POINT LOMA – Liberty Station is getting into the holiday spirit.

The residential and business district is holding its annual Yuletide celebration, Salute the Season, with a cornucopia of cultural traditions including its holiday tree lighting, “Nutcracker Tea” with the San Diego Ballet, and a Hanukkah celebration and a menorah lighting, along with its seasonal Rady Children’s ice skating rink.

“Salute the Season has become a cherished tradition at Liberty Station, bringing our community together to celebrate the magic of the holidays,” said Laurie Albrecht, director of Liberty Station.

“Families come to experience the lighting of our holiday tree, the enchantment of our Nutcracker Tea with San Diego Ballet, and the warmth of our Hanukkah celebration and menorah lighting.

“These events embody the spirit of togetherness and joy that make this season so special. We’re honored to host traditions that create lasting memories for families throughout San Diego.”

Holiday tree lighting

The main event of Liberty Station’s year-end holiday events is the holiday tree lighting. It takes place with other festivities in the North Promenade and Vesper Venue on Friday, Nov. 28 from 5-9 p.m.

Gather together for an evening of the iconic Norfolk pine tree lighting as well as live entertainment, festive firetruck rides, free photos with Santa, and a movie showing of “The Grinch.”

Nutcracker Tea with the San Diego Ballet

The Nutcracker Tea Party returns to Liberty Station on Sunday, Dec. 7. There will be treats, a performance by San Diego Ballet, a visit from Santa, and more. There are two showtimes available, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., to experience the Nutcracker Tea. Tickets can be purchased at libertystation.tix.com. 

Hanukkah and menorah lighting

In partnership with The Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach, Liberty Station will hold a public menorah lighting at the station’s Central Promenade, 2850 Roosevelt Road, to commemorate Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 5-8 p.m. in Central Promenade next to the Rady Children’s Ice Rink.

The family-friendly festivities will include entertainment, packaged treats, and the traditional lighting of the menorah. Following the celebration of Hanukkah, the menorah will stay outdoors on display in the Central Promenade, lighting up for each night of Hanukkah. There is plenty of free parking at Liberty Station in the adjacent parking lots and on the street.

Rady Children’s Ice Rink

Celebrate the holidays at Liberty Station by skating at the Rady Children’s Ice Rink now through Sunday, Jan. 4., so wear festive holiday sweaters and get ready to skate. 

Located in the Central Promenade, the Rady Children’s Ice Rink now is in its 29th year and is a family-friendly way to spend time together, raising funds for the Thriving After Cancer program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

The ice rink will be open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., with modified hours for the year-end holidays. More information can be found here. 

Ice rink modified hours are Nov. 20: 3-10 p.m., Thanksgiving Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Christmas Eve: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Christmas day: Noon-7:30 p.m., New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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