1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. San Diego

Thanksgiving Activities in San Diego

What to do with family and friends during Thanksgiving.

By Inigo Figuracion, About.com

Thanksgiving activities often involves a meal and activities with family and friends. Here are some suggestions to celebrate Thanksgiving in San Diego.

1. Mother Goose Parade

It's considered the unofficial start of the holiday season in San Diego. So, what better way to head into Thanksgiving week than to attend a parade? The Mother Goose Parade is a San Diego institution and attracts upwards of 400,000 spectators along the streets of El Cajon. The 2008 event takes place on Sunday, Nov. 23. The parade begins at 10 a.m.

2. Ice Skating at Horton Plaza

Usher in the holidays as you skate in a festive outdoor rink, a cool way to help the Rady Children’s Cancer Care Center. Open daily beginning Nov. 20 through Jan. 4 (closed on Thanksgiving), 10 am-10 pm. Don’t miss tonight’s opening ceremony featuring a figure skating show, 6-8 pm. Adults $12; kids $10. 225 Broadway, adjacent to Horton Plaza, downtown San Diego.

3. Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel Del Coronado

If you want a grand setting for your Thanksgiving meal (and don't want to fuss with cooking a turkey), what better place to do it than the Hotel del Coronado? The oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room feature elegant buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings and live musical entertainment. Adults, $84; Children ages 6-10, $37.50; Children 5 and under are free. 12pm – 6pm

4. Ice Skate by the Sea

The Hotel del Coronado is pleased to offer a unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The oceanfront Windsor Lawn will be transformed into a spectacular ice rink with skating sessions offered daily. November 26 – December 20 Daily sessions: 2pm – 5pm; 6pm – 9pm; Matinee session: 11am – 1pm on weekends and holidays.

5. Father Joe's Thanksgiving Day 5K

Help Father Joe provide more than 1.7 Million meals. You can help change the lives of your neighbors in need. Run or walk on a course winding through beautiful Balboa Park. Thursday, November 27, 2008 8:00 AM San Diego Museum of Man 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park

6. Go Out to Dinner

Forget about stressing over cooking a turkey, just reserve a table online and enjoy a fine Thanksgiving meal at a number of local restaurants serving up special Thanksgiving menus. Check out the participating restaurants at OpenTable.com.

7. Adopt-A-Family for Thanksgiving

San Diego Youth & Community Services needs Thanksgiving Baskets for 20 families in need. Help us collect turkeys, vegetables, pies, bread, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce and stuffing mix.

Explore San Diego

About.com Special Features

On the National Mall in Washington, DC

Take a look at the capital's best sight-seeing spot. More >

Oktoberfest in Phoenix

Find the best places to celebrate and join the festivities. More >

  1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. San Diego
  4. Fun for the Family
  5. Things to Do
  6. Thanksgiving in San Diego Things to Do>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.