Island Palms Team Shares Their Favorite San Diego Holiday Traditions
The holidays in San Diego are all about sunshine, waterfront views, and one-of-a-kind local traditions. From festive boat parades to sparkling New Year’s celebrations, our Best Western Island Palms PLUS Hotel & Marina team knows how to celebrate the season island-style. We sat down with a few team members to chat about their favorite San Diego holiday traditions, must-see holiday lights, and how they like to ring in the New Year. Here’s what they had to say.
Favorite San Diego Holiday Traditions
Q: What are your favorite San Diego–specific holiday traditions?
Joey: I love checking out the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Liberty Station. It’s such a great place to get into the holiday spirit, and there’s so much to do around there. It really feels like a two-for-one experience.
Chef Andrew: Definitely Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo. Seeing all the holiday lights while walking through the zoo and spotting the animals makes it such a unique and festive experience.
Best Places in San Diego to See Holiday Lights
Q: Where is your favorite place in San Diego to see holiday lights?
Chef Andrew: Shelter Island during the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is my favorite. Watching the boats cruise by all lit up with creative themes is amazing, and this year’s theme is Out of This World, so I’m especially excited. Here at Blue Wave Bar & Grill, we also celebrate with our own Parade of Flights during the Parade of Lights, featuring wine flights, beer flights, or appetizer flights, which is perfect for the holidays.
Maria: I love going to Coronado to go ice skating and walk through the neighborhoods to see all the Christmas lights. It’s super fun and feels very classic holiday.
Ringing in the New Year in San Diego
Q: Where is your favorite place in San Diego to celebrate New Year’s Eve?
Joey: Downtown San Diego is always my go-to. The restaurants, bars, and clubs usually bring in great lineups and big-name DJs, so there’s always something exciting happening.
Maria: My favorite New Year’s Eve plans are getting all dressed up, super sparkly for the new year, and going to a harbor bay dinner cruise. It’s such a fun and memorable way to celebrate.
Chef Andrew: I love being by the water to ring in the New Year. It’s very calming to see the lights reflect on the bay, and afterwards, you can always come to Blue Wave for a champagne toast.
New Year’s Resolutions, San Diego-Style
Q: What are your New Year’s resolutions?
Maria: Traveling more and getting out of my comfort zone. I really want to try kayaking in La Jolla Cove. It’s been on my bucket list for a while.
Joey: I’ve been meaning to go to a San Diego Gulls game at the Sports Arena, and I also want to finally go whale watching with Next Level Sailing.
Chef Andrew: Traveling more for sure. I already have a trip planned to Japan next year, so I’m very excited.
Celebrate the Holidays at Island Palms
From festive waterfront views to easy access to San Diego’s best holiday events, Island Palms Hotel & Marina is the perfect home base for the season. Whether you’re here for the Parade of Lights, our Christmas Dinner at Blue Wave Bar & Grill, or a relaxing New Year’s getaway by the bay, our team is always ready to help you make the most of your stay. Happy Holidays from all of us at Island Palms.
