Christmas tree lighting ceremonies are kicking off holiday festivities in communities across San Diego County. Here’s a guide to tree lightings and other festivities to celebrate the season.
CARLSBAD
Village Holiday Tree Lighting Festival: The Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 in the south parking lot of the Carlsbad Village Faire shopping center, at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 2 p.m. in a procession that also includes Mayor Keith Blackburn and other dignitaries. Highlights include free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus; entertainment by Renaissance Institute of Music Orchestra, Carlsbad High School Band and Lancer Dancers and XCalibur dance teams; free cookies, cider and coffee, and storytelling, crafts and singalongs. Visit carlsbadrotary.com.
Holiday at Carrillo Ranch: Holiday at the Rancho is from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying L.C. Lane. The event features a tree lighting at 6 p.m., crafts, visit from Santa, train rides, a plush snowball arena, crafts, cookie decorating and a holiday movie on the outdoor screen at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are available for $10; free for ages 3 and younger. Food and beverages will be sold. Additional parking is available at Carrillo Elementary School, 2875 Poinsettia Lane. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/holiday-at-the-rancho.
Tree Lighting Celebration: Festive activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 include live music, holiday characters, treats, holiday-themed carnival booths and a visit from Santa along with lighting of the Christmas tree at 6:15 p.m. and a light show and snowfall at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona. The La Costa Canyon High School Marching Band will perform. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Holidays at LEGOLAND: Live entertainment, twinkling lights, holiday treats and some snowfall will be on display from Nov. 23 through Jan. 5 at Legoland California, One Legoland Drive. Visitors can see the park’s 30-foot Lego tree decked with lights and Lego ornaments built out of more than 350,000 Lego and Duplo bricks. Photos can be taken with life-sized festive Lego models or costumed characters such as a Lego Santa, toy soldier, gingerbread man and elf characters. The annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party is Dec. 31. Activities inside the park are included with regular park admission. Visit legoland.com.
Twelve Trees of Christmas: This holiday celebration for women is from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at Las Flores Church, 1400 Las Flores Drive. There will be 12 uniquely decorated trees on display, with a grand finale tree ready to be raffled off and a tree to be donated to a local family in need. Tickets are being sold for $25, including dinner, a program, games, and 10 raffle tickets; $200 for a table of eight, with 15 raffle tickets per guest. Visit www.lasfloreschurch.com
CARMEL VALLEY
Tree Lighting at One Paseo: Lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and festivities continue until 9 p.m. 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, some snow and Santa along with special guests. Visit onepaseo.com.
CHULA VISTA
Parade, tree lighting and festival: The Starlight Parade and Festival is from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Memorial Park and Park Way, with a parade, holiday market, children’s holiday train rides, 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.
City tree lighting ceremony: The event starts at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Memorial Park on Third Avenue. The ceremony will feature remarks from city officials and community leaders to kick off the season. There will be carolers, holiday shopping and food. The Downtown Chula Vista Farmers Market will have extended hours from 3 to 6 p.m. Visit downtownchulavista.com
Snowfall & Light Show: The free holiday shows begin at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 1-22 near the Koi Pond at Village Walk at EastLake, at Eastlake Parkway and Miller Drive. Children will receive free magic glasses to view the light show in an array of colors. Entertainment on Dec. 1 includes a performance by the Discovery Charter School at 5:30 p.m. and between shows. Various community caroling groups will sing between shows on other days. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events
Family Holiday Festival: The free event is from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Village Walk at EastLake. Santa will arrive on the Holiday Express and visit with children. There will be free train rides and holiday entertainment, photos and free holiday crafts for children. Also, a Frosty the Snowman costumed character will be there from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 for Sunday Fun Days. Visit shopvillagewalk.com/special-events
Santa on Holiday Express: Festivities are from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 14 at Eastlake Village Marketplace on the corner of Eastlake Parkway and Otay Lakes Road. Highlights include live music from local choral groups, free train rides, face painting, a children’s holiday craft, balloon sculptures and photos with Santa, who will arrive on the Holiday Express train. Visit ShopEastLakeMarketplace.com.
Tree lighting & market: The 18th annual tree lighting is from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at Otay Ranch Town Center. The evening of holiday activities includes music, entertainment, roaming carolers, a holiday farmer’s market, gift stands and possibly some snowfall at Santa’s House after the tree lighting. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/744/
CORONADO
Coronado Holiday: The holiday parade takes off at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 featuring local organizations, clubs and businesses with lights and costumes from the Ferry Landing, down Orange Avenue, to the Hotel del Coronado. The tree lighting ceremony is after the parade and festivities continue to 9 p.m. with live music and holiday sing-alongs. Visit coronado.ca.us.
DEL MAR
Coastal Christmas Del Mar: The Del Mar Fairgrounds hosts a Coastal Holiday Festival with holiday light attractions is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 13-15; Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 26 at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Highlights include a walk-through display of more than 1 million lights, “glice” skating, a holiday market, Frosty’s Fun Zone, a holiday wine walk and Santa and Friends. Igloos and fireside lounges can be reserved for cozying with some hot cocoa. S’mores kits, festive food, and drinks will be sold. Tickets will cost $19.95 and $12.95 for children ages 4-12. Admission is free for 3 and under. The Holiday Wine Walk will cost $49.99. Promotional nights include military, first responders and teachers. Visit delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2024/coastal-christmas
North Pole by the Sea: Family-friendly festivities will kick off at 1 p.m. Dec. 8 throughout the Del Mar Village, including photos with Santa and letters to Santa at Del Mar Plaza, holiday characters, carolers, live music until 5 p.m., 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.
ENCINITAS
Holiday Street Fair: The annual Encinitas Holiday Street Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 24 with 450 vendors, plus a beer garden, three stages and kids’ rides. Coast Highway 101 will be closed from D Street to J Street, from 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. The beer garden will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Several bands will rock the Beer Garden Stage: The Lumberyard Courtyard Stage and The Hansen’s Community Stage. Parking is at Moonlight Beach, City Hall and side streets. Electra Bike sponsors a free bike valet service at each end of the festival at D Street and J Street. Visit encinitas101.com.
Tree lighting and parade: 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. Encinitas’ annual holiday parade, themed “Creativity in Motion,” is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. It will feature floats, marching bands and decorated cars along Coast Highway from D to J streets. Visit encinitasca.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-cultural-arts/recreation-programs/encinitas-holiday-parade
ESCONDIDO
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. on select nights Nov. 29 to Jan 5 at the park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road. The San Diego Zoo 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 and visits with Santa along with a lighted archway Bridge of Lights, the Forest of Color, Baja Gardens and the Nairobi Lantern Walk. “Wild Holidays” activities are free with Safari Park admission or membership. Visit sdzsafaripark.org/wild-holidays.
LA MESA
Light Up the Holidays: The Salvation Army hosts its red kettle kickoff, “Light Up the Holidays,” from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The free family event includes a tree lighting, hot chocolate and coffee, Christmas music by The Salvation Army San Diego Brass Band and guest performance by Rat Pack Reborn and photos with Santa. Besides money donations, the Salvation Army is accepting new, unwrapped toys. Visit sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/event-page—light-up-the-holiday-red-kettle-kickoff
Holiday in the Village: The annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will bring holiday cheer from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 14 on La Mesa Boulevard from Spring Street to Fourth Street in downtown La Mesa. Highlights include a synthetic “ice” skating rink, a gingerbread house, selfies with Santa, an elf adventure trail and a winter wonderland with free bounce houses. There will be food and holiday shopping at vendors, miniature golf, strolling carolers, stilt walkers, cozy fire pits and holiday performances by local schools. Visit lamesavillageassociation.org.
LEMON GROVE
Holiday bonfire: Lemon Grove hosts its annual free community bonfire from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in Treganza Park, 3200 Main St. Lighting of the bonfire and a welcome from the mayor will be at 6 p.m. The Ugly Sweater Contest is at 7 p.m. There will be a game truck, live music, a bounce house and crafts along with free hot chocolate, popcorn and cookies. Food will be sold by local nonprofits. Visit lemongrove.ca.gov/parks-events/
NATIONAL CITY
Port hosts South Bay holiday event: The Port of San Diego invites the community to its South Bay Holiday, a free, family-friendly event from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Aquatic Center in Pepper Park, 3299 Tidelands Ave. in National City. Enjoy holiday treats and refreshments, giveaways and activities, and have a photo taken with Santa. Shop for gifts created by local artisan craft vendors. Guests can also explore the Aquatic Center, a waterfront event space, and learn about the Port of San Diego. No RSVP required. Parking is free. Free shuttle. Visit portofsandiego.org.
Kimball Holiday: The event is from 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at Kimball Park, 148 E. 12th St. with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Highlights include music, a dance floor, Santa’s Village and Who-Ville, a kids train, arts and crafts, a vendor and food court, a car show, resource booths and snow. Call (619) 336-4290 or email communityservices@nationalcityca.gov.
OCEANSIDE
Season of Swellness: The annual holiday tree lighting is from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave. Performances and family activities kick off the event, followed by Santa arriving on a vintage fire truck and a countdown to the tree lighting. Attractions include the holiday-themed Sunset Market, held by MainStreet Oceanside each Thursday. Visit mainstreetoceanside.com
PINE VALLEYCamp Christmas: Pine Valley Camp Christmas, a holiday festival for all ages, starts Nov. 15 and runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday in November and Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-14, 18-22 at 8668 Pine Creek Road. Festivities include a Lights & Sounds of the Season show and dancing water show, hay rides, train rides, a nativity scene and a talking Christmas tree. There will be a game room, archery and bounce houses, among other attractions. Visit PineValleyCampChristmas.com.
POWAY
Christmas in the Park: The annual old-fashioned holiday celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13-14 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road, includes caroling, a craft boutique, holiday sweets and warm dinner foods, visits with Santa and horse-drawn hay rides. The tree lighting ceremony, followed by Santa’s arrival by train, begins at 6 p.m. On Dec. 13. Admission is free, with nominal fees for train rides and Santa visits. Free shuttles from 3 to 9 p.m. from two Poway City Hall parking lots, 13325 Civic Center Drive, and Poway Adult School parking lot, 13626 Twin Peaks Road. Visit poway.org.
RAMONA
Tree lighting: The 32nd annual Christmas Tree Lighting is at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 outside the Guy B. Woodward Museum, 645 Main St., with activities from 5 to 9 p.m. Highlights include carolers, live music, dancing, dining and shopping, children’s crafts, classic cars and vendors, along with photos with Santa. Visit ramonachamber.com/christmas-tree-lighting/
SAN DIEGO
East Village Tree lighting: The holiday event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at Quartyard and 13th Street, featuring a curated holiday market by San Diego Markets, live entertainment, food and drinks and activities for kids. The traditional tree lighting ceremony is at 6:45 p.m. Visit eastvillagesandiego.com/events/east-village-tree-lighting-and-holiday-market
Old Town Tree Lighting Ceremony: St. Nick will help light the Christmas tree and there will be festivities from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the historic Whaley House complex, 2476 San Diego Ave. Music will be by choral groups, San Diego Academy students and the Mormon Battalion Historic Site ensemble. Visit oldtownsandiego.org/a-night-of-lights-and-harmony-the-old-town-christmas-tree-lighting
Liberty Station tree lighting: The ceremonial lighting of Liberty Station’s 88-foot Norfolk pine tree is at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 along with entertainment, festive firetruck rides, photos with Santa and outdoor holiday movie showing of “The Grinch.” Admission is free. Visit libertystation.com/events/salute-the-season/holiday-tree-lighting.
Little Italy Christmas: A Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., with lights and 10-foot-tall nutcrackers decorating the neighborhood and holiday displays. The traditional Italian tree lighting ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. featuring a 25-foot-tall tree along with artist Joshua Hubert’s Aurora Tree. There will be live entertainment, holiday-themed bites and sips along with a visit from Santa Claus. The Christmas Village with holiday makers and vendors will be on India Street between West Cedar and West Grape streets. Visit littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting
Jungle Bells at San Diego Zoo: The annual holiday event from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 (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 a 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. Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells.
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: The event runs from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5 with Christmas shows, and the debut of the Happy Harbor Holiday Live Character Show. The SkyTower will be adorned with sparkling lights and there will be a tunnel of lights and music. The new Mrs. Claus Christmas Parade with her merry elves will be daily. Highlights include A Stocking Full of Soul night of live music, singing and dancing and A Christmas Wish fireworks show Dec. 14 and Dec. 31 along with Donner and Blitzen’s Lazer Light Show nightly. SeaWorld will so present a Hanukkah display to celebrate the Jewish holiday starting Dec. 1 with a menorah lighting, holiday décor and Hanukkah music. Visit seaworldsandiego.com.
SAN MARCOS
Tree lighting and vendor market: The family event with entertainment, crafts and vendors is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 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
Winter Wonderland at Lakehouse: A Frozen Fun Zone, a “Polar Express”-inspired train ride, holiday lights, igloos and s’mores by the fire are among the attractions on weekends Dec. 6-29 at Lakehouse San Marcos, 1025 La Bonita Drive. Entry tickets are $5 per person over 10 and free for hotel guests. Food, drinks and additional tickets for certain attractions will be sold. Visit thelakehouseresort.com.
Christmas concert: The Music Men Barbershop Chorus will perform a concert, Twas The Week Before Christmas at 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at San Marcos Lutheran Church, 3419 Grand Ave. The family-friendly event includes popular and classic holiday songs, sung in Barbershop harmony. The show will feature a guest chorus, The Pacific Belles and audience sing-a-longs. The suggested donation is $10. Visit musicmenchorus.org
SANTEE
Holiday tree lighting: The community event is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6:15 p.m. on the amphitheater stage. Highlights include sledding, live music by the Bayou Brothers, photos with Santa, games and face painting. Community organizations will host booths with crafts, activities and holiday treats. Limited parking will be available at Santee Trolley Square; attendees are encouraged to use the MTS Copper Line trolley, which stops at the event. Also, a ‘Selfies with Santa’ event is from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Santee Trolley Square. Visit SanteeSpecialEvents.com.
SOLANA BEACH
Holiday tree lighting: The family-friendly tree lighting event is from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave. There will be sweets, treats and Mexican hot cocoa, hosted by the City of Solana Beach and La Colonia Community Foundation. Santa will arrive with his elves at 5:20 p.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/holiday-tree-lighting-la-colonia
Community tree lighting: The annual free holiday tree lighting at Fletcher Cove Park, 111 S. Sierra Ave., starts at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8 with hot cocoa, sweets, treats and cider. Santa is slated to arrive by a firetruck escort at 5:20 p.m. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org/en/Fletcher-Cove-Holiday-Tree-Lighting-2024
To submit a community event, email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com