Ah, dear reader, let us weave a tale of holiday cheer, as though by the pen of Dickens himself, capturing the festive spirit that stirs the hearts of North County!
Picture if you will, a panorama of joy and delight, wherein every corner bursts with the enchantments of the season, inviting families and friends to partake in yuletide merriment.
Carlsbad: A Tapestry of Cheer
Through January 5 – Holidays at LEGOLAND
Beneath the watchful gaze of a towering LEGO tree, families shall revel in mirthful delights—elfish dances, joyful melodies, and Santa himself, sculpted in LEGO splendor! Oh, and the skies, they shall burst with fireworks on special nights, a spectacle to rival the heavens.
December 5 | 5:30-8 PM – Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting at Cape Rey
Here, beneath the twinkling tree, revelers gather for a Kris Kringle Market and sweet moments with Santa. Cocoa and cider flow freely, and every sip warms not just the body but the spirit, for the evening’s joys also aid the noble cause of education.
December 6 | 6-9 PM – Tree Lighting Celebration at The Forum Carlsbad
A grand entrance by Santa, a chorus of merry voices, and a tree lighting that ignites the heart of the season. Snow shall fall, light shall dance, and every corner of the soul shall be filled with delight.
December 7 | 5 pm – Tri-City Winter Gala
Featuring musical guest, Andy Grammar, and hosted by the Tri-City Hospital Foundation, all proceeds will benefit emergency and essential services at Tri-City Medical Center.
December 7 | 9 am – 4 pm – 8th Annual Makers Market at Carlsbad Village
Shop for one-of-a-kind holiday treasures at the 8th Annual Holiday Makers Market in Carlsbad Village. This outdoor event features nearly 50 talented Southern California artisans offering handmade, upcycled, and vintage creations, from woodworking and leatherwork to artisan foods.
(More Carlsbad Holiday Events!)
Del Mar: A Gilded Scene of Holiday Splendor
December 2 | 5-10 PM – Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Ah, the grandeur of the season! Beneath the vast night sky, a towering 25-foot tree rises in luminous glory, casting its warm glow upon revelers of all ages. The scene is alive with the joyous murmur of holiday cheer. For a modest sum, grown-ups and children alike may partake in this magical gathering, while the littlest of cherubs, aged three and under, are welcomed free of charge. For those seeking a more intimate revelry, cozy cabanas offer a haven of comfort amidst the celebration.
December 8 | 1-4 PM – Del Mar Village Winter Taste & Sip
Imagine, if you will, the charm of Del Mar’s festive streets alive with holiday bustle. Strolling through this scene of cheer, one might sample the most delightful dishes prepared by the region’s finest chefs. At every turn, “Sip Stops” beckon, offering warming libations to soothe the spirit, while live music and joyous activities envelop the soul in seasonal enchantment.
December 8 | 1-5 PM – North Pole by the Sea
’Tis a day of magic and mirth by the sea’s edge! Gather round for heartwarming photos with Santa himself, revel in the tunes of carolers, and sip upon steaming cups of hot chocolate. As the day wanes, the scene crescendos with the lighting of a resplendent tree, accompanied by none other than Santa and his mischievous companion, the Grinch.
December 13-26 (Select Days) | 4-9 PM – Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular Del Mar
Enter a world of wonder at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, where lights dazzle like jewels scattered upon the night. Families glide upon an eco-friendly skating rink, explore a bustling Holiday Market, and delight in Frosty’s Fun Zone. From Santa’s welcoming smile to indulgent seasonal treats, every corner brims with holiday cheer, promising memories to last a lifetime.
Encinitas: A Festive Celebration of Yuletide Wonders
December 6 | 4-6 PM – 30th Annual Lighting of the Encinitas Heritage Tree
Gather ye, one and all, to Moonlight Beach, where a splendid tradition unfolds before the very eyes of the gathering throng. The great Encinitas Heritage Tree, standing tall and proud, shall be bathed in light, marking the beginning of the season’s joy. A performance by none other than the famed Hall of Fame songwriter, Jack Tempchin, will ring in the spirit of the season, and carolers, their voices sweet as the first snowfall, shall carry festive tunes to the heavens. But lo, a most welcome sight will appear—the jolly figures of Santa and Mrs. Claus, arriving in their merry splendor to spread warmth and cheer to all!
December 7 | 5-7:30 PM – ‘Creativity in Motion’ Encinitas Holiday Parade
Behold the grandeur of the Encinitas Holiday Parade, a marvelous procession that shall wind its way along Coast Highway 101. The streets will overflow with color and life, as thousands of merry souls ride upon floats and march to the sounds of jubilant bands. The air will hum with excitement, as tens of thousands more stand and cheer along the route. At the hour of five, the grand tree will light up, its glow spreading across the town like a blanket of holiday warmth. A brief yet most festive appearance by Santa himself, in the charming courtyard of the Lumberyard Shops, will no doubt fill every heart with delight.
Through January 1 | 5-10 PM – Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Come, wander in awe through the reimagined paths of the San Diego Botanic Garden, where nature and art meet in a dazzling display of light. This one-mile journey shall transport you to a world of wonder, where the sights and sounds of the season blend in perfect harmony. The magical scene is one that will remain etched in your memory, and it beckons you to partake in the beauty of the holiday season. Ensure your passage with advance tickets and parking, and do not neglect the warm and comforting treats available to keep your spirits high as you explore this marvelous spectacle.
Oh, my dear reader, how the holiday spirit positively brims in Escondido, Fallbrook, Oceanside, Poway, and Ramona! Let us unfurl the festive scroll and revel in the joyous tidings of events that await you, like gifts under a sparkling tree.
Escondido: A Merry Mélange!
Ah, Escondido, where the night is aglow with festive wonder! Through January 5, the Wild Holidays at San Diego Zoo Safari Park beckons with its Wild Holidays, a dazzling display of lights and merry entertainment that will warm the cockles of your heart. Remember, the creatures retire at 4 p.m., but the holiday magic lingers until 8 p.m.
On December 5, gather your kin for the 14th Annual Community in Unity at 5:30 p.m. With festive music and local delights, let your kindness shine—bring pajamas or toys to share joy with those in need.
Then, on December 6 & 7, the harmonious strains of Carols by Candlelight shall ring forth, as country stars sing to benefit the dear children of Rady Children’s Hospital. And what’s this? On December 7 & 8, a Winter Wonderland unfolds at the California Center for the Arts, complete with snow, crafts, and Santa himself—all for free, with donations most welcome.
Round off your holiday cheer with an array of events: the Makers & Shakers Small Business Holiday Market (December 8), the 73rd Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade followed by a merry Escondido Holiday Festival (December 14), and the convivial Jingle & Mingle: Christmas Posada on December 20, where camaraderie flows like mulled cider.
It’s looking a lot like holiday season events/San Diego North Economic Development Council
Fallbrook: A Friendly Town’s Festive Flourish
Fallbrook’s charm twinkles brightly, starting with the Fallbrook Tree Lighting Festivaon December 6, a gathering of hearts and lights. Follow this with the grand 43rd Annual Fallbrook Christmas Parade on December 7, where Santa and his luminous procession take to Main Street. On December 21, rise with the sun for a cozy Breakfast with Santa—hotcakes and holiday joy for a mere $5!
Do not miss the Winter Wonders Tour in Bonsall, running December 15-31, where the nocturnal world awakens amidst twinkling lights.
Oceanside: A Coastal Yuletide Delight
Oh, to be in Oceanside, where on December 5, the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony shall kindle joy in every heart, followed by Thursday Holiday Sunset Markets throughout the month. Then, a frosty marvel awaits atSnowSide: A Family-Friendly Winter Festival, December 6-8, with real snow, sledding, and Santa in the coastal air.
And let us not forget the glittering Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights on December 14, where boats bedecked in festive splendor enchant all who gather by the water’s edge.
(More Oceanside Holiday Events
Poway: Nostalgic Merriment
In Poway, step back into a simpler, cozier time on December 13-14 at Poway’s Christmas in the Park . With caroling, model trains, and Santa himself arriving by locomotive, you’ll be swept up in the magic. The nighttime train rides aboard the Poway Midland Railroad promise a journey to the heart of holiday wonder.
Ramona: A Tree-Lighting Jubilee
The quaint village of Ramona shines bright on December 2 with its 32 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Carolers, crafts, and Santa set the scene as the tree sparkles to life at 7 p.m., marking the start of the season’s joy.
San Marcos
December 6-29 (Select Dates) | 4-9 pm – Lakehouse Winter Wonderland
Experience the magic of the season at Lakehouse Resort‘s Winter Wonderland! Kids can enjoy the Frozen Fun Zone, complete with a train ride, s’mores, and Santa photos (Saturdays only). For a more exclusive experience, enjoy dining in a Grand Igloo or intimate Igloo. The event has a $5 entry fee for guests 10 years and older. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary admission.
December 7 | 5:35 pm – San Marcos Tree Lighting & vendor market from 2-7 pm
Attend the annual tree lighting (at 5:35 pm) event featuring free festive crafts, activities, vendors, snacks, and courtyard entertainment, culminating in a magical ‘snow’ experience right after the tree lighting.
December 8 | 10 am – 4 pm – ‘Holly Jolly’ Holiday Market in North City
Get into the holiday spirit at the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Holly Jolly’ Holiday Market in North City. With over 150 stalls, you can shop for unique gifts and decorations while enjoying hot chocolate, live music, food, craft beer, and mini-horses. Don’t miss out on “Rescue Row” for pet adoptions, and keep an eye out for a special guest—Santa himself.
December 8 | 1 pm – San Marcos Holiday Parade
Celebrate “A BEARY Merry Christmas” with floats and entries commemorating 120 years of Teddy Bears, supported by 12 local Kiwanis Division 37 clubs, and enjoy the 2.5-mile parade route from Palomar College to the Civic Center.
2023 Solana Bach Fletcher Cove tree lighting/City of Solana Beach
Solana Beach
December 8 | 4:30-7 pm – Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove Park
Experience the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Fletcher Cove, a free family-friendly celebration with sweets, treats, and Santa’s arrival by fire-truck escort at 5:20 PM against the beautiful ocean backdrop.
December 13 | 2:30-5 pm – Santa’s Sleigh Ride
Join the City of Solana Beach and the Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission as Santa rides with local fire, sheriff, and marine safety personnel. The sleigh ride will start and end at the Solana Beach Fire Station. Check the map to see when Santa will be near you.
Valley Center
December 13, 4-8 pm & December 14, 9 am-3 pm – Christmas in Valley Center (Bates Nut Farm)
Join in for Santa’s arrival by fire truck, a Polar Express hayride, and festive fun including free crafts, bounce houses, inflatable slides, and more. Enjoy food vendors, holiday treats, and special activities like free pony rides. Don’t miss the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, where kids run their own stalls on Saturday from 10am–3pm.
Vista
December 6-21 | 5:30-8:30 pm – Jingle Terrace Live
Enjoy the festive “Jingle Terrace Live” at Brengle Terrace Park, featuring free nightly holiday light shows, photos with Santa, crafts, live entertainment, a Jingle Holiday Video and Light Show, a Maker’s Market, and a chance to support the North County Food Bank’s holiday food drive.
December 6-21 (Weekends) | 5-9 pm – Holiday Lights at AGSEM
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum’s Holiday Lights. Enjoy a dazzling display of twinkling lights, charming vintage exhibits, and festive decorations. Take a hayride or train ride through the illuminated pathways.
December 7 | 1-3 pm – 66th Annual Vista Christmas Parade
The Vista Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 66th Annual Vista Christmas Parade. Attendees can decorate their floats and enjoy the Christmas cheer with this year’s theme being “Christmas at the Movies.”
December 8 | 12-5 pm – Booze Bros Holiday Makers Market
The Vista Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Annual Holiday Makers Market at Vista Taproom. Get into the holiday spirit and join in. Sign up to be a park of the Makers Market.
December 20 | 5-9 pm – Vista Cowboy Christmas
Discover Vista will be hosting its very first Cowboy Christmas event, featuring line dancing, bull riding, county BBQ, live country music, and more!
So, my friends, bundle up, gather your loved ones, and immerse yourselves in these delights of fellowship, festivity, and cheer. May the warmth of the season wrap you in its tender embrace, and may the bells of holiday merriment ring sweetly in your hearts!
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