DEL MAR — Just after Thanksgiving, the community of Del Mar will be transformed into a winter wonderland, ringing in the season with a host of holiday events and festivities.
Starting with a dining voucher program beginning Nov. 24, enjoy Holidays in the Heart of Del Mar. On Dec. 7, the west corner of Camino Del Mar, 15th Street, and Del Mar Plaza will be the sites for festivities, including taking your own personal holiday pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Seasonal tunes will be performed by the Original Dickens Carolers. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available from local restaurants. Children can also participate in the Passport to the North Pole, receiving points from participating retailers to redeem for special prizes. The celebration will come to a close with the tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m, at the L’Auberge Amphitheater.
On Dec. 24, guitarist Peter Sprague will play from 1 to 4 p.m. at the L’Auberge Amphitheater. Bring your chair, hot cocoa and picnic and enjoy a free concert on Christmas Eve.
Other season specials include:
— The city of Del Mar will offer free parking Nov. 27 to Nov. 30, Dec.6 and Dec. 7, Dec. 13 and Dec. 14, Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, and Dec. 24 and Jan. 1 in downtown Del Mar. The all-day complimentary parking will be where holiday bags are posted along 15th Street, the metered parking under the L’Auberge Del Mar and along Camino Del Mar from 15th Street to 4th Street. For more information, visit delmarmainstreet.com.
— Holiday shoppers can take advantage of the Holiday Voucher Program. From Nov. 24 to Dec.24, guests who spend $75 at any Del Mar Village store can redeem their receipts for a $15 gift certificate to dine at participating Del Mar Village restaurant. For more information, visit delmarmainstreet.com.
— While shopping for local Christmas gifts in downtown Del Mar, guests can stop by the Del Mar Village Association office to pick up a Del Mar holiday keepsake. This year’s keepsakes include limited edition holiday ornaments of Del Mar Library and Stratford Square ($10 each), Del Mar wine glasses ($25 for 4 or $7 each) and an assortment of Del Mar license plates ($25 each), water bottles ($15), coffee mugs ($12), thermos ($20), T-shirts ($20) and tote bags ($25). For more information, visit delmarmainstreet.com.