CARMEL VALLEY
Fleet Feet Thanksgiving Day 5K
Participants can run or walk in the Fleet Feet Thanksgiving 5K starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 23 with check-in at 7:15 a.m. at the Fleet Feet San Diego store, 5980 Village Way, in the The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, and ending there. There will be refreshments and early access to Black Friday shopping deals. 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; bring donations of canned food for the San Diego Food Bank. Visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanDiego/FreeThanksgivingDay5k.
ALPINE
Thanksgiving bash with rescued animals
The nonprofit Lions Tigers & Bears hosts a Thanksgiving bash at 10 a.m. Nov. 24 and Nov. 25 at the sanctuary, 24402 Martin Way. Participants can watch the rescued big cats and bears eating their Thanksgiving feast. Donation for entry is $60; $35 for children age 12 and younger; $30/$15 for members. Feed with a Keeper is $160 or $130 for members open to ages 18 and older. Visit lionstigersandbears.org.
CARLSBAD
Holiday festivities at Legoland
Nightly tree lightings at the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decked with lights and Lego ornaments along with live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall starts Nov. 18 and run through Jan. 7 at Legoland California, One Legoland Drive. Photos can be taken with life-size Lego models of Santa and his reindeer in Fun Town or costumed characters such as Lego Santa, the toy soldier and the gingerbread man. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. Visit legoland.com or call (760) 918-LEGO (5346).
CARMEL VALLEY
Tree Lighting at One Paseo
Lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree begins at 5 p.m. Nov. 25 at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. The center will be shimmering with firefly lights in the trees and festive decor. The evening will feature live music performances, snow cascading from the rooftops, Santa, special guests and photo ops. The Moonlight Cinema features a holiday showing of “The Grinch” from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 on The Lawn. A Menorah Lighting Ceremony for Hanukkah is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Meet Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17 and enjoy hot cocoa and holiday treats. Visit onepaseo.com.
CHULA VISTA
Community Christmas tree lighting with Santa
A grand Santa arrival and the lighting of a Christmas tree with more than 17,000 lights will be among the highlights of an evening of holiday activities, music, entertainment, roaming carolers, merchants and unique gift stands and a “magical snowfall” from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Tree Lighting and Holiday Farmer’s Market at Otay Ranch Town Center. Santa will arrive on Main Street at 7 p.m. There will be free holiday crafts for kids, and free cookies and hot chocolate (while supplies last). Snowfall at Santa’s House takes place after the tree lighting. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com.
CORONADO
Coronado 5K Turkey Trot
Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary hosts its 10th annual 5K Turkey Trot at 8 a.m. Nov. 23 at Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Drive. Registration is $25–$55. Visit rchacoronadoturkeytrot.com.
ENCINITAS
Botanic Garden Lightscape opens
San Diego Botanic Garden hosts Lightscape from 5 to 10 p.m. select nights starting Nov. 17 and running through Jan. 1 (except Nov. 23 and Dec. 24-25). It will feature a more than 1-mile trail decorated with holiday lights that winds through the garden with lantern trees, tunnels and light attractions, along with installations from international artists that come alive at night with color and sound at 300 Quail Gardens Drive. Advance tickets are $26-$32 for adults, $16-$20 for children ages 3-12, and free for ages 2 and younger. Discounted tickets for garden members and military with ID. Parking is $10 paid online in advance or $20 on day of visit. Tickets are at sdbgarden.org/lightscape.
Encinitas Turkey Trot with costume contest
The 10K race and 5K Fun Run/Walk/Costume Contest starts at 7:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, under the Encinitas overhead welcome sign on Coast Highway downtown. The event supports the Veterans Association of North County for Christmas meals for Camp Pendleton Marines with dinner for active-duty families and Christmas gifts for the kids, and Encinitas Boy Scout Troop 776, through Encinitas American Legion Post 416. Registration costs $45-$72. The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m.; 5K at 8 a.m. Visit encinitasturkeytrot.org.
Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Rancho Coastal Humane Society celebrates Adopt a Senior Pet Month in November. Adoption fees for senior dogs and cats age 7 or older are only $75. With the Seniors-For-Seniors adoption program, the adoption fee is paid by a benefactor when senior citizens age 60 or older adopt senior pets. For more information about pet adoption, call (760) 753-6413, visit sdpets.org, or meet the animals at 389 Requeza St. Hours are Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday by appointment.
ESCONDIDO
Smartphone and computer tutoring for seniors
The Senior Service Council Escondido is accepting reservations for smartphone and computer tutoring held at 728 N. Broadway. The one-on-one tutoring is for PC, tablet and smartphones (Android and iphone). Fee is $5 for each one-hour meeting. Call (760) 480-0611.
FALLBROOK
Village Artisan Faire on Nov. 25
A Village Artisan Faire is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 25 during the Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Fallbrook featuring locally handmade artisan goods, art, live music, holiday treats and free photos with Santa. Admission is free. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
Community Thanksgiving walk/run
The Fallbrook Turkey Trot takes off at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23, with registration starting at 7:30 a.m. at La Paloma Elementary School, 300 Heald Lane. The event will be a 1-mile run, walk or stroll with games along the way, including at the Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. Wear your favorite Thanksgiving Day outfit. Prizes will be awarded for best-dressed participants or best-dressed turkeys. The trot is a fundraiser hosted by the Fallbrook Village Rotary Club to benefit the Fallbrook community. Registration is $45; $50 day of event. Visit fallbrookturkeytrot.com.
‘Small Town Christmas’ parade
Fallbrook’s 42nd annual Christmas parade, themed “Small Town Christmas,” starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 2 on Main Street in downtown Fallbrook, hosted by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. The parade features Santa, lighted floats, music, marching bands and dancers along with classic cars. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society’s museum is open
Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society’s free museum and its gift shop are open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at 123 W. Alvarado St. The group’s meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society meeting room. from September through May, except for the third Thursday in February. The next meeting is Dec. 14. Visit fallbrookgemandmineralsociety.wildapricot.org.
LA MESA
Parkinson’s support group meets Nov. 25
The San Diego East County Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave., for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, friends and family. There will be educational information and activities. For questions, email altamura13@myyahoo.com.
Salvation Army’s Light Up the Holidays
The Salvation Army hosts its red-kettle kickoff, Light Up the Holidays, from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 26 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The free, family event includes a tree lighting at 6 p.m., hot chocolate and coffee, Christmas music by The Salvation Army San Diego Brass Band and performances by San Diego Gymnastics and photos with Santa. Besides money donations, the Salvation Army is accepting new, unwrapped toys. Visit salarmy.us/lightuptheholidays.
OCEANSIDE
O’side Turkey Trot returns
The 18th annual O’side Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day offers a range of distances, including 5-mile/5K runs, 5K walk and 1-mile or quarter-mile runs for children. The first wave of runners takes off for the 5-mile run at 6:45 a.m.; 5K runners start at 8:05 a.m.; first wave of 5K walkers starts at 8:35 a.m. and final wave of 5K walkers starts at 9 a.m. from the Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway. Registration begins at 6 a.m. at the Civic Center parking structure. From Nov. 3-22, cost is $49 for the 5K and $59 for the 5 mile, with discounts for active-duty military, seniors and youths. The run benefits Carlsbad-based Move Your Feet Before You Eat Foundation, which promotes well-being through regular exercise. Registration expos are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Junior Seau Beach Community Center and from 6 to 10 a.m. Nov. 23 at the Civic Center parking lot. Runners are encouraged to wear costumes. Visit osideturkeytrot.com.
Christmas Concert at Mission San Luis Rey
The San Luis Rey Chorale performs the 12th annual concert and singalong in the Historic Mission San Luis Rey Church at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 with a dessert reception in the Sacred Garden among twinkling lights and an encore performance at 2 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets are $40-$60 for Dec. 2; $30 for Dec. 2 at sanluisrey.org.
Parachuting Santa Claus at marketplace
St. Nick will make a parachute landing at noon Nov. 25 at Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd., for the free family-oriented Jingle Bell Jump event from noon to 3 p.m. The El Camino High School Band will welcome Santa as he parachutes from an airplane at noon, and the band will lead Santa in a parade from the landing area in the parking lot to his Holiday Headquarters. Highlights include holiday crafts for kids, carnival games, balloon artists and cookie decorating, free churros and cotton candy. Visit missionmarketplaceoceanside.com.
SAN DIEGO
Members and attendees, second from left, Cherryl Castro-Lector, Niki Brown, Kathleen Rosario, Christiann Stewart, Janny Bousson, Diane Hazard, Sandy Luebben, Derek Luebben , Kelsey Cuje, Cyndy Naibert and Judy Mantle.
(Photo by Laurence Lector)
Club makes 100 Welcome Bags for families at Ronald McDonald’s House
The San Diego Woman’s Club gathered for the General Federation Women’s Clubs’ special service project to celebrate “A National Day of Service.” The group filled 100 Welcome Bags for families who are staying at Ronald McDonald’s House while their child is hospitalized at Rady Children’s Hospital. Members donated toiletries, toys, puzzles, games, books, snacks, water bottles and more to fill the Welcome Bags (backpacks). Backpacks were supplied by Ronald McDonald’s House. This is an ongoing annual event that the club sponsors each year.
December Nights at Balboa Park
The holiday festival December Nights is from 3 to 11 p.m. Dec. 1 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 2 at Balboa Park. The family-friendly event features holiday lights, sounds, entertainment and food. Visit sandiego.gov/december-nights.
Father Joe’s Villages hosts annual Thanksgiving run
Father Joe’s Villages Run for Hope Thanksgiving Day 5K takes off at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 23 at Balboa Park. The run raises money to provide meals for community members in need through nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages food services programs. Dogs can run too. Registration fees are $30–$50. Register at thanksgivingrun.org.
Liberty Station tree lighting
Ceremonial lighting of Liberty Station’s 88-foot Norfolk pine tree is at 5 p.m. Nov. 24 along with entertainment, festive firetruck rides, free photos with Santa, and outdoor holiday movie showings. Admission is free. Visit libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting.
Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder
Winter Wonder, the fifth annual event at the beachside amusement park, runs through Dec. 31 featuring festive rides and attractions, including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Tiki Wonderland Mini Golf and Candy Cane Lanes Go Karts. Highlights include hundreds of twinkling lights, carolers, oversized winter sculptures and seasonal characters throughout the park, 3146 Mission Blvd. A Clark Griswold-worthy Holiday Pop-Up Bar will debut this year Nov. 17 to Dec. 31. Tickets and passes are at belmontpark.com.
Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll
The eighth annual Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll is from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25. Highlights include holiday-themed cocktail tastes and sweet treats at 25 independently owned retail stops along Adams Avenue, from University Heights through Normal Heights and into Kensington. Stroll tickets are $35. Visit adamsavenuebusiness.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Upcoming blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):
- Biggs Harley-Davidson, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at 1040 Los Vallecitos Blvd., Suite 113, San Marcos.
- Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at 3115 Ocean Front Walk, north parking lot, San Diego.
- Newbreak Church, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at 10791 Tierrasanta Blvd., Suite 104, San Diego.
- The Broken Yolk Cafe, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at 9832 Mission Gorge Road, Santee.
- VFW Post 1774, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at 8118 University Ave., La Mesa.
- The Dog Society, noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 24 at 6331 University Ave., San Diego.
- Copley-Price YMCA, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at 4300 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego.
- First United Methodist Church, 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 26 at 1200 E. H St., Chula Vista.
- Barons Market, noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 28 at 1347 Tavern Road, Alpine.
Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call (800) 469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Church distributes free food and supplies
The Rock Church will host free distributions of groceries along with diapers and supplies for community members in need during November and December. Here are dates and times:
- 10 a.m. Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 at Rock Church El Cajon Campus, 808 Jackman St., El Cajon.
- 10 a.m. Dec. 21 at Rock Church City Heights Campus, 4001 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, and Rock Church Chula Vista Campus, 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista (Otay Ranch Town Center).
The distribution lasts until supplies run out. Volunteers begin setup two hours before the distribution. If you would like to receive groceries and supplies or if you’d like to volunteer, partner or donate to the Provisions Ministry, visit sdrock.com/ministries/provisions.
SAN MARCOS
Thanksgiving Day 5K benefits families
Discovery Elementary School holds a communitywide Turkey 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day at 1750 San Pablo Drive. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. There will also be an easier route for walkers. Participants can use golf carts and bikes. Registration is $15 per adult attendee and $5 per child. Proceeds help the school’s families in need during the holidays. Visit eventbrite.com/e/thanksgiving-day-turkey-trot-tickets-723508963787.
Music Men give Christmas concerts barbershop style
A 90-minute program of Christmas favorites sung barbershop style will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave., and 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2020 Chestnut Ave. The concerts include a guest performance by the “Behind the Barn” Quartet. Suggested donation for each concert is $10. Visit musicmenchorus.org.
SOLANA BEACH
Participants in the Sandpipers Square Dance Club’s Oktoberfest.
(Karen Dorney / Sandpipers Square Dance Club)
Sandpipers Square Dance Club holds community dances
A family-friendly community dance is from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave. A caller will teach modern Western Square Dancing. Enjoy refreshments and fellowship with the Sandpipers Square Dance Club. Donation is $10; free for children. No need for a partner or dance experience; fun introduction for new dancers. Casual attire. Visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org or call (310) 710-7530.
VISTA
Some of the veterans being honored for Veterans Day at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center in Vista.
(Courtesy of the Vista Senior Center)
Veterans honored at senior center
The Gloria McClellan Senior Center hosted a program honoring veterans, which drew more than 100 guests, including local leaders.
‘Keeping the Keys’ topic of talk at senior center
The Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, is hosting a “Keeping the Keys” AAA driving presentation from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Preregistered guests age 60 and older are invited for a free lunch at noon. Lunch options include a soup and salad bar or paella. A $4 contribution is suggested for guests not registered for the presentation and an $8 fee for guests 59 and younger. RSVP by Nov. 22 at (760) 643-5288.
Vista Wishing Tree set up for community
The annual Vista Wishing Tree is back through Jan. 1 at the corner of Beverly Drive and Wolverine Way for anyone to “share their hopes, dreams, faith and gratitude as a way to spread joy.” The tree was set up two years ago by a Vista resident as a place where love, joy, hope and kindness can be shared and witnessed. It is a place where words of gratitude are always welcome. There are tags and markers in the containers on the table by the Wishing Tree. Folks can write their message on the tag and hang it on the garland or branches of the tree.
Heroes of Vista nominations sought
Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 Heroes of Vista Gala. The event honors “people doing great things for the Vista community,” including educators, community members and businesses. The Vista Chamber of Commerce seeks nominations by 5 p.m. Dec. 15 in the business categories, which include a businessperson, small business, large business, new business and nonprofit. Self-nominations are also being accepted. All nominees must be current Vista Chamber of Commerce members in good standing. Visit vistachamber.org.
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