It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and while everyone may not be able to go in the snow, there are still plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy. While warm weather and sunshine may not feel like a proper winter to some, it only means that we can enjoy the holidays to their fullest extent.

For those looking for local activities, Poway’s Winter Festival will take place on Jan.13 and 14 at the Poway Community Park off Midland Road. Experience the magic of winter by sledding, building a snowman, or skating on a synthetic ice rink.

Another Poway festivity, known as “Candy Cane Courts” or “Candy Cane Lane”, is an extravagant neighborhood full of Christmas lights that has been a local favorite for decades. The neighborhood can be reached by turning onto Hickory Street from Saddlewood Drive, and look for the over-the-top decorations adorning the houses. Decorations usually go up during late November and stay up until early January, although homeowners choose when they decorate. The neighborhood is made up of three cul-de-sacs that take ten to thirty minutes to enjoy depending on how many people are there.

For those willing to drive outside of Poway, the Hotel Del Coronado has an ice rink on the beach with views of the Pacific Ocean until Jan. 1. Times vary daily, but the general schedule is 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 8 or 10 p.m. on the weekends. Check the Hotel Del Coronado website for the day’s schedule. Skaters get 90 minutes of ice time for $40, and it’s well worth the price to experience Skating by the Sea.

If you’re not looking to cross the bridge to Coronado, the 52nd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is on Dec.11 and 18 starting at 5:30 p.m. The parade can be seen on San Diego Bay starting at Shelter Island and ending at the Ferry Landing on Coronado. Expect to see boats decorated with lights and decorations featuring all wintertime holidays.

However, Christmas isn’t the only holiday this time of the year. The Chabad of La Jolla is throwing its Hanukkah Celebration at the La Valencia Hotel on December 21 starting at 5:30 p.m. Alongside a menorah lighting, attendees can expect to enjoy live music, latkes, menorah kits, and more for free.

Located next to Balboa Park, the WorldBeat Cultural Center is celebrating its 42nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on December 26, 27, 28, and 30. From 6 to 9 p.m., attendees will enjoy ceremonial candle lighting, live drumming, Kwanzaa poetry reading, and Karamu. The celebrations are free to attend, and remember that the WorldBeat Cultural Center requires guests to wear their masks indoors.

With lots of events to choose from, don’t be bored this holiday season. You can have a happy and festive winter in sunny San Diego.