Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Bucket List
Get ready to jingle, mingle, and celebrate the holidays in the Gaslamp Quarter!
The Gaslamp Quarter 2025 Holiday Bucket List is your ultimate guide to making this season unforgettable. Explore festive pop-ups, themed restaurant menus, rooftop holiday bars, and dazzling hotel experiences — all in the heart of downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Let the city lights, holiday music, and winter cheer lead the way to your most magical season yet.
GASLAMP PET PARADE
December 13th 2025
SATURDAY | 11 PM – 4 PM
Get those ears perked and those tails wagging and prepare to unleash the holiday cheer in Gaslamp Quarter with your furry friends! The Gaslamp Pet Parade, & Pups in the Pub Party returns to the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 4:00PM!
Register your pets in advance at The Gaslamp Pet Parade for $30. The event is free to watch, so grab a spot at one of the patios along the parade route and be prepared for the best parade ever!
The festivities kick off at 11 AM with check-in, holiday costume voting, festive pet accessories and holiday vendors, plus FREE photos with Santa, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and more!
Gaslamp Welcome Party at Pendry Hotel San Diego – Nason’s
Saturday, December 13th | 11 AM
NASON’S | 570 J Street
11:00 AM – 12:45 PM
11:00 AM – 12:45 PM | Pre-Party at Pendry San Diego
After check-in, guests are invited to kick off the festivities at Nason’s Beer Hall inside Pendry San Diego for the official Gaslamp Pet Parade Pre-Party.
Enjoy:
• Santa Paws Photo Opp for adorable holiday pictures
• Festive holiday décor and cheerful vibes
• Complimentary Puppuccinos for pups
• Exclusive guest offers and treats
Pups in the Pub Party at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Saturday, December 13th | After- Party
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter | 401 K Street
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Deck the paws with your pups in the Gaslamp and get into the holiday spirit with your best holiday costume. After the parade, stick around for the Pups in the Pub Party at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy craft beers, holiday tunes, treats, holiday costume contest results, pups and peeps games, and lots of pup-tastic fun in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Blitzen’s at Ace Porter
November 28th – January 4th
Daily | 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Experience Omni’s Signature Christmas-Themed Pop-Up Bar, Where the Cocktails Sleigh. This holiday season, we’re decking the halls with ornaments, twinkle lights, tinsel, and more.
In collaboration with acclaimed mixologist, bar owner, and author Julie Reiner, Blitzen’s features her award-winning and exclusive cocktail creations. Reiner, co-founder of renowned New York City bars Clover Club, Milady’s, and Leyenda, and a judge on Netflix’s Drink Masters, brings a blend of classic techniques and innovative flair to every drink.
PARQ NIGHTCLUB – SANTA’S LAIR
November 21st – December 29th
Thursday – Saturday | 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Santa is coming to Gaslamp! Parq Nightclub unveils Santa’s Lair, a holiday- themed north pole escape speakeasy pop-up experience.
The magic wonderland adventure begins at Santa’s Lair a fully immersive pop-up experience serving holiday cocktails, savory bites in the most merry jolly vibe. Sip your favorite Christmas spirit, admire the wall -to- wall holiday decor. take a selfie with Santa, and discover the Christmas magic!
Have you been naughty or nice? Discover it at Santa’s Lair!
Nason Beer Hall: Deck the Halls
November 27th – January 2, 2025
Nason’s is getting tipsy! This holiday season, in partnership with their friends at Tipsy Elves, Nason’s is decking. the halls with the jolliest, over-the-top holiday decor. Visit Nason for frosty beers, jolly cocktails, tasty bites, and festive merriment.
Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego
November 22 – December 31
Live Pirate Appearances – Saturdays from 7–9 PM
Where: LandShark Bar & Grill, 435 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum! This holiday season, the crew at LandShark Bar & Grill invites you to trade snow for sand and celebrate Christmas pirate-style. The Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern transforms Margaritaville into a tropical winter paradise featuring festive cocktails, island-inspired décor, and plenty of nautical cheer.
⚓ The Experience
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Festive Cocktails – Sip creative holiday drinks inspired by the high seas
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Tropical Pirate Décor – Palm trees with ornaments, pirate stockings, and twinkling lights
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Island Holiday Music – Coastal tunes with a merry twist
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Live Pirate Appearances – Saturdays from 7–9 PM
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Seasonal Menu Specials – Limited-time bites and drinks that’ll have you shouting, “Yo ho ho!”
Good Night John Boy: X-MAS Pop- Up Bar
Nov.7 – Dec. 29th
Tuesday- Sunday
Tuesday – 5pm-Late | Wednesday – 4pm – Late | Thursday – 8pm – Late
Friday – 4pm – 2am | Saturday – 12pm – 2am | Sunday – 12pm – Late
The holiday season is lighting up San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter with a festive twist as the 1970s-inspired disco haven, Good Night John Boy, transforms into the ultimate holiday hotspot—Xmas Bar.
Decked out in dazzling holiday décor with a retro flair, this pop-up promises a groovy holiday experience complete with glittering lights, seasonal cocktails, and disco beats that will keep you dancing into the New Year.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic vibe or a new holiday tradition, Xmas Bar is the perfect destination for revelers seeking holiday cheer with a funky twist.
El Chingón — December Desmadre Holiday Lineup
Holiday Movie Nights
Tuesdays & Sundays in December
Holiday favorites, cozy vibes, and festive cocktails all month long.
Schedule:
Tuesday, December 2
• 5 PM: Elf
• 7 PM: Die Hard
Sunday, December 7
• 5 PM: The Grinch
• 7 PM: Love Actually
Tuesday, December 9
• 5 PM: Fred Claus
• 7 PM: Scrooged
See flyer for full movie lineup
December 9 — Ugly Sweater Contest
Wear your loudest, wildest holiday sweater.
Prizes + bragging rights.
December 16 — Holiday Game Night (7 PM)
Interactive holiday fun, including:
• Holiday-Themed Bingo
• The Saran Wrap Game
• More festive challenges
December 23 — Tamale Eating Contest
A holiday showdown to see who can eat tamales the fastest.
Winner takes the crown.
The Westgate Hotel Holiday Tea Experiences
A collection of elegant, festive tea traditions hosted throughout the season — each with its own unique theme, ambiance, and holiday magic.
Santa’s Teddy Bear Tea
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21
11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Story time with Santa, live piano music, festive bites, premium teas, and a photo moment. Children receive a keepsake teddy bear; adults 21+ enjoy a glass of champagne.
$65 Adults | $40 Children | Infants 1 and under complimentary
Location: Le Fontainebleau Room
Winter Wonderland Tea
Nov 29 & 30 | Dec 3–7 | Dec 10–14 | Dec 17–21 | Dec 26–28 | Dec 31–Jan 4
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
An elegant Afternoon Tea in the Grand Lobby with live harp music, winter-inspired scones, sweets, and a take-home gift. Adults 21+ receive a glass of champagne.
$65 Adults
Location: Grand Lobby
Grinch’s Tea
Wednesday, December 24
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
A playful Christmas Eve celebration with the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, themed entertainment, photo opportunities, sandwiches, desserts, and a take-home gift for children. Adults 21+ receive a glass of champagne.
$65 Adults | $40 Children | Infants 1 and under complimentary
Location: Versailles Ballroom
Pancakes and Pajamas Brunch with Santa
December 13 & 14, 2025 | 7am– 2pm
LOCATION: Pendry San Diego
No need to wear your ‘holiday best’ for this brunch! Join this festive holiday brunch buffet…in your PJs! Enjoy brunch favorites, a visit from Santa and a pair of complimentary children’s holiday pajamas from chic partner P.J. Salvage – perfect for photos with Santa.
$55 for kids (includes pajamas)
Reservations 619.738.7300
Holiday Boozy Tea at Fifth & Rose
December 5 – 28 | Friday – Sunday | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Jingle all the way. We’re adding a dash of merry to a Pendry classic with our signature Holiday Boozy Tea service, offering a December-inspired special menu of classic teas with a festive twist, savory and sweet bites and a sprinkle of seasonal style just for the holidays. Reservations are recommended.
The Shout! House Family Night Holiday Special!
Sunday, December 7
Location: The Shout! House, 655 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Showtimes:
Doors open at 4:00 PM, Dueling Pianos at 4:30 PM
(No regular 21+ Show After)
Get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an All Ages holiday show that has become a beloved tradition! The Shout! House, San Diego’s popular dueling piano bar, is thrilled to present our highly anticipated Family Night Holiday Special.
Dueling Pianos & Interactive Fun
Our talented dueling pianists will take the stage, playing your favorite holiday classics and sing-along hits. Plus, they’ll take requests to make the experience even more interactive and fun!
Special Visit from Santa Claus
Don’t miss the chance to meet the jolly man himself! Santa Claus will make a special appearance during the show to hear your holiday wishes and spread extra holiday cheer. Be sure to snap a family photo with Santa!
It’s going to be a merry and bright celebration you won’t want to miss—grab your tickets and bring the whole family for an afternoon full of laughter, music, and holiday magic!
The Pendry San Diego Holiday Festivities
December 2 – 23
Santa’s Greetings. Visit the lobby to send Santa a letter with our festive stationary, courtesy of Pendry.
December 14 – 22 | Sunset
A spirited celebration. Join us in the lobby every evening of Hannukah, beginning at nightfall on December 14 through 22 for a menorah lighting ceremony and blessing.
December 23 – 28 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Complimentary
Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate in our lobby with all the festive fixings and toppings from our Hot Chocolate Cart.
December 25 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Celebrate the holidays with friends and family over a special three-course menu from Chef Brandon Sloan.
December 25 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Celebrate the holiday with friends and family over a special three-course menu from Executive Chef Brandon Sloan at Provisional Restaurant.