San Diego isn’t exactly a winter wonderland during the holidays, but that hasn’t stopped us from developing our own seasonal traditions with a unique SoCal twist. We’ve got palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, boat parades, sightings of the elusive Surfing Santa, and a variety of festive outdoor activities because we don’t have to worry about frostbite.

Still, chillier temperatures in San Diego are not impossible, and warm winter days are invariably followed by crisp winter nights. That’s why it’s important to dress appropriately, especially when it comes to footwear. Whether you’re taking a stroll through a competitively decorated neighborhood or enjoying the sights and sounds of a town holiday celebration, you’ll need the cozy warmth provided by UGG boots or UGG’s new, popularly priced Koolaburra line. Need some ideas of where to rock your fuzzy footwear? Here are a few suggestions for celebrating the holidays the San Diego way:

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Holiday house decorations can be quite extravagant, but you’d be surprised how festive a boat can be with the right combination of lights and garland. The annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a beloved local tradition held on two consecutive Sundays in December

Dec. 10 and 17), featuring over 80 decorated boats sailing from Shelter Island, past the Embarcadero, all the way to the Ferry Landing in Coronado. This year’s theme is “Arrgh! A Pirate’s Christmas,” with the procession starting at 5 p.m. If you’re wearing UGGs, you won’t have to worry about oceanfront cold. Most UGG boots feature the UGGpure™ and genuine sheepskin lining, which will keep your feet warm all through the festive night.

Hotel Del Holiday Festival

There’s nothing like seeing the historic Hotel Del Coronado aglow in holiday lights, and the famous landmark’s holiday spirit doesn’t end there. On Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., join the hotel for its annual Holiday Festival, featuring ice skating, live music, carnival games, s’mores on the beach, and a spectacular fireworks display. The event also includes a stop at Santa’s Village, with games, prizes, and photos with St. Nick himself—although we can’t confirm he’ll arrive on a surfboard instead of a sleigh. Real sheepskin and cozy faux fur linings mean your UGGs will keep you and every member of your family warm in the brisk ocean breeze. And if you want to kick it up a notch, try the tall Kasen—it features a swanky leather wrapped heel, so you’ll fit right in with the Hotel Del’s upscale décor.

Nature Hikes

Not only is winter wonderfully temperate in San Diego, but it’s also our green season, when seasonal rains transform dry brush lands into lush green wonderlands. There’s no better time to take a nature hike through Mission Trails, Torrey Pines, or one of the other sprawling parks in the county. For a more leisurely and festive “hiking” experience, stroll through the 35 lush acres of the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, which is decked out in over 125,000 sparkling lights each evening during the holidays. Just don’t forget to wear your cozy UGGs or Koolaburra boots during your adventures in nature.

Holiday Farmers Markets

One of the best side effects of living in year-round temperate weather is the abundance of farm-fresh produce and other goods available at local Farmers Markets in every season. All around San Diego during the holidays, you can find a colorful, delicious selection of local offerings to make the perfect holiday meal, plus a variety of gifts, decorations, and fresh baked goods to help check off all those items on your holiday to-do list. To ward off the early morning or evening winter chill at most Farmer's’ Market locations, slip into a pair of Koolaburra Victoria Short boots, which are both warm and festively adorned with bows.

Give the gift of comfort and warmth this holiday season

We admit it—San Diegans can be a bit vulnerable to cold weather, busting out the parkas and scarves when the temperature dips below 60 degrees. That’s why UGGs and Koolaburra boots are the perfect gift for the locals on your list—and for you! Whether it’s hiking a scenic trail, a night out in the city, or simply snuggling up with some hot cocoa by the fire, Boot World has a huge selection of functional and comfortable footwear to choose from at great prices. Stop in one of our six San Diego locations today to find the best variety of slippers, men’s, women’s and kids’ boots, and more!

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