Things to do in San Diego During the Holidays

One again the holiday season is upon us, and as in the past, I am amazed at how much there is to do.

Seems like every town has a tree lighting ceremony, a parade and other events for the residents and visitors, and you can’t possibly do all this stuff, plus get your shopping done.

Here is a sampling of the things that seemed most interesting, but it is far from a complete list. Plus some other important dates to note

ENCINITAS
The annual parade and tree lighting on December 1. Here is a more detailed write-up on this popular event on the coast.

Quail Botanical Gardens - Garden of Lights, on Quail Gardens Road just north of Encinitas Boulevard. December 7-9, 13-23, 26-30 (5 – 9 PM). Quail Botanical Gardens

VALLEY CENTER
Arts and Crafts Fair – November 23 – 25, 9 – 4:30, at Bates Nut Farm

CARLSBAD
Legoland Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 26

November 23 – Tree Lighting at Forum Shopping Center, Calle Barcelona and El Camino Real in South Carlsbad

Holiday Block Party at Legoland, December 22 – December 31, Legoland

SAN DIEGO
How the Grinch Stole Christmas, at Balboa Park at the Old Globe Theatre, from Nov. 25 – Dec. 30

Big Bay Balloon Parade at North Harbor Drive 10 AM, December 27

Holiday Bowl, 5PM at Qualcomm Stadium, December 27.

OCEANSIDE
Parade of Lights, Oceanside Yacht Club on December 8, 6 – 9 PM. Oceanside

VISTA
Vista Christmas Parade, December 1 (South Santa Fe Avenue and Main Street) 1:00 PM

SAN MARCOS
Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer at the Community Center, November 29 – December 2. San Marcos

DEL MAR
Seasons of the Heart Craft Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Holiday of Lights, Del Mar Fairgrounds, November 23 – January 1.

NOTE: The San Diego Convention Bureau has a terrific list of things to do during the holidays.

December 4 - Hanukah Begins at sundown
December 26 – Kwanza begins