Is the Holiday Market worth it?

The holidays are an especially tricky time – should you save, should you splurge? For many in San Diego with large families, the admission prices to the Holiday Market won’t make anyone’s list of cheap things to do in December. Factor in the fees, parking, and costs once you arrive, the question that many want to know is is it worth it?

Reviews: Is Petco Park Holiday Market Worth It?

The reality is, this question can only be answered by you. Just look around, everyone’s sense of value is subjective. Especially when talking about abstract concepts like memories and “Christmas Spirit.” There is no absolute answer whether it is an affordable thing to do for the holidays.

What we can attempt to do is provide some details, reviews and videos to at least remove any surprise from what you are getting for your money. This should make it easier to balance that against the cost.

Helpful tip: Look for newer reviews. Each year the Padres Holiday Market runs a little more smoothly and shines a bit more brightly than the previous year.

Petco Park Christmas Market FAQ – What to Know Before You Go

Are food and drinks pricey once you’re inside?
Yep. Expect Petco Park pricing. Beer, wine, and cocktails generally run $13–$23, with things like mulled wine or seasonal specialties for around $15. Non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, cocoa, cider) are closer to $5–$6. Food vendors vary. Some are local favorites, others are themed pop-ups, but it’s all on top of your admission ticket.

What’s actually included with admission?
Your ticket covers all the kid-friendly activities: visits with Santa, the carousel, slides, character meet-and-greets, and full access to the light displays. You’ll pay for food, drinks, or shopping at vendor stalls.

Is it worth going if I’m not planning to eat or shop?
If your main goal is photos, lights, and kid activities, most people say yes — there’s plenty to see without spending more. If you’re expecting a long evening with live entertainment or a full festival vibe, expectations should be moderate. It’s more “holiday outing” than “all-night event.”

I see timed entry. Do I have to leave at a certain time?
No you just need to enter during your ticketed time window. Once you’re in, you can stay until the market closes for the night.

How long do most people stay?
While there’s no time limit once you enter during your ticketed window, the space is contained to Gallagher Square. Most visitors spend 1-2 hours, depending on how long children want to engage with activities and how much shopping you do.

How does it compare to real European Christmas markets?
The biggest difference: you don’t have to fly across the Atlantic Ocean to experience it. But certainly, reviewers familiar with traditional European markets will find this is more “American” (commercialized and expensive). It captures the aesthetic elements – lights, vendor booths, festive atmosphere.

Which nights are least crowded?
Crowd volume is subject to the whimsy of one of the whimsiest populations in America. (“Sorry I couldn’t make the Market, brah. Surf was firing.”) Midweek evenings are your best bet, typically less busy and sometimes cheaper than weekend dates. Fridays and Saturdays can get shoulder-to-shoulder around prime hours.

Is it mostly for families with kids, or will adults enjoy it too?
It’s definitely not just for kids. The free activities are definitely child-focused (Santa, carousel, slides) and the young at heart, but the shopping, lights, and overall atmosphere can appeal to adults, couples, and anyone seeking holiday photo opportunities.

Good for holiday photos?
Absolutely. This is one of the event’s standout features.the lighting is clearly designed with photography in mind. Expect lots of glowing tunnels, giant ornaments, and “Instagram wall” moments.

Are the light displays elaborate or just simple?
Reviews describe “magical” and “stunning” light displays that have expanded each year. They’re a major draw and photo opportunity.

What kinds of vendors will I find?
A mix of local makers and holiday vendors — handmade gifts, ornaments, treats, and European-style market items. Food options range from comfort snacks to full plates.

Do the vendors change each year?
Yes, the lineup shifts annually. The event’s grown steadily since it launched in 2020, with new booths and food options added each season.

Is it different enough to come back year after year?
There are new touches and expanded sections each year but the overall format stays consistent. If you loved it once, you’ll enjoy it again; if you’re on the fence, it may feel familiar. But familiarity is the lifeblood of tradition.

Holiday Market Reviews

Yelp
As of writing this, there are only a handful of reviews on Yelp. Maybe you can contribute after attending?

Reddit
Reddit is a useful resource where there is never a shortage of opinions. True to brand, one Redditor asks flat out: Holiday Market at Petco Park – worth it?

San Diego Explorer
“Honest Review” (2023)
Written by someone who grew up with German Christmas markets, it provides a balanced perspective covering the good (photo ops, free kids activities) and the bad (expensive beverages, over-commercialization).

The Falconer
Student Perspective (2024)
This recent review offers a fresh student journalist’s take on the 2024 market. It includes vendor interviews (like Twylla’s Spices), details about the new $20 million Gallagher Square renovations, and firsthand accounts from first-time visitors. Good for understanding how the market has evolved and expanded.

There San Diego
Event Preview (December 2024)
A more promotional but informative overview of the 2024 market highlighting the 40-foot Christmas tree, nightly snowfall feature, and details about specific activities and vendors.
Le Travel Style
The Holiday Market was included in last December’s list of Ultimate San Diego Christmas Activities here

Fox
If your brain is only able to process information through Fox News, here is the link for you.

Video Reviews

Video reviews provide more than one person’s opinion. They give you the chance to see the value of the event for yourself and make your own judgment. For added perspective to the reviews, you can view the other viewers comments.

There is a TON of content on TikTok.

Big Red Journeys takes you on a very merry and thorough walk-through of the Holiday Market at Petco Park. The 20-minute video really illuminates the value of the experience, spotlighting the artisan vendors, delicious food, merry characters and dazzling lights.

Chris Gault shares his experience in Gallagher Square at the Holiday Market at Petco Park. “It was a lot of fun!”

San Diego Union Tribune’s Annie Heilbrunn also took a stroll through the winter wonderland in 2021.

Jaycation visited in 2022 and said it makes you feel like you’re at a European Christmas Market. “Brings me back to the traditional christmas markets in Germany!”

Holiday Market Pros & Cons

Bottom Line: Yes

If you are still on the fence, yes, yes Virginia, yes. Our recommendation is to give it a try. It’s pretty fun to get downtown during the festive holiday season. The San Diego Padres ballpark is an amazing place. The Christmas light displays are spectacular. The food is unique. The shopping is fun. Families, if you have kids, they will love it. It is as family-friendly as it gets. Out-of-town guests are always looking for something to do to celebrate Christmas in San Diego. It’s also great for date night. And while the cost is more than a few pennies, you do get a lot to explore in return.

If you don’t have a great time, you don’t have to go back. But most people seem to really enjoy it and look forward to returning again.

View the Holiday Market Map, Holiday Market Vendor Info, and most importantly tead our complete guide to the 2023 Holiday Market at Petco Park.

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