bahía de la misión, with 27 miles of sandy shoreline, unveils its December programming and activities for the holidays. From Santa photo opportunities with four-legged friends at Paradise Point Resort and Spa to a candy cane scavenger hunt at San Diego Mission Bay Resort and cookie decorating at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa and festive family movie nights at Bahia Resort Hotel.
Mission Bay Parade of Lights
- Mission Bay is kicking off the holiday season with the return of its beloved holiday boat parade, the Mission Bay Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 10. Free for all spectators, designated spectating areas will be set up at and near Mission Bay’s six hotels and resorts. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the parade will start at SeaWorld with a firework kickoff, travel west, then north, and then east, ending at The Mission Bay Beach Club. Spectators of this year’s parade can expect elaborate, decorated boats from local organizations like Hospital de niños Rady, San Diego Loyal, y SeaWorld. Each viewing area will offer special festive food and beverage menus and family-friendly activities to get into the holiday spirit, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games, and an appearance from Santa Claus.
Bahia Belle’s Jingle Belle Cruise
- Gather with friends and family – and Santa Claus – aboard the Bahia Belle sternwheeler for Jingle Belle Cruises to celebrate the season on Mission Bay. Guests can enjoy festive caroling and holiday treats like hot cocoa, homemade cookies, and a cash bar. Limited food will be available for purchase as well. Cruises depart from the Bahia (Dec. 23 and 25) and Catamaran (Dec. 24 and 25) resorts. Reservations are required. Cost: $35 for hotel guests, $45 for general admission.
Bahia Belle’s New Year’s Eve Party Cruise
- Revelers can enjoy a luxe New Year’s Eve party cruise aboard the Bahia Belle on Mission Bay from 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m., complete with a champagne toast at midnight, chef’s choice of appetizers, multiple floors of live DJs, a cash bar, and festive party favors. Cost: $75 per ticket.
- Welcome the holidays island style at Paradise Point’s festive tree lighting with carolers, bonfires and s’mores, food trucks, activities for kids, and a visit from Santa. The event will take place on Paradise Terrace from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at Paradise Point Resort & Spa.
- Furry friends are welcome to join in the holiday festivities at Paradise Point from 10 a.m.-noon on Sunday, Dec. 11 for a photo with Santa. For a $10 donation to Give Kids the World, pet owners will receive a high-res image of their furry friend and Santa and take home an ornament. San Diego Humane Society will be providing info and special treats for four-legged friends. After the photo, pet owners and their furry companions can enjoy a pet-friendly brunch at Tidal or Barfoot Bar and Grill.
Centro turístico de la bahía de la misión de San Diego
- Festive holiday jammies are welcome for a cozy movie-watching event with Mrs. Claus on Friday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. in the conference center. Get ready for popcorn, hot chocolate, and candy canes.
- Starting at the Garden by the Bay, guests can join in a Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt throughout the property on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 2-4 p.m.
- Get into the holiday spirit and decorate cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. in the conference center.
- Gather with loved ones for a dinner on Christmas Eve at Covewood from 5-10 p.m. Guests can dine inside the cozy restaurant or enjoy waterfront views as the sun goes down.
- Spend the holidays at Covewood and dine waterside with a specialty handcrafted pre-fixed menu from executive chef Roy Hendrickson on Dec. 25 from 5-10 p.m.
- Ring in the New Year on Dec. 31 at Covewood with a pre-fixed menu crafted by Hendrickson with champagne cheers and then start the new year off right, with a boozy brunch at Covewood on Sunday, Jan. 1 from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Champagne steals and special cocktails will be available.
- Santa Claus journeys from the North Pole to the Catamaran Resort Dec. 1-24 (3-5 p.m.), to meet younger guests and hear their holiday wishes. Children can also write Letters to Santa at letter writing stations set up in the lobby, complete with a festive oversized mailbox.
- Dec. 10, 17, 24 – Fun for the whole family, with sprinkles on top, the Catamaran Resort offers complimentary Christmas cookie decorating on Saturdays (3-4 p.m.) in December. Reservations are required and children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Gather with family and friends for Christmas meals at Oceana Coastal Kitchen at the Catamaran Resort. Executive chef Steven Riemer presents a Christmas Day Champagne Brunch (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), featuring a holiday buffet and a selection of à la carte entrees, as well as a Christmas Dinner (5:30-10 p.m.), featuring a three-course menu.
- Dec. 1-24 – Children can write Letters to Santa at letter writing stations set up in the lobby, complete with a festive oversized mailbox.
- Dec. 10, 17, 24 – The Bahia Resort hosts complimentary outdoor Family Movie Nights for guests on Saturdays (7 p.m.) throughout December. Featuring popular holiday movies, families can snuggle up on the Residents’ Lounge Patio and enjoy complimentary popcorn as well.
- The Bahia Resort also offers a Christmas Day Champagne Brunch (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), featuring holiday buffet favorites and a Christmas dinner (5:30-10 p.m.) with three courses.
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve (and day) at the Bahia Resort, featuring two celebrations. Ring in 2023 with a special prix fixe dinner at Dockside 1953, complete with a complimentary champagne toast. Continue the celebration with a festive After Party in the adjacent Ventana Room featuring live entertainment, a dessert and coffee station, a cash bar, and party favors. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.
For additional information about the above activities or hotel properties, visit Discover Mission Bay, Discovermissionbay.org.
