Jingle Jets | Nov. 28-Dec. 30
An extensive and spectacular holiday lights displays, holiday decorations, Christmas trees and Santa Claus meet & greet to create a shipboard winter wonderland.
5:30-9pm / USS Midway Museum
619-544-9600 / www.midway.org
Rhoades Foundation Book Fair | Dec. 1-5
A literary haven for book enthusiasts. Discover new authors, engage in intriguing discussions, and even meet some of their favorite writers.
10:30am-1pm / Rhoades Foundation, Encinitas
Oceanside Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 4
Get into the holiday spirit at the festive Holiday Tree Lighting event. It’s a magical evening filled with twinkling lights, seasonal music, and a bustling market offering unique holiday gifts.
5-9pm / Oceanside Sunset Market
760-754-4512 / www.mainstreetoceanside.com
Fallbrook Tree Lighting Festival | Dec. 5
Attendees can expect to enjoy live music, delicious food from local vendors, and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony that will leave them in awe.
5-7:30pm / Fallbrook Community Center
760-728-1671 / www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Lemon Grove Annual Bonfire | Dec. 5
Free Family Fun. Arts and Crafts. Food for sale. Live Music. Game Truck. Inflatables.
4:30-8:30pm / 3200 Main Street
619-952-3278 / www.lemongrove.ca.gov
Coronado Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting | Dec. 5
Live music. Holiday sing-Alongs. Parade featuring local organizations, clubs, and businesses with lights, and costumes.
6-8pm / Orange Avenue
619-435-9260 / www.coronadochamber.com
Musical Kickoff to the Holidays in Carlsbad Village | Dec. 5
Enjoy performances from Carlsbad Unified’s talented middle and high school choir and orchestra students. Local soloists will also share holiday tunes with you as you warm up with hot cocoa and cookies at our treat station.
4pm / Carlsbad Village / www.carlsbad-village.com
December Nights | Dec. 5-6
The event features choir performances, light displays, Santa Claus, a variety of craft vendors, and the annual tree lighting.
Fri 3-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm / Balboa Park
www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
Jingle Terrace Nights | Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21
Enjoy refreshments, festive displays, live entertainment, photo opportunities, and other special surprises.
5:30-8:30pm / Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista
760-724-2110 / www.moonlightstage.com
Holiday Wonderland | Dec. 5-23
Select dates. Dance through dazzling displays, participate in photo opportunities with Santa, and take a spin on the grand carousel, ride the Christmas train, and sled down a hill with real snow! Festive drinks and delicious seasonal treats for purchase, and local artisan shops.
Petco Park Gallagher Square
www.mlb.com/padres/tickets/events/holiday-wonderland
Seven Oaks Community Center Holiday Craft Fair | Dec. 6
A bustling marketplace, offering a wide array of affordable gifts from local makers, bakers, and artists.
9am-3pm / 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo
Fallbrook Christmas Parade | Dec. 6
Expect a spectacular showcase of colorful floats, marching bands, vintage cars, equestrian clubs parading their well-groomed horses, and local groups dressed in holiday-themed costumes spreading cheer throughout the crowd.
5-7pm / Main Street Downtown
760-728-5845 / www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
San Marcos Tree Lighting and Holiday Market | Dec. 6
Festive fun, local vendors, and holiday enchantment. Post-tree lighting, they can enjoy entertainment in the courtyard and a delightful ‘snow’ spectacle.
1-7pm / San Marcos Civic Center
760-744-1050 / www.san-marcos.net
Starlight Parade and Festival | Dec. 6
This cherished South Bay tradition promises to dazzle with radiant floats, merry participants, and activities suitable for all ages. Holiday Market & Festival 3-7pm, Photos with Santa 3-6pm, Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:45pm, Starlight Parade 6pm.
Downtown Chula Vista
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village | Dec. 6
A winter wonderland with Christmas twinkle lights down all the streets, our beautiful urban neighborhood will be adorned with 10-foot tall nutcrackers and kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners, Christmas songs and more.
4-8pm / Piazza della Famiglia
619-233-3898 / www.littleitalysd.com
Encinitas Holiday Parade | Dec. 6
Pathed by bubble ramps and giant helium-shoe clowns, its cheerful movie-themed ambiance promises mass glam that couples resplendently with unbeaten feel-good tunes.
5:30pm / South Coast Highway 101
760-633-2600 / www.encinitasca.gov
Lakeside Spirit of Christmas | Dec. 6
Visit with Santa, music & entertainment, food & drinks, and kids activities.
3-7:30pm / Maine Avenue
619-561-1031 / www.facebook.com/SpiritofChristmas
Enchanted Village Gala | Dec. 6
Step into a sparkling wonderland at our winter gala, where twinkling lights guide you through a breathtaking walkthrough holiday display. Casino games, jazz music, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of fundraising opportunities. Dress code is semi-formal encouraged. 21+ event.
5-8:30pm / Noah Homes, Spring Valley
619-440-6161 / www.eastcountychamber.org
La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival | Dec. 7
‘There’s No Place Like Home (for the Holidays)’ Illuminated floats transport revelers through a spectacle of lights and holiday costumes. Santa’s Workshop 11:30am-4pm, Santa’s Village 1:30-4:30pm.
1:30pm / Wall Street
858-922-4046 / www.ljparade.com
Cardiff Kringle Mingle | Dec. 7
A free holiday gathering for the entire community. Take a photo with Santa in his vintage Camera Camper sleigh, enjoy live music performed by local musicians, and get artsy with crafts for children. Holiday treats, hot coffee, and hot chocolate.
10am-2pm / Aberdeen Drive
760-436-0431 / www.cardiff101.com
Rotary Holiday Tree Lighting at Village Faire | Dec. 7
Kids will enjoy holiday crafts and storytelling courtesy of the Carlsbad Library’s Learning Center. The Carlsbad Rotary Club will also provide cookies, coffee, and hot cider.
12-4:30pm / Carlsbad Village Faire Shopping Center
760-434-3838 / www.shopvillagefaire.com
Fletcher Cove Holiday Tree Lighting | Dec. 7
There will be plenty of sweets, treats, hot cocoa & cider to go along with all the fun. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival!
4:30pm / Solana Beach
Keepin’ It Rural 5K and 10K Race and Festival | Dec. 7
A celebration of rural life and fitness. Attendees can expect to participate in a thrilling race, enjoy local food and crafts, and immerse themselves in a vibrant community atmosphere.
Elfin Forest Recreational Preserve, Olivenhain
Holiday Nights at Bernardo Winery | Dec. 10-21
The Winter Wonderland promises a magical experience with the winery village aglow with holiday lights, roaming carolers, and a Holiday Shopping Village featuring local artisans.
5-9pm / 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte
858-487-1866 / www.facebook.com/bernardowinery
Poway Christmas in the Park | Dec. 12-13
Enjoy live music, visit with Santa, purchase tasty holiday treats, finish your Christmas shopping at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time ride around the park. The tree lighting ceremony, followed by Santa’s arrival by train, begins at 6pm.
3:30-8:30pm / Old Poway Park
Coastal Christmas | Dec. 12-26
Select dates. Wander through the Holiday Light Trail, sip hot cocoa or a holiday cocktail beneath twinkling lights, and take in the ocean breeze as you glide across the eco-friendly Glice rink. Families will love Frosty’s Fun Zone, Santa visits, and endless opportunities for festive photos.
4-9pm / DM Fairgrounds
www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com
Dixon Lake 10/10 Trail Race | Dec. 13
A thrilling race that takes runners to the top of Stanley Peak, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view. With a maximum of 300 participants, the event promises an intimate experience on the stunning trails of Daley Ranch.
7:30-11am / El Caballo Park, Escondido
858-775-7104 / www.enduranceraceseries.com
Mission Bay Parade of Lights | Dec. 13
Mission Bay Yacht Club has organized and hosted the holiday boat parade of lights for decades, now a beloved event that delights viewers of all ages with creativity and effort that goes into decorating a brilliant floating light display.
5:30pm / Mission Bay, San Diego
Holiday Tree Lighting at La Colonia | Dec. 13
There will be plenty of sweets, treats, and Mexican hot cocoa to go along with all the fun. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival!
5pm / La Colonia Park, Solana Beach
858-720-4430 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org
Holiday in the Village: A La Mesa Tradition | Dec. 13
A perfect blend of charming traditional and fresh-modern treats, erupting simultaneously against the charismatic backdrop of La Mesa.
12-9pm / La Mesa Blvd.
www.lamesavillageassociation.org
San Diego Santa Run | Dec. 13
This family-friendly 5K event spreads holiday cheer with festive music, themed activities, and a jolly atmosphere. Whether running, walking, or simply enjoying the sights, the Santa Run is a unique and fun way to celebrate the season while embracing the spirit of giving and community.
8am / 912 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
Oceanside Parade of Lights | Dec. 13
An enchanting evening awaits as an array of light-festooned vehicles adds a sprinkling of festive sparkle, turning the atmosphere into a magical dreamscape.
Oceanside Yacht Club: 1950 N Harbor Drive
760-722-5751 / www.oceansideyc.net
The Red Nose Run | Dec. 13
An exhilarating fun run and walk along the stunning Del Mar beach, suitable for families and canines alike. Participants can tailor their experience by choosing between the offered 3K and 5K distances.
12pm / Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center
Makers Arcade Holiday Fair | Dec. 13-14
Artisan market featuring over 140 local makers, live music, gourmet food trucks, craft cocktail bars, and interactive art.
Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-8pm / Broadway Pier, San Diego
www.makersarcade.com/holiday-fair-2025
Jingle Bell Run | Dec. 14
A festive race organized by the Arthritis Foundation, invites everyone to don their favorite holiday gear and participate in a fun-filled event aimed at finding a cure for arthritis.
8am / Liberty Station Park, San Diego
https://events.arthritis.org/jbrsandiego
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights | Dec. 14 & 21
The parade features over 80 lavishly decorated boats sailing in the bay, hoping to win a prize for originality and creativity.
5:30pm / San Diego Bay
Jungle Bells | Dec. 19-Jan. 4
Select dates. Experience the magic and the spirit of the holiday season! We light up the night until 8pm with amazing entertainment and merry experiences.
See website for schedule. / San Diego Zoo
https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/jungle-bells
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon and 5K | Dec. 20
Starting with a real hill at mile 1.5, race down a rolling bike path, with a 711-foot net elevation drop, then crossing the crowd-pleasing finish line at Torrey Pines State Beach.
7:30-10:45am / Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
Jingle BLISS | Dec. 20
BLISS shares warmth and joy by giving 600 new blankets to seniors living in mobile homes and subsidized housing.
12pm / 1283 E Main St. Suite 104, El Cajon
619-817-5558 / www.blisscarefoundation.org/jinglebliss
San Diego Bazaar | Dec. 20-21
Expect a shopping extravaganza with over 100 makers showcasing their crafts. Features fun activities like a photo booth, postcard station, gift wrapping, and more, along with delightful cocktails, coffee, and local bites to eat.
11am-4pm / The Soap Factory: 2995 Commercial Street
