ALPINE
Parade of Lights
Alpine’s Parade of Lights starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Alpine Boulevard and West Victoria Drive and will be on the main stretch of Alpine Boulevard. The parade is hosted by the Alpine Chamber of Commerce. Visit alpinechamber.com/our-events.
CARDIFF
Holiday book sale
The Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library hold its holiday half-price book and media sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Cardiff Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. The sale opens to Friends members at 9 a.m. Proceeds support the library. Visit friendscardifflibrary.org.
CARLSBAD
Holidays at Legoland
Live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall will be on display from Nov. 22 through Jan. 4 at Legoland California, 1 Legoland Drive. The annual tree lighting ceremony is at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 1. Throughout the holidays, the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decked with lights and Lego ornaments built out of more than 350,000 Lego and Duplo bricks will be on display. Photos can be taken with life-sized festive Lego models or costumed characters such as a Lego Santa, a toy soldier, a gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party will be held Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. Visit legoland.com/california.
CARMEL VALLEY
Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5K
Participants can run or walk starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 27 with check-in at 7:15 a.m. at the Fleet Feet San Diego store, 5980 Village Way, in The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch. Highlights include refreshments and early access to Black Friday shopping deals. The route will be on the sidewalk and there will be a marked turnaround for a 1-mile option. The event follows a “fun run” format, and the route will be marked, but roads will not be closed. Participation is free. Runners can raise money for Molly’s Angels Foundation and Monarch School for homeless youths and Vista Hill, which provides mental health, education and social services. Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanDiego/FreeThanksgivingDay5k; email community@fleetfeetsandiego.com.
CHULA VISTA
Starlight Parade and Festival
The Starlight Parade and Festival is from 3 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 in Memorial Park and Park Way, with a parade, a holiday market, a children’s holiday train ride, a tree lighting, live entertainment and photos with Santa. The lighting of a 25-foot tree takes place at 5:45 p.m. on the plaza at the northeast corner of Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and goes from H Street to E Street, featuring marching bands, decorated floats, automobiles and dance teams, among other entries. Admission is free. Visit starlightparade.com.
CORONADO
5K Turkey Trot benefits sick kids
Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary hosts its 12th annual 5K Turkey Trot at 8 a.m. Nov. 27 at Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Drive. There’s also a virtual 5K and Tiny Trotters Fun Run. Registration starts at $33 before Nov. 16; free for ages 5 and younger. Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/Coronado/CoronadoTurkeyTrotPresentedByRadyChildrensHospital.
CORONADO
Holiday Parade with tree lighting ceremony
The annual Coronado Holiday Parade takes off at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from Eighth Street down Orange Avenue to Adella Avenue. The tree lighting ceremony is after the parade, and festivities continue to 9 p.m. with live music and holiday singalongs. Visit coronadochamber.com.
EL CAJON
Holiday Lights
The Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at Prescott Promenade, 200 E. Main St. Festivities include live music, holiday vendors, train rides and free photos with Santa. Visit downtownelcajon.com.
Winter Wonderland at park
The Winter Wonderland event is from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at Wells Park, 1153 E. Madison Ave. There will be a movie in the park, train rides, bounce house photos with Santa, games, costumed characters, crafts and letters to Santa, weather permitting. Admission is free. Visit elcajon.gov/your-government/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/winter-wonderland.
Holiday songs featured at concert
The California Note Catchers will put on a Holiday Music Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, 455 Church Way. The chorus and several small ensembles will perform classic holiday songs. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. There will be a silent auction and a bake sale. Visit californianotecatchers.com.
ENCINITAS
Art group holds Holiday Bazaar
The San Dieguito Art Guild’s 13th annual Holiday Bazaar is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The event features 31 local artists selling handcrafted gifts from paintings, jewelry and photography to glass, fiber art, gourds and prints. The TERI Fine Arts Program booth will showcase artwork by community members with disabilities. There will be treats and a silent auction. Visit sandieguitoartduild.com.
Holiday Harmonies concert
The North Coast Symphony Orchestra puts on a concert of festive music at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena. The program includes orchestral arrangements of classics, including “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Fantasy,” Overture on French Carols, “Greensleeves” and “Joy to the World.” The orchestra will be joined by the North Coast Singers youth chorus. Admission is $18 general, $15 for seniors, students and military, free for 18 and younger. Visit northcoastsymphony.com.
Thanksgiving Day run
The Encinitas Turkey Trot’s 10K race starts at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K Fun Run/Walk/Costume Contest takes off at 8 a.m. Nov. 27 at Highway 101 and D Street. Register for the Costume Contest by 7:45 a.m. The event supports the Veterans Association of North County, with the goal of reducing post-traumatic stress disorder and veteran suicide, and Encinitas Boy Scout Troop 776. Entry is $60-$91. Visit encinitasturkeytrot.org.
Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Rancho Coastal Humane Society is encouraging community members to adopt older cats and dogs as part of “Adopt a Senior Pet Month.” When adults age 60 and older adopt a senior pet (7 years and older), the adoption fee will be paid by a Rancho Coastal Humane Society benefactor. Visit the animal shelter at 389 Requeza St., visit sdpets.org or call 760-753-6413. Also, the shelter is running its community Donation Drive through Nov. 30. Supplies needed include blankets, pet toys and new, unopened pet food. Items can be dropped off in donation areas and bins at the shelter. A wish list is at rchumanesociety.org/wish-list-2023.
ESCONDIDO
Community in Unity fest
The Escondio Chamber of Commerce pressents Community in Unity, an annual season-opening event with live holiday music, food and drinks, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Escondido City Hall, 201 N. Broadway. Bring new, unwrapped toys and pajamas. Pajamas of all sizes will benefit the children and teens of Solutions for Change; toys for boys and girls ages 4 to 12 will benefit the Escondido Police Athletic League. Tickets are $40; $50 at door. Visit business.escondidochamber.org.
‘Wild Holidays’ at Safari Park
The ‘Wild Holidays’ festivities are Nov. 28-30, Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 4 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show, Bridge of Lights, Enchanted Lagoon and visits with Santa along with Holiday Troubadour, Forest of Color and Nairobi Lantern Walk, among other festivities. Activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. The park will stay open until 8 p.m. for the event. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.
LA JOLLA
Art exhibit opens at library
The Friends of La Jolla Riford Library is opening its fall/winter art exhibit, “Color It Contemporary,” featuring the work of four award-winning California artists, Grant Pecoff, Mona Ray, Sally Samins and Kelly Villasenor, at 7555 Draper Ave. The art showcases landscapes of the region, “presented on large canvases with an emphasis on saturated color and abstract design.” Art sales benefit the library. The Friends host a reception from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 22 in the Library Community Room. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/la-jolla-riford-library.
LA MESA
LA MESA: Woman’s club donates $23,500 to Rady’s Children’s Hospital…
The La Mesa Woman’s Club presented a check for $23,500 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Rady’s Children’s Hospital at a ceremony attended by club members and hospital administrative staff and nurses of the unit. The donation was earmarked for the purchase of five “Kangaroo Chairs” that are equipped to help premature and special needs infants bond and cuddle with parents to aid their healing process. Club members presenting the donation, included from left, Margaret Mendez, Lynn Thalman, Darcy Barghols, Pat Spear, Kathy Tinsley, Marsha McDonald and Lane Adams, seated in chair. (Courtesy of La Mesa Woman’s Club.)
LEMON GROVE
Toy Drive
The Lemon Grove Toy Drive, sponsored by Kids Fashion Week Network So-Cal with the Lemon Grove Lions Club, Lemon Grove Forward Club and Improving Lemon Grove runs through Dec. 7. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Lidos (20% off pizza, pasta with donation), Giardino, Lemon Grove Bistro, Elevated Coffee and Confections, Family House of Pancake, Sprouts and Lemon Grove Fire Station 10. Other locations are at kfwnetwork.com/toydrive.
MISSION HILLS
Library shop opens
The Library Shop Mission Hills opens Dec.1 at the former Mission Hills Library branch, 925 W. Washington St. The opening celebration continues through Dec. 7 with events, author visits, story times, discount deals and games. Proceeds support the 37 branches of the San Diego Public Library. Visit libraryfoundationsd.org/events/libraryshopmh.
NORTH COUNTY
Widows and Widowers Club holds events
The North County Widows and Widowers Club holds a Holiday Dance Party and Buffet on Dec. 6; a Happy Hour on Dec. 10 at Karl Strauss Brewing; and a Dinner Dance on Dec. 12 at the Vista Elks Lodge. To RSVP or get more information, call 760-716-9000.
OCEAN BEACH
Shop Small Saturday
The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association runs its annual Shop Small Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29 to kick off the holiday shopping season for local businesses. Shoppers who spend $50 or more in Ocean Beach can stop by the OBMA Welcome Booth in Veterans Plaza Park, 1900 Ocean Front Way, to spin the wheel for a chance to win local swag, gift cards and other prizes. Visit oceanbeachsandiego.com.
OCEANSIDE
O’side Turkey Trot
The 20th annual O’side Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk & Kids Run takes off with an early wave at 6:45 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, and the main wave starts at 8:05 a.m. from the Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway. There will be a “Double Dip” challenge for those who want to run both 5K races. Highlights include a costume contest, live music and kids runs. The event benefits the San Diego Food Bank along with dozens of North County schools and nonprofits. Registration is $40-$77. Visit sandiegorunningco.com/sdrc_events/oside-turkey-trot.
Jingle Bell Jump
St. Nick will make a parachute landing at noon Nov. 29 at Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd., to kick off the free Jingle Bell Jump event with nightly caroling from Dec. 5-11. The El Camino High School Band will play holiday music as Santa parachutes down. The event continues until 3 p.m. with holiday crafts for kids, carnival rides and games, inflatable jumpers, cookie decorating, a petting zoo, balloon artists, visits with Santa and face painting. There will be free churros, popcorn and cotton candy. Caroling groups will perform for shoppers from 6 to 7 p.m. Visit missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
World AIDS Day event at library
A World AIDS Day event to raise awareness and support those affected by HIV/AIDS is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Civic Center Library Community Room and Courtyard, 330 N. Coast Highway. The event will include live music, HIV resources, flu and Hepatitis vaccines, HIV testing and refreshments along with a moment of remembrance. There will be an opportunity to make wellness bags and a Heart of Hope interactive art activity. Visit tinyurl.com/35kwhpfn.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Piano concert at library
A chamber music concert featuring Ines Irawati on the piano will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 25 in the Rancho Bernardo Library’s second-floor community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The program includes impromptus by Schubert, the Ravel Sonatine and music by Liszt. This concert is part of the Friends of the Rancho Bernardo Library’s 26th annual Chamber Concert series. Admission is free; donations are appreciated. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Blue Christmas service
A community Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance will offer comfort to those grieving through music, scripture, prayers and remembrance of loved ones who died at 11 a.m. Dec. 5 in The Village Church Chapel at 6225 Paseo Delicias. RSVP by Dec. 1 at villagechurch.org/blue-christmas.
SAN DIEGO
‘Dinos Alive’ exhibit opens
The “Dinos Alive” exhibition opens Nov. 29, featuring life-size animated dinosaur replicas in an immersive Jurassic venue at 1210 W. Morena Blvd. Visitors can interact with several dozen moving replicas of dinosaurs ranging from T. rex and stegosaurus to velociraptors along with Jurassic sea giants in a virtual aquarium. There is a “Budding Experts” area where kids can be paleontologists. The exhibit runs through Jan. 25 and possibly longer. Tickets are $23-$39. Visit dinosaliveexhibit.com/san-diego.
Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope
Father Joe’s Villages 24th annual Thanksgiving Day Run for Hope 5K starts at 7:15 a.m. Nov. 27 at the Cabrillo Bridge in Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado. The event raises money to provide meals for homeless community members through the nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages food services programs. Registration fees range from $37-$67, and the event is for all ages. Register at thanksgivingrun.org.
Goodwill starts free donation pickups in Imperial Valley
Goodwill is starting free donation pickups by appointment from homes in Brawley and Imperial on the first Saturday of the month and from Calexico on the third Saturday. The donations support the nonprofit Goodwill’s job training, career opportunities and free employment programs. Schedule an appointment at ivgoodwill.org/donate/donation-pickup.
Trinity Theatre stages new show
Trinity Theatre Co. will put on Grown Up Stage’s production of “IFs (Imaginary Friends)” by Thomas Misuraca, which runs Nov. 28 to Dec. 14 at 1640 Camino Del Rio N., inside the Mission Valley Mall. The production is directed by Mia Spencer. Visit trinityttc.org/current-productions.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
The SeaWorld Christmas Celebration and holiday wonderland runs daily through Jan. 4 with live musical shows, faux snowfall, over a million lights, Santa and real reindeer, singing elves and the SkyTower decorated as San Diego’s largest Christmas tree along with festive food and beverages. There will be a new Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas Special at Sea Lion Stadium and a new Mrs. Claus story time show. All included with park admission. Tickets start at $61.99 during the Black Friday Sale. Visit seaworldsandiego.com.
Light show spotlights ‘Reason for the Season’
A free synchronized light and video show, “The Real Reason for the Season,” will run every half-hour from 5 to 9 p.m. from Dec. 6 to Jan. 4 at Columbia and Date streets in Little Italy, across the street from the Piazza della Famiglia fountain. The light show synchronized to popular Christmas music presents a short history of the Nativity and why Christmas is celebrated.
Holiday cheer on wheels
Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tour runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30 (except Dec. 25) with a mix of sightseeing, holiday singalongs and a 90-minute trip from the Old Town Market, 4010 Twiggs St., through festively decorated neighborhoods, including Old Town, Bankers Hill, Little Italy and Garrison Street. Reservations are required. Visit trolleytours.com/san-diego/holiday-tour-tickets.
December Nights slated at Balboa Park
The December Nights holiday festival is from 3 to 11 p.m. Dec. 5 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 6 at Balboa Park. The family-friendly event features holiday lights, sounds, entertainment and food. Visit sandiego.gov/december-nights.
Church celebrates anniversary
The Mary Magdalene Apostle Catholic Community will celebrate 20 years of service Nov. 30 with a celebratory Mass at 1 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2696 Melbourne Drive, in Serra Mesa. The congregation is a progressive Catholic community that recognizes women’s ordination and welcomes all. A reception and fellowship will follow. Visit mmacc.org or call 619-259-0541.
SAN MARCOS
Turkey Trot benefits families in need
Discovery Elementary School holds a communitywide Turkey Trot from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Nov. 27 at 730 Applewilde Drive. The trot starts and ends at the school. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m. Suggested donation is $10 per adult attendee and $5 per child. Proceeds help the school’s families in need during the holidays. Visit discoverypto.com/turkeytrot.
VISTA
Thanksgiving Day service
A Thanksgiving Day service is at 10 a.m. Nov. 27 at Church of Christ, Scientist, Carlsbad-Vista, 135 Main St. This annual event includes readings from the Bible, followed by expressions of gratitude given by attendees. Admission is free. For questions, call 760-724-3383.
Sorority holds Christmas luncheon
The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will hold its annual Christmas luncheon meeting, “Spark a Little Christmas Magic,” at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 16 at Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. Beta Sigma Phi is a social, cultural and philanthropic International Sorority. Bring pet food to donate to the Oceanside Humane Society. Cost of lunch is $35; reserve by Nov. 30 at 760-889-3552.
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