The holidays are a fun and wonderful time, filled with amazing activities that are only available during this time of year. For some, the holidays are an alcohol extravaganza, filled with boozy parties, cups of eggnog, and repeatedly feeling the holiday “spirits”. That may be all good and well for most people, but for recovering alcoholics, drinking is not an option. There are plenty of fun sober things to do over the holidays, especially in a city as health conscious as San Diego. Plan an alcohol-free holiday season with this list of sober holiday activities occurring in San Diego this winter.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Enjoy a winter wonderland, San Diego style, with the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Occurring on two consecutive Saturdays (December 10 and 17th), the Parade of Lights is a wonderful free event for spectators near the San Diego Bay. The annual event features a wonderful parade of boats festively decorated with holiday lights, music and people in costumes. As you enjoy fireworks in the sky and beautiful lit ornaments on the boats while cozying up with loved ones by the water, you will truly feel the holiday spirit.

Outdoor Ice Skating Around San Diego

If you ever were going to ice skate, now is the time. While the weather will never really feel like winter in San Diego, you can still feel like you are in a winter wonderland by hitting the ice. San Diego is great at getting outdoor “pop-up” ice skating rinks throughout the city, including awesome rinks near Coronado, the San Diego Bay, Liberty Station and Viejas Casino. Lace up some skates and enjoy ice skating in beautiful San Diego weather.

The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

Be prepared for a cuteness overload as you take in the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade on December 10. Featuring precocious puppies prancing in their favorite holiday attire, from Christmas tree wearing terriers to Santa dressed Saint Bernards, there is a dog and outfit for everyone. The parade features a pet talent show and prizes for the best costume. Grab some hot cocoa and prepare to be charmed by some delightful dogs.

Sign Up For a Holiday Run or Santa Run

San Diego is known for having some of the most fit people on the planet, so of course there are various 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and other runs during the holiday season. All of these fun themed runs allow you to get active while getting a healthy dose of holiday cheer. A personal favorite is the San Diego Santa Run, which is a race in which every participant dresses up as Santa Claus. Prepare for an avalanche of red-suited men with white beards!

Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairground

Enjoy the largest drive-through light show in all of the West Coast with the Holiday of Lights celebration at the Del Mar Fairground. This awe-inducing event has over 400 different seasonal displays, featuring lights, animated holiday displays, figurines, statues and more. Running from late November through New Year's’ Day, the Holiday of Lights provides a drive-thru serving of holiday cheer.

Get Sober for the Holidays With Alcohol Treatment and Counseling

If you struggle with alcohol and are looking to get sober in time for the holidays, seek help. Whether it be rehab, alcohol counseling, or another form of treatment, sobriety is a mission you should not undertake alone. The Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research in La Jolla offers clinical research trials for heavy drinkers who wish to stop drinking or a study for heavy drinkers who do not wish to quit. If you are interested in joining a study, give us a call at (858) 784-7867.