In 1542 the Spanish first came to what is now San Diego, but settlement did not start until 1769. In 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain, and along with it, California. In 1848 the Mexican War saw the annexation of California to the United States.

From about 1868, San Diego's "New Town" began to be built in what is now downtown San Diego. This led to a general decline of Old Town up until 1969 --the 200th anniversary of San Diego-- when the city's Bicentennial celebration returned Old Town to the public eye, and to the heart of San Diego. This was the locale of the Helen Hunt Jackson book "Ramona"

Reoccurring Events

Wednesdays - Living History Demonstration

Each Wednesday 10 AM -2 PM. See historic crafts, food preparation, music, and blacksmithing at various locations in Old Town State Historic Park.

Third Saturdays - LADO Meeting

Monthly meeting for all volunteers in the park. Seeley Stable, 10 AM

Fourth Saturdays - Monthly living history demonstrations and displays.

Volunteers should gather at the Robinson-Rose Building at 9:30 AM

Festive 1800’s Holiday in the Park celebration.

Fiesta Navidad in Old Town

Special this December is a variety of events that offer visitors and shoppers the opportunity to

experience the history of early San Diego.

As part of Fiesta Navidad, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park will once again be hosting

Holiday in the Park, a festive 1800’s seasonal celebration. The Park and local community will

be adorned with holiday decorations, lantern-lit museums, hundreds of luminarias, holiday

entertainment, festive music, and the very popular candlelight tours will be available.

In addition to holiday entertainment, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, just minutes

from downtown and an option to the busy malls, offers a number of high quality gifts at

reasonable prices in a quaint historic setting. Shoppers are offered a glimpse into yesteryear,

where life moves more slowly in this part of town, and where the holiday hustle and bustle is

balanced with history and fiestas.

Historic Merchants Open House

This event takes you back to a time when merchants opened their doors to celebrate the season

with strolling musicians, free refreshments, and holiday entertainment. Receive a free ornament

craft kit with purchase, and there are twelve different ornaments to collect. Sponsored by the

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Merchants Association. 6:00 to 9:00 PM. For more

information call 619-298-3944.

Festival of Lights

Celebrate Chanukah and the heritage of the Jewish settlers during the holiday season at Old

Town San Diego State Historic Park Plaza. Activities include traditional song, folk dance, magic

show, as well as food and beverage. Begins at 6pm in the plaza in front of the Robinson-Rose

Visitor Center. For more information, call 619-884-5527.

Las Posadas

Sponsored by the Save our Heritage Organisation and the Old Town Community, the live

procession of Las Posadas tells the Christmas story of centuries ago. This year's event marks

its 57th year of this celebration filled with tradition and song, and is one of the oldest Las

Posadas celebrations in the United States. The celebration represents the pilgrimage of Mary

and Joseph to Bethlehem seeking shelter, complete with donkey. The public is invited to be

part of the procession and to join with the choir in singing traditional Mexican and American

songs. Luminarias light the way beginning at 6:30pm at Heritage Park and continuing through

Old Town into the State Park to the Plaza, which since the 1820’s has served as the town’s

place of gathering. The event culminates in celebration and the breaking of a piñata with

museums, shops and restaurants staying open late for the public to enjoy. For more

information, contact Save our Heritage Organisation 619-297-9327.

Holiday in the Park Candlelight Tours

Experience the history of early San Diego with candlelight tours, lantern-lit museums, hundreds

of luminarias, holiday entertainment, and festive music.

Horse and carriage rides will be available for a nominal fee. The concession retail stores and

restaurants, represented by the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Merchants Association,

will be open for extended shopping hours until 9pm. The historic working Blacksmith shop, San

Diego Union Newspaper Printing shop and newly refurbished Seeley Stable museum will also

be open to the public for added holiday entertainment. Historical traditions and the romance of

early California will be recreated in this historic seasonal festival.

Parking and entrance to the park are FREE, and is conveniently located adjacent to the Old

Town Transit Center, with Coaster, Trolley, and MTS Bus service.

For additional state park event information, phone 619-220-5422

Old Town San Diego & State Historic Park

Reoccurring Events

Old Town San Diego
& State Historic Park