The ocean breeze carries something extra special each December in Del Mar, California. While other towns may settle for standard holiday celebrations, this coastal community transforms into a winter wonderland by the sea, proving that you don’t need snow to create unforgettable seasonal memories.
When Lights Meet the Coastline
December kicks off with the beloved North Pole by the Sea celebration, where Del Mar Village becomes the ultimate family destination. On December 7 from 1 PM to 5 PM, the community gathers for an afternoon packed with hot cocoa, roaming carolers, and festive characters straight from Whoville. The event reaches its peak at 5 PM when the holiday tree lights up the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar, creating a picture-perfect moment against the Pacific backdrop.
Parents scramble to reserve spots for Santa Photos by the Sea at Del Mar Plaza, where kids can write letters to the North Pole while the ocean sparkles in the background. It’s the kind of photo opportunity that makes traditional mall Santa visits seem ordinary.
A Holiday Light Show Worth the Drive
Coastal Christmas takes over the Del Mar Fairgrounds starting December 12 through December 26, turning the iconic venue into a spectacular light display. This isn’t your average walk through twinkling bulbs. Visitors can glide across a Glice skating rink (that’s synthetic ice, eco-friendly and just as slippery), explore an expanded holiday light trail, and shop at the bustling holiday market.
The little ones bounce around Frosty’s Fun Zone while adults sip their way through the Holiday Wine Walk. For those wanting extra privacy, reserve an igloo or fire pit table with personal drink service. General admission tickets range from $13 to $50, with kids under 3 getting in free. The fairgrounds even host special themed nights, including Stuff A Sleigh on December 14, where 1,000 children get free admission with an unwrapped toy donation.
Eat, Drink, and Support Local
The Winter Taste & Sip event on December 8 from 1 PM to 4 PM combines two of Del Mar’s greatest strengths: incredible food and community spirit. More than 15 local restaurants serve up their best seasonal dishes while 20+ regional wineries and breweries pour holiday-inspired drinks. Live music fills the air as over 2,000 guests stroll through the village, creating the year’s largest community gathering.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar pulls out all the stops with their tree lighting ceremony on December 1 at 6:30 PM. Their 25-foot holiday tree becomes the centerpiece for an evening of culinary treats, ice skating, and festive drinks. Brunch with Santa happens on select Sundays throughout December, giving families another chance to catch the jolly guy in red.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
Del Mar knows the holidays shine brightest when communities give back. Toys for Tots collection boxes pop up at locations like Monarch Ocean Pub and Jim Coleman State Farm Insurance Agency, making it easy for residents to spread joy to children whose families need extra support.
The annual Holiday Food Drive at Del Mar Races celebrated its 44th year, with the racetrack offering free admission in exchange for food donations benefiting the San Diego Food Bank. It’s proof that holiday spirit and horse racing make an unexpectedly perfect combination.
Mark Your December Calendar
Free parking sweetens the deal throughout the holiday season. The City of Del Mar offers complimentary downtown parking every weekend and holiday from November 26 through January 1, making it easier to explore shops, restaurants, and seasonal pop-ups like Tinsel Terrace at L’Auberge’s Pool Bar.
Start Your Own Tradition
Del Mar’s December celebrations prove that coastal communities do the holidays differently, and maybe even better. Whether you’re skating by the sea, sampling wines between restaurants, or watching thousands of lights dance across the fairgrounds, this beachside town offers something that shopping malls and city centers simply can’t match: authentic community connection wrapped in ocean views.
Ready to experience the magic yourself? Visit Del Mar Village to plan your December adventure and discover why locals call this coastal stretch home. The holidays wait for no one, and these celebrations book up faster than you’d think. Reserve your spot, grab your family, and see why Del Mar does December right.
Sources: visitdelmarvillage.com, coastalchristmasdelmar.com
Header Image Source: coastalchristmasdelmar.com
