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 a marathon and half marathon, the Holiday Bowl and the International Auto Show. Keep reading for more great San Diego and North County events!
Lightscape
Through Jan. 5
Another dazzling year of Lightscape is here! Now in its third year, the spectacular showcase is open on select dates from November 15, 2024 to January 5, 2025. 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
Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting
Dec. 5
Join the holiday spirit and get a chance to take a picture with Santa, make holiday crafts, watch dance performances, and get FREE milk and cookies (while supplies last).
4:30-8pm / Regal Cinema Plaza
760-435-4500 / www.ci.oceanside.ca.us
Community in Unity
Dec. 5
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 unwrapped toys to help spread some holiday cheer! This is a 21 and over event.
5:30-8pm / Escondido City Hall Rotunda
760-745-2125 / escondidochamber.org
Fallbrook Tree Lighting Festival
Dec. 6
Join us for entertainment, shopping booths, local non-profits, community outreach groups, food, and much more!
5-7:30pm / Community Center
www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
December Nights
Dec. 6-7
Join us in Balboa Park for December Nights to celebrate the spirit of the holiday and enjoy our amazing Family Zone with STEAM activities and free photos with Santa, lights displays, musical performances, attractions, delicious food, and more!
Balboa Park
www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
Jingle Terrace Live
Dec. 6-21
Holiday light shows and activities for all ages. Enjoy holiday refreshments, festive displays, live entertainment, holiday activities, photo opportunities, and other special surprises.
See website for schedule. / Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista
760-724-2110 / www.moonlightstage.com
Fallbrook Christmas Parade
Dec. 7
Lighted floats, music, dancers, marching bands, classic and specialty vehicles, and Santa Claus.
5-7pm / Main Avenue
www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
San Marcos Tree Lighting
Dec. 7
Join us at our annual Tree Lighting event complete with free festive crafts and activities, entertainment, and vendors selling their wares and snacks. Photos with Santa from 2-5pm! Tree lighting at 5:35pm.
2-7pm / San Marcos Civic Center
760-744-1050 / www.san-marcos.net
Encinitas Holiday Parade
Dec. 7
The “Creativity in Motion” Parade will head south along South Coast Highway 101 from D Street to J Street and is expected to have approximately 90 entries. Santa himself will make a brief appearance to kick things off at 5 pm at the Lumberyard shops courtyard (between H and I St).
5-7:30pm / Coast Highway 101
760-633-2600 / encinitasca.gov
Holiday at the Rancho
Dec. 7
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. 7
The theme this year will be “Christmas at the Movies.” Decorate your float as your favorite holiday movie!
1-3pm / Downtown Vista
760-726-1112 / www.vistachamber.org
Joy in Julian — Holiday Light Parade
Dec. 7
"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.
6pm / Main Street Julian
www.visitjulian.com
Performing Arts Workshop Presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 7-8
Join the Performing Arts Workshop for the annual holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 7th and 8th at 2pm.
2mm / California Center for the Arts, Escondido
www.dancepaw.com
Winter Wonderland
Dec. 7-8
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, play in bubble houses, make holiday crafting activities and browse for gifts from local artisans.
1-5pm / California Center for the Arts, Escondido
artcenter.org
Holiday Boutique & Craft Fair
Dec. 8
Craft vendors, food and drinks, face painting and meet Santa!
12pm-4pm / Arrowood Golf Course, Oceanside
760-967-8400 / www.arrowoodgolf.com
Solana Beach Holiday Tree Lighting
Dec. 8
There will be a visit from Santa Claus, sweets, treats, cocoa and cider.
4:30-7pm / Fletcher Cove Park
858-720-2453 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org
Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip
Dec. 8
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. 8
A San Diego event for 27 years, this year’s theme is Toys on Parade.
1-3pm / Comet Circle (Palomar College) to Mission Rd. to the Civic Center
760-744-1050 / www.lsmkiwanis.org/LSM_Kiwanis/LSM_Kiwanis_Home.html
Cardiff Kringle Mingle
Dec. 8
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. 8
The La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival has been a San Diego event for 68 years. You’ll see floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, equestrians and Santa Claus. The holiday festival starts at 11:30 am, and the parade begins at 1:30 pm.
11:30am-4pm / Girard Avenue & Prospect Street
www.ljparade.com
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Dec. 8 & 15
The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a time-honored San Diego event bringing 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
Santa’s Sleigh Ride
Dec. 13
Santa will be riding along with fire, sheriff and marine safety personnel.
2:30-5pm / Solana Beach Fire Station
858-720-2453 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org
Poway’s Christmas in the Park
Dec. 13-14
An old-fashioned holiday tradition with caroling, live music, a visit with Santa, free children’s crafts, model train displays, and so much more! The tree lighting ceremony, followed by Santa’s arrival by train, begins at 4:30pm on the 14th.
Fri 5:30-8:30pm, Sat 3:30-8:30pm / Old Poway Park
858-668-4576 / www.poway.org
Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular
Dec. 13-26
Twinkling lights, holiday cheer, and delicious snacks and drinks. Open on weekends and specific days. Check out the event calendar and special promotional days.
4-9pm / Del Mar Fairgrounds
www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com
Red Nose Run
Dec. 14
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 finish line food catered by Poseidon Restaurant and a beer garden provided by Viewpoint Brewing. Dog-friendly.
1-3pm / Powerhouse Park, Del Mar
www.therednoserun.com
Mission Bay Boat Parade of Lights
Dec. 14
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. 14
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. 5K at 8 and 10am. 1-mile kids’ at 11:30am and 1-mile dogs’ at 12pm.
8am / 875 Garnet Ave.
www.sandiegorunningco.com
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights
Dec. 14
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
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon
Dec. 14
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
Dirty December Trail Fun Run
Dec. 15
Come join us for some holiday cheer and fun on the trails. Come join us for some holiday cheer and fun on the trails. Prizes awarded for best costumes (holiday themed or not). Full marathon/hill climb start, half start and 10K start.
8:30am-3:30pm / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve, Poway
dirtyfeet.us/trailraces
Encinitas Community Nutcracker
Dec. 21
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.
2 & 6pm / San Dieguito High School Performing Arts Center
www.encinitasballet.com
Holiday Bowl
Dec. 27
One of the most exciting Bowl games in the business, the 2024 Holiday Bowl features a Pac-12 and ACC matchup, followed by the KGB Sky Show, a synchronized fireworks display.
5-9pm / Snapdragon Stadium
holidaybowl.com
San Diego International Auto Show
Dec. 28-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.