Holiday Wonderland [2026 Christmas Market at Petco Park]

Holiday Wonderland returns to Petco Park’s Gallagher Square for select dates, December 4-23, 2026. Now in its sixth year, it’s become one of downtown San Diego’s regular December traditions.

The lineup is back: dazzling light displays, nightly snowfall, and the 40-foot Christmas tree. Admission also includes Santa and other holiday characters, the grand carousel, the Christmas train, carnival games, and a real-snow sled hill. Festive drinks, seasonal treats, and local artisan shops are available for purchase on top of that.

Planning a company holiday party or bringing a large group? Holiday Wonderland can be booked as a private event space with customizable food and beverage packages and full access to the lighting displays, music, and vendors. Contact Padres Events for details.
Tickets   Parking

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Petco Park Holiday Market

The Holiday Wonderland in Gallagher Square is a fun December event for delighting kids as well as the whole family. It’s a festive, romantic date night for couples. It’s a spectacular way to show off the San Diego Padres stadium in the off-season while entertaining out-of-town guests. For the event each December, Petco Park turns into a winter wonderland, featuring local and European artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverages, Santa Claus, the Grinch and other holiday characters!

After the success of the inaugural Holiday Market & Trail in 2020, organizers put together a bigger event the following year. Each turn brings even more food, beverage and vendors. 2026 will be the sixth year. This year’s multi-week festival leading up to Christmas will feature vendors, brighter lights and an extra dose of holiday spirit, taking advantage of the Padres beautiful, spacious and convenient facilities of Petco Park in downtown San Diego.

What To Expect

• Spellbinding light shows: Wander through wintery light tunnels and enjoy nightly snowfall and magical lighting displays that transform the space into a true Holiday Wonderland.
• Iconic 40-foot Christmas Tree: Stop and admire (and photograph) the beautifully decorated 40-foot centerpiece — a highlight for families and influencers alike.
• Photo ops with Santa & holiday characters: Meet Santa and seasonal characters in staged photo areas—ideal for family cards and candids.
• Grand carousel & Christmas train: Take a spin on the showpiece carousel or climb aboard the festive Christmas train for a charming ride.
• Real-snow sled hill: Sled down an actual snow hill—yes, real snow—so bring mittens and be ready for laughs (and photos).
• Carnival games: Try your hand at classic carnival games set up around the market, included with admission.
• Live entertainment: Music and stage performances on the Sycuan Stage on select nights, included with admission.
• Seasonal eats & drinks: Sip festive cocktails and hot beverages and sample delicious holiday treats available for purchase throughout the event.
• Local artisan market: Browse local vendors and artisan shops for unique gifts, holiday décor, and small-business finds.
• Family-friendly atmosphere: Activities and layouts geared toward families, but chock-full of moments adults will enjoy too.
• Insider tip: For the best photos and smaller lines, arrive early in the evening or catch the first snowfall show after dusk.
• And More! Is it worth it? Read the reviews!

Want the full rundown of what’s included with your ticket, plus where to eat and drink once you’re inside? See our complete guide to what to do and eat.

Dates & Times

The dates for the 2026 Christmas market have been announced.

Open most days, beginning Friday, December 4 through Wednesday, December 23. Gates open at 4 p.m. each night.

Note the Holiday Wonderland will be closed on the following dates:

• Monday, December 7
• Monday, December 14
• Tuesday, December 15

Tickets

Find everything you need to know about purchasing Holiday Market tickets for adults and children.

Search for available tickets

Location

Location: The renovated Gallagher Square (Park at the Park).

Holiday Market Parking

Pre-paid parking is available at the Padres Parkade, located off of 10th Avenue and J Street. You can add parking when you purchase tickets. You can try to save some money and reserve a nearby parking spot in advance.

Search available parking

Map

To get a general idea, view the map of a past Holiday Market at Petco Park. The layout shifts a bit each year, but the main attractions stay in Gallagher Square.

Groups / Holiday Parties

Yes you can host your holiday party at Petco Park. Email Padres Events for information on reserving a private area for your group, group food and beverage options for your holiday party and more.

Vendors

Local vendors include artisan gift shops, meals, snacks, beverages and more. More about vendors.

Dogs

Please leave your pups at home with a dish of tap water and a cozy blanket. Only service dogs will be allowed to enter this event.

Strollers

Yes you can bring your stroller. Strollers are allowed.

Rain Policy

December is one of the rare months in San Diego where you might encounter rain. In 2022 a few nights of the Holiday Market were cancelled due to heavy rain. Refunds were issued to guests (only in the case of cancellation). Sit down with your lawyer and read the terms and conditions. You may be able to purchase refund protection.

Why This is San Diego’s Best Christmas Market

• Downtown location – walking distance from Gaslamp, Seaport Village
• Trolley accessible from anywhere in San Diego County
• Largest holiday light display in San Diego
• Only Christmas market inside a major league ballpark
• 40-foot Christmas tree visible from Harbor Drive

Holiday Market FAQs

Are there promo codes or discounts available?

Official promo codes are rare, but you can save money by choosing weeknight time slots (typically $2-5 cheaper than weekend prime times) or visiting in early December before Christmas week. See all ticket options.

How long should I plan to stay?

Most families spend 1-2 hours. While you must enter during your ticketed time window, there’s no time limit once you’re inside. The space is contained to Gallagher Square, so it’s easy to see everything without feeling rushed.

Is food and drink expensive?

Yes – expect typical Petco Park pricing. Alcoholic beverages run $13-23, non-alcoholic drinks $5-6. Food varies by vendor but everything is on top of admission. Budget accordingly or eat before arriving.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No outside food or beverages are permitted. However, there are numerous food and beverage vendors inside offering seasonal treats and drinks.

Is it worth it? Should we go?

That depends on your expectations and budget. The light displays are spectacular, kids love the free activities (Santa, carousel, snow hill), and it’s a unique San Diego experience. Read our complete honest review and visitor feedback to help decide.

Which nights are least crowded?

Weeknights (Tuesday-Thursday) in early-to-mid December tend to be less crowded than Friday-Saturday or the week before Christmas. Bonus: weeknight tickets are usually cheaper too!

Can I take the trolley instead of driving?

Absolutely! The MTS Trolley stops right at Petco Park (12th & Imperial station). It’s convenient, stress-free, and avoids parking costs.

More Holiday Gift Ideas

Give the gift of San Diego Padres Caps, hoodies, jerseys, t-shirts and more. Shop our Padres store!

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Top Christmas Experiences in San Diego

Here is a round-up of other places to get in the Christmas spirit. Not such an easy task in San Diego surrounded by sunny palm trees. But here are the most noteworthy merrymakers willing to rally and conjure the holiday magic:

• Balboa Park December Nights, San Diego’s largest holiday festival
• Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
• Queenstown in Little Italy turns into a Gingerbread House
• Christmas decor, ice skating and the famous tree at the Holidays at the Del (Hotel Del Coronado)
• The Grinch Play at the Old Globe Theater
• The award-winning Nutcracker ballet in Escondido
• San Diego Bay Parade of Lights – The festive boat parade lights up the bay.
• Holiday stuff at all the big San Diego amusement parks, including San Diego Zoo (Jungle Bells), Safari Park (Wild Holidays), SeaWorld Christmas Celebration and Holidays at Legoland
• Jingle Jets at the USS Midway
• Go get a festive drink at Craft + Commerce / False Idol, Nason’s, Top of the Hyatt or Polite Provisions