ALPINE
Community Parade of Lights
Alpine’s “Parade of Lights” starts at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Alpine Boulevard and West Victoria and will be on the main stretch of Alpine Boulevard. The parade is hosted by the Alpine Chamber of Commerce. Visit alpinechamber.com.
BONITA
Some of the Sweetwater Woman’s Club members making cheeseballs.
(Courtesy of the Sweetwater Woman’s Club)
Woman’s Club makes holiday cheeseballs for holiday craft show, raises money for local charities
The Sweetwater Woman’s Club hosted its 55th annual Bonita Holidays Craft Show and highlights included the club’s famous holiday cheeseballs along with homemade baked goods, Thanksgiving and Christmas ornaments and decor items, jewelry, vintage apparel and Christmas wreaths. Proceeds go to local charities and scholarships. Visit sweetwaterwomansclub.org.
CARDIFF
‘Christmas Joy! A Choral Celebration’ on Dec. 2
A Christmas concert, “Christmas Joy! A Choral Celebration,” with more than 80 singers featuring International Chorus Champions Masters of Harmony and the award-winning Pacific Coast Harmony chorus of La Jolla, performs at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Free parking. Tickets are $25 plus $2 fee at stsconstantinehelen.ludus.com.
Kringle Mingle features Santa, music, treats
The 16th annual Kringle Mingle is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 with live music, children’s crafts and holiday treats, hot coffee and hot chocolate hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and vendor booths for holiday shopping until 5 p.m. in downtown Cardiff along South Coast Highway 101. Santa and his vintage Camera Camper sleigh will be ready for photos from noon to 3 p.m. Admission is free. Visit cardiff101.com/events.
CARLSBAD
Rotary hosts Christmas tree lighting
The Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the south parking lot of Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 2:15 p.m. in an antique fire engine, followed by Mayor Keith Blackburn. Highlights include free photos with Santa, and entertainment by Renaissance Institute of Music Orchestra, Carlsbad High School Band and Lancer Dancers and XCalibur dance teams. There will be free cookies, cider and coffee along with storytelling and crafts. Visit carlsbadrotary.com.
12 Trees of Christmas
Las Flores Church holds a Ladies Night Out with Christmas music, dinner, games and the raffling of 12 themed Christmas trees valued between $100 and $800 starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at 1400 Las Flores Drive. Doors open at 5:30. Tickets are $15, including dinner, dessert and five raffle tickets. Checks, cash and Venmo accepted. The event is open to ages 12 and older. Proceeds go to local charity to help young women in need who are pregnant during this Christmas season. Registration is required at lasfloreschurch.com.
Holiday festival at Carrillo Ranch
The city of Carlsbad’s Holiday at the Rancho is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane. The event features a tree lighting at 5:45 p.m., train rides, games, a visit from Santa, a plush snowball arena, crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, holiday shopping, photos and the holiday movie “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” on the outdoor screen at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10; free for ages 3 and younger. Food and beverages will be sold. Additional parking is at Carrillo Elementary School, 2875 Poinsettia Lane. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/holiday-at-the-rancho.
Genealogy buffs meet Nov. 28
Speaker Caron Brennan will present “Comparing the Big Four: Ancestry, Family Search, Find My Past, and My Heritage” in at the North San Diego County Genealogical Society meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 28 at City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Admission is free. To attend virtually, get the Zoom link at nsdcgs.org. Later that day at 1 p.m., the Legacy Users Group will meet virtually for a “Chat Class.” Email legacyusersgroup@nsdcgs.org for the Zoom link.
Free visits with Santa in December
On Saturdays and Sundays, from Dec. 2 through Dec. 23, families can visit with Santa in the Garden Area of The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and meet holiday characters on Saturdays and strolling carolers on Sundays. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Tree lighting celebration Dec. 1
Festive activities will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. Highlights include live music, holiday characters and a visit from Santa along with the lighting of the Christmas tree and a light show and snowfall. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Republican club holds holiday celebration
The Carlsbad Republican Women Federated club meets at 11 a.m. Dec. 5 for a Christmas and holiday celebration at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the event begins at 11 a.m. Lunch is $42; $37 for club members. No payments will be accepted at the door. RSVP by noon Nov. 26 at carlsbadrepublicans.com.
CARMEL VALLEY
Holiday Festival at shopping center
A free Holiday Festival with crafts, a magic show and a visit with Santa is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at Piazza Carmel shopping center, 3810-3890 Valley Centre Drive.
CHULA VISTA
A Very Furry Christmas celebration
A Very Furry Christmas celebration features holiday “Sesame Street”-themed shows, attractions and entertainment offered on select dates through Jan. 7 at the Sesame Place San Diego theme park, 2052 Entertainment Circle. Highlights include Elmo’s Christmas Wish show, Cookie Claus, Furry Friends Christmas Dance Party and The Sesame Street Christmas Parade. Visit sesameplacesandiego.com.
Festival includes Santa, holiday train rides
A family holiday festival is from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Village Walk at Eastlake, at Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive, as part of a number of free events in December. Santa will come on the Holiday Express and visit with children. There will be free train rides and holiday entertainment, photos, free holiday crafts for children ages 12 and younger and holiday activity books from Santa’s elf. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events/#santa.
Light show with music
Village Walk at EastLake hosts a new holiday event featuring a light show with choreographed music and dancing lights. The show is at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and continues at the same times every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24. Children receive free Magic Glasses to view the light show in assorted colors. The Discovery Charter School Choir will perform at 5:30 p.m. and between the two light shows at the Dec. 1 premiere. Other community caroling groups will sing holiday favorite songs to entertain visitors between the 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. light shows in December. Visit shopvillagewalk.com.
Starlight Parade and Festival on Dec. 3
The Starlight Parade and Festival returns from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 in Memorial Park and Park Way, with a parade, holiday market, a children’s holiday train ride, a tree lighting, live entertainment and photos with Santa. The lighting of a 25-foot tree takes place at 5:45 p.m. on the plaza at the northwest corner of Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Third Avenue and goes from E Street to H Street, featuring marching bands, decorated floats, automobiles and dance teams, among other entries. Free admission. Visit starlightparade.com.
CORONADO
Holiday parade, tree lighting event
There will be holiday cheer in Coronado with the lighting of an 85-foot tall Christmas tree, a local business open house and a holiday parade featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from the Ferry Landing, down Orange Avenue, to the Hotel del Coronado from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 along with live music and holiday singalongs. Visit coronado.ca.us.
DEL MAR
North Pole by the Sea
Family-friendly festivities from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 3 throughout the Del Mar Village, including photos with Santa and letters to Santa at Del Mar Plaza, holiday characters, carolers, live music, hot chocolate and drinks for adults from 4 to 6 p.m. at L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater, Camino Del Mar and 15th Street. The annual holiday tree lighting is at 5 p.m. in the Jim Watkins Amphitheater at L’Auberge Del Mar. Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/north-pole-by-the-sea.
Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip
Stroll decorated streets from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and enjoy culinary creations by Del Mar Village restaurants along with sips at “Sip Stops” in downtown Del Mar businesses. There will be live music and other holiday happenings as part of the North Pole by the Sea day of family-friendly festivities. Visit visitdelmarvillage.com/winter-taste-and-sip.
ENCINITAS
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra, directed by Peter Pupping, will perform a musical program titled “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 925 Balour Drive. The program features mainly instrumental music with 30 guitarists, a bass guitarist and several guest artists, including MaryRuth Culver on piano, harp and vocals, Katie Pupping on vocals and drummer Kevin Koch from the band Fattburger. Suggested donation is $20 at the door. Seating is first come, first served. Visit encinitasguitarorchestra.com.
Gospel and Jazz vocalists featured at library concert
The Friends of the Encinitas Library present The Daneen Wilburn Gospel Sextet from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Encinitas Library, thanks to a donation from the Betty Scalise Foundation, which promotes live music in San Diego County. Wilburn, the daughter of two gospel quartet singers, grew up singing gospel with her five siblings, who are all musicians. The performance showcases Wilburn’s musical history as she shares the stage with sisters Margie Holmes and Joanna Broussard. She is accompanied by Richard Sellers on drums, Michael Kennedy on bass and Grammy winner Kamau Kenyatta on piano. Visit encinitaslibfriends.org.
Annual holiday parade takes place Dec. 2
Encinitas’ annual holiday parade, themed “Traditions of Encinitas,” is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The event 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. Free parade shuttles will run from 4 to 8:30 p.m. from the San Dieguito Academy High School parking lot at Melba Road and Nardo Road and the YMCA/Ecke Sports Park parking lot on Saxony Road to the North County Transit District bus station on Vulcan Avenue, a half-block from the parade route. ADA-accessible bus runs from San Dieguito Academy. Visit encinitasparksandrec.com.
Screening of documentary film ‘Peace Pilgrim’
Sharon Janis will offer a “Mandala Sanctuary Celebration of Divine Music, Peace, and Generosity” event at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Seaside Center, 1613 Lake Drive. Janis will present her one-hour documentary film, “Peace Pilgrim: An American Sage Who Walked Her Talk,” with a short discussion about the documentary. Admission is free; donations appreciated for the Gaden Shartse Monastery. Visit mandalasanctuary.org.
Christmas concert with bell choirs
The Chancel Choir, Bell Choirs and a brass quintet will be featured in a free Christmas concert with music old and new at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church 170 Calle Magdalena. Visit encinitaschurch.com.
ESCONDIDO
Seasonal celebration at historic Sikes Adobe
The Friends of Sikes Adobe will celebrate the season from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the historic Sikes Adobe Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive. The family-friendly event includes free farmhouse tours, ornament making, cookie decorating, beverages and treats. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Email calei@sdrp.org or visit sdrp.org.
Winter Wonderland at Escondido High farm
The Escondido High School Agriculture department is hosting the fourth annual Winter Wonderland with the Escondido High Ag Boosters and Future Farmers of America from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Escondido High School farm. The free community event includes holiday vendors, photos with Santa, story time with elves, crafts for kids and a petting zoo. Food and drinks will be sold. Proceeds benefit the Escondido High Agriculture program. Bring canned foods for Interfaith Community Services.
Winter festival at Arts Center
A winter festival is from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and 3 in the Lyric Courtyard of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Visitors can join winter-themed crafting activities led by artists, browse for gifts sold by local businesses, meet Santa and play in snow. This year’s entertainment features student holiday recitals. Admission is free. Visit artcenter.org.
Safari Park features “Wild Holidays”
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park celebrates the “Wild Holidays” with an expedition of light and travel through places that twinkle with holiday cheer and seasonal culinary delights from 4 to 8 p.m.Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10, Dec. 16-17, Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-31 at the park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. The Safari Park will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the event, with “Wild Holidays” festivities beginning at 4 p.m. Entertainment includes the “Light Up the Holidays” choreographed lighted tree show with holiday soundtracks, Holiday Troubadour, fanciful characters, Firefly Stilt Walkers and visits with Santa along with lighted archway Bridge of Lights, Forest of Color, Baja Gardens and Nairobi Lantern Walk. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.
FALLBROOK
Gem group holds Holiday Boutique
The Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society will hold a Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 in its main meeting room at 123 W. Alvarado St. Items for sale include handmade gem and mineral jewelry, unique earth science gifts and ancient fossil/mineral specimens sold by the society’s members. The Gem & Mineral Museum & Gift Shop will be open at the same time. Admission is free. Call (760) 728-1130 or email info@fgms.org.
Quartet to give ‘Joy’ concert
The Scott Wilkie Quartet will put on “Joy,” a Christmas concert, at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Mission Theater, 231 N. Main Ave. The program features unique arrangements of holiday favorites and fresh interpretations of traditional Christmas classics with Scott Wilkie on the piano, Pat Kelley on guitar; Nathan Brown on bass and Jeff Olson on drums. Advance tickets cost $20; $25, beginning at noon Dec. 1; free for children 18 and younger with paid adult. Visit fallbrookmusicsociety.org or fallbrookmissiontheater.com.
Christmas Shop and Open House
Hope Clinic for Women hosts a Christmas Shop and Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at 125 E. Hawthorne St. There will be music by the Children’s Show Choir Neighbor Tones. Admission is free. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
LA MESA
Holiday in the Village
The annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will ring in holiday cheer from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 on La Mesa Boulevard from Spring Street to Fourth Street in downtown La Mesa. The event offers free fun with live music, cozy fires, local craft vendors, food, holiday photo ops, including “Selfies With Santa,” and a children’s area along with other entertainment and snack specialties. Visit lamesavillageassociation.org.
LEMON GROVE
Annual Community Bonfire in Treganza Park
Lemon Grove hosts its 25th annual free Community Bonfire from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in Treganza Park, 3200 Main St. The bonfire will be ignited at 6 p.m., and a community aerial photo will be taken at 6:15. The Ugly Sweater Contest is at 7 p.m. Enjoy a game truck, bounce house, arts and crafts, rock climbing and live music. There will be free hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies. Food trucks will also be there. Visit lemongrove.ca.gov.
NORTH COUNTY
The Music Men share their love of barbershop singing with the community in a variety of ways, through public and private performances.
(Courtesy of Music Men Chorus)
Music Men giving Christmas concerts around town
The Music Men Chorus presents a 90-minute program of Christmas favorites sung barbershop style 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 includes a guest performance by the “Behind the Barn” Quartet. Suggested donation for each concert is $10. Visit musicmenconcert.org. The Music Men Chorus is the North San Diego County chapter of the international Barbershop Harmony Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, enjoyment and performance of a cappella, close-harmony songs arranged in the unique “barbershop” style, known for its “ringing” chords.
OCEANSIDE
North Coast church holds Holiday Bazaar
A Holiday Bazaar is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at North Coast United Methodist Church, 1501 Kelly St. The booth fees are $20 and $40, which will be used to promote the event and provide free activities for children at the bazaar. Items you can sell should be handmade by you or someone you represent. Visit northcoastumc.org/holiday-bazaar.html or call (760) 500-9325.
Free community lectures
The LIFE (Learning is for Everyone) group at MiraCosta College presents two free lectures for the community Dec. 1 in Building T200 on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. At 1 p.m., “The RAFFY (Resources and Assistance for Former Foster Youth) and the NextUp Program” will be presented by Jaymie Gonzaga, EOPS/foster youth counselor. At 2:30 p.m., “Crosswords and More” will be presented by Myles Mellor, a full-time professional crossword puzzle writer who is internationally published. Parking passes are required, so come early. To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE must have your email address. Meetings will start at 12:45 p.m. Email life.miracosta@gmail.com.
RAMONA
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 2
The Ramona Chamber of Commerce presents the 31st annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 outside the Guy B. Woodward Museum, 645 Main St., with activities from 5 to 9 p.m. Highlights include carolers, live music, dancers, dining and shopping, children’s crafts, classic cars and dancers, along with photos with Santa. Visit ramonachamber.com.
SAN DIEGO
‘Christmas on the Sand’ theme of festival
La Jolla holds a Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival with the theme “Christmas on the Sand” on Dec. 3. The festival opens at 11:30 a.m. at Girard Avenue and Wall Street, and the parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Kline Street and Girard. The event closes at 4 p.m. Visit ljparade.com.
Jingle Jets at the Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum will be decked with hundreds of thousands of lights as part of its new Jingle Jets holiday light show and festivities from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on select nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23. Highlights include holiday carolers, dancing to holiday tunes with a DJ, illuminated Christmas trees, Santa in his red flight suit and life-size holiday ornaments along with lit-up tunnels and reindeer. Overhead truss lighting will fill the hangar with hues of red, green and blue, and lighting from above will simulate snowflakes. White icicle lights crisscrossed from decorative truss towers will be on the carrier’s flight deck and nearly a dozen of Midway’s aircraft will be wrapped in holiday lights. Holiday cards will be at the mess-deck tables for visitors to write letters to service members. Holiday-themed treats, food and merchandise will be sold. Visit midway.org.
Chorale hosts ‘Messiah Sing’
The San Diego Master Chorale hosts its 13th communitywide “Messiah Sing” at 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Bankers Hill. Audience members and members of the chorale can join together in singing selections of Handel’s Messiah, under the direction of Music Director John K. Russell and accompanied by organist Martin Green. The event will conclude with the Hallelujah Chorus. Tickets are $30; $25 for seniors and military; $15 for students and free for youths under age 13. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own score or can rent one at the venue for $5. Visit sdmasterchorale.org.
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.
Christmas Show at Point Loma Nazarene
Point Loma Nazarene University Choir and Chorale put on their 22nd annual Christmas Show, aka Cider Celebration, from 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2 in the university’s Crill Auditorium. The program includes Christmas favorites such as “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “Frosty the Snowman.” Hot cider will be served. Come early. Admission is $10. Visit plnu.universitytickets.com.
‘The Magic of Bubbles’ show
Italian performer Michele Cafaggi has performed as a street and theater artist in Italy and across four continents and 20 countries, collaborating with theaters, youth centers, retirement homes, schools, kindergartens and more. Now he’s bringing his theatrical show featuring giant soap bubbles to San Diego at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2 at The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave.,in La Jolla. This family event is for adults and kids ages 3–8. Tickets are $23 for children, $33 for adults at theconrad.org.
Candy Cane Lane luncheon and fashion show
The Arc of San Diego hosts its Candy Cane Lane Winter Wonderland Luncheon and Fashion Show 10 a.m. Dec. 1 at the US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway. In addition to the luncheon and fashion show, the event features boutique shopping and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities at The Arc of San Diego. Visit arc-sd.com.
Ocean Beach holiday parade
Ocean Beach holds its 44th annual holiday parade at 5 p.m. around sunset Dec. 2 along Newport Avenue with the theme “Santa’s Disco Luau.” Visit obtowncouncil.org/holiday-parade.
Christmas, Italian style
Little Italy hosts a Tree Lighting and Christmas Village from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., with twinkle lights and 10-foot-tall nutcrackers decorating the neighborhood along with kinetic tree holiday displays on street corners. Enjoy seasonal vendors, live music, holiday treats and other entertainment, and an appearance by Santa Claus. A permanent 25-foot-tall live tree anchors the Piazza della Famiglia, where a traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony takes place at 6:30 p.m. You can find one-of-a-kind stocking stuffers and gifts the the Christmas Village on India Street, between West Cedar and West Grape streets. Visit littleitalysd.com/do/little-italy-tree-lighting-and-christmas-village.
Holiday makers fair at Broadway Pier
A Makers Arcade Holiday Fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at Broadway Pier, sponsored by the Port of San Diego. The event features 135 local makers for seasonal shopping, gourmet food, live music, a game area, cocktails and workshops. Admission is $7, which includes a free make and take holiday wreath. Visit makersarcade.com.
Fair Trade Alternative Gift Fair
A gift fair featuring fair trade craft and food items, including coffee, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at First Lutheran Church, 1420 Third Ave. Proceeds benefit local and international service organizations. Call (619) 575-2845.
La Jolla Music Society holds Holiday Open House
Celebrate the holidays with La Jolla Music Society at a festive and free family event at 4 p.m. Dec. 7 when the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd will be transformed into a winter wonderland. There will be cider or hot cocoa, story time and kids crafts along with holiday shopping with local artisans at the holiday market and music from the Gay Men’s Choir. Visit theconrad.org/events/2023-holiday-open-house.
Free Christmas celebration at Mesa Town Center
The public is invited to the free Christmas Celebration at Mesa Town Center from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at 8955 Mira Mesa Blvd. The event features a free magic show, visit with Santa and children’s holiday craft activity.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Upcoming blood drives
The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots (unless otherwise noted):
- 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.
Petco hosts photos with Santa
Petco hosts photos of pets with Santa from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at participating Petco stores. The stores will be decorated for the holidays; bring your furry friends for a snapshot. For local store details, visit petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/c/photos-with-santa.
SAN MARCOS
Kiwanis club holds 26th Holiday parade
The 26th annual Kiwanis San Marcos Holiday Parade, themed “A Beary Merry Christmas,” celebrating 120 years of teddy bears, starts at 1 p.m. Dec. 3. The grand marshal will be Pia Harris-Ebert, longtime San Marcos elementary teacher and the first woman to serve on the San Marcos City Council. There will be bands, floats, marching groups and Santa. The parade route is Comet Drive at Palomar College, east on Mission Road to the Civic Center. Visit lsmkiwanis.org.
Artists to give talk on Slow War Against the Nuclear State
California State University San Marcos’ Arts and Lectures Program will host artists Nancy Buchanan, Judith Dancoff, Jane Mi, Hillary Mushkin, Sheila Pinkel and elin o’Hara slavick at noon Nov. 29 in the University Student Union Ballroom. The artists are part of a collective known as SWANS (Slow War Against the Nuclear State) and will share their personal connections to nuclear physics in artworks that challenge the nuclear state. Visit csusm.edu/al/calendar.html.
Tree lighting and vendor market
A family holiday event with entertainment, crafts and vendors is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the San Marcos Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Drive. Santa lights the tree at 5:35 p.m., followed by snowfall. Photos with Santa are from 2 to 5 p.m.. Admission is free. Visit san-marcos.net/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/santa-s-village.
SANTEE
Friends of the Santee Library Holiday Craft Fair
The Friends of the Santee Library will hold a Holiday Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 in front of the library, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. Craft items, plants, gift baskets, holiday items and white elephants gifts will be featured. Proceeds benefit the San Diego County Library, Santee Branch. The Friends run The Friendly Used Bookstore and hold a monthly half-priced sale on the last Friday and Saturday of each month. Store hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Visit friendsofsanteelibrary.com.
SOLANA BEACH
Community tree lighting
The annual free Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., is from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 with live music, sweets, treats, cider and hot cocoa, hosted by the city of Solana Beach’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Santa is slated to arrive by a firetruck escort at 5:20 p.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org.
Christmas concert: ‘The Light of the Lord’
“The Light of the Lord” Christmas Concert is at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 3 with the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church Choir and worship band as well as a chamber orchestra and members of the San Diego Symphony at the church, 120 Stevens Ave. Highlights include short Christmas meditation. Freewill offering. Visit solanabeach.church.
VISTA
64th annual Vista Christmas Parade
The Vista Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas parade is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 in downtown Vista. This year’s theme is “Viva Vista” celebrating the chamber’s 100th anniversary. The grand marshal will be Danny Villaseñor from Peppertree Frosty. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on Santa Fe and Pala Vista Drive, heads north, goes down Broadway to Citrus, then to Main Street, ending at The Wave Waterpark. There will be floats, music and marching bands, along with Santa. Visit vistachamber.org.
Live music and cooking demo at senior center
The Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, is offering an interactive program, “It’s a Wrap with Willie,” at 11 a.m. Nov. 30. The hands-on sweet and savory wrap-making demonstration will be accompanied by live music with Lou Rosgen, a Willie Nelson tribute performer. Cost is $5 for all guests without lunch reservation; free with lunch for guests age 60 and older; $8 fee for guests 59 and younger for lunch only. Transportation can be provided for Vista seniors (age 60 and older) with 48-hour advance notice. RSVP by Nov. 27 at (760) 643-5288.
Garden club gives talk on ‘Growing Bonsai’
“Growing Bonsai” will be the topic of a presentation during the Vista Garden Club meeting Dec. 1 in the Azalea Room at the Jim Porter Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. The speaker is Steve Valentine, a bonsai artist, teacher and grower. Fingertip lunch is at noon followed by a business meeting at 12:30 p.m., and program at 1:45 p.m. Visit californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub or email vistagardenclub@gmail.com.
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