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.

Holiday Market Reviews

Yelp
As of writing this, there is one review 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?

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

Updated for 2022. 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.

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!”

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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