Village Church to hold 2025 Alternative Christmas Market
A cherished tradition at The Village Church returns this month with the 2025 Alternative Christmas Market. It provides the opportunity to give Christmas gifts that will bring the true joy of Christmas to the giver, the recipient and those in need, according to a news release.Visitors to the church patio from 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, Nov. 23, can visit over a dozen booths representing various missions that will benefit from direct donations in honor of friends and loved ones.
With a check, cash or credit card, you can lift farmers out of poverty, provide toys and clothing for homeless families, support Afghan and Ukrainian refugees in San Diego, and fund Christian satellite programing to the Middle East.All the participating mission friends receive 100 percent of your donation while each donor receives a card detailing the organization they supported — the perfect Christmas gift!The Village Church of Rancho Santa Fe is located at 6225 Paseo Delicias. You can also shop online until Dec. 24 at: https://villagechurch.org/alternative-christmas-marketFor more information email gretchens@villagechurch.org
Women’s Christmas Luncheon to be held at The Village Church
The annual Women’s Christmas Luncheon at The Village Church will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Center at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe. This festive holiday event features a catered lunch, fellowship and friendship in honor of the Christmas season.Tickets are $20 with RSVPs required. Payment can be made online at https://villagechurch.org/christmas-luncheon or purchased on the church patio after Sunday services. A limited number of seats are available and no same-day tickets will be sold.In honor of the season, the event will support the San Diego Rescue Mission’s effort to help those without homes. Everyone is asked to bring a $10 gift card for Amazon. For more information email rlsinger1@hotmail.com
Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance at Village Church
During this holiday season, people grieving the loss of loved ones, past or present, are invited to attend a special Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance on Friday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. in The Village Church Chapel at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe. The service provides an opportunity to be comforted in music, scripture, prayers and remembrance. This unique service offers words of encouragement, and a reading of the names of those who have died, and a token of rememberance. All are welcome. Please RSVP by Dec. 1st to reserve a space at https://villagechurch.org/blue-christmas For more information email hopem@villagechurch.org
Breakfast in Bethlehem at the Village Church
Families are invited to Breakfast in Bethlehem at The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Center at 6225 Paseo Delicias. Participants will enjoy a delicious warm breakfast and hear the beautiful Christmas story read by Senior Pastor Dr. Jack Baca and a few of his Bible character friends. Children will enjoy Christmas crafts and a balloon and airbrush artist. The cost is $5 per person with children ages two and under admitted free. Reservations are For more information, email michelley@villagechurch.org
Rancho Santa Fe Big Band to hold popular holiday concert
The Rancho Santa Fe Big Band is revving up for this year’s holiday concert on Friday evening, Dec. 12, at the Secret Garden (aka Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club) starting at 6:15 p.m. sharp.This 18-piece swing orchestra is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Dedicated to the preservation and performance of the music of the “Greatest Generation”, also known as the Swing Era, the band performs the original arrangements of the talented musicians and composers of the 1930s and ’40s.The Secret Garden, aka RSF Garden Club , is located at 17025 Avenida De Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe. Cost. $90 per person. Tables of 10 (discounted) is $800 per table.Checks are payable to: Marie Addario (RSF Big Band), PO Box 2196, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. To secure your seat for this sell-out event, send your check no later than Nov. 15.For additional information and to let them know you are attending, contact addariomarie@gmail.comFind Rancho Santa Fe Big Band on YouTube at: rsfbb
41st Annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
The 41st Annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, presented by Stretch*d, returns to downtown Encinitas on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coast Hwy 101 will be closed from D Street to J Street, from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m., to make room for more than 450 vendors, plus a Beer Garden, three stages featuring live music, a bike valet and kids’ rides, along this award-winning main street.Due to popularity, the Beer Garden hours have been extended from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The beer garden is family and pet friendly, and will feature the event’s main entertainment stage. The beer garden will offer a wide range of libations including local breweries, hard tea, hard honey, kombucha, and wine, according to a news release. Several bands will rock the Beer Garden Stage, The Lumberyard Courtyard Stage, and The Hansen’s Community Stage. For more information, including the full entertainment line-up, visit www.encinitas101.com
18th Annual Cardiff Kringle Mingle
The 18th Annual Cardiff Kringle Mingle will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (photos with Santa from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) on Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Cardiff 101 Main Street and BEAM Orthodontics welcome all to Kringle Mingle, a free and festive holiday celebration for the whole community. Stroll through the Makers Market along Aberdeen Dr. to discover unique, locally-made gifts perfect for the season. Snap a free photo with Santa, courtesy of Camera Camper, and treat yourself to hot cocoa, coffee, and seasonal goodies provided by Starbucks, according to a news release. Enjoy a day of creative holiday fun with face painting by Elisabeth Photography, Santa origami, letters to Santa, and rock painting. Live music by Bucket Ruckus will fill the day and it’s the perfect opportunity to get last-minute gifts while shopping locally. Don’t forget to bring a toy for the Toys for Tots collection, supporting the Marines of Camp Pendleton. For more details, visit www.cardiff101.com/events-calendar/kringlemingle2025
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 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.
33rd Annual The Red Nose Run
The Del Mar Foundation will be the “Rudolph” sponsor in 2025 for the 33rd Annual The Red Nose Run (TRNR) 5K Run/Walk on the beach on Saturday, Dec 13. Non-profit beneficiaries continue to be Semper Fi/America’s Fund and San Dieguito River Park. It’s the only sanctioned holiday run/walk on the beach in San Diego, and open for registrations. The Red Nose Run is a family- and dog-friendly event (on leash), according to a news release.This year awards will be given to the fastest runners, best individual/group costumes, best dog costume, and others. All participants (aka “Rundeers) will receive a runner’s gift of a 20-oz insulated red travel tumbler and a TRNR-branded holiday beanie for their donation.The post-finish line celebration is a showcase of Del Mar’s finest and will include a hot buffet provided by Poseidon Restaurant, artisanal ice cream from Saffron & Rose, and craft beer from Viewpoint Brewing Co. (must be 21+ with a valid ID) to be enjoyed while dancing to the “yacht-rock” genre music of Dos Echos. Sign up using the website: www.therednoserun.com
North Coast Repertory Theatre presents “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”
North Coast Repertory Theater will present “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” from Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 23. Tony Award winner John Rubinstein transports audiences to Gettysburg’s hallowed ground, where an elderly Eisenhower reflects on his monumental military leadership and transformative presidency. The production is an uplifting evening of theatre that is both educational and humorous from beginning to end, according to a news release. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Call the box office to reserve your tickets today: 858-481-1055. Visit northcoastrep.org.
Uncorked Wine Festival
Bing Crosby Season continues with racing, wine and classic seaside fun at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.One of the many events is the Uncorked Wine Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15. Sip and swirl from more than 100 wines and bubblies from around the globe, enjoy delicious bites from top local food trucks, and take in live music all while watching the races trackside from the Stretch Run. This 21+ event offers multiple ticket options, including Early Admission ($95) with exclusive entry and wine tasting from 12-4 p.m., General Admission ($79) with entry and wine tasting from 1-4 p.m. and more.For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.dmtc.com. You can follow Del Mar on Instagram and Twitter at @delmarracing or on Facebook @DelMarRaces.
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/
16th Annual Doggie Street Festival San Diego
The 16th Annual Doggie Street Festival San Diego will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road (92106). Doggie Street Festival provides an excellent environment to celebrate four-legged companions or to become a hero by choosing to foster or adopt as a first option.“Peeps” looking to spoil their adopted or current furry family members will find a dazzling range of cool pet products and services that enrich our pets’ lives. Alongside music, festival foods, will be pet professionals and veterinarians to advise on issues of pet foods, services, health, nutrition, travel, lodging, training, spay/neuter, and veterinary care. For more information, visit doggiestreetfestival.org.
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.
UC San Diego School of Arts and Humanities’ inaugural open house
The UC San Diego School of Arts and Humanities’ inaugural open house will be held Friday, Nov. 21, from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Arts and Humanities Building and Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts, UC San Diego. Called the Night of Research and Creative Activity, the free public event is an opportunity to explore the work happening by UC San Diego’s faculty and students. The program will include: An open house showcase featuring an exhibition and installation, an audio broadcast, a sound hologram speaker array demo, a published book station and more. Faculty and student talks spanning topics in theatre, literature, history, music, visual arts and philosophy. Short film screenings at the school’s Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts. For more details about the event go to: https://artsandhumanities.ucsd.edu/news-events/2025_norca.html
“Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony” concert
Come and enjoy an exciting and memorable Christmas performance guaranteed to put attendees in the holiday spirit, “Merry & Bright, Holidays in Harmony” with 80+ singers featuring the nine-time International Chorus Champions Masters of Harmony based in Los Angeles, joined by their guest, award-winning Pacific Coast Harmony chorus of La Jolla, on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff. Tickets are only $25 and may be purchased now online at stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com/index.php with a $2 fee per ticket. Download and print your ticket or save it on your phone. Seating is limited. Order your tickets soon as a sellout is expected. The church is at 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea, 92007. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Open seating. Free parking.
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
Zen Modern Asian Bistro hosting Thanksgiving food drive
Zen Modern Asian Bistro, Del Mar Highlands Sky Deck’s newest restaurant, is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive with Feeding San Diego through Nov. 23. For every non-perishable food item guests bring in, they’ll receive $1 off their total bill. For example, bringing in 30 items would earn you $30 off your check. Discounts must be redeemed the same day the donations are brought in. Zen will match every donation brought in, doubling the impact for families in need.Guests are encouraged to bring in non-perishable Thanksgiving staples such as canned cranberries or yams, boxed stuffing or mashed potatoes, cooking oils and spices. Zen is located at 12925 El Camino Real.
Encinitas Turkey Trot
Over 6,000 runners are expected to participate in the Encinitas Turkey Trot, a treasured local Thanksgiving morning tradition. The Thursday Nov. 27 event features both a 5K and 10K races run along the scenic Highway 101 and a Kid’s K race for the youngest runners. Racing begins at 7:30 a.m. with the 10K, followed by the Kids K at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. As always, costumes are encouraged and awards are given to the best individual and group costumes.Proceeds from the race benefit VANC, a nonprofit that helps military veterans and their families navigate life during and after service, with a goal of reducing PTSD and veteran suicide. Encinitas Turkey Trot will additionally be providing a grant to Boy Scouts of America Encinitas Troop 776. Participants will receive a medal and t-shirt. Register at https://encinitasturkeytrot.org/
Oceanside Green Friday Fair
The inaugural Oceanside Green Friday Fair will feature a large selection of eco-friendly artisans, vendors, and other local businesses on Friday, Nov. 28, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Pier View Way between Coast Highway and Ditmar Street. Presented by Sustainability is Sexy and Viridian Productions, the event debuts in downtown Oceanside with more than 70 exhibitors offering art, home goods, jewelry, apparel, toys, plants, wellness products, holiday treats, and more. Attendees can enjoy global cuisines and seasonal food and beverages, such as gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. More information is available at https://www.viridianproductions.com.