7 San Diego Christmas Bars To Check Out This Holiday Season
Whether you live in San Diego or are visiting during the holiday season, there is no denying that a California Christmas is such a fun and special experience! Beach-y Christmas has its own unique, festive flavor compared to a traditional snow-filled season up north.
One of my favorite things about the winter holidays in San Diego is that many bars and restaurants go all out with the holiday decor. Think hundreds of string lights, decor all throughout the exterior and interior, and sometimes, fake snow!
While this is not an exhaustive list of all the holiday bars and pop-ups in San Diego, I’ve rounded up a handful of my personal favorites that I’d recommend for a night out.
The weather will likely be sunny with a chill in the air - similar to the year-round “early fall” weather San Diego is known for - so grab a jacket and get ready to hit the town at some of my favorite festive holiday spots.
Christmas Lights at Belmont Park
Tip: Make reservations in advance if you can. While some places will be easy to walk into, others like insideOUT will have pretty long lines, so it doesn’t hurt to snag a reservation on OpenTable just in case. Others like Polite Provisions don’t take reservations, so expect long lines, especially during peak hours.
1. Nolita Hall - Little Italy
Holiday Decor at Nolita Hall
Kicking off the list with one of my favorite year-round spots in my former neighborhood, Nolita Hall in Little Italy knows Christmas! Grab a bite for dinner or just visit for a drink at the bar.
2. False Idol and Craft & Commerce
False Holiday Decor - 2022
Craft & Commerce Holiday Cocktail Menu - 2022
Craft & Commerce Holiday Decor - 2022
Moving a few blocks south in Little Italy, False Idol, the speakeasy of Craft & Commerce, will immerse you into tiki-themed holiday experience once you step inside. Or, grab a bite or a drink at the bar at Craft & Commerce, which will have a holiday drink specials menu and have decked out holiday decor.
For a hearty bite, I recommend Craft & Commerce’s truffle cheddar mac & cheese.
3. Queenstown - Little Italy
Just up the street from Craft & Commerce is the Little Italy location of Queenstown Public House (also in North Park) which is known for its hearty, New Zealand fare.
You won’t be able to miss Queenstown if you’re driving or walking by - the exterior has M&M-themed Christmas decor throughout, and they' swap their signature outdoor yellow umbrellas for red and white candy cane striped umbrellas instead.
Some of the holiday drinks come in unique mugs or glasses - a really fun way to kick off your dinner!
4. Frostbite Lounge at Hotel Del Coronado - Coronado Island
If you’re downtown, consider going across the bridge to Coronado Island, where the famous Hotel del Coronado is - and its annual ice skating rink. Enjoy the juxtaposition of ice skating at the beach, and the family-friendly holiday cheer at Frostbite Lounge!
5. insideOUT - Hillcrest
insideOUT Holiday Drinks - 2023
Venture up to Hillcrest, just north of Little Italy/downtown for insideOUT, an immersive holiday experience! This is one of the most full-out Christmas bars I’ve experienced in San Diego, from the festive glasses used for drinks, to the decor and fake snow.
My friend and I were sat at a small cocktail table that truly felt like walking through a maze of Winter Wonderland to get to. Every so often, a flurry of fake snow would release from above, and those at the larger dining tables would be able to pull out the clear umbrellas given to them to keep them free of “snow.” It was pure magic!
Watch the “snow” fall in the video below:
6. Lafayette Hotel - North Park
The Lafayette Hotel bar is one of my favorite spots for a night out in North Park - it’s often where my friends and I would end up if we left Little Italy/Downtown on a night out. Year-round it’s a great experience, and during Christmas-time, it’s even more magical.
7. Polite Provisions - North Park
No Christmas bars in San Diego list is complete without a mention to Polite Provisions, perhaps the most well-known Christmas bar of them all. Polite Provisions is known for its all-out holiday decor and drinks - and its super-long line. Since they don’t take reservations, plan to stand in line outside for a while to get in - but the holiday magic inside awaits!
Honorable Mention: [Temporarily Closed] Top of the 5th - Downtown
While the Top of the 5th Bar is temporarily closed due to renovations until January 2026, I’m including it as an honorable mention for years to come!
Last time I visited, this 40th floor bar at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel downtown was fully decorated like a cozy Christmas home, with holiday cocktails to match. We tried “Grinch” themed espresso martinis that came garnished with a candy cane. If they do a holiday-themed bar and menu in the future, check it out!
Bonus Suggestion: Watch the Downtown Boat Parade of Lights
View from Topsail - San Diego Parade of Lights - a holiday-themed boat parade
View from being on one of the boats - San Diego Parade of Lights - a holiday-themed boat parade
One of my favorite December traditions in San Diego is the Parade of Lights! Along the water stretching from Waterfront Park in Little Italy south to Downtown, post up along the water to watch the bedazzled boats decorated in Christmas lights go by.
Our friend Brian has a boat and participates annually, so our friends have gotten to experience this from the boat-view. I’ve also watched the boats from shore as well - both are fun and magical experiences!
These happen two Sunday nights every December before Christmas. In 2025 they will be on December 14th and 21st.
Visiting San Diego Soon?
Happy holidays! Enjoy your time in San Diego.
If you’re visiting or moving to San Diego soon, don’t forget to check out my Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide for my best tips on things to do and where to stay.