LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights
November 25 – January 1
Location: Carlsbad, One LEGOLAND Dr.
Experience the magic of the Holidays at LEGOLAND with music, twinkling lights and nightly snow fall in Heartlake City. Enjoy live entertainment with LEGO Friends Live and a life-sized LEGO Brick Santa and Reindeer make the perfect family photo.
25th Annual REDNOSE 5K Run/Walk
December 2
1:00 PM
Location: Del Mar, Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd
This annual holiday run/walk is amazing, and sure to become your favorite holiday tradition! The Red Nose Run benefits the Semper Fi Fund and Freshstart Surgical gifts and is sponsored annually by the Low and Slow Running Club of Del Mar. The Low and Slow Running Club consists of runners of various ages and running abilities, who have been getting together for Saturday morning runs for many years. This run/walk takes place on the beautiful beach in the city of Del Mar, 50 yards south of the Poseidon Restaurant. After the run/walk stay and enjoy some fabulous food, raffle prizes and amazing live auction items.
For more info on our two wonderful charities please visit www.semperfifund.org and www.freshstart.org.
A Christmas Carol
December 2 – 4
Location: Solana Beach, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Ste D
A benefit for The Theatre School @ North Coast Rep, A Christmas Carol is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well known story. Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty And The Beast and The Little Mermaid) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once On This Island) partner to make this delightful show the perfect way to kick off the holidays with the entire family!
Vista Winterfest and Tree Lighting
December 2
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Vista, various locations
The Vista Village Business Association’s Downtown Winterfest begins Friday Dec 2 at 5 PM and continues until 8:00 PM featuring horse-drawn carriage rides and caroling, arts and craft vendors and the annual Christmas tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 2 6:15 PM at the Cinepolis Theatre. Carolers can be enjoyed in front of the AVO Playhouse, and other selected venues. There will be arts and crafts vendors along Main Street for holiday gift shopping. Enjoy dinner along with the caroling music in the background.
Buena Vista Audubon Society Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary Walk
December 3
8:00 AM
Location: Oceanside, Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary, 3650 North River Rd.
Join Buena Vista Audubon Society for our regular monthly walk and bird survey at Whelan Lake. The freshwater lake, adjacent riparian forest, and grassy upland hills provide an exciting array of bird species throughout the year, making it a favorite place to go birding.
Vista Holiday Parade
December 3
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Vista, S. Santa Fe and Main Street
Join us for a Nintendo Christmas Parade on Saturday December 3 at 1:00pm in downtown Vista. We will have over 80 parade entries that include marching bands, equestrian teams, Star Wars characters, team mascots, numerous community groups and Santa himself. The ABC Channel 10 New Morning Show team will be our Grand Marshall. After the parade head over to the Cinepolis for photos with all our parade mascots, Star Wars characters and more!
We will have announcers at 3 different spots on the parade route: Main Street in front of Crozier’s Flowers, S. Santa Fe in front of Pepper Tree Frosty, and Main Street in front of Cinepolis.
There is a new parade route. You can view it here.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland Festival
December 3
3:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.
Every year, the Center brings the North Pole to the heart of Escondido. Children will have the chance to frolic in real snow, decorate their very own Christmas cookies, and even rendezvous with live reindeer!
The highlight for kids is, of course, Santa Claus himself, but there will also be a number of holiday-themed entertainers—from carolers, to stilt walkers, to hula dancers—for all ages to enjoy. Food and drink will be available to warm your hands and hearts, and a number of local businesses will be displaying their wares for your holiday shopping needs.
At dusk, our Winter Wonderland Forest will come alive with twinkling lights, and no one will be able to resist the holiday spirit! There are always a few extra surprises in store, so don’t miss your chance to celebrate the holidays at the Center! This event is free and open to the public. Guests will not need a ticket to enjoy the festival, but you can RSVP if you want to avoid Santa’s Naughty List!
Holiday at the Rancho
December 3
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, Leo Carillo Ranch Historical Park, 6200 Flying LC Ln
Experience a classic holiday setting at Holiday at the Rancho as the park is lit up with holiday lights and decorations. Watch the holiday tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. on the sand near the pool.
Decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, and enjoy festive entertainment. Face painting, and a special visit by Santa are also included. The classic holiday film, Polar Express (rated G), will be featured on the outdoor movie screen starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person, and children 3 and under are free. Food, beverages, merchandise, and train rides will be available for an additional cost.
Encinitas Holiday Parade
December 3
5:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Encinitas, Coast Highway 101
Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on as the 2016 Encinitas Holiday Parade rolls along Coast Highway 101 on Saturday, December 3rd. The parade begins at 5:30 PM. It is preceded by a 5:00 PM tree lighting ceremony at the Lumberyard (near Starbucks coffee).
This year’s Parade theme is "Encinitas86!". Encinitas celebrates 30 years since becoming a city in 1986. Top Gun was number 1 and the mullet, big hair and shoulder pads were indeed the rage. In 1986, five unique communities turned into one great city, Encinitas. Show us your version of 1986 with your parade entry! We want to see your creativity and also invite you to show it off and share it with everyone using the hashtags #Encinitas86, EncinitasLife and #EncinitasHolidayParade.
Garden of Lights
December 3 – 23 and 26 – 30
5:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Encinitas, 230 Quail Gardens Dr.
After the sun goes down in December, the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland! More than 125,000 sparkling lights illuminate the flora of this fantastic 37-acre urban oasis each evening from 5 – 9 pm for a magical holiday experience.
Garden of Lights, from December 3 – 23 & 26 – 30, is the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual gift to the San Diego community. Garden of Lights has events and activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. Nightly entertainment, including local blues and jazz bands, as well as delicious food from Red Oven Artisanal Pizza and Pasta, and hot coffee and treats from the Jitter Bean will be available. Numerous family-friendly activities are also part of the festivities including:
- Horse-drawn wagon rides (on selected evenings)
- Holiday Crafts
- Spin Art
- Marshmallow Roasting
- Visits with Santa (December 3 – 23)
- Hot Mulled Wine
- Snow for sledding (on selected evenings)
- Puppet Shows (on selected evenings)
- Holiday Carolers (on selected evenings)
- Nutcracker display
Unique plant-related gift items will be on sale at our gift shops for the plant lovers in your life. Cork purses, garden-themed jewelry, hats, aprons, candles, and garden art are all available. In addition, there will be winter plants, ready to enhance your holiday garden.
PCC Annual Community Bazaar
December 4
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: San Diego, 9550 Carmel Mountain Rd
Persian Cultural Center Presents: PCC annual community bazaar at Mount Carmel High School.
There will be handmade crafts, jewelry, arts and food for sale. We will also have raffle tickets, craft tables, and face painting for children. Sponsoring businesses will be attending. If you like to sponsor this event or promote your business during this event, please contact PCC office at 858-562-9355.
Holiday Concert Whitney Shay Duo
December 4
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, Georgina Cole Library Community Room, 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr
Whitney Shay performs with San Diego blues legend Robin Henkel. Their music blend ranges from the raw 1920s blues of Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith to the high energy ’50s and ’60s rocking rhythm and blues of Etta James and Little Richard. For more information visit www.whitneyshay.com
Tickets are free. Tickets will be distributed beginning two hours prior to the show on the day of event. Made possible by Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation’s Robert H/ Gartner Cultural Endowment Fund.
Vista Community Clinic’s 30th Annual Holiday Homes Tour
December 4
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Vista, various locations
The Vista Community Clinic Holiday Homes Tour is a favorite tradition of the season for hundreds of area residents. The tour provides a close-up look at some of the most beautiful homes in the area. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit VCC’s Kare for Kids Fund, which helps us create warm and welcoming pediatric facilities to promote healing and a love of reading in our young patients.
The 30th Annual Holiday Homes Tour celebrates three decades of spectacular holiday home design! Since its inception in 1986, the tour has featured beautiful private residences decorated for the holidays by a talented team of designers. Visitors return year after year to discover trends in holiday décor and find ideas for their own homes. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Shop at the Holiday Gift Bazaar where local artisans display and sell one-of-a-kind creations. Enjoy breakfast and lunch from a gourmet food truck.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour.
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
December 4
1:30 – 5:00 PM
Location: La Jolla, starts on Girard Ave. at Kline St.
Spread some holiday cheer at the Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival in downtown La Jolla. The event includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and an appearance by Santa Claus. The theme for this year’s parade is "Christmas in the Future."
Green Flash Grand Holiday Marketplace
December 10
12:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Poway, Cellar 3, 12260 Crosthwaite Cir
Bust that dusty, tacky sweater out of your closet and bring your wallet to Cellar 3 on Saturday, December 10th from 12-4 pm as we celebrate our 5th Annual Grand Holiday Marketplace! This Green Flash holiday tradition will be bigger than ever, welcoming and supporting over 25 local artisans who were carefully curated to showcase their hand-made gifts. In addition to crossing off your holiday shopping list, this event will feature an Ugly Sweater Contest and our third Barrelmaster’s Reserve bottle release – Divine Enebro Tripel Ale aged in Gin barrels. Food available from Up In Smoke Food Truck.
The event is free, open to the public and family & dog friendly.
Breakfast with Santa
December 10 and 17
9:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Safari Park, Escondido, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Santa Claus is coming—to the Safari Park! He’ll be here for breakfast and would love to see you. Bring friends and family, and gather at the Safari Park’s scenic Kilima Point for a bountiful breakfast buffet with the jolly ol’ elf himself.
Cost is $25.95 for adults and $15.95 for children, plus tax and parking. Admission is required for nonmembers.
Poway’s Christmas in the Park
December 10
3:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Poway, 14134 Midland Rd.
Are you looking for a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create family memories that will last a lifetime? Witness Christmas traditions come to life in a spectacular fashion at Old Poway Park!
Events include:
- Christmas tree lighting at 5:15 PM.
- Santa’s arrival at 5:30 PM.
- Horse-drawn hay and pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting.
- Speeder rides, model trains, and live entertainment.
- Holiday sweets and warm dinner foods.
Free Shuttles to and from the event will be available from two different locations. Locations include the Poway City Hall Parking Lot, 13325 Civic Center Drive; with the additional location at the Poway Adult School Parking lot located at 13626 Twin Peaks Road. Shuttles will run throughout the event, beginning at 3:00 PM and leaving Old Poway Park for the last trip at 9:00 PM.
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
December 10
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Oceanside Harbor
Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dinghies dress up in holiday swag and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants and beach.
Many of the boats feature people dressed up like Santa waving to the crowd. One of the best viewing spots is along the side of the Oceanside Harbor near the fishing dock and police station. From this vantage point, you can see the parade twice. The concrete walkway that surrounds much of the harbor is also good for spectating the event. Harbor Village at North Harbor has shops, dining, and seating areas.
Holiday Concert Rebecca Jade Trio
December 10
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Ln
The Rebecca Jade Trio is a neo-soul/R&B group from San Diego. Jade’s recent album is called A Shade of Jade. Her unique music and distinctive voice is reminiscent of Etta James, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin but with her special twist. For more information visit www.rebeccajade.com.
Seating is limited and first come, first served.
Tickets are free. Tickets will be distributed in front of the Schulman Auditorium beginning two hours prior to the show on the day of event. Made possible by Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation’s Robert H/ Gartner Cultural Endowment Fund.
Del Dios Trail Half Marathon and 10K
December 11
Location: Escondido, Lake Hodges Visitors Center, Lake Hodges Way
Join us December 11, 2016 for San Diego’s newest trail race. Take in the picturesque views of one of San Diego’s most beautiful lakes, as both the half marathon and 10k courses will feature 100 percent dirt trail courses, with elevation gains between 200′-400′.
For the kids…Running is not just for adults! We are proud to offer our Kids Half Mile Dash. This event is great for kids 8 years and under. Registration is only $10 and includes a kids’ medal.
Encinitas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
December 17
1:00 and 5:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, La Costa Canyon High School, 1 Maverick Way
Encinitas Ballet presents The Nutcracker Ballet, this Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the David H. Thompson Performing Arts Center, La Costa Canyon High School.
Internationally acclaimed choreographers Sayat Asatryan and Olga Tchekachova join with award-winning guest artist dancers, visually stunning stage sets and a charming and accomplished local cast, to make Encinitas Ballet’s presentation of the Tchaikovsky classic one of the most acclaimed in North County.
A joyful event for local families, audiences can expect an uplifting and magical performance complete with a dazzling holiday party, giant mice doing battle with toy soldiers, a growing Christmas tree, dancing snowflakes, a Nutcracker that transforms into a handsome prince and exotic dances from around the world.
With sold out performances every year, tickets are now available online at EncinitasBallet.com. Admission is $20 for children and $25 for adults.