North County and San Diego Events for December

North County and San Diego Events for December

December’s North County and San Diego events bring lots of holiday fun! There are light shows, craft fairs, parades and tree lightings. Santa’s very busy and is even going on sleigh rides! And, if you need a break from holiday food and drink, don’t miss the Nutcracker, 5 and 10K runs along with half marathons, the Holiday Bowl and International Auto Show. Keep reading for more great San Diego and North County events!

Del Mar Racing

Through Dec. 3
It all began in 1937. And this fall, racing returns to America’s favorite seaside track with the annual running of the Bing Crosby Season. Don’t miss four weeks of Thoroughbred excitement — surrounded by the beauty of Del Mar.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
www.dmtc.com

Lightscape

Through Jan. 1
Another dazzling year of Lightscape is just around the corner! Featuring exciting new installations along with returning fan favorites, this one-mile loop has been reimagined to surprise and delight visitors. Merging nature and art, the Garden will come to life at night with festive sights and sounds for all to enjoy. This sells out quickly, so pre-purchase tickets and parking early.
San Diego Botanic Garden
760-436-3036 / sdbg.org

December Nights

Through Dec. 1-2
Join us in Balboa Park for December Nights 2023 to celebrate the spirit of the holiday and enjoy our amazing Family Zone with free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, attractions, delicious food, and more!
Balboa Park
www.sandiego.gov/december-nights

San Marcos Tree Lighting

Dec. 2
Join us at our annual Tree Lighting event complete with free festive crafts and activities, as well as vendors selling their wares and snacks. Photos with Santa!
2-7pm / San Marcos Civic Center
760-744-1050 / www.san-marcos.net

Fallbrook Christmas Parade

Dec. 2
Grand Marshal: Charley Wolk, lighted floats, music, dancers, marching bands, classic & specialty vehicles, and Santa Claus.
5-7pm / Main Avenue
www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org

Encinitas Holiday Parade

Dec. 2
The “Traditions of Encinitas” Parade will head south along South Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street and is expected to have approximately 90 entries.
5:30-7:30pm / Coast Highway 101
encinitasca.gov

Holiday at the Rancho

Dec. 2
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 5:45 p.m. on the sand near the pool. Decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, participate in the plush snowball fight, and enjoy festive entertainment. Face painting, train rides, an outdoor movie and a special visit by Santa are also included. A holiday film will be featured on the outdoor movie screen starting at 6 p.m.
5-8pm / 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln., Carlsbad
www.carlsbadca.gov

Vista Christmas Parade

Dec. 2
To commemorate the Vista Chamber’s 100th anniversary, the theme this year will be “Viva Vista.” Our Grand Marshal this year will be Danny Villaseñor from Peppertree Frosty!
1pm / Downtown Vista
760-726-1112 / www.vistachamber.org

San Marcos Tree Lighting

Dec. 2
Join us at our annual tree lighting event complete with free festive crafts and activities, as well as vendors selling their wares and snacks. Photos with Santa!
2-7pm / San Marcos Civic Center
www.san-marcos.net

Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair

Dec. 2
Live music, local artisans, holiday cocktails, food and more.
11am-4pm / Arrowood Golf Course, Oceanside
760-967-8400 / www.arrowoodgolf.com

Winter Wonderland

Dec. 2-3
Join us for our annual Winter Wonderland where you can play in real snow, have fun face painting, meet Santa Claus, enjoy holiday-themed drinks and treats, make holiday crafting activities and browse for gifts from local artisans.
1-5pm / California Center for the Arts, Escondido
artcenter.org

Solana Beach Holiday Tree Lighting

Dec. 3
There will be live music and a visit from Santa Claus! Enjoy cookies, cider and treats.
4:30-7pm / Fletcher Cove Park
858-720-2453 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org

Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip

Dec. 3
Enjoy culinary creations from our award-winning restaurants, sips from local beverage partners at Sip Stops inside downtown Del Mar businesses, live music and other holiday happenings as part of the family-friendly festivities.
1-4pm / Del Mar Village
858-735-3650 / www.visitdelmarvillage.com

Kiwanis San Marcos Holiday Parade

Dec. 3
Celebrating 120 years of the Teddy Bear! San Elijo Middle School Jazz Band Performance. Free book for kids at the parade. Grand Marshal is Pia Harris-Ebert.
1-3pm / Comet Circle to Mission Rd. to the Civic Center
760-744-1050 / www.san-marcos.net

Cardiff Kringle Mingle

Dec. 3
Take a photo with Santa in his vintage Camera Camper sleigh, enjoy live music performed by local musicians and crafts for children. Holiday treats, coffee, and hot chocolate provided.
11am-3pm / Aberdeen Drive
www.cardiff101.com

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival

Dec. 3
You’ll see floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, Santa Claus and yes — a camel. Church bells peal with a fly-over. There is also a holiday festival called Santa’s Village.
11:30am-4pm / Girard Avenue & Prospect Street
www.ljparade.com

Community in Unity

Dec. 7
A variety of local restaurants, breweries and wineries showcasing their epicurean delights, savory dishes, sweet desserts and libations for everyone to enjoy. Guests are encouraged to bring NEW pajamas and toys to help spread some holiday cheer!
5:30-8pm / Escondido City Hall Dome
760-745-2125 / www.greaterescondido.org

Poway’s Christmas in the Park

Dec. 8-9
Enjoy live music, visit with Santa, purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your Christmas shopping at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad.
Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat 3:30-8:30pm / Old Poway Park
858-668-4576 / www.poway.org

Red Nose Run

Dec. 9
A San Diego event for over 30 years, The Red Nose Run has become equally famous for its on-the-beach fun run, holiday costumes, and after run celebration. Plan to stick around after your run and enjoy your friends old and new in holiday cheer with heavy appetizers provided by Poseidon Restaurant and the holiday spirit of their cash bar. Dog-friendly.
1-3pm / Powerhouse Park, Del Mar
www.therednoserun.com

Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights

Dec. 9
Kick off this holiday tradition with SeaWorld’s spectacular fireworks and enjoy the festive holiday boats parade on the bay from a designated spectator viewing area.
4-9pm / 1215 El Carmel Place
858-488-0501 / www.discovermissionbay.org

San Diego Santa Run 5K and 1 Mile Race

Dec. 9
Come out in your finest (or ugliest) Christmas attire as you take part in the annual San Diego Santa Run, a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. 5K runners receive: sunny Santa suit, Santa run sunglasses, chip timing, custom bib.
9am / 875 Garnet Ave.
www.sandiegorunningco.com

Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

Dec. 9
Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday swag circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants and beach.
7-9pm / Oceanside Harbor
760-722-5751 / visitoceanside.org

Performing Arts Workshop Presents The Nutcracker

Dec. 9-10
Join the Performing Arts Workshop for the annual holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 3rd and 4th at 1pm and 5pm.
11am / Truax Theatre, Oceanside CA
www.dancepaw.com

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Dec. 10 & 17
Brings more than 100,000 San Diego residents and visitors to the shores of San Diego Bay each year. The procession of approximately 80 lavishly decorated boats has become one of the most iconic San Diego holiday events.
5:30-7:45pm / San Diego Bay
sdparadeoflights.org

Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular

Dec. 14-30
Twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and delicious snacks and drinks.
4-9pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com

Santa’s Sleigh Ride

Dec. 15
Santa will be riding along with fire, sheriff and marine safety personnel. See website for map.
2:30-5pm / Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Dr.
858-720-2453 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org

Dirty December Poker Run

Dec. 16
Come join us for some holiday cheer and fun on the trails. In addition to a costume contest and holiday theme, this run will involve a poker element. Your poker hand could give you bonus time (taken off from your final time).
8:30am-3:30pm / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve, Poway
dirtyfeet.us/trailraces

San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

Dec. 16
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a fast 13.1 mile course that starts in Rancho Penasquitos and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.
5:15am-12:15pm / Hotel Karlan, 14455 Penasquitos Dr.
www.sandiegoholidayhalf.com

Joy in Julian — Holiday Car Parade

Dec. 16
"Joy in Julian" – Cars decorated with Christmas cheer will make their way down Main Street for you to enjoy. Cars usually pass three times, so you don’t miss any of the fun.
5:30-6pm / Main Street Julian
www.visitjulian.com

Encinitas Community Nutcracker

Dec. 16
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.
1 & 5pm / Encinitas Community and Senior Center
www.encinitasballet.com

Holiday Bowl

Dec. 27
One of the most exciting Bowl games in the business, the 2023 Holiday Bowl features a Pac-12 and ACC matchup, followed for the second year by the KGB Sky Show.
5-9pm / Petco Park
holidaybowl.com

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec. 29-Jan. 1
A wide variety of the latest new vehicles, all under one roof, making it ideal for consumers to comparison shop and discover new models, including the newest EVs.
San Diego Convention Center
www.sdautoshow.com

Enjoy December’s North County and San Diego events! Do you have North County or San Diego events that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.

Please forgive me for any errors or omissions and let me know if there’s anything that needs fixing. Please check with the organizations holding these events for costs, tickets, availability, changes, limitations and important details.