Overview
- The free festival runs Dec. 5 from 3–11 p.m. and Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.–11 p.m., with organizers preparing for very large crowds.
- New for 2025, attendees can meet SeaWorld’s Murphy the reindeer near the Palms Stage, explore a Food Truck Alley at Village Place, and visit an Après Tavern in Plaza de Panama featuring Frankie J on Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Friday’s tree lighting at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is set for 6 p.m. with City Council President Joe LaCava, while the Museum of Art hosts hourly light shows with snow effects.
- Parking plans include limited free spaces at San Diego City College and several paid options such as Inspiration Point (from $32.95), the Federal Lot (from $47.95), Roosevelt Middle School ($40 on site), and the San Diego Zoo lot ($35), with ADA spaces at designated museum lots and a mobile app for planning.
- A Prebys Foundation gift keeps holiday lights glowing across the park through the season, and donation drives will collect new socks and underwear for Jewish Family Service and San Diego Rescue Mission.