LEGOLAND Holiday Snow Days and Winter Nights
November 18 – January 1
Location: Carlsbad, One LEGOLAND Dr.
Experience the magic of the Holidays at LEGOLAND® with music, twinkling lights and the world’s largest LEGO® Christmas Tree. Enjoy live entertainment with LEGO Friends Live in Heartlake City, Santa’s elves singing in Fun town and a life-sized LEGO Brick Santa and Reindeer that make the perfect family photo.
Frozen Sing-A-Long
December 2
6:30 PM
Location: Vista, Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr
Moonlight presents the Frozen Sing-A-Long Experience, a night when it’s okay to stand up and burst into song during a movie.
There’s more to this night than watching a movie, however. Everyone will be given a “fun pack” with props to use during the show. You’ll also get a vocal warm-up and choreography demonstration before the movie.
Costumes are strongly encouraged, and there will also be a snow play area for kids.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Showtime is at 6:30 p.m. Outside food and drinks are permitted (except alcohol). The show will go on rain or shine.
Buena Vista Audubon Society Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary Walk
December 2
8 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 2
1 – 3 PM
Location: Vista, S. Santa Fe and Main Street
Come join us for our 59th Annual Vista Christmas Parade!
The Parade will start at 1:00 pm. The parade route starts at Civic Center parking lot, turns right on Eucalyptus, right on S. Santa Fe, right on Broadway, left on Citrus, left on Main Street and ends at the Wave Waterpark.
Parking can be found at Cinepolis, the Wave, side streets and parking lots. No parking will be available at the civic center, the library or along the downtown parade route.
Winter Wonderland Festival
December 2
3 – 8 PM
Location: Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.
Every year, the California Center for the Arts 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 Lyric Court 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 is a ticketless event, but if you want to also be part of our new Yuletide Cinema: Elf after the festival, you’ll need a ticket. More information here.
Holiday at the Rancho
December 2
5 – 8 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 lights and decorations. Watch the holiday tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. on the sand near the pool.
Decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, and enjoy festive entertainment. Face painting, the holiday train, and a special visit by Santa are also included. The classic holiday film, Santa Clause 3: The Escape Claus (rated G), will be featured on the outdoor movie screen starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Food and beverages will be available for an additional cost.
Encinitas Holiday Parade
December 2
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Location: Encinitas, Coast Highway 101
Encinitas’ favorite holiday tradition. Put it on your calendar. Nearly 100 parade entries will roll, march, cycle, scoot and cruise down the Coast Highway on the most magical night of the year.
Thousands of people will be on floats, on foot, in cars, and marching in bands while tens of thousands cheer them along the Parade route along Coast Highway 101. The nighttime parade theme for 2017 is “Celebrating the Arts!” Parade entries are gearing up to go all out, using decorations, performance, lights, music and art to show off what Celebrating the Arts means to them.
Parade spectators will be able claim a good spot to watch the parade as soon as Coast Highway closes at 4 pm. Followed by a countdown and ceremonial tree lighting, Santa himself will make a brief appearance to kick things off at 5 pm at the Lumberyard shops courtyard (near Starbucks).
Garden of Lights
December 2 – 23 and 26 – 30
5 – 9 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. Festive holiday activities abound including SNOW (on select evenings), horse-drawn wagon rides (also on select eveings), holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting, visits with Santa, hot mulled wine and refreshments. Enjoy great holiday entertainment every single night!
Performing Arts Workshop Presents The Nutcracker
December 2 – 3
Location: Oceanside, Traux Theater, 400 Rancho del Oro Dr
Join us for the holiday classic The Nutcracker at the Truax Theatre December 2nd at 1pm and 5pm and December 3rd at 11am and 3pm!
We’ll follow Clara, her godfather Drosselmeyer, Sugar Plum, and her cavalier as they embark upon a fantastical dancing journey through the Stahlbaum’s Christmas Eve party, the Snowy Forest, and the land of the Sweets. Bring your friends, bring your family, and bring your imagination and discover why The Nutcracker is one of the most popular ballets of all time!
PCC Annual Community Bazaar
December 3
9 AM – 12 PM
Location: San Diego, Rancho Penasquitos, 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.
December 3
12 – 8 PM
Location: Downtown Vista, various locations
The Vista Village Business Association’s Downtown Winterfest begins at noon and features horse-drawn carriage rides wth caroling, and arts and craft vendors. The annual Christmas tree lighting will be at 5:30 PM at the Cinepolis Theatre. The lighting will feature the jazzy vocals of Celeste Barbier and snow falling from the sky! Additionally, there will be story time with Santa’s elves, pictures with Santa, and a spectaular light show.
At 6 PM, Cinepolis will present a special holiday showing of Elf on the big screen.
Vista Community Clinic’s Annual Holiday Homes Tour
December 3
10 AM – 4 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 31st Annual Holiday Homes Tour will feature four beautiful private residences decorated for the holidays by a talented team of designers. 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. To order tickets by phone, please call 760-631-5000 x1139.
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
December 3
1:30 – 5 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 Jewels."
There will be a kids’ zone, educational exhibits, entertainment and photos with Santa at the Holiday Festival. The festival starts at 2:30 pm and runs until 5 pm.
Breakfast with Santa
December 9 and 10
9 – 10:30 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 $26.95 for adults and $16.95 for children, plus tax and parking. Admission is required for nonmembers.
Poway’s Christmas in the Park
December 9
3:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Poway, Old Poway Park, 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.
- Train 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, Poway City Hall Parking Lot at 13325 Civic Center Drive, and 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 9
7 – 9 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.
Santa at the Adobe
December 9
10 AM – 3 PM
Location: Vista, 640 Alta Vista Dr
Santa is visiting the Adobe! Come take a picture with Santa and make a memorable holiday ornament. This is a great way to spend some quality time with your child, grandchild, niece or nephew! Join us and visit with Santa, take a walk around the Adobe and a step back in time!
Tickets will be sold at the gate the day of the event only. Cost is $5 per child.
Del Dios Trail Half Marathon and 10K
December 10
Location: Escondido, Lake Hodges, 20188 Lake Dr
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Del Dios Trail Half Marathon 10K, and 5K at beautiful Lake Hodges in Escondido, CA.
Join us December 10, 2017 for San Diego’s fastest growing trail race. Take in the picturesque views of one of San Diego’s most beautiful lakes, as all courses will feature dirt service roads or single track trails, with elevation gains between 100′-500′. When hills are present they are short but steep.
The Living Nativity
December 14 – 17
6 – 9 PM
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, Horizon Christian Fellowship, 6365 Apajo Rd
With dramatic scenes and recreations, The Living Nativity walks you through the birth, ministry, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Enjoy the marketplace, camel rides, petting zoo, kids games and crafts, hot chocolate and great food trucks.
Annual REDNOSE 5K Run/Walk
December 15
1 PM
Location: Del Mar, Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd
THE RED NOSE RUN is a 5K(ish) fun run and walk on beautiful Del Mar beach that is family and dog friendly. Managed 100% by a volunteer team and benefits two amazing San Diego based nonprofits, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and Semper Fi Fund.
Race day check-in is at 1 PM. Run/walk start time is at 2 PM. The after run celebration starts as soon as you cross the finishline!For more info on our two wonderful charities please visit www.semperfifund.org and www.freshstart.org.
Encinitas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
December 16
1 and 5 PM
Location: Carlsbad, La Costa Canyon High School, 1 Maverick Way
Encinitas Ballet brings the traditional Nutcracker ballet as you never seen it before. This enchanting ballet features candy canes leaping through the air, giant mice battling with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and a nutcracker transforming into a handsome prince.
Hand painted professional scenery, dazzling costumes, unmatched choreography, and extraordinary dancers make this production the best in North County.
This production is directed and choreographed by Encinitas Ballet’s internationally acclaimed choreographers, teachers and artistic directors, Sayat Asatryan and Olga Tchekachova.
Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve Gala
December 31
Location: San Diego, San Diego Hilton Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd
Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve is excited to be back again at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront! Ring in 2018 as this will be our biggest and amazing FIFTEENTH New Year’s Eve celebration.
Big Night San Diego is the perfect, ALL-INCLUSIVE night. Leave your wallet at home because your ticket includes everything: all drinks included all night, buffet, and entertainment throughout the TEN different party zones. (All you need to remember is your ID, because you must be at least 21 to attend.)
NO CORNERS HAVE BEEN CUT to provide you with an unforgettable night of pampering, down to the last detail. Conveniently located on the waterfront in downtown San Diego, right on the trolley line (no shuttles needed) – all inside the massive, magnificent, Hilton Bayfront Hotel.
Tickets start at $89.99.