With the holiday season in full swing, the City of San Diego is inviting kids and adults of all ages to enjoy winter holiday-themed events and activities. These Winter Festival celebrations are planned at multiple recreation centers and parks throughout the city and promise a fun-filled, festive time. 

Activities include play in the snow, movies, crafts, cookies with Santa and more. Events are free to attend and scheduled throughout December and into January.  

“The holiday season is the perfect time for families to join in the wide variety of festive activities our Parks and Recreation Department team has planned,” said Andy Field, Director of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We believe that these events will help get everyone in the holiday spirit, while providing safe, family-friendly venues to celebrate the season.” 

Upcoming Winter Festival events include: 

• Ocean Beach Recreation Center - Winter Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• Scripps Ranch Recreation Center - Winter Movie in the Gym on Friday, Dec. 15, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
• Willie Henderson Sports Complex - Cookies with Santa on Friday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. 
• Silver Wing Recreation Center - Cookies with Santa and Toys for Tots Distribution on Friday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. 
• Golden Hill Recreation Center - Winter Carnival on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Memorial Recreation Center - Brunch with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• City Heights Recreation Center - Toys for Tots Distribution on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 18 and 19, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. each day. 
• Nobel Recreation Center - Cookies with Santa on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• Tecolote Recreation Center - Snow Day on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Additionally, AgeWell Services will host its annual Craft Sale this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17, featuring everything from jewelry to handmade trinkets created by program participants. The event is free and open to the public and will also include activities for kids while the adults shop for last-minute holiday gifts. The sale will take place in Balboa Park at Casa del Prado Patios A & B and Room 101, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. 

The City's recreation center webpage has a full list of upcoming Parks and Recreation Winter Festival events. San Diegans can also visit their local recreation center for more information. 

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 40,000 acres of park assets, including more than 400 parks, 26 miles of shoreline, 60 recreation centers, 14 pools, seven skate parks and three golf courses. For additional information regarding the City’s park system, visit sandiego.gov/parks-and-recreation.