“A Coastal Christmas Romance": A San Diego Hallmark-style movie, as told by ChatGPT

December Nights, the OB Christmas tree, holiday lights, and ice skating? We’d watch the heck out of this fictional, AI-generated holiday movie set in America’s Finest City.

Ocean Beach Christmas Tree 2022

Of course the OB Christmas tree would be part of the story.

‘Tis the season for cheesy holiday movies and that got us thinking, what would the plot be to a Hallmark movie set in San Diego?

Cue ChatGPT. We asked the popular artificial intelligence tool to drum up a Hallmark-style holiday movie set in America’s Finest City, inspired by stories from our website.

Here’s the masterpiece, aptly titled “A Coastal Christmas Romance":

Plot Summary: “Mia, a rising tech executive from Silicon Valley, returns to her hometown of San Diego to oversee her company’s sponsorship at Balboa Park’s iconic December Nights festival. Tasked with ensuring the event’s high-tech lighting installations run smoothly, Mia is ready for a no-nonsense trip focused on work.

Her plans change when she bumps into Alex, a free-spirited surf instructor and local holiday enthusiast who volunteers to decorate the quirky Ocean Beach Christmas Tree every year. Alex is spearheading a community fundraiser to restore the aging light displays at Christmas Circle in Chula Vista, a tradition dear to locals but at risk of being discontinued.

Despite their clashing personalities — Mia’s driven, fast-paced energy and Alex’s relaxed, community-focused charm — the two find themselves drawn together as they navigate San Diego’s festive hotspots, from skating at Liberty Station to the Jingle Jets display aboard the USS Midway. Along the way, Mia rediscovers the magic of her city and the meaning of the season, and Alex realizes he might have found the person willing to fight for more than just Christmas lights.”

Key Locations Featured:

  • Balboa Park’s December Nights: Iconic tree lighting and live music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion set the scene for their first meeting.
  • Ocean Beach Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree: The slightly bent, quirky tree reflects the community spirit Alex adores.
  • Christmas Circle in Chula Vista: Mia and Alex team up to save this cherished holiday light display.
  • Del Mar’s Coastal Christmas: A romantic walk under millions of shimmering lights capped by skating at the “glice” rink.

Themes:

  • Balancing personal ambition with community values.
  • Rediscovering the magic of the holidays through connection.
  • The charm of San Diego’s holiday traditions.

Yep, we’d watch the heck out of this.

More from SDtoday
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
Whew, 2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year in America’s Finest City.
Reach your local community with our help.
Don’t just pick a spot with pancakes and eggs — pick the spot that’s perfect for your gathering with this guide that includes menu recommendations, brunch categories, and beyond.
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
Lunch near San Diego shouldn’t break the bank. From salads to sandwiches, we’ve got the best lunch spots that everyone can agree on.
Benson Boone? Check. Ice Cube? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
Here’s a taste of what’s new at the landmark dining and shopping hub.
America’s Finest City is always super, but on this long weekend every July, the scene in downtown SD is extra incredible — catch these highlights.