Top Holiday Party Spots

Those of us who call San Diego home know how lucky we are to have beautiful beaches, world-class attractions, exciting nightlife, and gorgeous weather all year long, which means we have a wealth of choices when it comes to places to party during the holidays. Whether you’re in the mood for chilling by the bay with your besties, hanging out with exotic animals, sipping delicious wines while enjoying tranquil views of sprawling vineyards, or dressing in your finest holiday attire and dancing the night away at the hottest Gaslamp nightclubs, check out these ideas for fantastic spots to party over the holidays.

The Beach

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be stressful, and the beach is the perfect place to gather with your friends when you want to get away from the crowds and noise and just chill together. Brew some of your favorite gourmet coffee, fill a thermos with hot chocolate, and pack a basket of holiday goodies for everyone to share. 

When night falls, you can light a bonfire in one of the many fire pits you’ll find along San Diego’s beaches. Bonfires are a staple of beach parties, and they’re perfect for creating a nostalgic Christmas vibe. Put on some soft holiday-themed music, cozy up around the fire pit, and share funny stories, exchange gifts, roast marshmallows, and dig into some decadent s’mores. 

The San Diego Zoo

If you’re looking for a fun way to work off some of those holiday calories, a day of strolling through our own beloved San Diego Zoo is a perfect choice. Through January 2nd, the world-renowned zoo features holiday lights, delicious treats, and even its own Santa Claus. 

The zoo isn’t just for enjoying wildlife. It’s also a great place to throw a holiday party. If you want to host an elegant, contemporary gathering with a casual, bohemian-style vibe, the zoo is the perfect place. You’ll have stunning views of the zoo’s jungle and waterfall as well as the garden, cityscape, and courtyard. With custom catering, more than a dozen unique venue options, and live animal presentations, you and your guests can have a holiday experience you’ll treasure forever. 

Wine Country

About an hour’s drive from San Diego, Temecula offers a taste of Tuscany right in our own backyard. No holiday is complete without some great wine, and you and your friends can indulge in your favorite vintages while basking in breathtaking sunset views of gardens, meadows, and stunning vineyards. Book a stay in one of the boutique hotels—Moroccan-inspired design elements and Spanish-mission style architecture are everywhere—so you and your guests won’t have to be concerned about driving home after the party ends. 

At Home in Your Jammies

What’s better than an ugly Christmas sweater party? A pajama party! Have your guests put the smallest possible amount of effort into choosing their wardrobes by wearing their pajamas. Ask everyone to show up in their favorite holiday-themed PJs, and invite them into the cozy setting you’ve created with big fluffy floor pillows, soft fuzzy blankets, and maybe even a blanket fort strung with festive lights. Have plenty of popcorn, candy, hot toddies, and eggnog on hand, and gather everybody around to watch a marathon of classic holiday movies such as White Christmas, The Holiday, and It’s a Wonderful Life. 

The Gaslamp Quarter

‘Tis the season for toasting! Put on your most festive attire, round up your friends, and party with your fellow San Diegans by toasting your way through the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The annual Toast of Gaslamp celebration has become a favorite local holiday tradition, and it’s the perfect way to spend a festive afternoon feasting as you stroll through two dozen of the best restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter. 

If you’re more in the mood for a holiday pooch party, get ready to join in some tail-wagging holiday fun with your furry friends! The Gaslamp Pet Parade will be back in the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter on Saturday, December 17th, from 1:00 p.m. ‘til 5:00 p.m. It’s free to watch, so gather your buds, grab a patio spot at one of the restaurants along the route, and cheer for your favorite pets as they parade by. 

After the parade, stick around for more pup-tastic fun at the Pups in the Pub Party. From 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., enjoy craft beers while you’re treated to live music, pups and peeps games, and a holiday costume contest.

If you and your friends are looking to do some holiday partying at the hippest place in town, check out Onyx Room. Our bottle service is the best among San Diego nightclubs, ensuring you enjoy the night of your life. With music genres including hip hop, top 40, urban Latin, reggaeton, bachata, salsa, merengue, regional, cumbia, and Banda, we have something to please everyone’s taste. You’ll find that special something that attracts an open-minded, up-for-anything, and, above all, incredibly friendly crowd. Our inviting atmosphere and welcoming staff will ensure you have an experience unlike any other. Take your weekend plans to the next level and contact us today at 619-876-8044 to reserve your VIP bottle service.