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.
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
Camino Concert Series presents Christmas Concert at St. James Parish Hall
The Camino Concert Series at St. James in Solana Beach will present a Christmas Concert featuring Pacific Sound Brass on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. (doors open at 12:45 p.m.).This is a free, family-friendly community event. It will take place at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave, Solana Beach.Concessions will be available for purchase, and the entire community is invited to attend the event for an inspiring afternoon of live music and connection.
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/
Guitarist Peter Sprague to hold annual Del Mar Christmas Eve concert
On Dec. 24, renowned guitarist Peter Sprague will present his annual Del Mar Christmas Eve concert, a free outdoor event that will begin at 1 p.m. at the Jim Watkins Amphitheater (L’Auberge, 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar}. This tradition is now in its 45th year. Del Mar Foundation is sponsoring this year’s concert, and all are encouraged to attend.
Red Nose Run
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
One Paseo’s December Nights
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 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.
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.
Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K returns in January
The 36th annual Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K is returning for another year of winter racing on the Southern California oceanfront on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.All race distances will start at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The marathon distance features an 18-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean, the half marathon will showcase the beachfront for 8 miles, while the 5K runners will journey along a scenic out-and-back route passing the Buena Vista Lagoon, according to a news release. The event will also include a variety of participant perks. For more information, including race start times and registration go to www.inmotionevents.com/event/carlsbad-marathon/
Concerts at Calvary featuring MMYO Brass Quintet
A new program that the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra is piloting for its students is chamber ensembles. Chamber ensembles are smaller groups (4-8 players) who work directly with a professional coach to present incredibly polished performances. The first group like this at MMYO is a brass quintet led by Solana Beach native, Grammy-nominated trumpet player, and MMYO instructor Frank Glasson.This brass quintet will be featured as a part of the Concerts at Calvary series presented by Calvary Lutheran Church located at 424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach. This concert will feature a brass quintet from Calvary Lutheran Church and the Youth Orchestra brass quintet on Monday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. The program will include favorite holiday tunes and an audience sing along. The brass quintet students are all residents of North County, four of them attend Canyon Crest Academy and one attends Pacific Trails Middle School.For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.calvarylutheranchurch.org/events/
Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert
The top ensemble of the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, the Advanced Orchestra, will present a public holiday concert on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 5 p.m. This concert will feature selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, a Hanukah Festival, musical highlights from the movie Polar Express, many other holiday favorites, as well as an audience sing-along. This concert will take place at Tierrasanta Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 11260 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, 92124.
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.
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.
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.
“Burnout Paradise”
La Jolla Playhouse presents a return engagement of Australia’s Pony Cam troupe performing their audience-interactive treadmill-of life comedic show that was the hit of the 2025 WOW Festival. Dec. 17-21: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, Thursday, Dec. 18, and next Friday, Dec. 19; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $49-$59. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
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.
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
Death CafeHosted by Selena Jong of Moving Through – Death Doula (www.movingthrough.org)A safe space to have educational, inspiring and empowering conversations about death and dying. Free admission. Saturday Dec. 27, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., reoccurring every fourth Saturday of the month. (www.deathcafe.com)Location: Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive Encinitas, 92024.Please RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com