Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 8.
Friday
East Village Holiday Happy Hour: UCSD Park & Market and the East Village Association will host a holiday happy hour. Visitors can try wine pairings with food from Senses Bistro and a performance by Full Strength at the Guggenheim Theater at 5:30 p.m. Tickets include one beer or glass of wine per person. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. $12 pre-sale, $15 at the door. UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego. eventbrite.com/e/east-village-holiday-happy-hour-with-full-strength-band-tickets-1084390323649
“Tiny Beautiful Things”: Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Nia Vardalos’ stage adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s novel about her real-life experience as an advice columnist struggling to heal her own personal problems. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 8. Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University, 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. $29-$49. 858-395-0573, scrippsranchtheatre.org
December Nights: One of San Diego’s largest public events returns to Balboa Park, where museums will open their doors for later access and visitors can find entertainment, food and drinks and other activities across the park. For kids, there will be a family zone, photos with Santa and crafts, including miniature figure painting at the Comic-Con Museum. 3 to 11 p.m. Friday. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Balboa Park. Free with some additional fees for activities. balboapark.org/event/december-nights/2024-12-06/
Lemon Grove Bonfire: Hosted by the Lemon Grove Historical Society, this annual event welcome locals to gather around the fire. Visitors can bring kinds to meet Santa, tour the Parsonage Museum and shop at the gift shop. 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St., Lemon Grove. Free. lghistorical.org
Jingle Terrace Live: The Brengle Terrace Park at Moonlight Amphitheatre will present a holiday light show from Dec. 6-21. Jungle Terrace Live will feautre live entertainment, holiday displays, seasonal activities, photo opportunities and light shows. This all-ages event is free to attend.1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-live
Holiday Lights: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum will put on its annual Holiday Lights event, which transforms the historic museum grounds into a winter wonderland with light displays. Highlights include wagon rides through holiday lights, Santa photos, food and drinks, crafts, model trains, steam engine and tractor displays, s’mores, holiday movies, local vendors and Christmas tree raffle. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. ission is $10, in advance online; $12 at gate; free for kids 6 and younger. agsem.org/holiday-light-2024
Margaritaville Hotel Holiday Pop-Up Bar: For the three Fridays before Christmas in December, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego will host a holiday pop-up for the first time in its lobby bar. The event includes signature holiday cocktails, seasonal décor and live music. 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20. 435 Sixth Ave., San Diego. 619-819-9500, margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-hotel-san-diego/live-entertainment/holiday-happening
Winter MKT: Vinyl DJs at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego can be the soundtrack to holiday shopping in La Jolla. The Winter MKT will have vendors selling clothes, records, books, food and drinks. The event is a collaboration between We Share Records, Folk Art Rare Records, Part Time Lover, Japonesia and In Sheep’s Clothing. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. mcasd.org/events/winter-mkt-2024
Trilogy Holiday Bazaar: Shop, clothes swap and watch an acrobatic show at the Trilogy Holiday Bazaar. More than 20 local vendors will be selling handmade goods, beauty products and sustainable clothing. There will also be giveaways, an organic and vegan cafe and live music. ission to the vendor, food and live entertainment areas is free. The Clothing swap portion will cost $10. The acrobatic show ission is $15 in advance and $20 for standard tickets. Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 1. 7650 Girard Ave., San Diego. events.humanitix.com/holiday-bazaar
Tree lighting at The Forum Carlsbad: Festive activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 include live music, holiday characters, treats, holiday-themed carnival booths and a visit from Santa along with lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m. and a light show and snowfall at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. The La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band will perform. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Saturday
Holiday book sale at library: The Alpine Library Friends Association is holding its annual Holiday Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at 1752 Alpine Blvd. All books and DVDs will be buy one, get one free. There will be a range of items, from table books, bestsellers and children’s books to puzzles. Gift certificates are also available. Visit alpinelibraryfriends.org.
‘Harmony Under the Mistletoe’: A holiday concert, “Harmony Under the Mistletoe,” featuring more than 80 singers from the Masters of Harmony and Pacific Coast Harmony Chorus is at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Tickets are $25. The church is at 3459 Manchester Ave. Visit stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com.
Holiday event at Carrillo Ranch: Holiday at the Rancho is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane. The event features a tree lighting at 6 p.m., a visit from Santa, train rides, a plush snowball arena, crafts, cookie decorating and a holiday movie on the outdoor screen at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $10; free for ages 3 and younger. Food and beverages will be sold. Additional parking is available at Carrillo Elementary School, 2875 Poinsettia Lane. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/holiday-at-the-rancho.
Parol Lantern Festival: The Philippine-American Society and Cultural Arts Troupe will host its annual Parol Lantern Festival for the 28th time. Visitors can see traditional Philippine star lanterns made from capiz shells. There will also be workshops for learning parol-making and a chance to see a traditional Philippine village with holiday decorations. 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Eastlake High School gymnasium, 1120 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista. $17.85. eventbrite.com/e/pasacat-28th-annual-parol-lantern-festival-tickets-1050066205287
Laurel & Hardy club screens movies: The Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents several movies, “Big Business,” “Great Guns” and “Back from the Front,” from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave. ission is $10 and includes dessert; free for children 12 and younger. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the program starts at 5 p.m. Visit facebook.com/groups/149982858403776.
Winter Wonderland at park: El Cajon hosts a free “Winter Wonderland” event from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave. There will be a movie in park, train rides, photos with Santa, costumed characters, crafts and letters to Santa. Visit elcajon.gov/your-government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/winter-wonderland.
Traditional Christmas Market: A traditional Christmas Market is from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 hosted by the German American Societies at 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Highlights include handmade gifts, choral performances, entertainment, German food, beer and Gluhwein. Visit lakesidechamber.org.
Winter Wonderland festival at arts center: The festival is from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7-8 in the Lyric Courtyard of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd. Visitors can winter-themed crafting activities led by artists, browse for gifts sold by local businesses, meet Santa and play in snow. Food and drinks will be sold. ission is free. Visit artcenter.org.
Snowball Bash, Christmas concerts: Emmanuel Faith Community Church holds its annual Snowball Bash for the foster, adoptive and kinship community from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at 639 E. 17th Ave. Visit efcc.org/snowball. The church also holds its annual Christmas concerts at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 14-15. A special program for kids up to sixth grade will be held at the 5 p.m. Dec. 14 performance and will include cookie decorating. Visit efcc.org/concert.
Festival of Lights is parade theme: Fallbrook’s 43rd annual Christmas parade, themed “Festival of Lights,” starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 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. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
Lakeside tree lighting ceremony: Spirit of Christmas, a tree lighting ceremony with holiday festivities, is from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 on Maine Avenue in Lakeside’s historic district. The tree lighting is at 5 p.m.Visit lakesidechamber.org.
Pearl Harbor remembrance: A Pearl Harbor Day remembrance ceremony for the community is at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7 at the Little Fishing Pier to honor the more than 2,400 soldiers, sailors, and Marines who were killed during the Pearl Harbor Attack on Dec. 7, 1941. The community will gather, and as is the tradition, toss rose petals into the harbor at the end of the ceremony, in memory of those who died at Pearl Harbor. In the past, of North County’s Chapter 31 of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association have led this ceremony, but they have ed away. Their names are engraved on the black marble memorial, “ Pearl Harbor,” near the beginning of the pier, by the road. For questions, call 760-744-2763 or email [email protected].
Holiday Craft Bazaar on Dec. 7: The artists at Rancho Calevero Mobile Home Park will host a Holiday Craft Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 in the clubhouse at 3570 Calevero Lane. About 20 artists will be selling a variety of handcrafted items such as jewelry, crocheted items, weavings, macrame, olive oil soap, lavender bath products and glass garden ornaments. There will be snacks and drinks.
Holiday Craft Fair: The annual Seven Oaks Holiday Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, sponsored by the Seven Oaks Community Center, features handicrafts and art from local makers and artisans. The free, family-friendly fair draws holiday shoppers from Rancho Bernardo and across North County. This year’s one-day shopping event is twice the size of previous years with more than 65 local vendors and gift prices starting at $10. Visit 7oaksrb.com.
Holiday concert at The Conrad: The La Jolla Music Society presents a Christmas program, Kings ReJoyce, featuring multi-Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato with the four-piece vocal group Kings Return, alongside pianist Craig Terry at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. The program will include traditional holiday favorites, such as “Ave Maria” and “Carol of The Bells” along with contemporary classics like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.” Tickets are $68-$95. Visit theconrad.org.
Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village: The Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., with lights and 10-foot-tall nutcrackers decorating the neighborhood and holiday displays. The traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. featuring a 25-foot-tall tree along with artist Joshua Hubert’s Aurora Tree. There will be live entertainment, holiday-themed bites and sips along with a visit from Santa Claus. The Christmas Village with holiday makers and vendors will be on India Street between West Cedar and West Grape streets. Visit littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting.
Ocean Beach holiday parade: Ocean Beach holds its annual holiday parade at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 along Newport Avenue. The event is hosted and organized by the Ocean Beach Community Foundation and Love Thy Neighborhood and ed by the Ocean Beach Main Street Association. Visit oceanbeachsandiego.com/resources/local-news/ob-holiday-parade.
Tree lighting and vendor market: A family holiday event with entertainment, crafts and vendors is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 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 2 to 5 p.m.. ission is free. Visit san-marcos.net/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/santa-s-village.
66th annual Christmas parade: The Vista Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 in downtown Vista. This year’s theme is “Christmas at the Movies,” celebrating the Vista chamber’s 100th anniversary. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at The Wave Waterpark and will end at Santa Fe Avenue and Pala Vista Drive. There will be floats, music and marching bands, along with Santa. Visit vistachamber.org/christmas-parade.
Sunday
Kringle Mingle set: The 17th annual Kringle Mingle is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 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. ission is free. Visit cardiff101.com/events.
Rotary holds annual tree lighting event: The Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 in the south parking lot of the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center, at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 2 p.m. in a procession that includes Mayor Keith Blackburn and other dignitaries. Highlights include free photos with Santa; entertainment by the Renaissance Institute of Music Orchestra, Carlsbad High School Band and Lancer Dancers and XCalibur dance teams; free cookies, cider and coffee; and storytelling, crafts and singalongs. Visit carlsbadrotary.com.
Holiday festival at Village Walk: A free holiday festival is from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Village Walk at EastLake. Santa will come on the Holiday Express and visit with children. There will be free train rides and holiday entertainment, photos, free holiday crafts for children. Also, Frosty the Snowman costumed character will be there from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 for Sunday Fun Days. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events.
North Pole by the Sea: Family-friendly festivities for North Pole by the Sea kick off at 1 p.m. Dec. 8 throughout the Del Mar Village, including photos with Santa and letters to Santa at Del Mar Plaza, holiday characters, carolers, live music until 5 p.m., hot chocolate and drinks for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. at L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater, Camino Del Mar and 15th Street. The annual holiday tree lighting is at 5 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar. Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea.
Traditional Christmas Market: A traditional Christmas Market is from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 hosted by the German American Societies at 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Highlights include handmade gifts, choral performances, entertainment, German food, beer and Gluhwein. Visit lakesidechamber.org.
Holiday festivities at historic farmstead: A farmhouse holiday celebration is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the historic Sikes Adobe Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive. Highlights include farmhouse tours, cookie decorating, paper crafts, hot drinks and treats. ission is free; donations are appreciated for education materials. Visit sdrp.org/sikes-adobe.
La Jolla parade and festival: La Jolla holds a Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival with the theme “’Palm Trees & Poinsettias — A California Christmas’” on Dec. 8. The festival opens at 11:30 a.m. at Girard Avenue and Wall Street, and the parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Kline Street and Girard. The event closes at 4 p.m. Visit ljparade.com.
Holiday Market with Santa: San Marcos Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 in North City with over 140 vendors with handcrafted gifts, artisan crafts, natural bath and beauty products, custom home decor, and specialty food items. Santa will be there from noon to 3 p.m., and there will be live holiday music along with “Rescue Row,” with pet adoptions from local animal rescues. ission is free. Visit northcity.com/events/holiday-market.
Solana Beach tree lighting: The annual free Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., starts at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with hot cocoa, sweets, treats and cider. Santa is slated to arrive by a firetruck escort at 5:20 p.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org/en/Fletcher-Cove-Holiday-Tree-Lighting-2024.
