Holiday festivities are getting under way in communities across San Diego County. Here’s a guide to parades, community holiday shows, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, light shows and festivals to celebrate the season. Check the venues’ websites for updates.
Winter Wonders tour: Wild Wonders hosts a Winter Wonders and Holiday Lights tour of its Bonsall wild animal refuge, which will showcase its nocturnal animals. Visitors meet several animal ambassadors while strolling the 5-acre facility that has been decorated for the season. Each family will be led one at a time by a keeper. Tours are at 4:30 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays, Dec. 15 - Jan. 1, excluding Dec. 25. Cost is $39 for ages 12 and up and $20 for children ages 5-11. Visit wildwonders.org/winter-wonders-and-holiday-lights.
Kringle Mingle: The 15th annual Kringle Mingle is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 with live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, hot coffee and hot chocolate hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and vendor booths for holiday shopping until 5 p.m. in downtown Cardiff along South Coast Highway 101. Santa and his vintage Camera Camper sleigh will be ready for photos from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Visit cardiff101.com/events.
“Together Again For Christmas”: A Christmas concert, with nearly 90 singers featuring International Chorus Champions Masters of Harmony and the award-winning Pacific Coast Harmony chorus of La Jolla, performs at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Free parking. Tickets are $25 plus $2 fee at stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com/index.php.
Christmas Tree Lighting: The Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in the south parking lot of Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 2:15 p.m. in an antique fire engine, followed by Mayor Matt Hall. Highlights include free photos with Santa, and entertainment by Renaissance Institute of Music Orchestra, Carlsbad High School Band and Lancer Dancers and XCalibur dance teams. There will be free cookies, cider and coffee along with storytelling and crafts. Visit carlsbadrotary.com.
The Living Nativity: Christ Presbyterian Church hosts a free interactive walk-through Christmas story from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at 7807 Centella St., featuring Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem, baby Jesus in a manger, the innkeeper, shepherds and angels in the field, wise men and Emperor Augustus. Visit christ-pres.church.
Holiday at Carrillo Ranch: Holiday at the Rancho is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane. The event features a tree lighting at 5:45 p.m., train rides, games, visit from Santa, a plush snowball arena, crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, holiday shopping, photos and holiday movie “Home Alone” on the outdoor screen at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10; free for ages 3 and younger. Food and beverages will be sold. Additional parking at Carrillo Elementary School, 2875 Poinsettia Lane. Visit carlsbadca.gov.
20th Anniversary Tree Lighting Celebration: Festive activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 include a live performance by Crown City Bombers, holiday characters and entertainers, visit from Santa, lighting of the Christmas tree and a light show along with magical snowfall at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Winter WonderLights: Holiday light show and snowfall from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 3-17, at the The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. Strolling holiday characters Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/events/the-forum-carlsbad-winter-wonderlights-49d55712-29fb-499d-a5ef-4edff18109a0.
Hanukkah celebration: Chabad La Costa hosts a lighting of the menorah from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 21 with children’s games and free refreshments at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona, in the courtyard between Chico’s and White House Black Market. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Free visits with Santa: On Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3 -18, families can visit with Santa in the Garden Area from 1 to 5 p.m. and meet holiday characters on Saturdays and strolling carolers on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com/events/the-forum-carlsbad-santa-visits-the-forum.
Holidays at Legoland: Live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall through Jan. 8 at Legoland California, One Legoland Drive. Nightly tree lightings at the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decked with lights and Lego ornaments. Photos can be taken with life-size Lego models of Santa and his reindeer in Fun Town or costumed characters such as Lego Santa, toy soldier and gingerbread man. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. Visit legoland.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).
12 Trees of Christmas: Ladies night out with Christmas music, dinner, games and the raffling of 12 themed Christmas trees valued $100-$800 starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Las Flores Church, 1400 Las Flores Drive. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $10, including dinner, dessert and five raffle tickets. Checks, cash and Venmo accepted. Open to ages 12 and older. Proceeds will go toward helping a local Carlsbad family during this Christmas season. Registration is required at lasfloreschurch.com.
Lighting of Christmas Tree: Christ Presbyterian Church will kick off the Advent season with a festival of light from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 27 on the patio and in the lobby, 7807 Centella St. The event includes Advent wreath and Nativity set crafts for kids, fellowship around the fire, a hot chocolate bar and treats, culminating in lighting the outdoor Christmas tree. Visit christ-pres.church.
Children’s Nativity Play: A Celebration of Christmas for all ages is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 11 at Christ Presbyterian Church, 7807 Centella St. The event features Christmas cheer by the fire, entertainment and games, and the return of the children’s Nativity play. Visit christ-pres.church.
Cabana Christmas Village: Holiday wonderland for locals and guests from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. daily, Nov. 21 through Dec. 31, at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, 7100 Aviara Resort Drive. Festivities include holiday-themed food and beverage offerings, roaming carolers, ornament making, hot cocoa and cider stations and fireside s’mores, along with photos with Santa on certain days. Free admission. Valet parking is $40. Visit parkhyattavara.com/holidays-at-aviara.
Tree Lighting at One Paseo: Lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree begins at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. The center will be shimmering with firefly lights in the trees and festive decor. The evening will feature live music performances, snow cascading from the rooftops, Santa, special guests and photo ops. Visit onepaseo.com.
Church holds annual Christmas concert: The annual Del Mar Stake Community Christmas Concert, “O Come Let us Adore Him,” featuring Christmas music is at 7 p.m. Dec. 2-4 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 12701 Torrey Bluff Drive. Admission is free. Call (858) 259-9494.
Christmas tree lighting: A grand Santa arrival and the lighting of a Christmas tree with more than 17,000 lights will be the centerpiece of an evening filled with holiday activities, music, entertainment, roaming carolers, merchants and unique gift stands and a “magical snowfall” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Tree Lighting and Holiday Farmer’s Market at Otay Ranch Town Center. Santa will arrive on Main Street at 7 p.m. Free holiday crafts for kids. Free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last, 5 to 6:30 p.m.) Snowfall at Santa’s House after tree lighting. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com.
A Very Furry Christmas: Holiday “Sesame Street"-themed shows, attractions and entertainments on select dates Nov. 12-Jan. 8 at the Sesame Place San Diego theme park, 2052 Entertainment Circle. Highlights include Elmo’s Christmas Wish show, A Very Merry Sesame Street Sing-Along, Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party and The Sesame Street Christmas Parade. Visit sesameplacesandiego.com.
Free family events: Village Walk at EastLake, at Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive, holds free events in December including the Family Holiday Celebration, Sunday Fun Days and traditional Community Caroling. The Family Holiday Celebration is from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 3. Take photos with our bilingual Santa, who will listen to children’s Christmas wishes; children will receive a holiday activity book. Children 12 and younger can make an ornament at the craft area. Sunday Fun Days from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11 are new this year, with musical entertainment, Snowman costume character appearances, and a professional photographer who will use your smartphone or camera to take photos in a life-sized photo frame. Or take your own photos under the holiday arch near the koi pond with life-size Santa, Snowman, Elsa and Olaf cut-outs. Free craft activities for ages 12 and younger: Make a snow globe on Dec. 4, and a Santa, snowman or elf holiday container on Dec. 11. Music by the Discovery Charter School Choir on Dec. 4 and three Eastlake High School musical groups on Dec. 11. Community Caroling near the koi pond from 6 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1-3, 8-10 and 15-18. Visit shopvillagewalk.com.
Starlight Nights: The city of Chula Vista and the Downtown Chula Vista Association kick off the holiday season with Starlight Nights from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 on Third Avenue downtown. An official lighting of a 25-foot tree takes place at 5:45 p.m. on the plaza at the northwest corner of Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. Children can enjoy rides on Santa’s Holiday Train, and holiday shopping abounds at local businesses and at the Holiday Market, curated by Las Jefas Market and Downtown Chula Vista Association. Live music will be performed on the stage near the historical Third Avenue sign throughout the evening. And Santa will be making an appearance. Visit thirdavenuevillage.com/starlight-nights.
Coronado Holiday Parade: Holiday cheer with lighting of 85-foot tree, local business open house and parade featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from the Ferry Landing, down Orange Avenue, to the Hotel del Coronado from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 along with live music and holiday sing-alongs. Visit business.coronadochamber.com/calendar/Details/coronado-holiday-parade-open-house-and-tree-lighting-724286?sourceTypeId=Website.
“At First Light” at the Del: Hotel del Coronado features the return of “At First Light,” a 12-minute light show along with “Frosted by the Sea” heated beachside igloos decorated with twinkling lights, cozy seating and seasonal decor. The hotel’s historic lobby will showcase a massive 22-foot Christmas tree with 10,000 amber lights and nearly 2,000 ornaments. Visit epicentertainmentgroup.com.
North Pole by the Sea: Family-friendly festivities from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 4 throughout the Del Mar Village, including photos with Santa and letters to Santa at Del Mar Plaza, holiday characters, carolers, live music, hot chocolate for kids, drink specials for adults at L’Auberge Del Mar, Camino Del Mar and 15th Street, and holiday characters. The inaugural Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip is from 1 to 4 p.m., and the annual holiday tree lighting at 5 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar. For information and to register for Santa photos, visit visitdelmarvillage.com/holidays-in-del-mar.
Snow N Glow: The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts a Snow N Glow Holiday Festival with holiday lights attractions from 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, Dec. 8 through Jan. 1, and daily Dec. 17-25 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, a 100-foot snow tubing hill, live music, Ferris Wheel rides, and igloos reserved for cozying up along with hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food, and drinks will be sold. Tickets to the walk-through Snow N Glow path are $19.99 for adults and $15.99 for children ages 3 to 10. Tickets to both the Snow N Glow and the snow activities are $39.99 for adults and children. Admission is free for children ages 2 and younger. Visit delmarfairgrounds.com/event/snownglow/2022-12-08.
Winter Wonderland: El Cajon hosts a free “Winter Wonderland” event from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave. The movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will be shown at 6 p.m. Free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Snowman Bounce House, train rides, costume characters and free crafts and games.
Encinitas Holiday Parade: Encinitas’ annual holiday parade kicks off with a tree lighting and brief appearance from Santa at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 in The Lumberyard shops courtyard, between H and I streets, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. featuring floats, marching bands and decorated cars along Coast Highway from D to J streets. The theme is “Classic Encinitas” with Grand Marshal Warren Raps. Free parade shuttles will run from 4 to 8:30 p.m. from the San Dieguito Academy High School parking lot at Melba Road and Nardo Road and the YMCA/Ecke Sports Park parking lot on Saxony Road to the North County Transit District bus station on Vulcan Avenue a half-block from the parade route. ADA-accessible bus runs from San Dieguito Academy. Visit encinitasparksandrec.com.
Botanic Garden Lightscape: San Diego Botanic Garden hosts Lightscape from 5 to 8:30 p.m. select nights through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 25) featuring a more than 1-mile trail decorated with holiday lights that winds through the garden with lantern trees, tunnels and light attractions, along with installations from international artists that come alive at night with color and sound at 300 Quail Gardens Drive. Tickets start at $29 for adults, $18 for children ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 and younger. Discounted tickets for garden members and military with ID. Parking is $10 paid online in advance or $20 on day of visit. Entry times are every 15 minutes. Tickets are at sdbgarden.org/lightscape.
Annual Northern Lights: The California Center for the Arts, Escondido features a light show starting at sunset Dec. 3 to Jan. 3. Visitors can walk around the center’s 12-acre campus through tunnels of twinkling lights and see giant LED Christmas trees and themed light displays at the historical train depot along with snow. Light shows with synchronized music will be in the Lyric Courtyard and Center Theater Courtyard. Hot beverages and cookies will be sold at Santa’s Holiday Cafe. Admission is free. Visit artcenter.org.
Carols by Candlelight: The 33rd annual event is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 9-10 featuring Mark Willis, Grand Ole Opry member, and Richie Furay, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member. Also appearing are Anna Vaus, Back to the Garden, and Poway Mayor Steve Vaus all singing their hits and favorite Christmas songs to benefit Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. Tickets are $19-76. Visit carolsbycandlelight.com.
“The Gift of the Animals” musical: A free hourlong family Christmas musical “The Gift of the Animals” is set for 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at First United Methodist Church of Escondido, 341 S. Kalmia St. The retelling of the Nativity is based on a 12th-century Latin song “The Friendly Beasts” about the gifts that animals gave to the baby Jesus. Visit fumcescondido.org.
Winter Wonderland at EHS: The Escondido High Agriculture department invites the community to its third annual Winter Wonderland with the Escondido High Ag Boosters and FFA from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3 at the EHS farm. The free event will include photos with Santa, story time with elves, crafts for kids and a petting zoo. Pozole, sweet tamales, hot chocolate and champurrado will be for sale, and people will be able to pick up their preorders of Dudley’s Bread, Julian pies, tamales, poinsettias, holiday flower arrangements and wreaths. Preorders are open now at bit.ly/3hO0H0R. Other holiday vendors will also be on-site. All proceeds benefit Escondido High Agriculture students. Guests are also invited to bring canned foods and nonperishable items to donate to Interfaith Community Services. Escondido High School is at 1535 N. Broadway.
Community in Unity: This is Escondido’s holiday season-opening event, set for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 under the City Hall Dome at Broadway and Valley Parkway. Enjoy food from local chefs, the city’s finest restaurants, wineries and local craft breweries. Musical groups representing Escondido communities will provide entertainment. Guests are encouraged to donate new, unused and unwrapped toys and pajamas. Pajamas of all sizes will benefit the children and teens of Solutions for Change; toys for boys and girls, ages 4 to 12, will benefit the Escondido Police Athletic League. Tickets start at $40 at bit.ly/3A1tK7s.
Winter Wonderland: Visitors to the California Center for the Arts, Escondido can play in snow, join holiday crafting activities led by artists, browse for gifts made by local artisans and buy holiday-themed drinks and treats at Santa’s Corner Café from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Free crafting workshops include Winter Woodland Wildlife on Dec. 4, creating a menagerie out of chenille stems; Festive Winter Trees on Dec. 11, making holiday decorations out of recycled materials; and Upcycled Paper Stars on Dec. 18, creating decorative paper stars. Admission is free. Visit artcenter.org.
Safari Park features Wild Holidays: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the “Wild Holidays” with an expedition of light and travel through places that twinkle, holiday tunes, stilt walkers and seasonal culinary delights from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-23, 26-31 and Jan. 1 at the park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. Entertainment includes the Light Up the Holidays choreographed lighted tree show with holiday music at Safari Base Camp, Santa at Village Market, Holiday Troubadour, Bridge of Lights, Firefly Stilt Walkers and Journey of Light decorated pathways and Nairobi Lantern Walk, among other attractions. The Safari Park is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event, except Jan. 1 when hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wild Holidays activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.
Jaycee’s Christmas parade: The Jaycee’s Christmas parade returns this year from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 with the theme “Miracle on Grand Avenue!” The parade’s route will be in historic downtown Escondido on West Grand Avenue. Visit facebook.com/EscondidoJaycees.
Christmas parade: Fallbrook’s 41st annual Christmas parade, themed “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 on Main Street in downtown Fallbrook, hosted by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. The parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands and dancers along with classic cars, led by Grand Marshals Jim and Jean Dooley. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
Holiday in the Village: The seventh annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will ring in holiday cheer from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 3 in the historical downtown. The event offers free fun with live music, cozy fires, local craft vendors, food, a holiday 360 photo booth, the return of “Selfies With Santa,” and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop. Get in the holiday spirit while playing carnival games, listening to carolers, and enjoying food and drinks from La Mesa businesses. Entertainers include a full lineup of traditional holiday songs and music, local bands and community performances. Visit lamesavillageassociation.org or email info@lamesavillageassociation.org.
Light Up the Holidays: The Salvation Army hosts its red-kettle kickoff, “Light Up the Holidays,” from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 26 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The free family event includes a tree lighting, holiday music, performances and photos with Santa. Besides money donations, the Salvation Army is accepting new, unwrapped toys. Visit salarmy.us/lightuptheholidays.
Holiday bonfire: Lemon Grove hosts its 25th annual free Community Bonfire from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in Treganza Park, 3200 Main St. The bonfire will be ignited at 6 p.m., and a community aerial photo will be taken at 6:15 p.m. The Ugly Sweater Contest is at 7 p.m. Enjoy a game truck, bounce house, arts and crafts, rock climbing and live music. Free hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies, and food trucks will also be selling food. Visit lemongrove.ca.gov/community/community-events.
Reindeer Dash, Kimball Holiday: Register soon for the Reindeer Dash 1-Mile Walk/Run from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at Kimball Park, 148 E. 12th St. Free to participate. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. Space is limited; register at nationalcityca.gov/events. After the race, join everyone at the MLK Community Center for the quarterly Community Breakfast, free to the first 100 people. National City is also hosting its annual “A Kimball Holiday,” taking place from 2 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 at the park. The event features a live DJ and LED dance floor, a tree lighting, Santa’s Village and Who-Ville, a Ferris wheel, arts and crafts, a vendor and food court, a car show, resource booths and snow. Call (619) 336-4290 or email communityservices@nationalcityca.gov.
Christmas Concert at mission: The San Luis Rey Chorale performs the 11th annual concert and singalong at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 with a dessert reception in the Sacred Garden among twinkling lights and at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at Mission San Luis Rey. Tickets are $40-$60 for Dec. 2; $30 for Dec. 3 at events.sanluisrey.org/christmas-concert.
Parachuting Santa Claus: St. Nick will make a parachute landing at noon Nov. 26 at Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd., for the free family-oriented Jingle Bell Jump event from noon to 3 p.m. The El Camino High School Band and Santa’s elves will lead Santa in a parade from the landing area. Highlights include visits with Santa, carnival games and rides, holiday crafts and cookie decorating, bingo for prizes, free churros and cotton candy, along with a petting zoo, pony rides, carolers and balloon art. Visit missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
Santa and tree lighting: Santa arrives by firetruck for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Gift Market at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave. Activities for kids are from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Highlights include holiday music, carolers, cookies and milk, jump houses, a bungee run, a children’s zip line and giant slides. From 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays in December, the Sunset Market becomes the Holiday Gift Market downtown with 200 artisans and merchants, an international food court, live music and children’s activities at Pier View Way and Coast Highway. Visits with Santa on Dec. 1, 8 and 15. Visit mainstreetoceanside.com or sunsetmarket.com.
Christmas in the Park: The annual old-fashioned holiday celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 10 includes caroling, a craft boutique, holiday sweets and warm dinner foods, visits with Santa, horse-drawn hayrides and steam locomotive rides around Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. The tree lighting ceremony, followed by Santa’s arrival by train, begins at 6:15 p.m. and is only on Dec. 9. Admission is free, with nominal fees for train rides and Santa visits. Free shuttles from 3 to 9 p.m. from two Poway City Hall parking lot, 13325 Civic Center Drive and Poway Adult School parking lot, 13626 Twin Peaks Road. Visit poway.org.
Tree lighting: The 29th annual Christmas Tree Lighting is at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 outside the Guy B. Woodward Museum, 645 Main St., with activities from 5 to 9 p.m. Highlights include carolers, sleigh rides, dining and shopping, children’s crafts, classic cars and dancers, along with photos with Santa. Visit ramonachamber.com.
A Village Family Christmas: The free communitywide event for families is at 4 p.m. Nov. 27 on the Village Church’s patio lit up for the Advent season at 6225 Paseo Delicias. Highlights include Christmas cookies, cocoa and coffee, along with traditional carols and jingle bell pop songs performed by soloists. Make Christmas ornaments and wreaths to decorate for the holidays. Visit villagechurch.org.
Breakfast in Bethlehem: The Village Church’s annual Breakfast in Bethlehem for families is at 9 a.m. Dec. 3, with the Christmas story read by Senior Pastor Jack Baca and several Bible character friends. Children can make ornaments and Christmas crafts, and there will be a warm breakfast. Cost is $5; free for ages 2 and younger; reservations are required. Visit villagechurch.org/breakfast-in-bethlehem.
Holiday Maker’s Market: The event is set for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 in the plaza of Invita, 18021 Calle Ambiente, featuring live music and more than 50 vendors offering a range of gifts from apparel and jewelry to candles. Visit invitacafe.com.
Liberty Station tree lighting: Ceremonial lighting of Liberty Station’s 88-foot Norfolk pine tree is at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 along with entertainment, festive firetruck rides, free photos with Santa, and outdoor holiday movie showings. Admission is free. Visit libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting.
Christmas, Italian style: Little Italy hosts a Tree Lighting and Christmas Village from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at 523 W. Date St., with twinkle lights and 10-foot-tall nutcrackers decorating the neighborhood. Enjoy seasonal vendors, Christmas music and other entertainment, and an appearance by Santa Claus. A permanent 30-foot-tall live tree anchors the Piazza della Famiglia, where an Italian tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m. Don’t miss the Christmas Village with one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers and gifts on India Street, between West Cedar and West Grape streets. Visit bit.ly/3OwiUMM.
Ocean Beach parade: Ocean Beach holds its holiday parade at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 along Newport Avenue with the theme, “Jingle All The Waves.” Visit bit.ly/3XvvuQo.
La Jolla parade, festival: La Jolla holds a Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival with the theme, “Grand Ol’ Christmas” — celebrating La Jolla’s history — on Dec. 4. The Holiday Festival opens at 11:30 a.m. at Girard and Wall streets, and the parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Kline and Girard. The event closes at 4 p.m. Visit ljparade.com.
Street full of Santas: Pacific Beach holds its 10th annual San Diego Santa Run on Dec. 10. Starting line is 912 Garnet St. Entry fees are $30 for children’s 1-mile run (11 a.m.) and 1-mile dog run (11:30 a.m.) and $45 for adults (5K run, 9 a.m.). Holiday parade follows at noon. Register at bit.ly/3tSvH2C.
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo: The annual holiday event from Dec. 9 to Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24) at the San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, features a wonderland of twinkling lights, live entertainment, music and views of wildlife, along with a magic of Aurora immersive performance about the power of nature with 3D projection mapping, music and lights. Highlights include Reindeer Games, Northern Frontier’s Holiday Forest, Zoo characters and visit with Santa, along with food and shopping for gifts. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event; and the zoo closes at 5 p.m. Dec. 24. Free with zoo admission or membership; parking is free. Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells.
Mission Bay Parade of Lights: The holiday boat parade takes off at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at SeaWorld with a firework kickoff, then heads west, and north and finally east, ending at The Mission Bay Beach Club. The parade will be set up near Mission Bay hotels and resorts, including Bahia Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, The Dana on Mission Bay, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, Paradise Point Resort, and San Diego Mission Bay Resort. Free for spectators. Viewing areas will offer special festive food and beverage menus and family-friendly holiday festivities, such as bonfires and s’mores, live music, holiday games and Santa. Visit discovermissionbay.org.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, the procession of decorated boats will be arriving off the shore of the San Diego Bay. The parade takes about a little over an hour to pass any given point along the parade route, including Shelter Island (start of parade) at 5:30 p.m., Harbor Island at 6 p.m., The Embarcadero at 6:30 p.m., Seaport Village at 7 p.m., The Pier at Cesar Chavez Park at 7:15 p.m. and Ferry Landing on Coronado at 7:30 p.m. Visit sdparadeoflights.org.
Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder: The fourth annual event at the beachside amusement park runs through Jan.1 featuring festive rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Tiki Wonderland Mini Golf, Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts and holiday-themed Escapology room. Highlights include hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, oversized winter sculptures and seasonal characters throughout the park, 3146 Mission Blvd. Tickets and passes are at belmontpark.com/winterwonder.
North Park Winter Wonderland: North Park Main Street hosts a Winter Wonderland festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at North Park Mini Park. Highlights include ice skating, a light show, a photo booth and shopping, along with food, drinks and entertainment. Visit northparkmainstreet.com.
“Nutcracker” Tea Party: Family-friendly narrated performance of “The Nutcracker” by San Diego Ballet is at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at Liberty Station with treats, hot cocoa, photos with Santa and an interactive demonstration by the ballet. Tickets are $55-$65 at tix.com/ticket-sales/libertystation/5958.
Hanukkah and Menorah Lighting: Liberty Station and the Chabads of Downtown San Diego and Pacific Beach host a free community menorah lighting at 5 p.m. Dec. 18 with live music and entertainment at Liberty Station’s Central Promenade to commemorate the first night of Hanukkah.
Salute the Season Outdoor Art Installations: Outdoor holiday-themed art exhibit created by Liberty Station’s Arts District resident artists in partnership with the NTC Foundation on Historic Decatur Road between Barracks 19 and Liberty Public Market. Free; runs Thanksgiving through the new year. Visit libertystation.com.
Holiday Market at Petco Park: The market features local artisan shops, Christmas lighting displays, seasonal food and beverages along with Santa and other holiday characters Dec. 1-23. Shoppers select a designated date and time and buy tickets at mlb.com/padres/tickets/events/holiday-market.
Holiday Bowl and parade: The 27th annual SDCCU Holiday Bowl 5K Run/Walk at the Port of San Diego and Holiday Bowl Parade, featuring floats, bands and huge inflatable characters is Dec. 28 along downtown San Diego’s bayfront. The race will start at 9:45 a.m. on the corner of Harbor Drive and Park Boulevard and finish at Ruocco Park. At the finish line, there will be a procession of parade bands, balloons and floats beginning at 10 a.m. and post-race party with music and refreshments. This year’s 43rd annual Holiday Bowl game is at 5 p.m. Dec. 28. The $40 early-bird race registration deadline is Dec. 3. Standard registration is $46 and race day registration is $50 at holidaybowl.com.
Holiday parade: The 25th annual Kiwanis San Marcos Holiday Parade starts at 1 p.m. Dec. 4, themed “Back Together Again” to celebrate the community coming together again, with bands, floats, marching groups and Santa. The parade route is Comet Drive at Palomar College, east on Mission Road to the Civic Center. Visit lsmkiwanis.org.
Tree lighting and vendor market: The family event with dance performances, school choirs, crafts and vendors is set for 1 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the San Marcos Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Drive. Santa lights the tree at 5:35 p.m., followed by snowfall. Photos with Santa are from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit san-marcos.net/treelighting.
Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse: The Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort opens Nov. 25 with a lighting ceremony of the 30-foot tree, featuring holiday-themed sips, including hot chocolate for the kids and spiked cider for visitors 21 and older, along with ugly sweater-themed ice skating, a visit from Santa Claus and carolers. There will be a 140-foot holiday light tunnel, igloo dining and polar express hayrides through Jan. 1. The resort is at 1025 La Bonita Drive. Visit lakehousehotelandresort.com.
Holiday market: North City hosts its third annual open-air Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at 251 North City Drive, off Highway 78 and Twin Oaks Valley Road, near California State University San Marcos. The event will feature more than 100 local artisans and crafters. Guests will enjoy live music while shopping for gifts, decorations, pre-packaged food and other treats. Santa Claus will pay a special visit. Visit northcity.com.
Community tree lighting: The annual free Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 with live music, sweets, treats, cider and hot cocoa, hosted by the city of Solana Beach’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Santa is slated to arrive by a firetruck escort at 5:20 p.m. Visit ci.solana-beach.ca.us.
Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade: Back by popular demand, the city of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission host Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 16. Santa will be riding along with fire, sheriff’s and Marine safety personnel. The sleigh ride will start and end at the Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. A map is at ci.solana-beach.ca.us.
Jingle Terrace Live: The city of Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre “Jingle Terrace Live” features nine nights of holiday light shows visitors can walk through, along with movie nights, from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15 and 16 at the Moonlight, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive. Admission is free, except the two concert nights. The event replaces the “Jingle Terrace Park” holiday drive-thru held in 2020-21. No tickets for “Jingle Terrace Live” experience, but tickets are required for concerts and other events at jingleterracelive.com or (760) 724-2110. Visitors are asked to bring a donation of food for the North County Food Bank.
64th annual Vista Christmas Parade: The Vista Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade is set for 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in downtown Vista. This year’s theme is “A Toy Stories Christmas” with “Toy Man of Vista” as the grand marshal. The parade starts at 1 p.m. in historic downtown and Vista Village. There will be floats, music and marching bands, along with Santa. Visit business.vistachamber.org/events/details/64th-annual-vista-christmas-parade-24836.
Holiday Homes Tour: Vista Community Clinic hosts its 36th annual Holiday Homes Tour to be held virtually Dec. 18-23. The online event will feature four homes across North County decorated by professional designers for the holidays. Attendees can take a narrated journey through each house alongside the designer responsible for the decor. The tour will also feature a silent auction with holiday baskets and one-of-a-kind items. Proceeds support the clinic’s services for senior care. Tickets are $25 at supportvcc.org.
To submit a community event, email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com or laura.groch@sduniontribune.com.
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