Welcome the holiday season with Christmas and Hanukkah events throughout North County, from tree and menora lightings to photos with Santa, glögg tastings and light shows.
CARLSBAD
Rotary Holiday Tree Lighting — Dec. 8, 2-4:30 p.m.
Visit the Village Faire Shopping Center for the 39th annual tree lighting sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carlsbad. Santa will arrive in an antique fire truck with the opportunity for photos and candy canes, and kids can enjoy holiday crafts and storytelling. Cookies and warm beverages will be available. The tree lighting takes place at 4:30 p.m.
300 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Holiday Light Show at The Camp Store — nightly until Jan. 1
The Camp Store on Carlsbad Boulevard will present a one-of-a-kind light show featuring the sounds and songs of the holidays. Lights come on nightly after live music performances finish or just after sunset on nights without music.
7201 Carlsbad Blvd.
Holiday Carolers at Plaza Paseo Real — Dec. 8, noon to 2 p.m.
Come see one of SoCal’s most sought-after caroling groups at Plaza Paseo Real near La Costa Coffee Roasting. Free
6965 El Camino Real
Holidays at Legoland — Dec. 7-8, 14-30
Enjoy the jolliest time of the year at Legoland in Carlsbad beginning weekends in December and then every day from Dec. 14 to 30. Events include seasonal shows, a giant LEGO tree with holiday tunes, mailing letters to Santa, meeting the man himself at the North Pole, and more. Fireworks take place on select dates. Find tickets at legoland.com.
1 Legoland Dr.
DEL MAR
North Pole by the Sea — Dec. 8, 1 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy family-friendly festivities throughout 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 and more. The afternoon will culminate in the beloved annual holiday tree lighting in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar at 5 p.m. Santa photos are $25.
1555 Camino Del Mar
Coastal Christmas at Del Mar Fairgrounds — Dec. 13 to 26 on select days
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, featuring a holiday light trail, ice skating, a holiday market, food and drinks, photos with Santa, Frosty’s fun zone, and more. Runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 13-15, 19-23 and 26. General admission $21.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 4 to 12. coastalchristmasdelmar.com
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar Santa Crawl – Dec. 18, 5 to 11:30 pm
The 2024 Del Mar Santa Crawl is returning to Del Mar Village on Dec. 18 and hitting the best bars on Camino Del Mar and 15th Street. Attendees will receive a wristband at the Old Del Mar Train Station, allowing them entry to Jake’s, Sbicca, Harry’s, En Fuego, Zel’s, L’Auberge, Tamarindo, and Monarch. Entry is $100, with all proceeds going to the Del Mar Lifeguard Association. eventbrite.ie/e/del-mar-santa-crawl-2024-tickets-1091418685669?aff=ebdssbcategorybrowse&keep_tld=1
ENCINITAS
Encinitas Heritage Tree Lighting — Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m.
The free event above Moonlight Beach features musical performances and the lighting of the 90-foot Norfolk pine tree planted in 1952. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire engine at the event.
Moonlight State Beach upper parking lot
Encinitas Holiday Parade — Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m.
The 67th annual Encinitas Holiday Parade will travel south from D Street to J Street along Coast Highway 101 with the theme “Creativity in Motion.” A ceremonial tree lighting and a visit from Santa will take place at 5 p.m. at the Lumberyard Shops courtyard prior to the parade at 5:30 p.m.
Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas
Chanukah Celebration at Coastal Roots Farm – Dec. 29, 4-6 p.m.
The Fields of Light event at Coastal Roots Farm takes place on the fifth night of Chanukah, offering an intergenerational celebration with an illuminated garden, traditional games, and live music. People of all faith backgrounds are welcome. Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children, available at local.encinitaschamber.com
441 Saxony Rd.
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden — select dates through Jan. 5
Experience dazzling holiday lights at the San Diego Botanic Garden on select days. Open Thursday through Sunday in December and every day from Dec. 26 through Jan 5. Tickets are available online, with prices varying based on membership, age, peak or off-peak days and military status. Visit sdbg.org/lightscape.
300 Quail Gardens Dr.
ESCONDIDO
Winter Party at Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum — Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Have you ever tried Glögg? Come sip this Scandinavian mulled wine and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Deer Park Winery and Auto Museum on Dec. 7. The museum and tasting room are also open during normal hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Monday for visitors to experience viticulture and automotive history. More information at deerparkmuseum.com.
29013 Champagne Blvd.
Winter Wonderland at California Center for the Arts – Dec. 7-8, 1-5 p.m.
The California Center for the Arts is bringing the North Pole to the heart of Escondido on the Dec. 7-8 weekend. This annual, free event will feature real snow, arts and crafts, face painting, interactive performances, food trucks, pop-up vendors, wares from local businesses and a visit from Santa.
340 N. Escondido Blvd.
Escondido Holiday Market — Dec. 7 and 21, noon to 4:30 p.m.
During this event, the Escondido Downtown Business Association will transform Grand Avenue into a walking plaza with vendors selling holiday gifts. You can also find goods from artisan vendors and small downtown businesses.
127 N. Juniper St.
Cookies and Cheer on Grand — Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy cookies and holiday cheer with the local business community in Downtown Escondido! Pop in to select businesses (to be announced soon) on Dec. 14 for a cookie and the chance for seasonal sales and specials.
111 N. Orange St.
Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade — Dec. 14, 10 a.m.
The 73rd annual Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade will return to downtown Escondido on the morning of Dec. 14. The parade starts southbound on Escondido Boulevard and Woodward, then travels Grand Avenue and Broadway and back to Woodward to end near the Boys and Girls Club. More information and a parade map are available at escondidojaycees.org.
FALLBROOK
Fallbrook Tree Lighting Festival – Dec. 6, 5-7:30 p.m.
Visit the Fallbrook Community Center for entertainment, shopping booths, food, free activities for all ages, and the lighting of the 20-foot cedar tree. The event is presented by the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, Friends of the Fallbrook Community Center, and other groups.
341 Heald Ln.
Fallbrook Christmas Parade – Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Come see the 43rd annual Fallbrook Christmas Parade on Downtown Main Avenue, presented by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. Experience holiday parade floats, music, dancers, and classic vehicles, and say hello to Santa. The route begins at Ammunition Road and ends at Ivy Street near the historic Mission Theater. fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
OCEANSIDE
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights — Dec. 14, 7-9 p.m.
The Parade of Lights returns to Oceanside Harbor this month with dazzling light displays from fishing boats, sailboats, yachts, kayaks and dinghies. You can watch the parade from neighboring restaurants, near the fishing dock or along the walkway surrounding the harbor.
1540 Harbor Drive North
Holiday Sing-Along at Oceanside Public Library — Dec. 14 and 21
The Sunset Strummers Ukulele Band is bringing festive and interactive holiday music to the Oceanside Public Library on two dates in December. The free, all-ages sing-along takes place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Mission Branch Library at 3861-B Mission Ave. and 11 a.m. on Dec. 21 at the Civic Center Library at 330 N. Coast Hwy. For more information, call (760) 435-5600 or visit oceansidepubliclibrary.org
Chanukah Celebration at Regal Cinema Plaza — Dec. 26 at 5:30
Join Chabad Jewish Center of Oceanside/Vista for a grand menorah lighting at Regal Cinema Plaza. The event will include jelly donuts, latkes, a live DJ, a fire juggling show, Chanukah crafts, activities and prizes. Look out for a drone gelt drop as well.
401 Mission Ave.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Critters Save Christmas at Helen Woodward Animal Center — Dec. 13-15, varying times
Parents and little ones can meet animals, enjoy crafts and games, warm up with cocoa and cookie decorating, and meet Santa. One-hour time slots — Dec.13 from 5-6:15 p.m. and Dec. 14-15 from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration is $17.75 for children and $8.90 for adults.
6461 El Apajo
Caroling and Movie Night at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe — Dec. 15, 4-7 p.m.
Enjoy a screening of “The Santa Clause” under the stars in a cozy outdoor setting at the Croquet Lawn at The Inn. Register for the free event at theinnatrsf.com
5951 Linea Del Cielo
SAN MARCOS
Tree Lighting and Holiday Market – Dec. 7, 2-7 p.m.
The San Marcos Civic Center will host a tree lighting ceremony featuring photos with Santa, a holiday market, crafts and activities, and entertainment including a glimpse of “snow.” Photos with Santa take place from 2 to 5 p.m., and the tree lighting is at 5:35 p.m. The Civic Center is located at 1 Civic Center Dr. san-marcos.net/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/santa-s-village
North City Holiday Market – Dec. 8, all day
The 5th annual Holly Jolly Holiday Market hosted by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce will feature a full day of entertainment, including 140 vendors, hot chocolate, live music, food and craft beer, miniature horses, and “Rescue Row,” where local animal rescue organizations will promote adoption and care. Santa will visit the market from noon to 3 p.m. Free entry and parking. northcity.com/events/holiday-market
Lake San Marcos Kiwanis Holiday Parade – Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.
The 27th annual Kiwanis Holiday Parade will follow a 2.5-mile route starting at Palomar College and heading east on Mission Road to the San Marcos Civic Center.
SOLANA BEACH
Fletcher Cove Tree Lighting — Dec. 8, 4:30 pm
Families can see Santa arrive via fire truck and tell him what they want for the holidays beneath the glow of the Christmas tree at Fletcher Cove during this free annual event. Food and beverages are available. Organized by the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Department. cityofsolanabeach.org/en/Fletcher-Cove-Holiday-Tree-Lighting-2024
111 S. Sierra Ave.
Kids Holiday Craft Day & Wreath-Weaving Event – Dec. 11, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Families are invited to La Colonia Community Center to create ornaments for the La Colonia tree lighting and weave holiday wreaths with the SeaWeeders Club. Attendees are encouraged to bring garden cuttings for their wreaths. The free event is hosted by the La Colonia Community Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego. cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/kids-holiday-craft-day-wreath-weaving-event
715 Valley Ave.
Santa’s Sleigh Ride – Dec. 13, 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Come and say hello to Santa as he rides through Solana Beach with Fire, Police and Marine Safety personnel. The route starts and ends at the Solana Beach Fire Station at 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. A map with estimated times that he will be in each part of the city is available at cityofsolanabeach.org/en/Santas-Sleigh-Ride-2024.
La Colonia Tree Lighting – Dec. 14, 5 to 7 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season during the lighting of the Christmas tree at La Colonia Park. City leaders will “flip the switch” to light up the tree at this family-friendly event hosted by the city and the La Colonia Foundation. cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/holiday-tree-lighting-la-colonia
715 Valley Ave.
VISTA
Vista Christmas Parade – Dec. 7, 1-3 p.m.
The 66th Annual Vista Christmas Parade returns to downtown Vista with the theme “Christmas at the Movies,” featuring floats decorated as iconic holiday movies. The parade follows Main Street, Broadway and South Santa Fe Avenue until Civic Center Drive.
131 S. Indiana Ave.
VUSD Christmas Performance and Tree Lighting — Dec. 8, 2-6 p.m.
Vista Unified School District students will offer an array of musical and dance performances near the Cinepolis in downtown Vista, wrapping up with a tree-lighting ceremony in front of the theater. Families can also enjoy movies, visits from Santa, and other activities. The event is free to attend.
25 Main St.
Penguin Plunge at Wave Waterpark — Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m.
Slide into the holidays on the icy cold slide tower at Wave Waterpark for free! The brave souls who take on the icy plunge will receive a free Wave admission ticket for 2025, with raffle tickets also available for exciting prizes. Participants must be at least 42 inches tall and meet all slide requirements. Reserve a free spot at thewave.parkerticketing.com/penguin-plunge.
101 Wave Dr.
Jingle Terrace Live at Brengle Terrace Park — Dec. 6-21
The free holiday show runs for 16 nights and features a light show, festive displays, live entertainment, photos with Santa, costumed characters, and refreshments. Visit moonlightstage.com for more information about scheduled performances for each night. Entry is free. Presented by the City of Vista and Moonlight Amphitheatre.
1250 Vale Terrace Dr.
