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Home » San Diego Attractions » Petco Park Holiday Market: Honest Review

Petco Park Holiday Market: Honest Review

May 20, 2026 By: Maria Haase This article may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you buy through our links.

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Petco Park Holiday Market Quick Facts:
Date and Time: 2023 Dates and Times TBD

The longest-lasting San Diego Holiday Markets takes place at Petco Park on Gallagher Square. For 18 nights in December, visitors can enjoy artisanal shops, Holiday decor, and of course, delicious treats for the whole family. Of course, there will be a Christmas tree lighting, Santa, and all the other holiday characters as well.

Also read:
Christmas in San Diego 2023 Guide
Best Christmas Markets in San Diego
Where to see the Christmas Lights in San Diego

Greg and I went on opening day and as our first event for the Holiday Season of 2023. The light displays were very picturesque and Instagram-able. Great if you are still looking for some photos for your Holiday cards. The booths also had some really cute trinkets and things for gifts in all price ranges. There were a few food stalls, including a Raclette booth, pizza (Big Oven Pizza is amazing!), and lots of sweet treats.

However, the beverage prices were, in my eyes, way over the top. $15 for a small 8oz cup of Glühwein served in a paper cup? And it wasn’t even good. All you could taste was way too much cinnamon and clove. Not to be a Grinch, but yikes!

Hard cider and spiked hot chocolate were also $15, a can of beer $13.50-15, and canned cocktails between $13.50-23.50. Non-alcoholic drinks were a bit easier to stomach. $5 for hot chocolate and cider, $6 for a can of soda, and $5 for a bottle of water.

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Growing up in Germany and visits to the Christmas Markets were something I grew up with. They were something that was affordable for everyone and part of everyone’s Holiday tradition. It was sad for me to see it being turned into such an overly commercialized event.

I am not saying the Holiday Market at Petco Park is all bad. If sparkly and stunning Holiday photo ops are your thing, this is definitely worth checking out. Also, the activities for the kids are all free, including seeing Santa, Merry-go-round, a big carpet slide, and more.

Personally, I don’t think Greg and I will be back, though, at least not for this season.

Tickets for Holiday Market at Petco Park:

Speaking of tickets… To purchase tickets for the Holiday Market at Petco Park, you need to go to this website, select a date and time and buy the tickets. Important: You must enter during your selected time period; however, there is no time limit on how long you can stay for your visit. Adults cost $14, and children aged 1-14 cost $10.

Holiday decor and person dressed in snow flake costume at Petco Park Holiday Market

Last Updated on May 20, 2026 by Maria Haase

Filed Under: Latest Posts, San Diego Attractions

About Maria Haase

Maria Haase is the editor-in-chief and founder of SanDiegoExplorer.com and EuropeUpClose.com, and an award-winning travel writer and photographer whose work has been honored by the Society of American Travel Writers (Western Chapter) and the San Diego Press Club. She has been publishing online continuously since 2007, holds an MBA, has spoken at TBEX and other industry conferences, and most recently attended Tianguis Turístico 2026, the Mexican tourism trade fair held this year in Acapulco. She is based in San Diego, California, and travels frequently to Mexico, Europe, and beyond.

Previous Post: «grilled octopus with arugula and white beans Mitch’s Seafood – Review from a Local Foodie
Next Post: Best San Diego Christmas Markets to Put You in the Holiday Spirit Christmas trees and Holiday decor at Petco Park Holiday Market San Diego»

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We are Greg and Maria (and Robby the dog), San Diego locals and explorers. San Diego Explorer is our local San Diego Blog, where we share our favorite hangout spots, restaurants, and things to do in San Diego. We also love exploring beyond San Diego and frequently travel throughout California and Mexico.

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Contact: Maria Haase · Editor@SanDiegoExplorer.com · +1-619-846-9287 · Copyright © 2026

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