HOLIDAY EVENTS:
CARMEL VALLEY
Tree Lighting at One Paseo
Lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and festivities continue until 9 p.m. at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley. The center will be shimmering with firefly lights in the trees and festive decor. The evening will feature live music performances, some snow and Santa along with special guests. Visit onepaseo.com.
DEL MAR
Coastal Christmas Del Mar
The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts a Coastal Holiday Festival with holiday light attractions is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13-15; Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 26 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, “glice” skating, a holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, a holiday wine walk and Santa and Friends. Igloos and fireside lounges can be reserved for cozying with some hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food, and drinks will be sold. Tickets will cost $19.95 and $12.95 for children ages 4-12. Admission is free for 3 and under. The Holiday Wine Walk will cost $49.99. Promotional nights include military, first responders and teachers. Visit delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2024/coastal-christmas
North Pole by the Sea
Family-friendly festivities will kick off at 1 p.m. Dec. 8 throughout the Del Mar Village, including photos with Santa and letters to Santa at Del Mar Plaza, holiday characters, carolers, live music until 5 p.m., hot chocolate and drinks for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. at L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater, Camino Del Mar and 15th Street. The annual holiday tree lighting is at 5 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar. Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea.
ENCINITAS
Tree lighting and parade
The Dec. 7 event kicks off with a tree lighting and brief appearance from Santa at 5 p.m. in The Lumberyard shops courtyard, between H and I streets, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. Encinitas’ annual holiday parade, themed “Creativity in Motion,” is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. It will feature floats, marching bands and decorated cars along Coast Highway from D to J streets. Visit encinitasca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-cultural-arts/recreation-programs/encinitas-holiday-parade
SOLANA BEACH
Holiday tree lighting
The family-friendly tree lighting event is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave. There will be sweets, treats and Mexican hot cocoa, hosted by the City of Solana Beach and La Colonia Community Foundation. Santa will arrive with his elves at 5:20 p.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/holiday-tree-lighting-la-colonia
Community tree lighting
The annual free holiday tree lighting at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., starts at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with hot cocoa, sweets, treats and cider. Santa is slated to arrive by a firetruck escort at 5:20 p.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org/en/Fletcher-Cove-Holiday-Tree-Lighting-2024
SAN DIEGO REGION
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
The annual holiday event from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 (except Dec. 24) at the San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, features a wonderland of twinkling lights, live entertainment, music and views of wildlife, along with a magic of Aurora immersive performance about the power of nature with 3D projection mapping, music and lights. Highlights featured at various times, include Reindeer Games, Jingle Brass concerts and a Holiday Troubadour along with Northern Frontier’s Holiday Forest, zoo characters, snow and a visit with Santa. There will be food, drinks and shopping for gifts. The zoo is open late from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event; except Dec. 24. Free with zoo admission or membership; parking is free. Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
The event runs from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5 with Christmas shows, and the debut of the Happy Harbor Holiday Live Character Show. The SkyTower will be adorned with sparkling lights and there will be a tunnel of lights and music. The new Mrs. Claus Christmas Parade with her merry elves will be daily. Highlights include A Stocking Full of Soul night of live music, singing and dancing and A Christmas Wish fireworks show Dec. 14 and Dec. 31 along with Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show nightly. SeaWorld will so present a Hanukkah display to celebrate the Jewish holiday starting Dec. 1 with a menorah lighting, holiday décor and Hanukkah music. Visit seaworldsandiego.com.
LOCAL AND REGIONAL EVENTS:
Pearl Harbor 83rd Anniversary observance
American Legion San Dieguito Post 416 will observe Pearl Harbor Day 2024 with a memorial service at 9:55 a.m. on Dec. 7, at Cottonwood Creek Veterans Park, at the intersection of Encinitas Blvd. and Vulcan Ave., Encinitas. Post 416 Legionnaires will conduct a memorial ceremony commemorating the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and lay a wreath in honor of the 2,403 service men and women who died on that Sunday morning in 1941. Local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will assist the Post in the Observance which will last approximately one hour.
The Country Friends Annual Holiday Tea Luncheon
The Country Friends will hold its Annual Holiday Tea Luncheon on Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa. Event attendees will have the opportunity to sip champagne while they shop and mingle, followed by a brief program and luncheon. Win opportunity prizes donated by participating boutiques and local businesses. Nearly a dozen vendors will offer fashion, accessories, handbags, jewelry, and holiday gifts. The funds raised from the Annual Holiday Tea will benefit The Country Friends’ Chosen Charities. The Country Friends mission is “to support human care agencies with emphasis on those providing services to women, children, the elderly, military, and persons with disabilities in San Diego County.” RSVP by Nov. 24 at countryfriends.org (events category).
San Diego Opera presents “Making Merry: A Choral Holiday Celebration”
San Diego Opera will put on “Making Merry: A Choral Holiday Celebration” on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Balboa Theatre. The San Diego Opera Chorus will be joined by special guest stars for a heartwarming holiday concert that features music spanning centuries and styles. Filled with songs of the season, carols, modern favorites and classic holiday songs, this is a chance to celebrate (and sing along) with your loved ones. Balboa Theatre is located at 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego, 92101. For tickets and more information, visit www.sdopera.org/shows/making-merry/
Bing Crosby Season events at Del Mar Racetrack: Beer & Cider Fest, Toys for Tots
Beer & Cider Fest: Nov. 23, 12 p.m. — 4 p.m. The Beer & Cider Fest is back at Del Mar, overflowing with food, music, and brews. Sample from over 50 brews, ciders and seltzers while enjoying live horse racing, all trackside. This event is open to all attendees, and you can purchase five beer tickets for $15. Toys for Tots: Nov. 24. Help put a smile on a child’s face by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or making a monetary donation. In return, you’ll receive free racetrack admission on Sunday. Make sure to look for the donation bins located outside the Admission Gates and spread some holiday cheer while enjoying a day at the track. Visit www.dmtc.com for more information.
Holidays events kick off at Legoland
There will be holiday treats, twinkling lights, live entertainment and some snowfall from Nov. 23 through Jan. 5 at Legoland California, One Legoland Drive. Visitors can see the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decked with lights and Lego ornaments built out of more than 350,000 Lego and Duplo bricks. Photos can be taken with life-size festive Lego models or costumed characters such as a Lego Santa, a toy soldier, a gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. Visit legoland.com.
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
The Encinitas Holiday Street Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 with live music, beer garden, vendors and food along 101 Coast Highway in downtown Encinitas. The event features 450 food and arts and crafts vendors, four entertainment stages, children’s rides and bike valets. Visit encinitas101.com/holiday-street-fair.
Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5K
The Fleet Feet Thanksgiving 5K will take place on Nov. 28 with check-in at 7:15 a.m., and participants will begin running or walking at 8 a.m. The route begins and ends at the Fleet Feet San Diego store at 5980 Village Way in The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. The event follows a “fun run” format, and the route will be marked, but roads will not be closed. Registration is free. Runners can raise money for Molly’s Angels Foundation and to support Monarch Schools for homeless youths and Vista Hill, which provides mental health, education and social services. Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanDiego/FreeThanksgivingDay5k
“Harmony Under the Mistletoe” holiday concert
A holiday concert, “Harmony Under the Mistletoe” featuring more than 80 singers from the Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony Chorus is 3 p.m. December 7 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff. Tickets are $25. The church is at 3459 Manchester Ave. Visit www.stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com
Sandpipers Square Dance Club event
Sandpipers Square Dance Club will hold community dances on Nov. 23 from 6-7 p.m. at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave, Solana Beach. This monthly event introduces square dancing. Singles, couples and families welcome. Casual attire, refreshments. Partner and dance experience not needed. Donation $10; free for children. Supported by City of Solana Beach. Visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Rancho Santa Fe Thanksgiving service
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Rancho Santa Fe welcomes the community to its Thanksgiving service, Thursday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. Address: 6165 La Flecha, Rancho Santa Fe, 92067. Phone: 858-756-1691
Old Globe presents Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The Old Globe will hold its 27th annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre. Tickets are now on sale at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623).
RSF Garden Club offers grants
Community-based nonprofits in San Diego County can submit a Request for Proposal for grant funding to the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club by Dec. 15. Grant applicants can request up to $10,000 for their proposed use. Projects requesting funding must further the mission of the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club in developing charitable horticulture, botany, farming and conservation activities. For information, visit rsfgardenclub.org or email [email protected].
“Harmony Under the Mistletoe” holiday concert
A holiday concert, “Harmony Under the Mistletoe” featuring more than 80 singers from the Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony Chorus is 3 p.m. December 7 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff. Tickets are $25. The church is at 3459 Manchester Ave. Visit www.stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com
Kringle Mingle holiday event
The 17th annual Kringle Mingle is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 with live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, hot coffee and hot chocolate hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and vendor booths for holiday shopping until 5 p.m. in downtown Cardiff along South Coast Highway 101. Santa and his vintage Camera Camper sleigh will be ready for photos from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Visit cardiff101.com/events.
Doggie Street Festival
The 15th annual San Diego Doggie Street Festival is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road. There will be animals ready to be adopted from more than 17 area rescue organizations. The event includes vendors with pet products and services along with music and festival foods. Pet professionals and veterinarians can give tips about pet foods, services, health, nutrition, travel, lodging, training, spay/neuter and veterinary care. New this year is a Giving Wall for Pets of the Homeless to collect items for pets living with homeless community members. Visit doggiestreetfestival.org.
Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope
Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K takes off at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 28 at the Cabrillo Bridge in Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado. The run raises money to provide meals for community members in need through the nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages food services programs. Registration is $51-$62; or $37-$43 for ages 6-12.. Register at thanksgivingrun.org.
Sandpipers Square Dance Club event
Sandpipers Square Dance Club will hold community dances on Nov. 23 from 6-7 p.m. at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave, Solana Beach. This monthly event introduces square dancing. Singles, couples and families welcome. Casual attire, refreshments. Partner and dance experience not needed. Donation $10; free for children. Supported by City of Solana Beach. Visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.
Encinitas Ballet Nutcracker
City of Encinitas presents Nutcracker in partnership with Encinitas Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. at San Dieguito Academy Performing Arts Center, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. Encinitas Ballet will present this joyful event for all ages to enjoy. Audiences can expect an uplifting and magical performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker complete with a dazzling holiday party, giant mice doing battle with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, a Nutcracker that transforms into a handsome prince, and exotic dances from around the world. For tickets go to shorturl.at/0TwWo or call 760-633-2746.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns on Dec. 8 and 15 for its 54th running. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights announces the theme for the 2024 holiday boat parade, ‘Peace on Earth.’ This year marks the 54th annual Parade of Lights, a free event and long-established holiday tradition in the San Diego Bay. This year’s parade will be taking place on Dec. 8 and 15. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the parade will take approximately one hour and a half following the route. Visit Visit sdparadeoflights.org for more information.
Creative Wednesday with the Fleet Science Center at One Paseo
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., at One Paseo in Carmel Valley, join a hands-on science activities event with the Fleet Science Center—a fun way for kids to explore STEM. As a bonus, participants can redeem a free custard with purchase at Shake Shake. Address: 3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley.
Encinitas Turkey Trot
Thursday, Nov. 28 will mark the 10th anniversary of a favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition, the Encinitas Turkey Trot. The event offers fun for the whole family with 5K and 10K race options, starting under the world-famous “Encinitas” sign on Coast Highway 101 with beautiful ocean views along the course. Creative costumes are always encouraged and prizes will be awarded for individual and group costumes. The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Proceeds from race registration will support veterans through the nonprofit organization VANC. For over 17 years VANC actively supports service personnel and their families to help them navigate life during and after service. The race will also support Boy Scouts of America Troop 776. Register at encinitasturkeytrot.org.
North Coast Rep to present benefit concert celebrating American music
A celebration of American music to benefit North Coast Repertory Theatre will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Celebrate the holidays with acclaimed pianist Mackenzie Melemed and support North Coast Rep with music and stories from the 1800s to the present day.The event will feature music by George Gershwin, Edward MacDowell, Louis-Moreau Gottschalk, Florence Price and Amy Beach, as well as some of Broadway’s favorites, a news release stated. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.northcoastrep.org or at the Box Office (858) 481-1055. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.
Joyce DiDonato and Kings Return with Craig Terry at The Conrad
Multi-Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato joins forces with the dynamic four-piece vocal group Kings Return, alongside the brilliant pianist Craig Terry on Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall in La Jolla. This special Christmas program promises a delightful blend of sacred and popular repertoire, transporting audiences to a world of joy and wonder. This unforgettable collaboration of world-class talent brings the true spirit of the season to life. For more information and tickets visit www.TheConrad.org.
