San Diego Holidays

Holidays Are Brighter by the Water

Trade snow boots for sandals and celebrate the season San Diego style. Jingle by the Bay brings holiday magic to the waterfront with twinkling lights, cozy firepits, festive dining, live music and beloved traditions—all with a distinctly coastal twist.

From our signature Après Beach Club and annual Tree Lighting Ceremony to holiday teas, Santa visits, Christmas dining and New Year’s celebrations, there’s something happening all season long.

Holidays on the Bay

Make Your Holidays a Little Brighter

Settle into a festive waterfront escape filled with sunny San Diego days, cozy seasonal traditions and plenty of time together.

Stay two nights or more and enjoy:

Up to 15% off all room types

$50 daily resort credit

Milk and cookies

Letters to Santa

Two-night minimum stay

Whether you’re planning a pre-holiday getaway, Christmas on the coast or a few extra days together over winter break, make Mission Bay your home for the holidays.

*Valid for stays October 29, 2026–January 10, 2027. Two-night minimum stay required. Additional restrictions may apply.

Jingle By the Bay

Cozy Up, Coastal Style at our Après Beach Club

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays | Holiday Season | 4:00–9:00 PM

Après, but make it beach.

As the sun sets over Mission Bay, gather around the fire for an evening of live music, festive cocktails and seasonal bites at our Après Beach Club.

Reserve one of our holiday Firepit Cabanas, decked out with garland, twinkling lights, premium lounge seating and Adirondack chairs, or simply stop by to enjoy the music, food and drinks.

Country Thursdays
Kick off the weekend early with country music, cocktails and a seat around the fire.

Jazz Fridays
Ease into Friday night with live jazz, waterfront views and something festive to sip.

Live Music Saturdays
Saturday nights turn up the energy with a rotating lineup of featured bands.
Food and beverages available from 4:00–9:00 PM.

Light Up the Bay

Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
December 3 | 5:00–8:00 PM

Complimentary & Open to the Community

Join us as Mission Bay lights up for the holidays.

Gather for an evening of festive entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and even a little San Diego snowfall before the tree comes to life at 6:15 PM.

SeaWorld will also join the festivities with a special penguin encounter for guests.

Santa’s Workshop
6:30–8:00 PM | $35
After the tree lighting, little elves can get creative at Santa’s Workshop with a special holiday activity designed just for them.

Holiday Traditions

Holiday Tea at Covewood
Select Sundays | 2:00–4:00 PM | $60
Make an afternoon of it with a festive holiday tea at Covewood. Gather with friends and family for seasonal teas, sweet and savory bites and a leisurely afternoon overlooking Mission Bay.

Christmas Paint & Sip

December 19 | 5:00 PM

Raise a glass and get creative during a festive edition of our Paint & Sip experience. Follow along with a guided holiday-inspired painting while enjoying an evening by the bay.

Gingerbread House Making

December 21 & 22 | 2:00 PM | Covewood

Build, decorate and personalize your very own gingerbread house during this festive family tradition.

Christmas by the Bay

Grinch’s Game Room

December 24–28 | All Day

Complimentary for Hotel Guests
A little holiday mischief has arrived on Mission Bay. Stop by our Grinch-inspired game room for family-friendly games and a playful place to hang out between holiday festivities.

Christmas Eve at Covewood

December 24

Gather around the table on Christmas Eve with seasonal chef specials alongside Covewood’s regular dinner menu.

Christmas Dinner at Covewood

December 25 | 2:00 PM–Close

Leave the cooking to us. Celebrate Christmas overlooking Mission Bay with a special prix fixe holiday dinner at Covewood featuring seasonal favorites and festive flavors.

Ring in the New Year

New Year’s Eve at Covewood

December 31

Say goodbye to 2026 by the bay with dinner specials, Covewood favorites and live music as we celebrate the final night of the year.

New Year’s Game Room

December 28–January 2 | All Day | Terazza
Complimentary for Hotel Guests

Keep the celebration going with games and family fun throughout the holiday week.

New Year’s Day

Brunch Into 2027

January 1 | Covewood

New year, same beautiful bay.
Start 2027 with a leisurely New Year’s Day brunch at Covewood featuring live music, waterfront views and everything you need for a very happy first day of the year.

Make It a Holiday by the Bay

Twinkling lights. Firepit nights. Holiday traditions. Waterfront celebrations.

Come for an evening or turn it into a holiday getaway with Holidays on the Bay and enjoy up to 15% off, a $50 daily resort credit and festive extras made for the whole family.

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