With the Gallagher Square renovation already in progress, it seems the Padres Holiday Market at Petco Park will not be happening in 2023. The Market usually takes place in Gallagher Square and the renovation is not expected to be complete until the spring thaw.

The San Diego Padres Holiday Market fast became a much-anticipated Christmas tradition. Hopefully the event will return in 2024, bigger and better.

Top Christmas Experiences in San Diego 2023

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 is now in its 53rd year.
• 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
• A new one: Jingle Jets at the USS Midway
• Activities surrounding NCAA Football’s 2023 Holiday Bowl
• Go get a festive drink at Craft + Commerce / False Idol, Nason’s, Top of the Hyatt or Polite Provisions
• A new bar replacing Tin Roof in the Gaslamp will temporarily become an XMAS Bar

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Other San Diego Holiday Markets

2023 Holiday Market at the Japanese Friendship Garden
November 18, 2023
Discover unique gifts from local artists and businesses in a famously serene setting of the Japanese Friendship Garden in San Diego's Balboa Park. The market will offer a diverse selection of artisanal goods, including ceramics and traditional Japanese textiles. More info.

Makers Arcade Holiday Fair 2023
December 2 & 3, 2023
Broadway Pier holiday shopping event with more than 120 small-batch makers, craft cocktails, beer, food trucks, live music and more. More info.

Petco Park Holiday Market

The Holiday Market 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. Its a spectacular way to show off the San Diego Padres stadium while entertaining out-of-town guests. For the event, Petco Park turns into a winter wonderland, featuring local and European artisan shops, magical lighting displays, seasonal food and beverages, Santa, 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. This would be the fourth year, fast becoming a must-do San Diego holiday tradition.

What To Expect

• Festive gift shopping
  
• Light displays
  
• Holiday refreshments
  
• Santa Claus and his Christmas yuletide squad
  
• Enormous decorated Christmas Tree
  
• Carousel
  
• Live entertainment on the Sycuan Stage (Select nights only)
  
• And More! Is it worth it? Read the reviews!

Dates & Times

TBD and subject to change. Hopefully a return in 2024?

Tickets

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

Location

Location: TBD. In past years it was held in Gallagher Square (Park at the Park). Enter through the gate