Guide: December IDD-Friendly Activities
December is full of exciting activities and gatherings across San Diego County that cater specifically to the IDD community. We hope that these guides make it easier to get out and connect with the community. If you know of any additional events/activities that could be featured in our guides - please let us know!
Here are ten fantastic events you should mark on your calendar:
SDRC Holiday Craft Fair (San Diego County)
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: San Diego Regional Center Kearny Mesa Office, 4355 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
Description: An opportunity for individuals with IDD to showcase and sell their crafts, fostering creativity and community engagement.
Website: SDRC
Roots of Giving: A Holiday Gift Market
Date: December 6, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106
Description: festive holiday market celebrating ethical shopping, fair trade, and community spirit! Discover unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans and vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to art and specialty goods. This is your chance to support small businesses and find meaningful gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
Website: Eventbrite
Sensory Santa
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: AMC Theatres Court, Mission Valley
Description: Children with special needs and their families can enjoy a visit and private photo session with Santa Claus in a calming environment.
Website: Mission Valley
SDRC Holiday Craft Fair (Imperial County)
Date: December 10, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: San Diego Regional Center Imperial Valley Office, 3095 N. Imperial Ave. El Centro, 92243
Description: An opportunity for individuals with IDD to showcase and sell their crafts, fostering creativity and community engagement.
Website: SDRC
Winter Carnival
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Park De La Cruz Recreation Center, 3911 Landis St., San Diego, CA 92105
Description: A family-friendly event featuring inclusive activities suitable for individuals with IDD, including games, arts and crafts, and festive entertainment.
Website: SD Parks + Rec Department
Leisure Express Local Outings
Date: Various dates throughout December 2024
Description: Organized by The Arc of San Diego, these outings offer teens and adults with IDD the chance to participate in community activities such as movies, dining, and local events, promoting social interaction and independence.
Contact: For more information, please contact Melanie McCoy, Senior Director, Adult Day Services at (619) 685-1175, ext. 1241 or via email.
Website: The Arc San Diego
Support Group for African Americans with Developmental Disabilities
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 6845 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92115
Description: A weekly support group providing a platform for African American individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to connect and share resources.
Website: Eventbrite
Winter Wonderland San Diego 2024
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: SDSU Interwork Institute / Exceptional Family Resource Center
Description: This free, in-person event is the perfect way to celebrate the winter season with your family. Get ready for a day filled with festive fun, holiday cheer, toy giveaways, and REAL SNOW for the whole family: Live Music, toy giveaways, delicious local food, San Diego merchant booths, Santa Claus, free local resources for the community, and so much more!
Website: Eventbrite
AWARE Holiday Dance Party
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Dance Headquarters 5035 Shawline Street San Diego, CA 92111
Description: The Autism Society San Diego is excited to announce monthly dance parties for ASD adults 18 and older. Come join your friends for fun dancing, pizza, beverages and DJ music.
Website: Autism Society San Diego
Sesame Place American Sign Language (ASL) Saturdays
Date: December 21, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Sesame Place San Diego
Description: ASL Saturdays feature a Certified ASL Interpreter stationed at select presentations throughout the park, ensuring that guests who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can fully engage with the interactive shows and activities featuring everyone’s favorite furry friends from Sesame Street.
Website: Sesame Place
These events offer meaningful ways to engage, learn, and have fun within the IDD community. Be sure to check out the social media pages and websites for more details and updates. We hope to see you there, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of our community!
