Encinitas Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade Dec. 1
Thousands of people will be on floats and in bands with tens of thousands more cheering them on. Tree lighting ceremony with a brief appearance by Santa at the Lumberyard at 5pm.
Time/Place: 5:30-7:30pm / Coast Highway 101
Contact: www.encinitasca.gov
Winter Wonderland Festival Dec. 1
Children will have the chance to frolic in real snow, create winter-themed arts and crafts, and even rendezvous with live reindeer! Food and drink will be available.
Time/Place: 3-8pm / California Center for the Arts
Contact: www.artcenter.org
Chula Vista Childrens Faire Dec. 1
Real Snow Hill, Pictures with Santa, Childrens Train, Elf Yourself, Games, Crafts, and more!
Time/Place: 2-5pm / Memorial Park
Contact: www.starlightparade.com
100 Years of Philippine Cinema Dec. 1
Weve invited 2 exceptional Filipino films created by 2 award winning filmmakers from the Philippines. Ang Larawan (The Portrait) by Loy Arcenas and Lorna by Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo.
Time/Place: 4pm & 7pm / Museum of Photographic Arts, Balboa Park
Contact: www.facebook.com/
Fallbrook Christmas Parade Dec. 1
Toyland Christmas The Christmas Parade marks a special day in early December when Fallbrook residents and visitors alike come to enjoy this gift to the community.
Time/Place: 5pm / Main Avenue: Ammunition to Ivy
Contact: www.
Chula Vista Starlight Parade Dec. 1
A variety of colorful floats, caroling groups, marching bands, dance teams, classic cars, and other participants will usher in the holiday season as part of SD Countys largest nighttime parade.
Time/Place: 6-8pm / Third Avenue Village
Contact: www.starlightparade.com
North Park Toyland Parade & Festival Dec. 1
Vintage cars, marching bands, dance groups, beauty queens, city officials and Santa Claus.
Time/Place: 10am-3pm / University Avenue
Contact: www.toylandparade.com
OB Holiday Parade Dec. 1
See the Point Loma Marching Band strut their way down the street or the SD Roller Derby Dolls. VW Beetle club and classic Woodies. Motorcycles, bright-lit floats and countless bands that fill the beach with live music.
Time/Place: 5-7pm / Sunset Cliffs Blvd & Newport Ave
Contact: 888-615-3518 / www.obtowncouncil.org
Lions Tigers & Bears Christmas Festival Dec. 1
Watch as lions, tigers, bears, mountain lions, leopards, bobcats and other sanctuary animals open their holiday gifts and enjoy their new Christmas trees. Silent auction, opportunity drawing, food trucks, a full bar, shopping at the LTB Gift Shop and Santa!
Time/Place: 1-4pm / 24402 Martin Wy, Alpine
Contact: www.lionstigersandbears.org
Vista Chambers Candyland Parade Dec. 1
The parade route starts at Civic Center parking lot, turns right on Eucalyptus, right on S. Santa Fe, right on Broadway, left on Citrus, left on Main Street and ends at the Wave Waterpark.
Time/Place: 1-3pm / Vista Civic Center
Contact: 760-726-1340 / www.cityofvista.com
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village Dec. 1
Families, friends and visitors will be able to experience a tree lighting, a Christmas Village with seasonal vendors, festive dcor, live music and entertainment, holiday treats, Santa Claus and more.
Time/Place: 4-8pm / India St & W Fir St
Contact: 619-233-3898 / www.littleitalysd.com
Mission Hills Artists Holiday Art & Craft Sale Dec. 1
A collective of local artists, dedicated to supporting and promoting creative people who live or work in Mission Hills. Free admission and free parking.
Time/Place: 9am-3pm / Mission Hills United Church of Christ: 4070 Jackdaw Street
Contact: www.facebook.com/
Storytime Breakfast with The La Jolla Library Dec. 2
Delight in a breakfast buffet, variety of holiday-themed drinks, dessert and a fireside reading of Dr. Seuss: How The Grinch Stole Christmas led by the La Jolla Library.
Time/Place: 8-11am / Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Contact: www.nightout.com
La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival Dec. 2
Marching bands, floats, vintage automobiles and Santa Claus. Church bells peal with a fly-over. There is also a Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Time/Place: 1:30-5pm / Girard Avenue & Prospect Street
Contact: www.ljparade.com
San Pasqual Battle Day Dec. 2
Commemorating the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual of the Mexican-American war with battle reenactment, military encampment, food and entertainment.
Time/Place: 10am-3pm / 15808 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido
Contact: 760-737-2201 / www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=655
Kringle Mingle Dec. 2
Come get free photos with Surfing Santa in his vintage Camera Camper Sleigh. Listen and dance to lively musical performances. Enjoy a cup of warm savory soup from Rimels, scrumptious holiday treats and cookies from VGs Donuts and much more. Childrens Craft Pavilion.
Time/Place: 1-5pm / North Courtyard of Cardiff Town Center
Contact: www.cardiff101.com
Santa by the Sea Dec. 2
Free pictures with Santa, treats, games and entertainment, plus a holiday tree lighting!
Time/Place: 3-5pm / LAuberge Amphitheater, Del Mar
Contact: 858-735-3650 / www.visitdelmarvillage.com
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off Dec. 2
40 local restaurants competing in a chili smackdown. 30 local handmade vendors. Local craft beer and wine garden.
Kids Fun Fest area with bounce houses, carnival games and more. Live entertainment.
Time/Place: 11am-5pm / Thorn & 32nd Streets in North Park
Contact: www.sonofestchilicookoff.com
Hanukkah Celebration & Menorah Lighting Dec. 3
Celebration, live entertainment, photo opportunities, and more! Guests are invited to partake in an evening of ice skating at the Rady Childrens Ice Rink after the Menorah Lighting.
Time/Place: 5-9pm / Liberty Station
Contact: www.libertystation.com
Alpine Village Christmas Parade & Snow Festival Dec. 7
Imaginative creative entries for this hometown range from lights on pets and bikes to actual floats and huge trucks! The snow sledding, Santa Claus, entertainment, childrens activities and vendors begins at 7pm.
Time/Place: 6:30-9pm / Alpine Creek Town Center
Contact: 619-445-2722 / www.alpinechamber.com
Coronado Holiday Parade & Open House Dec. 7
Santa arrives via the Ferry at the Coronado Ferry Landing, a festive parade follows down Orange Avenue and Santa lights the Christmas Tree in Rotary Plaza.
Time/Place: 3:20-8pm / Coronado Ferry Landing
Contact: 619-435-7242 / www.coronadochamber.com
Balboa Park December Nights Dec. 7-8
Friends, families and the community are invited to come together for festive fun, food and attractions throughout the park, including complimentary admission to Balboa Park museums from 5-9pm.
Time/Place: Fri 3-11pm, Sat 12-11pm / Balboa Park
Contact: www.sandiego.gov/december-
La Mesas Holiday in the Village Dec. 7-8
Walk the streets of La Mesas historic downtown and enjoy live music and dance, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, and a kids area with holiday movies and activities.
Time/Place: 5-9pm / La Mesa Village
Contact: 619-606-2028 / www.lamesavillageassociation.
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 8
A distinctly California celebration, features boats decorated for the holidays that will sail around the Bay.
Time/Place: 6-9pm / Mission Bay & Beaches
Contact: 858-488-0501 / www.mbyc.org
Poways Christmas in the Park Dec. 8
Horse-drawn hay and pony rides, petting zoo, and face painting. Steam locomotive train rides, model trains, and live entertainment. Holiday sweets and warm dinner foods. Tree lighting and Santa!
Time/Place: 3:30-8:30pm / Old Poway Park
Contact: www.poway.org
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights Dec. 8
Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys dressed up in holiday swag and circle the Oceanside Harbor to enchant onlookers at the harbor, restaurants and beach.
Time/Place: 7-9pm / Oceanside Harbor
Contact: www.oceansideyc.net
Santas Holiday Festival Dec. 8
Come take pictures with Santa. Each family will have the opportunity to make a memorable holiday ornament. There will be face painting, crafts and refreshments. Dont forget to do a little holiday shopping in the Gift Shop.
Time/Place: 10am-3pm / Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, Vista
Contact: 760-726-1340 / www.cityofvista.com
Jingle Bell Run Dec. 8
The Arthritis Foundations original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure Americas #1 cause of disability.
Time/Place: 6:30-11am / Liberty Station NTC Park
Contact: 619-468-5986 / https://events.arthritis.org
Red Nose Run Dec. 9
A holiday 5K that benefits Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and Semper Fi Fund. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best Holiday apparel and a prize will be awarded.
Time/Place: 12:30-5:30pm / Powerhouse Park, Del Mar
Contact: www.therednoserun.com
Del Dios Trail Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Dec. 9
All courses feature dirt service roads or single track trails, with elevation gains between 100-500. We are proud to offer our Kids Dash.
Time/Place: 6-11am / Lake Hodges Visitors Center, Escondido
Contact: www.enduranceraceseries.com/
Santa at the Lakes Dec. 9
Santa Claus, snow sledding, carnival rides, smores, food, face painting, arts, crafts and so much more!
Time/Place: 10am-3pm / Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
Contact: 619-596-3141 / www.santeelakes.com
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Dec. 9 & 16
More than 80 boats lavishly decorated sailing by the shores for all to see. The parade proceeds from Shelter Island past Harbor Island, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Pier at Cesar Chavez Park and the Ferry Landing in Coronado.
Time/Place: 5pm / San Diego Bay
Contact: www.sdparadeoflights.org
ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship Dec. 12-16
The ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship serves as the preeminent platform for physically challenged surfers to display their talents in competition.
Time/Place: See website for schedule. / La Jolla Shores
Contact: 858-551-8563 / www.isasurf.org
San Diego Santa Run 5K & 1 Mile Race Dec. 15
A series of runs that will take place on Garnet Ave featuring a 5K fun run and 1 mile run waves that include run with your dog, kids run, and a competitive wave.
Time/Place: 8:30-11am / Garnet Ave. and Bayard St.
Contact: 858-412-6787 / www.sandiegosantarun.com
Old Town Las Posadas Dec. 15
Based on the story of Mary and Josephs search for shelter in Bethlehem. Fiesta de Reyes invites you to enjoy the holiday spirit with festive decorations throughout the park, entertainment, and holiday experiences for the whole family.
Time/Place: 12-8pm / Old Town San Diego
Contact: 619-291-4903 / www.oldtownsandiego.org
Dirty December Poker Fun Run Half Marathon & 10K Dec. 15
In addition to a costume contest and holiday theme, this run will involve a poker element your poker hand could give you bonus time!
Time/Place: 9am-12:30pm / Sycamore Canyon Open Space Preserve
Contact: http://dirtyfeet.us
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon Dec. 15
Starts on Penasquitos Drive in front of the Hotel Karlan then travels SW along Carmel Mountain Road along the 56 bike path and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.
Time/Place: 5am-12pm / Hotel Karlan, Ranch Penasquitos
Contact: www.sandiegoholidayhalf.com
The Vet + Pet West Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade Dec. 16
All pet owners and their furry, feathered, and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes and put their best paw, wing, and fin forward for this jolly promenade and pet expo.
Time/Place: 1-5pm / MLK Promenade Park, San Diego
Contact: www.gaslamp.org
San Diego International Auto Show Dec. 27-30
Over 400 vehicles from 30+ global manufacturers. Be among the first in the US to see more than 20 debuts of newly unveiled vehicles not yet in showrooms that are expected to be on display at the show.
Time/Place: Thur-Fri 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm / SD Convention Center
Contact: 858-550-0080 / www.sdautoshow.com
Solar Turbines 5K Run/Walk Dec. 31
Athletes will run past 100,000 cheering spectators. Runners, families and spectators can watch the remainder of the parade that features colorful floats, bands and inflatable characters.
Time/Place: 9:45am / San Diego Harbor Front
Contact: www.holidaybowl.com
SDCCU Holiday Bowl Dec. 31
This signature San Diego event annually showcases a thrilling game between some of college footballs most competitive conferences, the Big Ten and the Pac-12.
Time/Place: 4pm / SDCCU Stadium