del Coronado, and the ballroom there is transformed into the late 1800s to early 1900s: 30 performers fill the ballroom with music and Christmas songs, while guests enjoy a lavish five-course dinner.
The San Diego Symphony adds culture to a San Diego luxury vacation. It's a classic, classy professional group, highly respected by musicians far and wide. The Winter Pops Concert Series by the San Diego Symphony this year includes One Singular Sensation: Marvin Hamlisch! on November 12th and 13th, the Holiday Pops with Brian Stokes Mitchell as featured vocalist on December 17-19, and Judy Garland in Concert on January 21st and 22nd. There are many more musical performances by the San Diego Symphony; see the website for more details.
Winter in San Diego doesn't have the snowy vistas and cold, crisp air usually associated with Christmas. It's a luxury for many of us to be able to escape those freezing temperatures, though, and experience winter in San Diego. These child-friendly and cultural events will make families even more happy they made the decision to spend their winter vacations in San Diego, California.
Jennifer W. Miner - Jennifer has years of travel writing experience, spoken at several national conferences, and more. See Jendeavor.com for more details.
