North Pole by the Sea in Del Mar features Holiday Tree Lighting and more

The Del Mar Village Association will present North Pole by the Sea on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. North Pole by the Sea is a day of family-friendly events and festivities that occur throughout Del Mar Village, ultimately culminating at 5 p.m. in the annual holiday tree lighting event at the Jim Watkins Amphitheater, complete with carolers, the characters of Whoville, a snowman scavenger hunt, music from the St. Peters choir, and hot cocoa, according to the Del Mar Village Association website. Other events in the afternoon include A Winter Taste and Sip, photos with Santa and more. For additional information, go to: www.visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea

Fletcher Cove Holiday Tree Lighting

The City of Solana Beach and the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission will host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event at Fletcher Cove Park on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.The event will include sweets, treats, hot cocoa and cider, as well as a visit from Santa who will arrive by a fire-truck escort, scheduled for 5:20 p.m., after the tree lights switch is flipped on by Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner and City Council, according to the city’s website.For more information, contact the Solana Beach Parks & Recreation Department at (858) 720-2454. Fletcher Cove Park is located at 111 S Sierra Ave, Solana Beach.

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade in Solana Beach

Back by popular demand, the city of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission host Santa’s Sleigh Ride Parade from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 12. Santa will be riding along with fire, sheriff’s and Marine safety personnel. The sleigh ride will start and end at the Solana Beach Fire Station, 500 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. A map is at cityofsolanabeach.org. For more information, visit www.cityofsolanabeach.org/en/node/3342 or call the Solana Beach Parks and Rec Department at 858-720-2454.

Gift wrapping party for military families

The community is invited to help wrap Christmas gifts for local military families in need from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach.Calvary partners with Support the Enlisted Project at Christmas. They adopt families who are in financial crisis and provide their Christmas presents. The group is expecting to wrap more than 400 gifts. All ages are welcome. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org

Hanukkah at Del Mar Highlands Town Center

Congregation Beth Am will hold Hanukkah at Del Mar Highlands Town Center on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 6 p.m.-7 p.m.Rabbi Kornberg and Eph Rosenzweig will light the 5th night candles on the Hanukkiah at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Celebrate the joy of Hanukkah with spirited singing, delicious sufganiot (doughnuts), and other festive treats, according to Congregation Beth Am’s website.This year’s event will also feature a 20-minute musical revue by San Diego’s newest Jewish theatrical company, Shayna Punims, titled “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah.”Event address: 12925 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley. For more information, visit www.betham.com/event/cbaevent121825

Menorah Lighting at One Paseo

A Menorah Lighting will be held at One Paseo in Carmel Valley on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.The Chanukah Celebration, a project of Chabad of Rancho Santa Fe and Chabad of Carmel Valley, is for the whole family and features hot latkes, donuts, crafts, music and more.For more information, call 858-756-7571 or visit www.jewishrsf.com/onepaseoOne Paseo is located at 3725 Paseo Pl, Carmel Valley.

Solana Beach Presbyterian Church to hold Christmas concerts

Solana Beach Presbyterian Church will present Christmas concerts on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Avenue, Solana Beach.All are welcome and enthusiastically invited to attend these free concerts that will inspire your soul and prepare your heart for the joy and depth of the holiday season, according to a news release.Join the concerts to begin Advent with uplifting music and scriptures, celebrating the coming birth of Jesus. Enjoy a mix of classic and new songs featuring the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church choirs, worship band, and a chamber orchestra with San Diego Symphony members and guest soloists.

The concerts includes a brief Christmas message by the church’s pastor and a free will offering. All ages are welcome to attend. Childcare is available for birth to PreK. No tickets are required. Seating is in the sanctuary or outdoors on the patio.

Community concert “Joy to the World” features Christmas classics

Usher in the Christmas season with a community concert, “Joy to the World,” celebrating this wonderful time of year. Timeless Christmas classics will be performed by an adult choir of more than 65, and a teen choir of over 70 youth, and a children’s chorus of over 50 children. They will be accompanied by a complete bell choir and an orchestra. Concerts are on Dec. 5, 6, 7 at 7 p.m. and the admission is free. Doors open to the public at 6:30 p.m. each evening. All are welcome.The concerts will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 12701 Torrey Bluff Drive, Carmel Valley, 92130.

A Beatles Holiday Spectacle brings joy to the Belly Up

Abbey Road’s Christmas with the Beatles returns to the Belly Up on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. This special night is filled with Abbey Road’s mash-ups of Christmas classics and Beatles faves. Tickets are $20 – $35 and may be purchased online at www.bellyup.com, by phone at 858-481-8140 or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. The show is 21+.

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/

Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip

The Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip is from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 downtown as part of the North Pole by the Sea day of family-friendly festivities, which include photos with Santa, carolers, live music, hot chocolate for kids and the annual holiday tree lighting at 5 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar. Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea.

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 the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch

The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch will celebrate its annual tree lighting with a celebration on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The lighting of the towering tree in the village square will include complimentary photos with Santa, live music, cookies and train rides from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.Complimentary holiday train rides will continue to run on the weekends of Dec. 6-7 and Dec 13-14, departing 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. A special Family Night will also be held this year on Sunday, Dec. 7, with entertainment and festivities. 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Parkway, Carmel Valley.

One Paseo’s December Nights

One Paseo will host a festive edition of its Moonlight Cinema on Saturday, Dec. 6 with an outdoor screening of “The Grinch” from 5-8 p.m. Bring blankets and chairs to cozy up and enjoy a holiday classic on The Lawn. Snacks and treats will be available for purchase.Every Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 20 from 5-8 p.m. One Paseo will celebrate the season with strolling entertainment and falling snow around its 26-foot holiday tree. 3725 Paso Place, Carmel Valley.

Cookies with Santa at PHR Park

San Diego Parks and Recreation Department will host Cookies with Santa, a free event at the Pacific Highlands Ranch Community Park on Saturday, Dec. 13. From 10 am. to noon, kids are invited to enjoy a festive day of cookie decorating, arts and crafts and holiday fun. Santa will make a surprise appearance and there will be special performances by Trinity Theater. Sign up for the free event at sdrecconnect.com, activity number 127850. The park is located at 5977 Village Center Loop Road, Carmel Valley.

Snow in the forecast at Ocean Air Park on Dec. 20

The San Diego Parks and Recreation Department will host Snow Day in the Park at Ocean Air Community Park on Saturday, Dec. 20. From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., kids can enjoy snow sledding, outside games and activities, pictures with Santa and train rides. The event is free and participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots and/or non-perishable food items to support San Diego Food Bank. Ocean Air Recreation Center 4770 Fairport Way, Carmel Valley.

‘The Light of Hope Returning’ Christmas concert to be held at the Village Church

The Village Community Chorale presents The Light of Hope Returning, a Christmas concert at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe. The program features traditional, bluegrass, and gospel settings, including some of Shawn Kirchner’s best-loved Christmas music in a performance by the 80-member chorale, professional soloists and instrumentalists.Tickets are $20;$10 for students at villagechurch.org.

North Coast Symphony presents ‘Holiday Harmonies’ with North Coast Singers

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra joins with North Coast Singers to present Holiday Harmonies, a concert of festive music, on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. The program includes orchestral arrangements of beloved 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, a youth choir of students in grades 4—12. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

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

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

Lightscape opens at Botanic Garden

Lightscape runs through Jan. 4 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The immersive experience guides visitors through a 1-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. Visit sdbg.org.

Batiquitos Lagoon to present “The Amazing Gray Whale Migration”

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a presentation on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. titled “The Amazing Gray Whale Migration,” given by Jane Barger, naturalist at the San Diego Natural History Museum. She will discuss the Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale, with information about population, migration routes, calving and feeding, physical characteristics, and other interesting facts. This free, family event is good for adults and kids age 10 and older. Space is limited and is first come, first served. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to secure a seat. Events may take place outside, so please dress accordingly. In case of rain, events will be cancelled. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information , visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

San Diego Braver Angels event at Carmel Valley Library

The holidays can bring loved ones together – and sometimes political tension, too. Come connect with the San Diego Braver Angels community as it explores tools for keeping family conversations calm, respectful, and meaningful. Join them on Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Carmel Valley Branch Library, 3919 Townsgate Dr., Carmel Valley. Open to all, whether you are a member or joining the event for the first time. Participants must agree to the “Braver Way” rules for discussion.

Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women to hold December event

This holiday season join Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women on Wednesday, Dec. 17 to learn about and support two outstanding nonprofits:Honor Flight San Diego, which escorts San Diego County veterans to Washington D.C. at no cost to them to visit and reflect at memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.Habitat for Humanity, which partners with the San Diego community to help those in need build, repair, or preserve affordable houses to give them hope, independence, and pride in a place to call home.The event includes a luncheon sponsored by Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. $38 members, $45 non-membersRegister by Dec. 10 at www.delmarseacoastclub.com

North County Republican Women’s December meeting features guest speaker

North County Republican Women (NCRW) will host gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco at its breakfast meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe. Once sheriff of Riverside County where he demonstrated unwavering commitment to public safety, Bianco has a vision for a better California. Included in that vision are families feeling safe in their neighborhoods, businesses thriving without fear of crime, law enforcement receiving the resources and support they need to protect communities, and balance restored to the criminal justice system, according to a news release. Also high on his list of priorities that are important to California voters are immigration, homelessness, education, affordability, and housing among others. Bring a friend and hear what he has to say.Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for a 10 a.m. breakfast meeting. Cost is $20/members; $25/non-members. RSVP at www.ncrwsd.org by Monday, Dec. 15 if you plan to attend.

North Coast Rep presents 2 Pianos 4 Hands for the holidays

North Coast Repertory Theatre is bringing back the joyful family-pleasing 2 Pianos 4 Hands 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.

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.

La Jolla 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

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

La Jolla parade

La Jolla holds its 69th annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival with the theme “There’s No Place Like Home (for the Holidays)” on Dec. 7. Santa’s Workshop is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Kline Street and Girard Avenue. Santa’s Village runs from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Visit ljparade.com.