North County and San Diego Events December 2019
North County and San Diego Events in December bring lots of holiday fun! Don’t miss the winter and holiday festivals, breakfast with Santa or The Nutcracker. Enjoy a holiday parade or a boat parade of lights. There’s more outdoor fun with runs, walks even birdwatching.
Botanic Wonderland
December 3 – 30*
5 – 8:30 PM
Location: Encinitas, 230 Quail Gardens Dr.
Gather up your family and friends and come spend an evening (or two!) with us this holiday season at our all new Botanic Wonderland!
Botanic Wonderland will include live entertainment, a beer, wine and mulled wine garden, a musical light show, and a kids’ fun zone with nightly “snowfall.” There will be visits from Santa and photos with the snow princess. (Check calendar for specific nights.) There are lots of fun kids’ activities, shopping, food and a romantic mistletoe hideaway.
*Dates are December 3 – 8, 10 – 15, 17 – 23 and 26 – 30.
Vista Holiday Parade
December 7
1 – 3 PM
Location: Vista, S. Santa Fe and Main Street
Come join us for our 62nd Annual Vista Christmas Parade! This year’s theme is “A SoCal Christmas”!
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
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.
Buena Vista Audubon Society Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary Walk
December 7
8 – 10 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.
Winter Wonderland Festival
December 7
3 – 7 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, create winter-themed arts and crafts, and even rendezvous with live reindeer!
Santa Claus
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 storybook princesses—for all ages to enjoy. Sample fare from local food trucks while you enjoy our taste of the North Pole.
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!
Holiday at the Rancho
December 7
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. You can even be part of a plush snowball fight. We’ll have face painting, the holiday train, and a special visit by Santa. There will be a classic holiday movie on the outdoor movie screen starting at 6 p.m. All activities are included with admission. Food and beverages will be available for an additional cost.
Find Out More
Call 760-602-7519 for more information.
Encinitas Holiday Parade
December 7
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 parade theme for 2019 is “Encinitas on the Move!” Encinitas has a deep history of flower growing, a terrific climate for growing a wide variety of beautiful and interesting plants and even boasts a world class botanic garden.
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). Parade spectators will be able claim a good spot to watch the parade as soon as Coast Highway closes at 4 pm. We’ll also have free shuttles from San Dieguito Academy High School and the YMCA/Ecke Sports Park.
Annual REDNOSE 5K Run/Walk
December 7
1 PM
Location: Del Mar, Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd
THE RED NOSE RUN is a 5K and 3K 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 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM. Run/walk start time is at 1 PM. The after run celebration starts as soon as you cross the finish line!
Our Charities
For more info on our two wonderful charities please visit www.semperfifund.org and www.freshstart.org.
Breakfast with Santa
December 7 and 8
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 $32.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11, plus tax and parking. Admission is required for nonmembers.
Del Dios Trail Half Marathon and 10K
December 8
Location: Escondido, Lake Hodges, 20188 Lake Dr
Welcome to the Annual Del Dios Trail Half Marathon, 10K and 5K at beautiful Lake Hodges in Escondido.
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.
Encinitas Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
December 8
4 PM
Location: Vista, Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr
Encinitas Ballet brings the traditional Nutcracker ballet to Vista as you never seen it before. Colorful scenery, dazzling costumes, unmatched choreography and extraordinary dancers make this production the best in North County.
The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition among families throughout our region. With mice-battling soldiers, the nutcracker becoming a prince, and Clara, the main character, receiving the gift of a dream, this beloved holiday favorite is a wonderful way to celebrate the season for the whole family.
Choreographers
This production is directed and choreographed by Encinitas Ballet’s internationally acclaimed choreographers, teachers and artistic directors, Sayat Asatryan and Olga Tchekachova.
PCC Annual Community Bazaar
December 8
10 AM – 12 PM
Location: San Diego, Mt Carmel High School, 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 and a craft table for children. Please come and support your community.
Vista Winterfest and Tree Lighting
December 8
2 – 7 PM
Location: 25 Main St, Vista
The magic of the holidays starts in Vista! This is a FREE, FAMILY EVENT! There will be lots of fun activities like live entertainment, a tree lighting, holiday movies and roaming mariachi.
The Holiday Shopping Bazaar will return with your favorite holiday treasures, great food and fun contests.
Vista Community Clinic’s Annual Holiday Homes Tour
December 8
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.
Tickets
You won’t want to miss this year’s tour! We have four new exciting homes that we can’t wait to show you. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour. To order tickets by phone, please call 760-631-5000 x1139. Tickets will be available on the day of the tour at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, 640 Alta Vista Dr, Vista.
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival
December 8
11 AM – 1 PM & 1:30 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 parade starts at 1:30 and includes marching bands, floats, equestrian units, vintage automobiles and an appearance by Santa Claus. The theme for this year’s parade is "Christmas on the Moon."
The holiday festival starts at 11 am and will run to 1 pm. We’ll have live entertainment, photos with Santa, face painting, and craft booths for the kids.
Poway’s Christmas in the Park
December 14
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.
- Steam locomotive train rides, model trains, and live entertainment.
- Holiday sweets and warm dinner foods.
Free Shuttles
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 14
7 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’s Holiday Festival
December 14
10 AM – 3 PM
Location: Vista, 640 Alta Vista Dr
Santa is visiting the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe! Come take a picture with Santa and whisper your holiday wishes in his ear. Each family will be able to make a memorable holiday ornament. There will be face painting, crafts and refreshments. Join us and visit with Santa. Take a walk around the Adobe; step back in time, and visit the gift shop!
Tickets
Tickets will be sold at the gate the day of the event only. Cost is $5 per child.
The Living Nativity
December 19 – 22
6 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 with camel rides, kids’ games and crafts, hot chocolate and great food trucks.
Performing Arts Workshop Presents The Nutcracker
December 21 – 22
Location: Oceanside, Star Theatre, 402 N Coast Hwy 101
Join us for the holiday classic The Nutcracker at the Star Theatre. Performances are December 21st at 1pm and 5pm and December 22nd 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. Discover why The Nutcracker is one of the most popular ballets of all time! Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door.
Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve
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 2020 at one of the hottest New Year’s Eve galas in the country!
All-Inclusive
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 $84.99 and prices will go up as the event gets closer.
Enjoy North County and San Diego events in December! Do you have North County or San Diego events in December or any other month that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.