If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys swapping out pine trees for palm trees at Christmas, heading to Mission Beach, California might just be the best choice you could make. Here, all thoughts of snow can be left far behind as you relish the sunshine, sand, and surf at your fingertips. Of course, there are still plenty of holiday-inspired festivities to enjoy alongside family and friends. When it’s time to put the finishing touches on your itinerary this year, the following Mission Beach Christmas activities are definitely worth putting at the top of the list.
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Make Time to Admire the Mission Bay Parade of Lights
For many who celebrate the Christmas holiday, taking some time to head out and admire holiday lights is a big part of the seasonal fun. The good news is that when you make your way to Mission Beach this time of year, you won’t have to miss out on that beloved activity! Simply make some room on your holiday schedule for the Mission Bay Parade of Lights and prepare to be impressed.
This dazzling annual event is held right on Mission Bay each December and features boats decked out in their holiday best. Design schemes often include lights, ribbons, bows, and more—all of which are crafted and combined to delight spectators on the shoreline. The Mission Bay Parade of Lights is organized by the Mission Bay Yacht Club and is a boat parade that’s always highly anticipated and well attended by locals and visitors. Attending is an easy way to build some holiday magic into your stay, and great viewing spots to consider include Ski Beach and Crown Point.
Experience Belmont Park at Its Winter Wonder Best
No matter what time of year you head to Mission Beach in the name of vacation fun, time spent at Belmont Park is sure to be a highlight of your trip. This iconic amusement park is always a thrill-seeker’s dream come true, but over Christmas, there’s even more to enjoy. That’s because each year, the team at Belmont Park takes time to transform the amusement park into a winter wonderland of added adventure. Visitors who make their way in this direction in December will find the park outfitted with a fantastic array of holiday lights as well as seasonal décor lining the boardwalk.
Across the park, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with holiday-inspired treats like peppermint churros paired with hot cider. Even the games and rides take a turn for the festive with Peppermint Putt Putt at Tiki Wonderland popping up for a limited time, and a “polar plunge” option at the Plunge Pool, too. Belmont Park even hosts visits from Santa on select dates near Christmas. That makes for a truly one-of-a-kind photo opportunity, complete with roller coaster access for the kids to enjoy this year.
Spend Quality Time on the Sand
If the ultimate goal of your Mission Beach Christmas getaway is to slow down, relax, and enjoy the view this holiday season, you have options here to do that, too. December typically sees daily highs in the 60s across Mission Beach, giving guests opportunities to pair a light jacket with sandals and enjoy strolling the shorelines at their leisure. While it might be a bit chilly to take a dip in the water, there’s absolutely nothing to stop you from settling in on the sand, watching the waves roll in, or enjoying the company of shorebirds over the holidays.
Try the Holiday Wreath Scavenger Hunt in Nearby Pacific Beach
For Christmas travelers making their way to Mission Beach with a love for a good challenge, adding the Pacific Beach Holiday Wreath Scavenger Hunt to the list might be exactly the right choice. Each year, Pacific Beach hosts this fun and family-friendly event, which is designed to be both festive and interactive. When you decide to participate, you and your traveling crew will set out to discover local Pacific Beach businesses that have decorated wreaths on display. Each one you find comes with a sticker to add to your official scavenger hunt bingo card when you stop inside. A completed card could earn you a holiday ornament at the end, as well as fun extra prizes.
Take Advantage of Great Holiday Photo Opportunities
You won’t have to go far from the heart of Mission Beach to enjoy great holiday photo opportunities this time of year. Christmas on Crystal Pier is always a fan-favorite experience and one that’s worth having your camera ready for as well. During the holiday season, Crystal Pier gets wrapped in twinkling holiday lights and other festive décor to create a one-of-a-kind backdrop for memorable moments. It’s common to find live music being played in this area as well, around the holidays, adding to the overall family-friendly vibe.
Book Your Stay in Mission Beach This Holiday Season
When travel plans bring you to Mission Beach over Christmas, the team at Pacific Sands Vacations is ready and waiting to help you find the ideal rental home to enjoy while you’re here. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible selection of property options and how we can help you tailor your holiday plans according to your unique travel style.
