The holiday season is upon us once again, almost as if it happens yearly. A time for sharing hearty laughs and warm embraces with family and friends, all the while indulging in malt beer, fine wines, and decadent foods (that may just be our own romantic vision of Christmas, feel free to conjure your own).

But navigating Christmas Eve and Day can be stressful, especially not knowing what is open or where to go. This is why we made a low-key itinerary to help you plan out your Christmas activities in San Diego. Whether you are lucky enough to be with your family, or you are spending the time with other friends orphaned for the holidays, this Christmas itinerary for 2024 will help you celebrate with all the charm and none of the pressure.

The Itinerary

Christmas Eve Itinerary

1. Brunch At Parkhouse Eatery
2. Christmas Lights And Holiday Art At Liberty Station
3. Dinner From Cardellino Restaurant
4. Watch A Christmas Movie

Christmas Day Itinerary

1. Brunch At Shakespeare Pub
2. Go To Balboa Park For Christmas Lights And Cheer
3. Dinner From Fortunate Son Restaurant
4. Call Your Family And Friends

Christmas Eve

Brunch At Parkhouse Eatery

Tucked into the cozy streets of San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood, Parkhouse Eatery has become a staple breakfast spot. Known for their homestyle breakfast and delicious fresh baked muffins, they are the perfect spot for your friends and family to have brunch on Christmas Eve.

Parkhouse Eatery has a real cozy feel, and that’s because it is situated inside a cozy home. So you can proudly skip the collared shirt and tie in exchange for your favorite sweatpants, because you will need the extra flex in your waistband. For brunch they offer hearty fixings including French toast, scrambles, benedicts – we recommend the pork belly, and even a breakfast pizza. Of course fresh hot coffee, mimosas, and other holiday drinks will be flowing merrily about.

You can make reservations for Christmas Eve brunch on Parkhouse Eatery’s website.

Christmas Lights And Art At Liberty Station

Not far from Bali Hai, Liberty Station holds their famous “Salute the Season” events over several weeks in December to celebrate the holidays. While their main events begin earlier in the month, you will find plenty to enjoy including the beautiful holiday-themed art installations, and of course the holiday lights and tree which are available through the New Year.

Located in the Arts District of Liberty Station, these holiday-themed art installations are made by resident artists which makes it all the more charming. They are not just limited to Christmas themes either, so expect to see a variety of holidays represented through the art. The viewing is free, so grab some hot apple cider at X and engage with some intriguing art to inspire the holiday spirit.

Alternative: Sledding At Mt. Laguna

Looking for something low-key but a bit more magical? If the weather has been right then take a drive out to Mt. Laguna to do some sledding, have a snowball fight, or make a snow angel (or falcon). Witnessing snowy mountains in an alpine forest just one hour east of San Diego is something to behold, especially when you know you’ll return to a city with a Mediterranean climate in December. If you decide to go this route, get there early before sunset and don’t forget your jacket. Parking can be tight so be prepared to walk because you won’t be the only crew trying to experience a wintry Christmas in San Diego.

Dinner From Cardellino: Dine-In Or To-Go

Part of the Trust Restaurant Group, Cardellino is an Italian chophouse located in Mission Hills. They save the day for folks who don’t want to burden themselves with cooking and cleaning on Christmas Eve by providing a top notch menu that is available to-go.

Indulge in savory prime rib, creamy potatoes, a hearty salad, and delicious dessert options. If you want to add more than just a few notches on your belt, then place an order in advance for one of our favorite desserts of all time, the famed carrot cake from Cardellino. They accept reservations on Christmas Eve.

Watch A Christmas Movie At Home

No need to over exert yourselves, now. After those activities, it is time to cozy up and watch a Christmas movie with your loved ones. Which movie really depends on the audience, so we will provide suggestions across several genres:

Family Christmas Movies
1. Elf
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas

Comedy Christmas Movies
1. Four Christmases
2. Trading Places

Action Christmas Movies
1. Die Hard
2. Violent Night

Christmas Day

Brunch At Shakespeare Pub

What better way to spend Christmas morning than with our friends across the pond at a charming English pub in San Diego? Of course, this should follow your Christmas morning rituals with your friends and family, like opening gifts. But afterwards head to Shakespeare Pub in the Little Italy neighborhood for a holiday worthy meal.

Owned and operated by British ex-pats and styled after an authentic English pub, Shakespeare’s has one of the heartier Christmas brunches in San Diego with classics like shepherds pie, bangers and mash, chicken tikka masala, and their award winning fish and chips. As mentioned in our romantic vision, this is another great opportunity to indulge in some malty dark English beers that fit the chillier weather (relative to San Diego, that is).

No reservations are taken, so show up at a decent time to avoid a wait.

Christmas Tree And Lights At Balboa Park

After a heavy but delicious Christmas brunch, a walk through Balboa Park should help spring you back to life while offering sights of some of San Diego’s finest gardens and architecture turned into a winter wonderland.

We recommend cruising down El Prado Avenue to see Balboa Tower adorned with ornaments and lights, or marvel at the massive Christmas tree near the Spreckels Pavilion. If your lover is near (or grandmother…) maybe even kiss under the mistletoe. We would mention more specific attractions, but the charm itself lies in slowly walking and admiring the cheerful holiday atmosphere spread across all of Balboa Park’s gardens, buildings and lawns.

Take your time your time here and enjoy each others company while you build your appetite back up.

Dinner At Fortunate Son: Dine-In Or To-Go

Having Chinese food for Christmas dinner is a classic way to indulge in the final Christmas meal with family and friends. And always ready to deliver the feast is Fortunate Son in North Park, one of the best Chinese restaurants in San Diego.

Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis, so if you are looking for full service then be sure to get there at a decent time before the hunger pains kick in. But if you prefer to not stuff yourself in public, then Fortunate Son offers food to-go for your Christmas dinner, including your favorites like kung pao chicken, lo mein noodles, and savory wanton soup. Simple, delicious, and a splash of uniqueness in your Christmas celebrations.

Don’t Forget To Call Everyone You Love

No time better than now. Call your family, friends, and loved ones, and wish them happy Holidays (whether that’s Christmas or not). Tell them you love them and squash any beef you have. Life is too short and this is a time to remember the importance of family, community, and that life is bigger than you alone.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, San Diego.