Encinitas Holiday Parade
Encinitas’ annual holiday parade, themed “Peace by the Pacific,” is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6. It will feature floats, marching bands and decorated cars along Coast Highway from D to J streets. The event kicks off with a tree lighting and brief appearance from Santa at 5 p.m. in The Lumberyard shops courtyard, between H and I streets, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m. VIsit shorturl.at/FOo74 for more information.
Kringle Mingle
The festivities are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 on Aberdeen Drive with live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, coffee and hot chocolate hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and vendor booths for holiday shopping in downtown Cardiff. Photos with Santa are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Admission is free. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots drive for Camp Pendleton Marine families. cardiff101.com/events.
Stars and Angels concert
The annual Christmas Concert, themed “Stars and Angels” at Bethlehem Lutheran Church will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 The program features songs performed by the Good News Singers, Children’s Choir, World Music Ensemble, Woodwind Trio, JuBellation Ringers, Band of Bethlehem and soloists. Free will offering; livestream offered. Visit blcenc.org. Address: 925 Balour Dr, Encinitas.
Botanic Garden Lightscape
The light show runs Nov. 14 through Jan. 4 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The immersive experience guides visitors through a one-mile garden trail with tunnels of lights featuring light installations designed by international artists. Installations range from California poppies and a field of fireflies to a laser garden. There will be seasonal treats. Tickets start at $28; $18 for children. sdbg.org
“Holiday Harmonies”
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 the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena. The program includes orchestral arrangements of classics including, White Christmas, Jingle Bell Fantasy, Overture of French Carols, Greensleeves and Joy to the World. The orchestra will be joined by the North Coast Singers youth chorus. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for 18 and younger. Visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.
Cardiff Library holiday book sale
The Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library hold their holiday half-price book and media sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Cardiff Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. The sale opens to Friends members at 9 a.m. Proceeds support the library and its programs. All books, media, puzzles and collectibles in the Book Nook and Community Room will be half price. Visit friendscardifflibrary.org.
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 silent auction. Visit SanDieguitoArtGuild.com.
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 animal 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.
Nutcracker Ballet returns to Encinitas
The Nutcracker Ballet will be back in Encinitas on Saturday, Dec. 13, at San Dieguito Academy Performing Arts Center. There will be two performances, one at 2 p.m. and the other at 6 p.m. Experience the timeless magic of The Nutcracker as it returns to the SDA Theatre this holiday season. Presented by the City of Encinitas and Encinitas Ballet Academy. This beloved production by Encinitas Ballet Academy, under the direction of Sayat and Olga Asatryan, continues to enchant North County audiences with dazzling costumes, elegant choreography, and the unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky. For more information on ticket purchases visit EncinitasCA.gov/Arts or call 760-633-2746. Event address: 800 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas.
Encinitas Guitar Orchestra to hold 2025 Christmas Concert
The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra invites all to celebrate the season with A Guitar Christmas on Friday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (925 Balour Dr., Encinitas). Suggested donation: $20. Directed by Peter pupping, the 35-member ensemble will bring the warmth of the holidays to life with music by John Dowland, Handel, J.S. Bach, Tchaikovsky, Alan Hirsh’s Jazz Christmas Suite, and other festive favorites. Join the event for an inspiring holiday tradition—timeless classics and seasonal gems, beautifully reimagined for guitar orchestra. For more information, visit www.encinitasguitarorchestra.com
NC Rep Impro Theatre presents ‘Dickens Unscripted’
North Coast Rep Variety Nights Impro Theatre will present “Dickens Unscripted” on Monday, Dec. 1, and Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m. A holiday comedy inspired by the works of Charles Dickens, this is a winter holiday show built on vivid narration and rich characters inspired by the books of Charles Dickens, all of it improvised. North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Tickets are $50 with discounts for students, military, and educators. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.
Coastal Christmas Del Mar
Running from Dec. 12 to Dec. 26, Coastal Christmas offers a dazzling winter experience featuring millions of glowing lights, a holiday wine walk, glice skating, holiday market, a kids play zone, and more. Coastal Christmas will be held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Dec. 12-14, 18-23, and 26. The hours of operation are 4 p.m. — 9 p.m. For more information on events, promotional nights and more, visit www.coastalchristmasdelmar.com/
Red Nose Run returns
The Red Nose Run will hit the beach in Del Mar on Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon, presented by the Del Mar Foundation. Since 1992, The Red Nose Run has been 100% volunteer-organized by a local group of runners and walkers of various ages and running abilities. The fun and festive event benefits Semper Fi and American Fund and the San Dieguito River Park. Course distances are 3K and 5K and registration includes food by Poseidon, cold beer from Viewpoint Brewing, ice cream for everyone by Saffron & Rose and live music from Dos Echos. To register visit therednoserun.com
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, One Legoland Drive. The annual tree lighting ceremony is at 5:45 p.m. on 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. Photos can be taken with life-sized festive LEGO models or costumed characters such as a LEGO Santa, toy soldier, gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. legoland.com/california.
Old Globe: “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”: The Old Globe presents its 28th annual production of this musical adaptation of the holiday children’s book. Andrew Polec has returned for his fifth year in the role of the Grinch. Now playing through Dec. 31. Show times vary. Shiley Stage, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $34 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
December Nights at Balboa Park
Holiday festival 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.
North Coast Rep reprises music and laugh-laden favorite 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS for the holidays
By popular demand, North Coast Repertory Theatre is bringing back the joyful family pleasing 2 PIANOS 4 HANDS in December to brighten the holiday season.Get ready for an interlude of riotous laughter as Richard Todd Adams and Max Roll take the audience on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. The talented duo trade stories about piano lessons, pushy parents and eccentric teachers while playing everything from Bach to Billy Joel.2 PIANOS 4 HANDS performances begin Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Final performance is Sunday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. The show runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and there are Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Added Tuesday matinee and evening performances on Dec. 23. Added 2 p.m. matinee on Monday, Dec. 29. There are no performances Dec. 24 and Dec 25. Tickets are $68 plus $2.50 service fee. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo
The annual holiday event from Dec. 19 to Jan. 4 (except Dec. 24) at the San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, features a wonderland of twinkling lights, live entertainment, music and views of wildlife, along with a magic of Aurora immersive performance about the power of nature with 3D projection mapping, music and lights. Highlights featured at various times include Reindeer Games, Jingle Brass concerts and Holiday Troubadour along with Northern Frontier’s Holiday Forest, Zoo characters, snow and a visit with Santa. There will be food, drinks, and shopping for gifts. The zoo is open late from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during this event, except Dec. 24. Free with zoo admission or membership; parking is free. sandiegozoo.org/junglebells
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration
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. One Million Twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and immersive holiday experiences. There’ll 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.
Theater
• La Jolla Playhouse hosts readings of new plays in the 2025 DNA New Work Series from Thursday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Dec. 14, in the Play Development Center at the playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The DNA New Work Series gives playwrights and directors the opportunity to develop new projects with access to the playhouse’s spaces, staff and other resources, culminating in public readings and workshops. Free, though reservations are required. lajollaplayhouse.org/dna-2025• La Jolla Playhouse presents the world-premiere musical “Working Girl” through Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The production, based on the 1988 movie, features music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Theresa Rebeck and choreography by Sarah O’Gleby and is directed by Christopher Ashley. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/working-girl